Job Discussion Forums

[winterwawa]

I have been offered a job at EF China in Guangzhou. The salary isn't too bad, but does not include housing. So, I have 2 questions.

1. Does anyone have experience working for this company?

2. What should I expect to pay for an apartment in Guangzhou?

Any info, god bad, or indifferent would be appreciated.

Thanks

[saldin8]

I was recently offered a job by EF, and after meticulously studying the handbook, I turned it down. I couldn't find any info on them on the forums and the search function was down, but since no one else has replied I'll add in my 2 cents.

I noticed some worrying things. First, they continuously advertised that they had a 40-hour workweek, while on closer inspection, only after being accepted, did I find that didn't count lunch hour. Thus, a 9-hour day and a 45-hour workweek. The deliberate nature of this misinformation put me off.

Also, their contract stated that some of their intensive months, a teacher could have 40+ hours of teaching hours alone (not counting office hours). So how long would you actually have to work for a wage which does seem good at first glance? Other offers I've received offer almost as much with included housing, even in Shanghai.

Like I said, I haven't read about them much or worked in China, but I hope any info helps. They could be a great place to work.

[80daze]

I have a friend currently working for them in GZ at the moment. It is true that they don't count the lunch hours in your contracted hours but I don't know many jobs that do.

He says that at peak times during summer/winter camps they do give you a lot of hours but this evens itself out the rest of the time as you are on less hours.

He has 25 face to face teaching hours a week plus 15 hours in the office preparing lessons, writing reports on students or meeting parents. The weekends are the busiest for him as he teaches in the kids centers.

As for an apartment anywhere from 2600 rmb for a modest 1 bedroom to 5000 for a nice 2 bedroom with a balcony.

Hope this helps

[winterwawa]

Thanks for the replies.

I have not received any other offers that compare to EF. I got offered a uni position for 8000 + apartment, but it is in inner Mongolia and I am not anxious to move to a place where it is winter all the time.

I understand not counting lunch hour as working hours, but if the contract states 25 hours and more hours are required in peak months, is there any provision for overtime? I didn't see anything in the sample contract they sent.

As for an apartment, I don't need anything fancy as long as I don't have to share space with roaches.

[platinum peyote]

Are you in China now, OP? It's a lot easier getting the higher-paying and better jobs while in the country.

[winterwawa]

[seamallowance]

[platinum peyote]

I worked in Korea for over three years and China for close to three, I think that your age and experience will work out better for you in China than in Korea, if that's any help.

[winterwawa]

seamallowance, Yea, I'm REALLY old. And in Korean age I am even older. LOL Do Chinese add a year to their real age like Koreans?

It is not really my age that concerns me though, (although that is a big factor in finding a job in Korea), it is money. When my ex-wife left me she took all the money with her. I have nothing saved for retirement. That kind of worries me. So, obviously, I need a job that will give me resources to live on as well as save money.

In Korea, I am able to save 2 million won a month and still drive a nice car (paid for) and have a comfortable lifestyle. I haven't seen anything in China that comes close to that. Although as platinum peyote, I may have a better chance at finding a higher paying job if I was in China.

I also get a sense that the Chinese people are not as xenophobic as Koreans. platinum peyote, would you agree with that or not?

[mike w]

You can use your age to your advantage in China, along with any previous experience / qualifications outside teaching to find a comfortable position in the corporate training world.

In my company we have 6 foreigners, the youngest being 52 and the oldest 75. The corporate training world here likes the older and experienced types, and the training would include much more than just English language.

The jobs tend to be more stable as well; we have all been in the company between 4 and 6 years.

Good luck.

Unfortunately, we are not hiring for the foreseeable future.

[winterwawa]

Thanks for the information Mike. I am guessing corporate training also pays better. What about opening one's own company that caters to corporate clients? Is that possible? You know, my company with a few expats working together. Is that even possible?

[A'Moo]

[winterwawa]

[Mr. English]

I agree with the information about age. I am 58, working in Guangzhou, and I feel that age works for me, not against me. Opening your own company, possible, but you must have a Chinese partner, and one you can trust, so it can be done but will be something that takes time to develop. Corporate training is beginning to happen more than in the past here in Guangzhou; the rates are not quite as high as in Beijing and Shanghai, but cost of living is lower too. You can save as much in the big eastern cities in China as you mention you are saving now, but not necessarily in your first year here.

[Mr. English]

I should add, don't bother with EF; I have never worked there myself but they have a terrible reputation here. In general I would avoid the chains like the plague. It's easier to find work once you are here. If you want to work at a school, they start up on March 1st after the holiday and there are lots of openings advertized between late this month and early March. If you don't have time to get a visa for China while you are in Korea, fly to Hong Kong. You will get 90 days at the border and you can get a Chinese visa there no problem.