Job Discussion Forums

msinglynx · Joined: 23 Mar 2011 Posts: 19 Location: Puerto Rico

Hi! This is my first time posting tho I've been reading this forum for a while.

In December I was offered a position at Bai Da Wei School in Changchun, China but I couldn't go when they needed me so I'm looking for another position. BDW offered me 6000 with 1000 taken for rent, so essentially only 5000. They seemed nice with foreigners, were foreigner owned and seemed to have a racially diverse group of teachers.

So, there is a guy on Couch Surfing recruiting people on their ESL teaching forums and I talked to him. His school, a Shane school, contacted me and are interested in offering me a contract if I pass the interview (which of course I will). I know Shane has a bad rep in many areas so I wanted to ask if anyone knows the school/area. They offer 7076, not including housing although they will help me find the housing of my preference and pay for it then discount the amount from my monthly pay over 8 months of a 12 month contract (ratio of 1500 for 8 month on a 1000 a month rent) if I cant pay the year at once. The rent amount is varied since apparently the province has both rural and urban areas. I was told rent could go from 300-2000 depending on area, what ever the amount, the total will be paid to the school over 8 months.

So, my question is, is this a good offer? It is quite a bit higher than the "good" school's (BDW) offer in a second tier city. I know nothing about Shandong province so I'm not sure whether to consider this offer, particularly since I cant seem to find reviews online.

Just to give you an idea of what I'm working with: I am a chubby, hispanic, bilingual (english/spanish) female. I do NOT have a degree, so I am going to do a TEFL course in the next 2 months. My career as a freelance writer is apparently also seen as a bonus by some schools. Will my race be an issue in Dongying?

bythebookie · Joined: 04 Apr 2011 Posts: 51

Shandong province will not issue you a Foreign Expert Certificate as a degree is required as well as 2 years of teaching experience. The police will also not issue a resident permit for employment since you don't meet the qualifications.

msinglynx · Joined: 23 Mar 2011 Posts: 19 Location: Puerto Rico

Blech. That sucks.
So which province should I look at that I actually qualify for? I know I qualify for Jilin but I hate the cold...

slareth · Joined: 29 Jun 2010 Posts: 82 Location: Shandong

msinglynx · Joined: 23 Mar 2011 Posts: 19 Location: Puerto Rico

Seriously? But I've been offered at least 3 contracts 0_0 is it a new law? I mean, I know I dont know a ton about China but I've seen/met/heard of tons of people teaching without degrees and with valid Z visas.

slareth · Joined: 29 Jun 2010 Posts: 82 Location: Shandong

msinglynx · Joined: 23 Mar 2011 Posts: 19 Location: Puerto Rico

well, do you have any recommendations on an ideal area look? I make the bulk of my funds as a writer so I dont need to teach but I want the experience. My real goal in China is to score a 3 on the HSK and get into Central Academy of Fine Arts. At which point I will automatically get insane credibility in the rest of the world and be able to sell my art for millions ;0

Seriously tho, I just need to find a relatively comfortable (weather wise) place with an ok foreigner population with lower rent cost so I can save money and learn chinese. ANY recommendations on a province I should look at??