Job Discussion Forums

davehb34 · Joined: 16 Jan 2010 Posts: 11

I've been in the states about 2 months after teaching in Vietnam. I want to come out probably one month from now to start in September. I'm also considering living in Shenzhen. I'm looking to teach kindergarten most likely as I have experience in that and it pays the most. It looks like most kindergartens are 18 hours a week. This of course doesn't include all the extra stuff you have to do.

My experience -

Bachelor's degree in Business
150 hour TEFL certification
5 months teaching in Costa Rica (Uni)
9 months teaching in Vietnam (Private school all ages)

I'm a native speaker from the U.S., 31, about 190 cm and a good looking guy.

I was offered 9500 by one school with free housing, and airfare reimbursement. This seems decent to me given it's only 18 hours, but I was hoping for something in the 12000-13000 range. Is this a realistic expectation? Of course, I know I'm better off hopping on a flight and doing interviews in person, but I'm contemplating taking a job first if I can find something I like.

Laurence · Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 401

9500 for 18 hours sounds ok considering you don't have much experience. I don't think a newbie could really expect to break 10k per month anywhere in China.

but as far as I know
to get a Z visa processed for GZ you need 2 years' working experience, as well as a degree and TEFL cert.

Beware of schools asking you to work illegally on F or L visa in China - this makes it all too easy for them to withhold pay, or fire you at a moment's notice.

RonHex · Joined: 10 Nov 2009 Posts: 243

if you have to be at the school 8-5 mon-fri I would reconsider.

18 hours teaching a week isnt too bad but those extra hours spent in the classroom chasing kids around will kill you.

davehb34 · Joined: 16 Jan 2010 Posts: 11

I don't have to be there 8-5, but there are extra hours. The guy I spoke with was American and seemed cool. He said I would have 3 short days and then 2 long days. Sounds like there is quite a bit of prep work as well. I prefer that schedule to working at a training school where I'm working nights and weekends though.

I haven't heard about the 2 year teaching requirement to get a Z visa. I'll have to look into that. Thanks for the info.

davehb34 · Joined: 16 Jan 2010 Posts: 11

Were you referring to teaching experience or just experience in general? I have over 6 years experience in business related fields, but only about 14 months teaching experience.

mrwslee003 · Joined: 14 Nov 2009 Posts: 190

Hi Dave,
Sounds like a decent contract, considering your limited teaching experience and the number of hours in class teaching.

But to be certain of no hidden conditions, ask them what other duties
are you expected to do as part of the contract.

Ask them when you are not teaching do you have to be at school.
Do you have to work on weekends or evenings? Otherwise it cuts into
your own life, social or travel or just shopping.

Ask also if there is someone there to help you settle in, like showing
you where the shopping centres are or where the watering holes are.

Good luck and enjoy!

mnguy29 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 155 Location: USA

Truthfully? I don't know how anyone could teach kindergarten in China. 18 classes a week of this age is definitely too much. I have taught in China for three years. If anyone in the city finds out your are looking for extra work, or a new job they will call you because its kindergarten. They can't find anyone to do this teaching. It is NOT easy! One word fits here-DESPERATION! There is a reason for this.
If you are white and breathing they will take you in a heartbeat. Good luck!