Job Discussion Forums

thebrandynabides · Joined: 12 Jun 2011 Posts: 31 Location: Shaoguan

Anybody know anything about this specific city's EF?

Where does Tianjin rank for being a beginning destination for a couple in China?

Would a school work something out with a couple with an apartment AND a housing allowance, since each contract offers one or the other-or is that just wishful thinking?

Any info would be much appreciated.

Sinko · Joined: 21 Apr 2005 Posts: 349

Don't know much about EF in Tj, but I would imagine that, as a working couple, you would be considered as one. Yeah, wishful thinking.

Tj is quite a large city with a healthy expat population and is a pretty good place to start. It has changed dramatically over the last 3 - 4 years. It's just a 30 minute high speed train ride from Beijing Sth Station. The site www.tianjinexpats.com is still quite popular and contains a lot of useful information.

thebrandynabides · Joined: 12 Jun 2011 Posts: 31 Location: Shaoguan

Thanks for the TJ info. It does look like an interesting place to begin our journey.

I've found out that the specific EF trying to contact me is the Binhai one, and I've read the variety of EF horror stories and praises. So, I know that it really depends on the school. Anyone know this one specifically?

In that case, any schools in TJ worth recommending/warning against would be helpful.

Sinko · Joined: 21 Apr 2005 Posts: 349

I actually know of a university looking for two teachers next term. What sort of background do you have? What age are you two? What quals?

thebrandynabides · Joined: 12 Jun 2011 Posts: 31 Location: Shaoguan

Background: both finished Global TESOL certification online.

She: B.S. English Education, 3 years working as a Special ed aide

Me: B.S. English-will be completed August 5th, and I've been told that I'd have the actual degree by August 26(probably what will set everything back for us...I'm beginning to think)

I am 24, she is 27.

I have 3 years of experience working in childcare and substitute teaching k-12.

eurobound · Joined: 04 Apr 2011 Posts: 155

I just saw a Tianjin Binhai EF job advert today and was wondering if any posters work/have worked for them and if they could share their experiences? I'm keen to work in Tianjin as I thought it was a great place when I visited.

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

Most EF accomodation is shared, so unless the ad specifically states that you get an indidual apartment, there's no chance of getting the extra housing allowance solely for that reason. On the other hand most EFs are desperate for teachers, so there's never any harm in playing hardball. It could be a way of in effect paying you more without the potential roblem of paying you a higher salary than other teachers, which could cause annoyance.

The delay in getting your degree certificate will be a problem for Unis, because they generally can't get the paperwork rolling till you have it. You're correct that it may also delay things a bit for the EF school.