Job Discussion Forums

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

Come to China! You can find jobs that give you time off to do what you want along with teaching. I teach fourteen fifty periods per week in pairs of two. That means one two hour lesson plan per week - varied according to the different class levels. If I wanted more money, I could teach part time on the side. I don't need the extra cash so I don't bother. Coming from the US, I'd suggest you pick an area in China with an equivalent climate.

Yes there are stressfull things here. Compared to a North American classroom, they're mickey mouse.

I make under $450 (USD) per month. I live comfortably. I eat out 4 - 10 times a week, mostly travel by taxi and drink to my heart's (but not my liver's) content. I also get my clothes tailor made for a fraction of what off-the-shelf costs at home.

Talkdoc · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 696

Ludwig · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 3:42 am Post subject:

'TalkDoc', touchy, touchy. Don't get your knickers in a twist. All because you were treated as a kid during your time in Asia does not mean everyone else is. I suppose it must be somewhat annoying however to hear of those that secured the posts that you never could. This does not mean, however, that other prospective parties should not hear of their existence.

I see you avoided two (trivial) questions regarding your viva; that is very instructive.

Why do you not just simply write spontaneously? Why do you have to pre-compose your messages on Word?

James_T_Kirk · Joined: 20 Sep 2003 Posts: 357 Location: Ten Forward

Doc has provided you with some food for thought. Since I'm probably not as old as Doc (I am in my late 20s), and thus probably not as wise, take the following comments with a grain of salt:

windsorman1972 · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 4:35 am Post subject:

ilunga · Joined: 17 Oct 2003 Posts: 842 Location: China

Ludwig may have gone a little OTT but he makes a good point.
The way talkdoc was treated isn't relevant to whether the original poster should choose to come to China.
Every city in China is in some way different. It all comes down to how you cope with the 'attention'. Some people can't handle it. They shouldn't use that fact to try and put off someone who could quite conceivably cope much better in a similar situation.

Talkdoc · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 696

Talkdoc · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 696

goeastyoung(ish)man! · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 139 Location: back in US

Back to the original question...........

Trebek, I think you are referring to the trend in the US to leave no child behind by teaching to the test and discouraging or even prohibiting any type of creative teaching. I only have experience in a University here and only this school year. However it is obvious that the poor teaching methods and (due to?) ENDLESS EXAMS that students are subjected to here have led to some cra.ppy English. I tell my students that their education lacks a lot, but that my country is learning their Confucing methods.

As far as failing students, I failed some English Composition students for plagiarism, and maybe the failing marks stuck or maybe they didn't. Many people here, Chinese and otherwise, tell me that cheating is widespread, and frowned on. Frowned on and then accepted with a sigh. I definitely have a different attitude towards it than my colleagues. However, they point out correctly, that it is different since I am an outsider and especially a foreigner. (It is a source of stress and also of power here. - "Don't disappoint the foreigner!")

Since you are a real, that is certified and experienced teacher, you should check with the international schools, since they often pay much higher than Chinese schools. It might be late for most of those schools for this fall.

windsorman1972 · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 8:27 am Post subject:

senor boogie woogie · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 8:42 am Post subject:

Hola!

I suggest www.escapeartists.com to check out other information about work positions and opportunities outside the USA.

What is your son like? Is he a mature and responsible individual? Does he like being around a lot of people (social and outgoing) or does he stay by himself? If he is a loner, he will change his tune here.

Never been to Vietnam, but what i have researched, they pay the best salary of the three nations that you have mentioned. I have been to Thailand once, totally love it, but I was (and will be again) a tourist, not an alien resident. Much difference.

China is a 100 percent opposite of the USA/Canada. "Soprano guy" states that China is a "tragic and evil" land. i will tell you that he is full of s h i t. China is an incredible nation, the vast majority of the people are very nice and outgoing, the landscape is a sight to behold, and you can find a nice city to live in, be treated very well and live a quality lifestyle on very little money. Also, remember, China is a huge nation with a massive population. It is really about 5 countries in one. There are wonderful cities to live here besides Shanghai and Beijing:

Hangzhou (my home)
Suzhou
Qingdao
Xiamen
Nanjing
Kunming
Chengdu
Dalian
Guangzhou
Shenzhen
Ningbo

I would not choose Northeast China, too cold and too polluted.

Senor

gingermeggs · Joined: 29 Jan 2004 Posts: 162

Trebek, come to China....you will find minor stresses, for sure, BUT, if you come here with an open mind, a realisation that you have come to an entirely different culture, and a willingness to fit into that culture, you and your son will have a great time.
HOWEVER!!.....You will have noticed on this Forum a great deal of juvenile nit-picking, bitching, boasting,and in many cases, downright nastiness. Unfortunately, a lot of these people profess to be teachers here.
Ponder the advice from sensible people, ignore the ranters and ravers, and make your decision.
The world consists of many different countries, so why not get out there snd experience one or two? Go for it.

ilunga · Joined: 17 Oct 2003 Posts: 842 Location: China

Could someone please point me in the direction of the post where ludwig questioned talkdoc's qualifications?

windsorman1972 · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 10:35 am Post subject:

Lee_Odden · Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 172

I am very sorry here but there is something pretty irresponsible about advising a man with a 13 year old son to come to China in order to make what - 500 dollars per month, 800 dollars per month, maybe if he is real lucky 1,000 dollars per month? Do people make a lot more than that teaching EFL in China? Not really. Sure, there will be exceptions (I'm one) but 6,000 - 8,000 RMB is the norm in China; especially at universities. Schools and universities that pay considerably more only do so because the cost of living is much higher like in places such as Shanghai and Hong Kong. You need to make at least 20,000 RMB per month in Shanghai to have the same buying power as someone making 8,000 RMB per month in Anhui or Liaoning Province.

Obviously, Trebek is a grown man and he will make his own decisions. But what is going to happen if Trebek's son becomes ill? What's going to happen if Trebek becomes ill and the school docks his pay? I make 10,000 RMB (about $1200 US) in Anhui province which is considered, by Chinese standards, a lot of money. And it is if you live like a lower-class Chinese native. Buy a bed, medication for hypertension, require nasal surgery (like I did 3 months ago), buy a cell phone, a DVD player, a nice throw-rug for the floor, extra appliances for the apartment and you know what? There isn't anything left at the end of the month and you are going into your money at home to pay for things.

I agree with William Wallace, Norman, Doc and others - teaching EFL in China is not for "mid-careeer" people in their 40s with legitimate degrees and certificates.

Lee