Job Discussion Forums

[latefordinner]

How much would you pay for the privilege of working at McDonald's?

Seriously, if you are capable of earning your CELTA, you're already better qualified than most of the Chinese teachers here. They aren't paid the world, but they're still getting paid.

[ContemporaryDog]

Agreed, people should be dissuaded from volunteering at all costs, unless its at, say, a refugee centre teaching Tibetan monks in india or something. DEFINITELY not in private schools in Shanghai! This is utterly nuts! There may be some people who are so rich they can go and live off daddy's money will volunteering in Shanghai, but most people can't afford to be done out of a job...

Insanity...

When I finished University in 1999, at my careers fair there was a stall with a similar organisation, whom you had to pay money to to go and teach English for nothing in China. Because of this I did not know that there was such a big market for paid tefl work, and did not find out until a couple of years after graduating. It seems like a total scam to me.

[china_sk8er]

Here is my two cents. And two cents is too much money to pay for volunteering. Volunteering is something you do for your own pleasure and you should never pay for it. If you are going to volunteer than just work out a deal with a school that they pay for your accomodation, airfare, visa, food. If you have to pay them to volunteer and then pay for your visa, airfare, ...etc, then that is just bull s h i t. You're getting scammed and getting scammed hard.

I like what ChinaEFLteacher said.

[Mouse]

Hallo. I teach in Spain (where many consider the salaries akin to volunteering) and have never been to China (though I've taught Chinese students in both the UK and NZ). In reading this thread, I have just one question: is this a hoax?

[ContemporaryDog]

[Mouse]

Wow. I am very nearly speechless... At your graduation, CDog, how did they rationalise this idea of paying for the chance to work in China? As a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel? As a chance to help the people of a third world (?!) country? As a way of gaining valuable work experience?... Does this happen with any other countries?

[Madmaxola]

Stupid stupid stupid

[sojourner]

Walter,

Please take careful note of all the responses to your two most recent posts.

I can appreciate why you feel the need to "volunteer" - to see if you are suited for both ESL work, as well as for life in China. Correct ? And you feel that you would need no more than three months in order to make such decisions. Fair enough, but the vast majority of the people currently working here all started their teaching careers as PAID teachers, on 6 or 12 month contracts. You should consider doing the same, too.

Maybe, a 12 months contract might appear a bit daunting ! But would you be willing to consider a 6 months contract ? There are a few around, you know - the main difference from the 12 month jobs is that you'll only be reimbursed for half of the cost of a round ticket. And, it should be pointed out, a "6" month job may , probably, be for only 5 months. Think about that option.

If a 6 (5 , most likely) month job still seems to much for you, you could consider working at a 7-8 week summer school job. You'll receive a full wage, all meals, and free accommodation - however, you'll probably have to pay for your airfare to China. However, with this option, there could be a few problems with your visa - others, hopefully, will provide you with more info.

A couple of days ago, I came aross reference to a recruiting firm called "Teach in China" (www.teachinchina.cn ). In it, there is a reference to their own"volunteer" scheme, ie for those who can only work for 3 months, or so. Although you'd have to pay for your own airfare, you'll probably get free accommodation and a salary. (I should point out that some people are not very happy with this firm - but others are ! - so, be careful)

If you decide to cease dealing with that NZ-based "volunteer" organisation, but are not happy with "Teach in China", contact those recruiters who are advertising 12 month jobs - who knows, they may consider changing a particular contract into a 6 month one. If you have trouble in finding a recruiter because you are not a native speaker of English, you could always contact Yakup International - however, their salaries are sometimes below those offered by other firms. I should also point out that many posters to these Forums are far from happy with Yakup - but, if you are desperate . . .

I personally think that you should consider a 6 month contract - remember, that it'll probably be for only 5 months ! Also, remember what Roger said about the unsettling affect upon a class if you were to teach for only 3 months.

On another matter, you mentioned something about bringing over two laptops. I vaguely recall someone, on one of this forums, recently mentioning that you could be liable for Chinese import duties on one of the laptops. So, you should make a few more enquiries.

PM me if you want the name of an efficient and conscientious recruiter.

Regards,

Peter
(PS : Forget about "volunteering" - you'll only be exploited by both the agency and the employer - it's not worth it !

[ContemporaryDog]