Job Discussion Forums

[sojourner]

Zozo,


It's a pity that you have already booked a place in a CELTA course, in Brisbane; otherwise , you could do your training in Thailand, on the way to China, where the cost would probably be between 1/3 and 1/2 of what you'd pay back in Aust ! Anyway, UQ's St Lucia campus would be a very pleasant place to do your training - I just love those sandstone buildings and cloisters, as well as the jacaranda trees (when in full bloom) ! Yes, the training is pretty intensive - you'll have to put everything else "on hold" for the 4-weeks ! It's very important that you don't leave the written assignments "to the last moment", as your's truly did ! Also, during the TP feedback from both the trainers and your fellow-trainees, try not to get too upset if you don't get too many positive comments ! It might be a good idea to buy a good book on grammar, otherwise you could become confused by a lot of strange talk about "past perfect simple", "present perfect", etc. Also, get hold of some suitable books on ESL/EFL, especially those by Jeremy Harmer (often recommended by CELTA trainers) and Jim Scrivener. You can get those books at the America Bookshop, Elizabeth St , Brisbane. (The ESL section is at the back, just behind the coffee lounge). Alternately, try the bookstall, next to the enquiry counter at the East Coast College of English, Ann St, Brisbane.

Mavazah gave some good hints on how to contact unis re possible job vacancies. Another option would be to go to the Google search engine and type in the name of the province that appeals to you, as well as the words "college" or "university". Have you submitted your CV to Dave's "post your resume" site, yet ?

Before signing a contract, ask the recruiter or FAO whether they could provide you with the names and email addresses of both past and current FTs. If they are reluctant to do this, look elsewhere for a job. Unfortunately, many newbies don't bother contacting past and present FTs. If necessary, send me a copy of a contract if you feel that there could be something a bit dodgy about it. Or, post the contract on this site. If you are having trouble finding a job, let me know, and I'll provide you with the name and email address of my own recruiter. But try canvassing colleges by sending copies of your CV - you should get something.

Re salaries, if I was offered a job in Shanghai, because of the higher cost of living, I would be seeking something well in excess of 4 K. RMB ! But because so many people want to work in Shanghai, the law of supply and demand has kept salaries comparitively low. In most other places, 4 K. would be considered a good salary for a newbie. If you don't go out to bars too often, you should be able to live on 500 RMB per month ! Thus, you could save a bit over 7 K. AUD per year ! And if you do a few hours of o/t or private tutoring, you could probably save a total of 12 or 13 K AUD p.a. ! - could you do that back in Aust, doing what is, basically, p/t work ?

Regards,

Peter

[Zozo]

Hey mavazah and peter - thank you for the extra tips on where to start looking for a job within uni's. Do you think I should start emailing uni's now with my resume in order for me to get a position mid Feb? What sort of basic info do you put in the application letter? Is it just like any other application letter when you are applying for a position?

Dajiang, I have been to Beijing before for a two week holiday almost 10 years ago now. This was my first taste of China and I loved it. I know a holiday is completely different to actually living in the country but that's something I will find out when I get there. I am hoping to do a bit of travel before I get settled in (depending on my money situation) to see where I should go, but I'm hoping to stay in China for a while and see it all! Well as much as I can.

Peter, I didn't even look at the possibility of doing the CELTA course in another country and I'm spewing I didn't now! UQ already have my money so I will just have to live with that. UQ is a very nice campus and I'm moving to shared accommodation which is only a 5 minute walk to the Uni so it's very convenient. I think I'll be pretty good with receiving negative feedback as it makes me want to try a lot harder to get it correct. I'll take up your advice on not leaving the written assignments to the last minute (I was terrible at this during my other uni days!)
I've actually already ordered the books from that exact bookstore! They are sending them to me this week so I can start on my pre-course tasks.
I have posted my cv on dave's website - I can't believe how many cv's are posted there every day! I've had a couple of emails but only to places where I don't really want to go. Thank you for offering your recruiters details, I might have to take you up on this if I don't find anything within the next month.
It's quite amazing that you could live off 500RMB a month. Living in China must be SO cheap! I'm hoping to save up enough money over a couple of years for a deposit to a house, so when I want to come back to oz, I won't be coming back to nothing.
Is it easy to get into private tutoring? Is this something that the uni runs and just offers to you?

Thank you very much for all the advice and hints! This forum is excellent for copious amounts of information and I really appreciate everyone helping me out.

Cheers again! Zoe