Job Discussion Forums

lithium · Joined: 04 Jul 2010 Posts: 4

vikeologist, thanks for your views. It isn't an EF contract.

I've declined the offer because I dont want to risk having to work 4 hours in the morning and another 4 in the evening. It seems totally possible with the way the contract is worded.

The contract states that the accommodation would be no more than 30mins away from the school but it could of course be closer.

I'm under the impression that universities require teachers with experience. I'm totally new to teaching so it's going to have to be a language mill.

xiaolongbaolaoxi · Joined: 27 Aug 2009 Posts: 126

Split shifts could occur with any kind of employer. Language mills are apparently more likely to give this to you, but in my experience, that was not true, for the sheer fact that the mills who focus on children really can't offer classes when the kids re supposed to in school already. So, afternoon and evening classes, but not many split classes. The weekends had more of a chance to have split shifts, but for sheer "get 'em in the door," they are trying to get as many people in each class as possible.

I do not agree that you have to have two years' experience to teach in universities. Yes, it's desirable, but not all rules are rules. Many university ads that I saw in one city required master's degrees. There aren't that many people out there who have a teaching background, a master's degree, and have already worked x amount of years in China. But, they will post the requirement and see what they can get. If you are resigned to mills, and you have the time, you might as well search/shop around for the right one instead of jumping at something that gets you to China.

XLB

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

maotouying · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 119 Location: My Chair In China

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

That may be true in some EF schools. generally speaking this was my schedule. 8 to 6 at the weekend, both days had 6 real hours of teaching, 2 hours first thing then a couple of hours off ,(which was good for lunching) and then 2 sets of 2 hour lessons in the afternoon. Also had a class on a Friday evening. Other than that was in the school for 4 hours Weds-Fri. Sometimes had lessons during that time and sometimes had classess off site as things came and went during the year, but for the most part no split shifts, and no sitting around in the school twiddling my thumbs. On average, off-peak, I taught for 14 real hours a week and was in the school another 16-18 most of which was spent lesson planning, (and often eating or doing placement tests.) It was a managable workload, and on the same kind of contract as the OP showed.

The need for exerience for teaching in universities seems to vary from province to province. I can see some advantages at startng off at the right language mill rather than a Uni. Again, you need to be clear with yourself what you want; social life, working with children etc. There will be jobs available that suit you, with a wee bit of patience.