Job Discussion Forums

[scot47]

Come back in 5 years' time.

[johnslat]

Aha - I see our resident curmudgeon has finally made an appearance.
Regards,
John

[Manasketa]

i'll let you know how things work out.

in the meantime, how does 7000RMB sound for 22 hours/week in Qingdao?

---

and do any of you know anything about Urumqi Foreign Language School? Is it reputable (or rather, any nightmares?)?

[lajzar]

Sounds pretty reasonable if you trust them to pay it.

Yep, sometimes getting the money you have rightfully earned can be a real issue. Just another thing many newbies in this industry don't appreciate. And among these types, they'll treat threats to bring on teh law about as seriously as Bush does.

[Louis]

Congratulations to Manasketa. Not only does he seem somewhat mature (as opposed to many, many posters on this board) but he seems to make few, if any, spelling/grammar mistakes (unlike *most* posters on this board.)

So, Mr. M., a few words from someone in a similar situation (and my apologies to all the idealists out there):

I am 22 (just turned, actually.) I had no degree/tefl cert/teaching experience when I came to China. I have been turning down numerous job offers since I have been here, simply because I don't have enough time to do them all. Don't worry about being "underqualified": you're a native speaker, YOU ARE IN BUSINESS. Some people have talked about the "dancing monkey" aspect of this business. Accept it. The school makes money, you make money, everyone is laughing.

I am not working illegally (Z/green book/red book.) I am currently getting full pay from my day job for doing nothing (summer break) while making 1800/week by working privates. My point: getting a good deal here depends more on guanxi/business skills than education. So, if you think you can handle it, jump on it. Bargain hard, and don't doubt yourself. You are the business.

[Manasketa]

Thanks Louis

...except that I'm Ms. M

[Louis]

Apologies. I had no idea.

[Manasketa]

[migo]

The only thing I can suggest with my lack of experience in this field is look up what kinds of TESL certification courses are recognised where you're looking for work. On the one hand it might give you some preperation and experience teaching it, on the other hand it's bargaining power. Having a piece of paper that says you know how to do something is invaluble in getting a job that requires you to know what the piece of paper says you can do.

That's just a general rule for ANY job.

Also, whenever you're calculating your expenses, round up. In canadian dollars I usually round up to the nearest $50, I don't know how that translates to RMB off hand, but ALWAYS round up. Then after you've added up all your individual expenses, round up to the nearest $500 or $1000. Guess what, you'll still find your expenses were higher than what you calculated even after you did all that rounding up. Unexpected expenses are a real pain in the ass. That's something I have plenty of experience with in the 2 and half years I've been living alone. That's something that I was told when I moved out, I didn't take it as seriously as I should have and I found out how true it was the hard way.

[lagerlout2006]

To the OP--Manaskita(?)----A teacher I worked with last term turned 18 after he had a work visa...I can't swear it was all legal and I wouldn't put it past this school to do something dodgy...Anyway he posts (not lately though) as Lanza Armonia...Do a search and send him a message..Tell him I told you to--he wont mind...He tells me he is now teaching English in Germany..

Anyway a few observations. Do not expect any respect from anyone your own age or older. In the classroom I mean. So you will have to teach elementary or kindergarten--which is not easy,,,in fact I can't do it.

Also why China? You might be better off in Korea teaching "under the table." Show up and look around...I sort of wonder why everyone thinks China is somehow easy to work in. Far from it. I think it mitght be the most difficult country to teach in but that is another thread. And it is now 5 in the morning and past my bedtime...

[PAULH]

[OzBurn]

While I was travelling through Vietnam in June, I met two young men around your age who had been teaching for a year in China. Both of them reported having a fantastic time, and both of them had learned enough Chinese to have conversations. They had worked as barely paid volunteers (I think around 2000 RMB a month) in southern China. We talked at some length. They had no regrets about their experience -- in fact, one of them was going back for more, and the other wanted to eventually, he said, but was heading off to college. Neither had all that much difficulty controlling the students, they said, after initial rough spots (I believe they concealed their age).

On other matters -- when I was your age, I dropped out of college and saw a bit of the world. It made my life harder in many ways, and eventually I ended up working my way through college, which was VERY hard. But I certainly don't regret it. I went back to college when I was ready. You can do the same, if you want to, as you I am sure already know.

All this to say that I fully empathize with your desire to go see the world and try new things while you are young. And unlike the graybeards on this list who say "go to college," I say, "GO FOR IT!" There is nothing, absolutely nothing, like seeing the world when you are young, when it is easy to meet other young people (who are much more open to new friendships than older ones), when your mind and spirit are open and responsive, when you have loads of energy and curiosity. Again -- you can always go to college, and when and if you decide to do so, you will go to it with the experience of a world traveller and someone who has had some responsibility for doing something real. Whether you succeed or fail in that responsibility is not the point -- though I suspect that you will succeed more than most, as you are undoubtedly bright and interested, and that counts for ten times more than having a college degree (snort! And I have have one, with honors, thanks). But it really doesn't matter, because failure, if you encounter it, may teach you as much as or more than success.

As far as the performing bear business is concerned -- that is what some people would have you do here, in Vietnam, or anyway they would be content with that for a while. If on the other hand you decide you are going to teach the students, you can do that. It's really up to you. Maybe it's different in China, but I doubt it.

Having said all that, I would add that college can be pretty much what you make it, and it can be a wonderful experience both for your mind and your spirit. Don't dismiss it -- perhaps look, when you are ready, for a college (and for professsors) that will answer your particular needs and interests. Also, look for a school that has students as bright as you are.

Good luck to you and bon voyage.

[Guest]

I personally think that 17 may be a bit too young. We currently have a teacher here who is straight from College in the U.S.A. He is only 21 and I joke to him that he should be sitting behind a desk, not standing up in front of a class.

He is very nice, and seems to be handling things very well indeed, for someone who has never been to Asia before.

He is teaching some Senior 1 classes and I just hope that the older kids show him some respect, which may be a little difficult as he is new and not much older than they are.

I think 21 may be the minimum age (emotionally) to handle this type of work - although I must admist that some people are much more mature than others at a young age.

[stillnosheep]

Manasketa.

Huge huge respect to your courage and your adventuous spirit . Don't let the doomsayers talk all the spirit out of you.

Good luck and do please keep us posted about your decisions and your adventures.

Big up to Manasketa.

Respect.

sns

[nwsims]

You do what you feel is best for you, but don't forget that what you do today will have an effect on tomorrow. Regardless what you want is it going to effect other people. Usually it does. Is it going to be positive or negative?

Much advice has been given. Your maturity level will determine the decisions you make.

Good luck and God bless.