Job Discussion Forums

Pytheas · Joined: 15 Apr 2011 Posts: 13

After 7 years teaching in Thailand, I really fed up and have always wanted to see China. I was hoping some experienced members here can give me some advice.

In Thailand I have taught EFL and Computers, at Secondary and University. I am PGCE and EFL Qualified.

I was wondering where would be the best place to work, University, Secondary School or Private. In Thailand you tend to avoid private if you can as at the other two contracts mean something at least.

One thing is what time of year is the best, In Thailand schools start May, so March is the best time to start to look.

Also being PGCE qualified working in Secondary Schools sounds good, I've seen some amazing jobs on this site, 13-15 hours a week, 3 days off. I wondered what's the catch? Is this even true? And what the class size is? As I don't mind a lower paid job for fewer hours, I'm more about the lifestyle than the cash.

However if I want to teach computers not EFL University seems the only place.

So if any experienced people could advice me the direction to go I would be very grateful.

Thanks

mambawamba · Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 311

The academic year starts in August/September depending on what type of institution you work for. Language schools are year round with summer being the busiest.

General rule, if a job looks too good to true it is.

If you're PGCE and EFL qualified then look at International Schools or at University pathway programmes, there is absolutely no need to be looking at low paid jobs with your qualifications.

Too many people sell themselves and their abilities short, know what you're worth!

Pytheas · Joined: 15 Apr 2011 Posts: 13

Thanks,

that's annoying about having to wait until August though.

kungfuman · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:54 pm Post subject:

The bigger quesiton is WHEN do you want to come to China?

Burke · Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Posts: 42 Location: Beijing

Why do you want to come here? As a tourist China is a fun place to visit and explore, but to work here - it sucks. Everyone here will take you for a sucker and cheat you ten different ways yo never even thought of. But the pay here really sucks - 23 other countries pay a whole lot more. I suggest you check out www.ChinaScamBusters.com

Yeah, I know I am here, but I made the dumb mistake of getting my girlfriend pregnant and now I am stuck here until she graduates from University with master degree and then we're outta here!

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

Pytheas · Joined: 15 Apr 2011 Posts: 13

Thanks for the info, that's really interesting. I have checked out the recruiters in Google with "scam" as advised on the site you recommended. A lot of these recruiters are offering jobs at secondary schools, middle schools, high schools or experimental schools, presumably a similar thing.

I was wondering, once you are employed in a state school with a contract, isn't that it? You're finished with recruitment and dealing with a pretty standardised government institution.

kungfuman

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Burke · Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Posts: 42 Location: Beijing

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

There is no ESL / EFL work in Sweden or Denmark really. The Scandanavian countries have outstanding state schooling and the demand is generally satisfied within that system. If there is an EFL market ... its tiny.

As mentioned above, EU labour laws mean Americans are pretty much out o the loop.

I have a friend in Germany working in EFL. Another small market because the state education is so strong. He works exclusively teaching private business English classes for 200 RMB per hour. (someone should tell him about the GFTU - German division of the CTFU)

TEFL in the UK starts at around 100 RMB per hour ... If you have a DELTA or an MA TESOL you are looking at 200+ but its hard to find a full time permanent contract anywhere.

I was offered a job in Poland in 2011. 22 teaching hours a week. All age groups incl kids and in-company business English classes. Weekends and evenings... 3500 RMB a month. Housing included but not utilities.

Looked at Spanish jobs a few times too. Standard would appear to be 25 hours a week (evenings and weekends probably) for 10,000 RMB - 12,000 RMB. No housing included ... most people seem to share apartments which eat about 50% of the salary. Spain isnt a cheap place to live either.

Yep - why come to China, the pay is so bad!

*Ive converted prices to RMB just to make it easier.