Job Discussion Forums

dfra · Joined: 28 Mar 2013 Posts: 28

Hi all,

First time writing. First time applying to Teach overseas though I have been overseas. Have general question on two offers below.

Background, 57 yrs old, Bachelors, Calif. Teachers License Single Subject 2000-2011, 120 hr TEFL. Taught 11th & 12th grade and Adult night classes for 8 years. Instructor Aid for 9-13 yrs old kids on computer use & Apps for 2yrs.

Wont put too many particulars, just a few. Mostly interested in the area for the Salary received.

Three questions:

1. Interview for Taixing Zhenyu Foreign Language School for Grade 5-8, Jiangsu China (7,496.52 RMB 20 hrs teach, unknown office), your take on the school and what questions can I expect?

2. Anyone teach in or for Wuhan Foreign Language School Meiga Academy Wuhan (6,000 RMB 12-16 hrs teach, 4 office), your take?

3. Indication of what Jiangsu and Wuhan is like, people, activities, etc...

Yes I will be doing the research as necessary, just like some input.

Thank one and all for your help.
David Franklin
PS- if you like to send and email externally, [email protected]

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

If you're currently licensed wouldn't you be better off ($$-wise) at an international school?

Simon in Suzhou · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 404 Location: GZ

With your qualifications and experience you can do better. I wouldn't recommend private language schools. Go for an international school job, or if you want to take it easy, get a university teaching job which has similar pay to these positions, unless you want to teach kids. I have found Chinese college students to be similar to middle or high school students back in the USA...but much more polite and better behaved.

Wuhan is famous for perhaps the worst all-around weather in China. Extremely hot in the summer and very cold in the winters. If you are sensitive to weather, i wouldn't recommend it.

Jiangsu (a province) is a little more temperate weather-wise. Depending on where you are living you may have easy high speed rail access to Shanghai. Much more to see around Jiangsu, in my opinion, than around Wuhan.

dean_a_jones · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 1151 Location: Wuhan, China

Here is an earlier post I wrote re: teaching and living in Wuhan:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=100780

dfra · Joined: 28 Mar 2013 Posts: 28

Simon,

I appreciate the information and the speedy reply.

Actually would like to teach at a University or International.

Unfortunately, most I have been given are around 4500 RMB and in the "boonies", admittedly one or two reach 6000 RMB.

I am hoping for a position for at least 7000 RMB, fair I think based on my background.

I notice generally, most do not give any hint of where to apply, so with that,
do you have any suggestions for Uni and and IS?

Again, much appreciated.

Have a great day.

David

dfra · Joined: 28 Mar 2013 Posts: 28

Hey All,

Thank you for the replies.

Non Sequitur, but I let it lapse itn 2011 and do not wish to renew it, several hundred hours are needed to renew it, but thanks for the suggestion.

dean_a_jones, I will check the earlier post.

Both of great help.

If any suggestions on Universities or IS, much appreciated.

David

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

As mentioned on another recent thread there isn't a scale going from a TEFL cert through +bachelors +masters.
Also (3-year associate) vocational schools are in the same salary bracket as unis*. You should be on 5K base plus all the addons including max 20 contact hours, airfare, accom, paid winter break etc etc.
Go for the least downside on your first gig. Don't precondition too much.
*FTs are a commodity lets face it.

Simon in Suzhou · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 404 Location: GZ

David,

I've sent you a private message.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"Overseas" is a big and varied place. A day trip to Tijuana or military service in the US Army in Germany may not prepare you for provincial China !

dfra · Joined: 28 Mar 2013 Posts: 28

Hi scot47,

Yes it is a Overseas is a big place.

To clarify, I have been to PI, Taiwan, Vietnam, albeit those was in the late 60's and early 70's when it was a little "ruff & tumble".

Sure many of the places still are but with a touch more encroached civilization.

As a side note, actually have a buddy who still goes back to Nam every 6 months and one who goes back to Thailand, Cambodia, PI or Nam every year.

Although they have no contacts for teaching but will keep an eye out.

Thanks for the pointer.

Respectfully,
David