Job Discussion Forums

[frittzy]

I have been trying to find a TESOL teaching position in either Hong Kong or Shanghai with elementary students in Grades 2-8. I am feeling somewhat frustrated by how long it is taking to land a job. I sent my application to four or five recruiters about four weeks ago and have had no response so far.
Are these recruiters not able to find me a position because of my interest in wanting to teach elementary students? Am I applying at a time when there is little hiring taking place with schools? I am open to other teaching opportunities for now but want to work with elementary students in September, 2004.
I want to come to China to teach English but I also want to learn more about the history/culture of the people while doing some travelling. I'll be frank - since I have about two years of teaching experience in Canada and have two years of teacher training at a university and a TESOL diploma - I feel that I should be able to earn a salary of about $2,500 - $3,500 CDN per month. I am also looking for a free furnished apartment with amenities and the freedom to privately tutor students outside of school hours. I need to be earning this kind of salary because I have debts in Canada that need to be dealt with., i.e. credit card and student loans.
Ideally, this is what I am looking for but I also realize that I need to be more realistic. - things are usually not the way we'd like them to be!
Since it is taking longer than I thought to get a job maybe I have to broaden my job search? What do you think? I'd appreciate your honest and frank thoughts and opinions about what I should and shouldn't do. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[MarcusK]

[frittzy]

Hi Marcus. Thanks for your email. I entered the wrong information about monthly salary, it should have been 2,500 - 3,500 RMB per month.
I'll check out the site you suggested. Maybe I'll be able to get more info that will answer many or all of my questions. See you.

[nolefan]

There are jobs out there but it is not a good time right now! Most schools just got back from the may vacation and they have other things to take care of.

Some schools are starting to look into hiring teachers for the upcoming fall but most will wait another month or so. If you are so interested in teaching elementary students, then you can always try one of the Private schools ( AES, EF, BE,...) at your own risk.

Location might be a factor as well: How about trying to find a school on the outskirts of Shanghai or within a reasonable distance?

[stavrogin2001]

Here in Tianjin there are very few opportunities for elementary level students, but many opportunities for middle school and high school students.
I find that often these positions here in Tianjin are not advertised online.
Here there is a Middle school that says they are affiliated with Beijing Normal University and they pay about 4-6K RMB a month and provide accommodation that is not too shabby. This was all offered to me through a guanxi connection. Perhaps this is how they are hiring these teachers. I will say though that Tianjin schools, and I am sure a lot of other cities too, are in dire need for TESOL trained teachers with experience.
They are out there, unfortunately right now the schools seem to mainly be going through consultants which I think is too bad, it seems to muddy the already muddy water sometimes.

[Roger]

We are in the middle of the second semester, which ends in June or early July; there can't be many positions at public schools available RIGHT NOW; it's different in August, when they may be hiring for the new term beginning first of September!