Job Discussion Forums

[teechagimme]

I got this in an e-mail. I haven't seen salaries this high anywhere else. Should I assume that I'll get the old bait and switch? I have 3+ years of ESL experience, (Korea and Saudi Arabia) a CELTA, a bachelor's in Psychology and a master's in Human Resources. Here are the details:

Job Description

Type:

Public High School

Location:

Beijing (city)

Start Date:

September 2013

Qualifications:

Native English speaker +degree + min 2 years relevant experience + credential/QTS

Subject(s):

English, EAP

No. of Vacancies:

2

Learners (age/lev):

High school

Class Size:

Not specified

Course Materials:

iGCSE, IELTS, TOEFL, AP

Teaching Hours:

Full time position

Salary:

RMB 21,500 - 30,000/month (approx. US$ 60,000 per annum)

Accommodation:

Private Western-furnished apartment

Airfare:

Roundtrip (teacher and spouse)

Medical:

Provided

Holidays:

Chinese public holidays + paid school holidays

Visa:

Z visa provided


Notes:

Contracts are generally for 2 years (renewable). A bonus of up to US$10,000 will be paid out on successful completion of the contract.

[roadwalker]

Yes, I'd say the chances of it being a bait and switch or even a situation where you need to pay a deposit to guarantee your placement or apartment deposit etc., are pretty high. Notice they are pretty vague about both the job requirements and the hours required. And they throw in an apartment in Beijing, and spousal airfare!

There are some jobs that pay relatively high but for very specific academic or testing needs. There are genuine international schools as well with western curriculum that hire licensed teachers at good salaries. With your credentials, you should be able to get a good job in China, but not near the salary advertised.

[kev7161]

Have you responded to this email to ask for more details, perhaps attach your resume? Just because you respond doesn't mean you have to quit your job and pack your bags for Beijing. Why not get the ball rolling, see what happens? Let us know, please.

[kungfuman]

A group of teachers in my school make 30,000y a month + however they are all licensed teachers in Canada.

[teechagimme]

I sent the guy a resume and he wants to interview me. I'm not convinced that I want to leave home again but if that's the real salary, I could be tempted.

[Non Sequitur]

Do you apply to a box number in Nigeria?

[Songbird]

Sounds like one of Perlanda's "jobs"- is it in Shenzhen? With a PELCC email address? Then run for the hills!

[Trevor Wadlow]

I know of EAP jobs in Shanghai that pay around this amount but they usually require an MA. Also, EAP is a hard slog. Lots of marking. I did it for three years.

[Timer]

[kev7161]

The low end of the advertised salary stated by the OP:

21,500/160 (roughly 40 hours a week) = 134 rmb per hour

A "typical" university Spoken English gig:

5,000/64 (roughly 16 hours a week) = 78 rmb per hour

In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with working a full time job in China as opposed to working a part time job here and another part time job there (possibly still making less money than the one full time job). For me, I'm ONLY here for the job and the income. I still work 5 days a week (usually), M-F (usually) and am almost always done by 2:00 or so (I come in most days at 7AM). Sadly, I don't earn 21,500 though. Give me a few more years!