Job Discussion Forums

DCHun · Joined: 06 May 2013 Posts: 51

A teacher in my department referred me to meet with a Chinese company who is looking for a native English speaker to teach their employees business English.

I don't have a lot of details about the job because I haven't met with them yet, but I want to get an idea about what the going rate is for outside/private work. How much do you guys charge for private lessons? What are some things I should watch out for or make sure to ask about before taking the job?

shenzhenbound · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 10

Small groups - 400-450RMB/hour

Harbin · Joined: 19 Feb 2013 Posts: 161

muffintop · Joined: 07 Jan 2013 Posts: 803

How many students do you have at 150+/hour a head? Genuinely curious.

muffintop · Joined: 07 Jan 2013 Posts: 803

@OP

If it's a 'Business English' class or any other class really....I'd be concerned about their English level first and foremost. For me there is nothing worse than teaching remedial English to adults. Painful. When you meet with the company be sure to meet with the students also.

Besides that, you need to have a clear understanding of the goals and expectations that the company has for your class. Some parents/companies/students have completely unrealistic expectations.

...and make it crystal clear that they are paying for your time. If they cancel a class with short notice, they are still obligated to compensate you. If they give you notice in advance it is at YOUR discretion to charge them or not.

DCHun · Joined: 06 May 2013 Posts: 51

Wow, I'm glad I posted on here. I would've been happy with 200rmb, but I'm glad the market price is higher than that.

I'm also a little worried that they're English level is going to be pretty low...but if they pay me 400rmb/hour, I'll teach whatever they want. Razz

Btw, I'm in Dalian and the cost of living here is a little higher than some other parts of Dongbei.

kungfuman · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 1:15 pm Post subject:

200y an hour is fine

JamesD · Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 3:15 am Post subject:

Local or national company?

If it's a small local guy I give him a break on contract length and price, nationals get the standard rate and contract, multinationals pay a good bit more.

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

I did a couple of hours on Saturday for HP in Dalian.
It was in 2005 and can't remember the rate.
What I do recall is the lack of continuity as you seldom got the same group exactly.
Plan to make the 2 hours self-contained.

PBirm123 · Joined: 08 Apr 2013 Posts: 31

Business English is a good niche to be in. If you're teaching a small group, the minimum you should ask for is 350 RMB. But don't be afraid to ask for more, the Chinese respect a negotiator and will very rarely reject you outright because of your initial quote.

Harbin · Joined: 19 Feb 2013 Posts: 161