Job Discussion Forums

PittsburghSound · Joined: 27 Aug 2014 Posts: 103 Location: Colombia

Hello, everyone. I've been reading this forum for about a week. This seems like a great place to have a discussion and find the information I am looking to obtain.

I'm completely new to the world of ESL, but I have always heard that China is one of the best places in the world for ESL. Is this still true in your opinion?

I've read a lot about work visa requirements and residence permits. A bit about me: I'm a 24 year old male, but I'll be 25 in two weeks. I'm a native speaker from Pennsylvania. I just applied for my passport on August 26th and had it expedited. I have a BA in English from Penn State. I'm 5'7" with blond hair and blue eyes, if it makes any difference. According to my last medical exam a month ago, I'm healthy as a whistle.

I would obviously be looking to do this the legal way so as to avoid any problems. I could pass and provide a criminal background check if that's necessary as well.

So now that you know me and my background, here are the questions I have:

- Does China still have plenty of opportunities for first-time ESL teachers?

- Since I'll be getting my passport by the end of this month, would it be realistic for me to look for university positions that start in February or March 2015? I figure I could start making contact with schools as soon as I get my passport.

- As far as university positions are concerned, what type of salary and benefits should I look for if they offer me a contract? I'm basically asking what a decent contract should look like for ESL in a Chinese university.

I would like to thank you all for reading my post, and I look forward to seeing your responses.

Best,

Matt

Capt Lugwash · Joined: 14 Aug 2014 Posts: 346

Do you have 2 years work experience?

PittsburghSound · Joined: 27 Aug 2014 Posts: 103 Location: Colombia

What kind of work experience? Does it have to be related to teaching? I just graduated in May. I always worked during my time as a student.

Capt Lugwash · Joined: 14 Aug 2014 Posts: 346

Well I never taught before I came here but I did have 37 years of varied work experience. Others will correct me I am sure but at your age I think it may be best if at least some of your work experience could be described as teaching or instructing.

You may be limited in your options of which cities to work but doubtless you will find a university which will take you.

As for salary, I reckon the base line for new starters is 5,000y a month but for that you need to be in a small city. I have seen Nanning lately advertising 4,000y which is outrageous. With a uni make sure all utilities and housing are gratis, then you can live comfortably. Also the airfare compensation needs to be taken into account as to whether it covers your flights and you should always get 2,200y a year for travel in country.

Plenty of jobs here and all you have to do is your homework on any school that offers you a job. Many people on this forum are able to offer personal experience of most of the schools prospective teachers enquire about and of course the internet will often throw up positive or negative comments about institutions.

jas5sk · Joined: 07 Aug 2010 Posts: 23

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

Well, China is full of something, that's for sure! Laughing

PittsburghSound · Joined: 27 Aug 2014 Posts: 103 Location: Colombia

What would that be, Kev? Pollution? Laughing

fpshangzhou · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 280

suzeyski · Joined: 11 Nov 2013 Posts: 6

Have you ever done any babysitting?

"Responsible for the developmental growth of a young adult"

Played games
"Conducted interdisciplinary lesson plans"

Gave them candy
"Alternative Assessment"

PArents give you a $20
"Maintained a positive relationship with parents throughout tenure"

+++Point is, it doesnt matter. Most of the Chinese dont just fabricate, but completely make up resume+++++

Capt Lugwash · Joined: 14 Aug 2014 Posts: 346

OP my advice for what it's worth would be to apply everywhere and see if you get an offer. At your age it's likely you would go insane living in the sticks as I do, which is ideally suited for old fossils uninterested in nightlife beyond a good meal out.

Always though, consider that bigger cities are more expensive and the salary/benefits should be commensurate.

likwid_777 · Joined: 04 Nov 2012 Posts: 411 Location: NA

Blingcosa · Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 146 Location: Guangdong

Alien abductee · Joined: 08 Jun 2014 Posts: 527 Location: Kuala Lumpur

drjtrekker · Joined: 16 Feb 2008 Posts: 251

A LOT of good comments/wisdom here.
Newbies, Pay attention.

and some funny sh-t as well....
China is good for something....yeah, maybe...sichuan some tasty noodles! Razz

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

For the most part, ESL ANYWHERE has never been a fantastic job. Perhaps in the ME 20 years ago if one had the right credentials you could score some major moolah. But even as salaries are still higher there than other places, the quality of life in the desert is definitely the other side of the coin.

Teaching English abroad has always been a great way to experience another culture for a year and travel. In certain places and at certain times a wise young person could knock out some student loans, however many with this intention found the allure of wine, women, and travel more enticing.

The fact is, ESL is not a place to go "for the money." Many people who are not materialistic love teaching, settle into a long-term career, find a local spouse, and enjoy a relatively simple life which brings them happiness (which is more than a majority of people anywhere in any career). Many people who don't really like teaching fall in love with a local, marry, stay for years and hate their life everyday. IMO, if it is just a job you're doing for the money, follow the advice of those who say do it for a year and get out. But the "warnings" so frequent here about wasting your life in ESL are certainly not relevant to everyone. People are here for different reasons and what gives their lives meaning varies. There's too much painting with a broad brush when discussing this topic.

To answer the OP, there are still plenty of opportunities in China for ESL teachers. Salaries have stagnated (as they have EVERYWHERE), but it is not really worse than it was five years ago (except for those without qualifications). You'll have plenty of time to arrange a job for February. Shop around and look at the total package instead of simply salaries. Making 5-6000 at 10-12 hours a week might be better than making 8000 for 22 hours a week, if you are in a location where you could pick up some side work. If you don't want to scramble to make money and want to relax and enjoy your experience, the latter might be better for you. Location does make a big difference, IMO. Some people like a quiet, simple place with clean air. Most people like to have the conveniences of living in a city (or at least access to a big city). You have time to do your research and look around. Be aware with universities that many campuses are not really in the city they claim to be, but are in the countryside an hour (or hours) away from said city. So ask lots of good questions!