Job Discussion Forums

NubianQueen · Joined: 04 Mar 2015 Posts: 37

So I have been working in china on and off for a year. I first came for a 4 month contract to see if I liked it. That school was in the middle of nowhere so I returned home. Then I came back for a chinese international school which I expected to be better. Even though I had them write all promises in the contract they did not follow it. I could deal with anything but the hours in the country side. I recieved more than agreed to in the contract and I was fired for not liking it. So then I waited 2 months to start a public school job in shenzhen. I came through a agency who sent me to a private school which I have learned does not suit my personality. I asked to move they refused until the school complained. I was moved and now I am at a decent school.

I am in china now to save money to settle back at home. I will return home this summer to take some classes to receive my Florida teaching license. My question is do you stay when you find something good because you have made a life or should you go for greener pastures. The pay with the company is not great and now they are not providing housing like they were originally so I must pay for one with only 2,500 which is not enough. I find myself becoming complacent and I don't like it. I think this is because I had such a rough start and now things are not so stressful. I must say I worry my current school will change. Right now I teach only 12 classes and have no office hours. I am not sure if things will stay this way.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

NubianQueen · Joined: 04 Mar 2015 Posts: 37

I will return home to take the test and it takes up to 4 months to process all my papework. Rather than wait I am deciding to stay at my current job or get another one. I doubt I will have my license by September I missed the hiring season for America as well since I am in china and have to test in America.

Guerciotti · Posted: Sun May 24, 2015 11:40 am Post subject:

It's not an easy decision to make. You understandably seem a bit hesitant to return to China, or at least hesitant to return to your current position. Perhaps, while you take the Florida exams, you can look for positions in your state. You could use the internet to start looking now. Or, look for other positions in China.

Has your current school made an offer for next year? How bad is it?

Was the Florida licensing process difficult? I will (finally) send them my FBI CRC and transcripts this summer.

listerialysin · Joined: 14 May 2015 Posts: 30

Your post makes no sense on many levels.

You ahve issues with every job and contract and yet you continue to return to China for more.

Then you want an American teaching license but come to China again?

Did you take ANY economic or common sense courses about why that all sounds ridiculous.

What's the gravitation for China after so many issues and higher qualifications?

Deats · Joined: 02 Jan 2015 Posts: 503

I really don't understand the OP either. You've already flown through a number of jobs in under a year, none of which please you. You want to keep hopping from job to job for a few months here and a few there. You don't like the schools, it sounds like they don't like you (if they complained about you).

Either a) China isn't for you or b) teaching isn't for you or c) both of the above

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

I agree with the last two posters --- China just ain't your bag. Head back to the US in the summer, get your license, and teach in your home state for a couple of years to gain valuable experience. You'll then be qualified to teach at the better international schools worldwide.

NubianQueen · Joined: 04 Mar 2015 Posts: 37

Some real advice not schina is not for you. I am not the typical teacher if I come I have options which has been my biggest downfall. I always want the best and find it hard to settle.

University- I had no clue it was super easy and there were no standards I was not challenged but that was a techincial school so I tried a international one. Also school was suppose to pay both my flights and when I arrived they changed the contract so I didn't trust them and would not continue there.

International school-I thought they might have some standards cause it said international and I wanted a light schedule so I picked this place in the woods when I arrived they gave me more hours than I was willing to work in the woods so I told them I wanted to go.

Public school- I enjoy the hours and conditions but don't like the pay and I know I can make more. Initially I came to china to make a difference but now that I know they really don't care I want to get paid

So my question was which is best to make money with decent conditions. I can work for a low pay and depend on privates or take my chances on a higher paying school. I have an offer for 24,000 rmb but the contract does not favor a teacher. You pay if you are late and students don't pass. I assumed since many on this board have been here years I could get some advice.

I would rather not get an apartment incase things change drastically and I need to pack my bags and go. I don't want to lose my depost so weighing my options.

Not sure why the first thing everyone says is china is not for you. If you get off the boards you can find out it is common for people to be lied to and not have a good time.

Deats · Joined: 02 Jan 2015 Posts: 503

China isn't for you because you are too demanding. It's that simple. You want everything to be to your liking and in China, it never works like that. You are living in cloud cuckoo land if you really think you are going to get everything you want in China - you'd struggle in most western countries. Let me summarise some points for you...

a) you want a western salary (actually way higher than a starting teacher in the UK gets, about 50% more)

b) very few hours (presumably way less than a teacher in the west does)

c) an employer that really cares and sets high standards - even though you say you are now only in it for the money. Presumably you want everything the way it is in the US...

d) you don't want an apartment (where are you going to live?) because you want to be able to run away at the first chance you get - so no loyalty whatsoever.

If you just hopped from one job to another in the US you would be unemployable within a few years. Also, I'm not sure anyone would employ you with your attitude...

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

A university job, a private high school, a private primary school, a public high school, and an international (foreign curriculum) are all different jobs. Are you getting your license to be a career teacher or to obtain a better job/salary internationally?

You wrote that the university job was too easy and didn't challenge you, and I can understand that. The university jobs are great in my opinion, but they don't expect (or want) anything that you've been training for, or perhaps very little. They do sometimes ask for writing instruction and courses on western literature, but usually they want someone to get the students confident to speak English. I find that challenging at times, but also rewarding.

Some of the same universities that hire foreigners for 'oral English' also have international placement offices which want foreign teachers to help get the kids into western schools, i.e. test prep. Perhaps that is an avenue for you to look into.

I've always heard that true international schools have long hours, more or less the same that one would expect teaching in a state or private school. The ones that use international in their name but don't offer an accredited curriculum from a foreign country are just trying to sell to rich locals. Some are apparently good and have good teaching jobs but others get bad mouthed on forums like this one.

So... stay in the job that isn't so bad and has decent hours, and no housing provided (but a stipend low for the area) or try a more financially rewarding job and take your chances? I also don't like the idea of having to put up a big deposit and deal with landlords (another plus for most university jobs) so I would be torn too.

I wouldn't take the big money job unless you think it's going to be what you really want, but I have never been money motivated beyond reasonable security. I'd be more inclined to take a job I think I'd enjoy doing, with a decent accommodation. Perhaps something similar to where you are now is available (with accommodation)? Private students will always find you if you are looking to boost income. Not worth it to me, but many on this board, and teachers I've known disagree.

Son of Bud Powell · Joined: 04 Mar 2015 Posts: 179 Location: Since 2003

Nubian Queen:

Neither China nor the teaching profession is for you. Even though I doubt that you actually did what you say you did in such a short amount of time, you have convinced me that you (and your prospective students ) would be better served if you chose another profession.

Universities get all sorts of numpties with little-to-no ability to teach. Worse, many times they don't have the education to teach. Universities have a low expectation of the FTs for that reason. You won't get into trouble for singing "Happy Birthday" for an hour if you give no indication that you have anything to give. However, if you go to class to teach and actually engage the class with something interesting, it will be recognized, and the school's expectations will increase. That's when you earn your pay.

Your story of having struck out four times is ample evidence that you should do something different with your life and do it somewhere else.

Really.

murray1978 · Joined: 02 Dec 2008 Posts: 84

I have to agree with everyone posting. The OP has burned through several different jobs and never finished a contract. My advice is to get your teaching license and teach in your home country.

My question is why are you coming back to China after each failed job? What is it that brings you back?

ESL/EFL isn't for everyone and just by reading what you wrote, it may be unsuitable for you.

Cheers,

Murray

fpshangzhou · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 280

I would have to agree to the part where the OP says these students don't want to learn. As much effort I put towards preparation and getting the student(s) to get engaged, I find it all a big waste of time as they don't study outside of class or they cancel for weeks at a time. Yet, they have ridiculous expectations to improve their language skills overnight or very short-term. Sometimes, it's best to just say screw it and see it as a means to make easy money and the opportunity to live and experience the expat life, and that's exactly what I'm doing.

Cheers,

Aaron