Job Discussion Forums

Action packed · Joined: 28 May 2015 Posts: 15

I was offered 12,000 rmb net of taxes a month (which includes a 3,000 rmb bonus and a 3,000 rmb housing allowance), a 7,000 rmb flight bonus at the end of their contract, and no health insurance for 25 hours of teaching a week. This contract includes 2 non-consecutive days off (Tuesdays & Thursdays). This position is in Beijing.

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

I really think you should be directing questions at current/former teachers at this school. And of course you might be.
As it would take several days of online question and answer on this forum to get to the nitty gritty, there's not much value in starting.
The only flag I want to fly is the 3K bonus pm which is part of the 12K pm.
If this is discretionary on the part of the employer you really need to know if it is consistently paid. You're only going to get an answer to that from other teachers. If you are to teach anything other than oral you can add 6 hours marking to the contact time.

Action packed · Joined: 28 May 2015 Posts: 15

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

You post on this forum - 'Anyone taught/teaches at (named) school?'
You also ask the school to be put in contact with current or past teachers.
Commonly asked question. If they refuse then it's tantamount to a negative review.

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

Action packed · Joined: 28 May 2015 Posts: 15

In regards to the bonus, I would get it unless there are any complaints against me.

I already signed the contract and they are already working on the paperwork for the invitation letter and the visa, etc.

Is it too late to change that part of the contract?

Guerciotti · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2015 4:46 pm Post subject:

OK, but ... One of my students complained because I answer curriculum specific questions in class. If I had your contract, I would be working for 3,000 less that month.
Tuhao kids can be brutal.

Besides, you're working for 9,000 plus rent, but BJ is expensive. Your rent might be 4500 all told.

Just my opinion, but I think you can do better.

Oh, I see your last post. If you change your mind - tell them quickly.

Action packed · Joined: 28 May 2015 Posts: 15

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

When do classes start? If the starting date is 2-3 months off, the school won't even apply for (or at least send you) the invitation to apply for a visa for six weeks to a month before your starting date.

If the starting date is September, you have time to bail and not do much damage.

Action packed · Joined: 28 May 2015 Posts: 15

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

This is sounding very bad.

Considering the dire need for ESL teachers in China at present, there is no sane reason why they should be stringing you along like this unless they are inept and/or arrogant in the Chinese tradition that the employer has all the power, and you should just be grateful that you have a job.

They mentioned no health insurance? That is provided by the social tax you and your employer must now pay with legit employment. And a temporary visa? It sounds like they intend to bring you in illegally, which if true, is a disaster waiting to happen.

Chinese are some of the biggest bitchers I have ever met. Americans like myself being the biggest of course. Getting paid that bonus sounds tenuous. Personally, I think if you lead your life and career trying to please others constantly for 3000RMB, you will be ass kissing for scraps of income all of your life.

Beijing is an expensive city if you intend to continue living a somewhat Western lifestyle, meaning not eating noodles all the time, etc. 12000 after tax for 25 teaching hours, hmmm (but I am thinking you will be working illegally so that tax thing is no loss to them). And then 3000 for an apartment out of that if I read it correctly?

That leaves you with 9k a month if you get all of your bonus every month. I believe for 3000 you can get a decent apartment, but certainly nothing great in Beijing. So you would have to spend more there or settle on so-so housing. And to secure an apartment in China means an initial outlay of quite a sum of money.

Best to pay all that money yourself up front. Some Chinese schools will give you an advance, which if you accept, will indicate to them that you are desperate for money and an invitation to exploit and abuse you.

Did they mention to you anything about a pre-medical which is what you will need for Beijing. They can be costly. You will also need to have a criminal background check done and be able to prove two years experience. (unless you wish to attend a special TELF school in Beijing or Shanghai - at your expense - and then it will be waived. Some other visa requirements too which they should have made you aware of and asked you to start working on.

Is there a valid reason why you will be unable to have two consecutive days off. Once again it sounds like they do not have consideration for their employees.

From what you offered I would stay clear of it, like to the ends of the Earth clear of it. Don't let them guilt you over the signed contract. Few Chinese have any respect for contracts. They are simply starting points to attempt to exploit the other party to the greatest extent possible.

Action packed · Joined: 28 May 2015 Posts: 15

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

If...you bolt from this one? They may threaten to blacklist you and such, but just laugh it off.

Reasonable amount of time to get a z-visa would probably best be answered by others who have gone through it in the past couple years. I will mention that if you are American an FBI background check is required to work in a good number of jurisdictions. That alone will take 12-16 weeks once submitted.

Deats · Joined: 02 Jan 2015 Posts: 503