Job Discussion Forums

tim.clearwater · Joined: 28 Dec 2015 Posts: 2

I want to teach university students or adult learners in one of the cleaner cities in China, not cities with serious air pollution.

Is it realistic to save about 8,000 RMB per month working in a Chinese university and teaching a few hours of private lessons part-time on the side? What realistic ways are there to do this and still have a balanced life with decent amount of freetime during the week and at weekends?

Which cities would be best to meet these criteria:

1) Living in one of the cleaner cities with less serious air pollution, decent environment, quality of life and lifestyle.

2) Decent university salary (compared to cost of living) and not too large a workload / number of teaching hours.

3) Short commute to private adult language center and/or private lessons on the side with decent schedule (to avoid split shifts working different hours of the day).

4) Save 8,000 RMB after all living expenses living frugally.

How many teaching hours per week would be the mininmum to achieve this?

Maybe it would help if I give some [u]background:

UK native speaker. Have a Science Master's degree in Biology from a top university in the UK (in addition to Bachelor's degree) and a Cambridge CELTA certificate. Been teaching TEFL for 7 years, including 3 years in Taiwan (they speak Mandarin there), as well as teaching Chinese university students in several UK universities on five separate UK summer (seasonal) Pre-sessional English teaching programs. I dress smart and professionally and have a decent CV. I prefer teaching uni students/adults, as I find teaching kids tiring. I'm in the UK right now.

How realistic is the plan above given my background? Is there any other options I should consider? Any answers, help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

bagua8 · Joined: 22 Mar 2012 Posts: 57

Look into the sino-western collaborations. Xian Jiaotong Liverpool University, where I presently work, would hire you, and you would easily save your target amount. PM me if you want details.

Dan123 · Joined: 08 Jan 2014 Posts: 112

Jmbf · Joined: 29 Jun 2014 Posts: 663

Exactly what are your priorities when it comes to air quality and the ability to save money? The way I read your post, it seems you have (legitimate) concerns about pollution yet are willing to potentially put up with it if you can meet your savings target.

If that's the case, why not just head to the ME? No pollution concerns and you could probably earn more. The ME has other downsides but if earning $$ in a low pollution environment are your priorities then it makes more sense than China.

The bear · Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 483

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

I think you will have no problems meeting your financial goals if you follow the above poster's advice and go for the more "international" ventures. You have the qualifications. The high school prep programs will also reimburse you well for your ability to teach subjects in English such as biology.

As far as I am concerned, the entire eastern half of China is enveloped in every type of pollution that mankind can produce, including noise and light. But that it was where the money is, and the programs that cater to Chinese in search of a more Western education.

You have with your background a lot of options. I would just be cautious about finding an opportunity which matches your requirements, and not allow some recruiter or school to shortchange you on salary or the reality of the local environment.

bagua8 · Joined: 22 Mar 2012 Posts: 57

Actually, I am leaving Suzhou because of the bad air. I think to get anything resembling reasonable air quality in China you need to head to the very south, or west to Yunnan etc. I know there is a campus of Xiamen university that pays around 14000 RMB a month, and Southampton university has some sort of joint venture going in Xiamen. However, I think both these gigs may require TESOL or linguistics Masters.

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

One problem you will have is that most universities are quite far from the city centers where the training centers are usually located. The commutes can range from 20 - 50 minutes by bus.

tim.clearwater · Joined: 28 Dec 2015 Posts: 2

Thanks for your replies.

Bagua - Thanks, I sent you a PM.

Dan - Thanks.

Jmbf - Saving, a decent job and good general quality of life are main priorities. I want avoid the more extreme air pollution if possible. I would prefer to teach in China than ME as I've taught Chinese students before and I'm interested in Chinese culture. Thanks.

The bear - Thanks. Good to know. Do you know of any other joint-ventures at any other universities in China?

jimpellow - Thanks for these suggestions. What's it like teaching on those Chinese High School programs? Are the kids generally well behaved? Are they very quiet or very talkative?

Babala - Thanks, good to consider that.

Yes, I noticed that the average Chinese uni seems to pay around 6k. Are there any that pay more than 8k (like the one Bagua mentioned)? I guess it would be possible to teach enough privates to top-up? Am I right that in most 2nd tier cities you can save 8k on 12k pm with 4k living expenses (assuming uni provides housing or subsidy)?

Does anyone know any other sino-western collaborations or joint venture programs?