Job Discussion Forums

tefl_ling · Joined: 22 Aug 2015 Posts: 8

Hi all

I've been offered a job by Echo English. 5000rmb p/m for 15hrs a week at a public school, furnished apartment provided as well as a few other benefits. My first question is, is this a good offer for a tefl newbie in China and is 5000rmb enough to live on in Hangzhou / Zhejiang Province in general?

Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated.

Very Happy

JB140767 · Joined: 09 Aug 2015 Posts: 135

A quick look at the job listings on Dave's - 12K, 8K, 14K 16K 12K 20K - at the top of the page. Dave's does not even have the higher paying jobs, the tend to advertise elsewhere - so why on earth settle for 5K? In a redneck country town it might be survival money, but HangZhou is one of the most expensive cities in the country - seriously you would struggle. Echo English is not the name of a chinese public school, I guess you have signed up with an agency who are taking a biiiiiiig slice of your salary'

5000rmb p/m for 15hrs a week

If it wasn't for the ''p/m'' this would be ok, but s it stands, apalling

tefl_ling · Joined: 22 Aug 2015 Posts: 8

Thanks for your feedback JB.

Yeah they aren't a public school themselves, they're a training school but they also contract FT's and outsource them to public schools in the area. I did some reading up and read that 5000rmb is usually what inexperienced FT's are offered for the first year in some places, but I had my doubts about this one so I figured I'd ask - couldn't hurt.

Very Happy

Thanks again

Aristede · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 180

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

Despite the grandiose claims, this is pretty standard. If you can't differentiate on the terms of the 'package' don't quote bald pm salary figures.
I'd just watch that all your teaching is at the one site and accom is on campus.
Seems to me that the school you will actually teach at doesn't have the right to hire foreigners. They are using what in the west would be a temp agency.
Go through the due diligence and check off the items on the 'Job Offer Checklist' thread.
Best

tefl_ling · Joined: 22 Aug 2015 Posts: 8

Thanks for your reply NS, much appreciated.

Yet to make a final decision, definitely doing as much as I can by way of research and such to make sure I make an informed decision. I've gone through the suggested thread and most of the offer checks out - a lot of what is listed on the thread is dealt with in the contract and any issues or requests raised are being clarified and/or amended.
The apartments are fully furnished and on or near campus, and all teaching will be done at one school. However, I won't know where I'm being placed until after I sign the contract - is that normal? I'm told that once I sign the recruiters contract then they'll find me a placement that best suits my needs and preferences - too risky?

5000 p/m, free apartment, stipend for utilities; enough to live on comfortably in Zhejiang Province?

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

tefl_ling · Joined: 22 Aug 2015 Posts: 8

@ NS
they provide full z-visa and pay for work permit, residence permit and what not - cost of visa processing here at home would be on me, which I understand is pretty standard. It would be a late Feb start so the sooner I sign the better my odds of getting a post at a good school and location right? Recruiter says I'm under no obligation in regards to the contract until I land in China; which makes me think signing soon might be in my best interest... But at the same time I'm wondering what repercussions might arise if I decide not to go with them after signing; could they hold me to the breach of contract fee if I sign preliminarily? Is that a thing?

Thanks again btw - you've been most helpful Very Happy

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

buravirgil · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 11:20 pm Post subject:

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

Not meant in connection with Welsh.
Welch as get out of a bet already made.
Welch on the deal etc.

JB140767 · Joined: 09 Aug 2015 Posts: 135

JB140767 · Joined: 09 Aug 2015 Posts: 135

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

If you get 10K then chances are you aren't getting accom or airfare.
The Chinese aren't stupid and if they can get an acceptable partly qualified native speaker for around 5500 with the standard package clauses then why change?
It's not some plot by me. I simply don't want newbes getting the idea that if they go with the standard tertiary package they are missing out on some El Dorado.
I first joined Daves in 2003 and have been watching this same argument repeated over and over.
1st job- go with the least downside. Once you are operating OK in your day job - go look for privates if you want more dosh.

buravirgil · Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 12:51 am Post subject:

I believe to welch (on anything) is derived from Welsh...but I'm teasing more than serious.

But not about Cerberus!

Besides, the significant issue to this thread is all the noise about salary when only an advertised, single figure is presented as evidence. If as many assertions about technique and resources were made as there are about acceptable salaries, I'd likely believe competent teachers were more a norm.

At least it informs myself, and yourself, we'll always have a job.