Job Discussion Forums

merso · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 3

I am looking to go to china to teach around september. I have recently completed a tefl course, but have no teaching experience (no degree). What type of salary could i command? I noticed schools offering around 3000 for the month with free rent which only equates to just over $500 australian per month, which leaves not much chance of saving any money. Also does anyone know anything regarding the working holiday visa for Korea. If is was looking at saving money would I be best to try to get there instead ?
any opions will be appreciated

Healer · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 71 Location: In Beijin

would you work for 500$ a month in Australia?

......... how about trying the korean forum, maybe?

anthyp · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 1320 Location: Chicago, IL USA

China will hire anybody, it seems, and even without a degree you might find a job somewhere that pays more than 3000 Yuan.

There are people here with degrees, with TEFL and experience, who aren't making too much more than that.

It depends on where you're willing to work, and how many hours you can get.

3000 Yuan isn't a lot, no, but I don't spend much more than 2000 per month in my small city. So it is possible to save a little bit on that kind of salary, and still go out frequently, for drinks, meals, and so on.

Again, it depends on where you go.

ContemporaryDog · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 1477 Location: Wuhan, China

I save 3000 a month off 5300, so it is possible, and I still eat out and stuff. Still, my school provides free meals, and rent and bills are all covered. If I had to pay rent, bills, meals out of the 5300 it wouldn't be anywhere near as good a deal.

No Moss · Joined: 15 Apr 2003 Posts: 1995 Location: Thailand

Most schools in China don't pay very well for casual teachers (those without a teaching qualification--if you have that, you can work in an international school, of course). You usually get a package, but the highest salary I've heard of is 11,000 without housing. The guy got his job during the SARS crisis, and he's the only one making over 8,500 (without housing) at the school. That's for a 40-hour week, around 50% contact hours. Most jobs in affluent cities are 5-6,000 per month, and higher pay usually means no housing.

You can make money doing privates during your off-hours. Uni's don't take up your evenings or weekends, so they're good for privates, if you've got the energy and the inclination.

Privates pay well, but they also require some effort and preparation. If you want to "wing it", they won't last long, even if you're an experienced teacher.

You'll make more money and have less fun in China, assuming you're willing to work hard. I love Thailand, but I don't like the idea of working for peanuts. But get me out of China for my vacation!