Job Discussion Forums

Space Ghost · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:05 am Post subject: Virgin TESOL teacher

Not sexually just in teaching matters. Will be finishing my TESOL cert later this month and looking at travelling in November. Wanted to know from all you vets if this is a good time to go?
Is China good for a first time person?
If you are there where do you recommend, Shanghai sounds good
When you went over did you have a job set up, or just cruise on over and find a job?
Which approach do you recommend?
All answers much apreciated Very Happy

dannir · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 3:52 pm Post subject:

I can only give my personal point of view.I have been here 3 years in Beijing.I came with no job and no qualifications and now get 16000rmb package a month.Everywhere people are screaming out for teachers and I am always being asked if I know a teacher looking for work.Now in China is summer break and Sept 1 schools restart.Now I guess would be the time to start looking.

Space Ghost · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 2:37 am Post subject:

16000 sounds good but what were you getting when you first turned up?
Are you able to save there??
What amount are you roughly spending on living costs per month? Mr. Green

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

November arrival would mostly limit you to "private" schools that are open year round. .Unis and public schools will be well into the term by then...Some will be hiring if they lose people---so anything is possible.

It depends how much of a workload you want..Colleges are often 12-16 classes a week Monday-Friday..Private school expect to teach nights and weekends- 6 days a week.

I prefer the light work load so I can explore and study...If you do this this expect to earn closer to 4000 than 16000.

(PS 16000 doesn't sound good it sounds phenomenal. More than the average salaries in Japan Korea etc.)

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Well, I take teaching rather seriously, and to be honest, the beginning was a continuous shock with no end for half a year.
I also learnt to make do with the Chinese minimum pay in a high-expenditure place (Shenzhen). Tribulations and tirals have made me who I am now; I don't think it's an ideal place where to cut your teeth.

Space Ghost · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 2:06 am Post subject: hey rodger

well if you don't recommend China, where would you suggest is good to try for a first time teacher?, where abouts did you start of?

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Dunno! I never taught before coming to China; my situation has improved over the years - partly because objectively, things have been getting better (pay, visa issues, legal protection), and I have learnt lessons. Valuable lessons.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

16000 RMB a month?

What extra services are you providing to your boss?