Job Discussion Forums

[charmed]

Attn: Guangzhou FTs and for those who know better (?)

I need some feedback on a school i'm checking out here... (won't post the name not to jeopardize my chances but i could PM you details if you so wish)

Initially, i heard FTs don't get airfare reimbursements; FTs had to find an apartment (and pay) on their own (but some arrangements could be possible for the next term of stay, they say); visa/FEC/Residence Cert will NOT be worked out by school (but will ASSIST in securing visa extensions/changes). These are primary considerations for us FTs, right?
The school is Chinese managed, has an international sounding name (acronym BIS) and has an American as Head Master.

They do offer a hefty salary package tho - 9,000-12,000 RMB for 20-25 classes per week for primary to middleschool level studes.

Is it all worth it given the non-benefits and cost of living in Guangzhou?

For those who had similar situations or know the school, any inputs would be much appreciated...some sage advice please!!!!

[Rhino]

hmmm...No airfare, no accomadations, no visa sponsership. From my experience here(guangdong province) that would be the first time I've heard of this. For 12,000 it may be worth it but 8000-9000 is not uncommon in this province and thats including airfare, accomidations and a z visa. Keep in mind that my experience is only limited to one year, but I think you should be able to do better. Rent in Guangzhou is probably not cheap and depending on where you are coming from getting here is deffinately NOT cheap. I think Roger is in Guangzhou and he has a lot of experience, hopefully he responds to your post. Good luck!

[julian.d]

If you're asking if this is reasonable, I'd say yes it sounds pretty good when you consider most jobs are about RMB 5000 plus an apartment for about 1500 to 2000 and a flight, so if you do the math it still works out to be well above average. Just get someone from the school who is a local to help you find an apartment as you'll get ripped off otherwise.

[Ger]

RMB12,000 for 24 hours of teaching per week (a lot of teaching for not a lot of money).

If you've got a master's degree or two and some teaching experience you should get a salary of RMB12,000 per month for 24 teaching periods (not hours) per week, plus visa sponsorship is essential, accommodation should be on top of this, an end of contract bonus of RMB12,000 instead of flight money.

I worked at a school in China for RMB11,000 nett (after tax) for 24 hours teaching periods per week, on-campus accommodation (free of charge and no bills to pay), initially I had to pay for my own medical examination and certificate, Z visa, residence permit, then, the employer reimbursed me at the end of the contract, I got a bonus of RMB10,500 for the 10 and a half months of work at the school. The school provided the curriculum, books and students. Don't forget you have to pay tax now.

[Roger]

I would consider the LEGALITY ffirst of all, and not the salary etc.
If they think they can lure jobseekers and tell them upfront they were not going to take them on board legally, then you are an accomplice to a crooked business deal, and I wouldn't expect them to honour their promise - written or oral - for any one day.
Salaries can miraculously go down over night; having to rent your own premises puts you at a serious disadvantage. I know of an African who was picked up on the road by the PSB and deported - for living here on a tourist visa. The PSB are selective in how they sticdk to the laws, but they know the laws. And, so does your putative employer.

Lastly, I suppose you would be working for a training centre, not a school. You would be hired out to public schools - the going modus operandi these days. Well, the salary they promise is the salary theythink you can earn, but maybe the schools cut back on your lessons, or they replace you with a cheaper one, or they have "exams" and you will be made temporarily redundant.
Anyway, working as a wage-earner is not always a piece of cake, and the kids you might have could be very well the most tyrannical little monsters. You surely will have to put in a lot of time travelling on the road. Last Thursday, my 20 km trip home took one hour and a half - because we got stuck for 20 minutes on a 2-lane bridge due to some accident there.
Look, there are dozens of agents here that farm you out like this; some pay RMB 150 an hour. You can often say "no, thanks!" because the stints they offer you don't suit you. But if you are stuck with a full-time employer, you will have to obey them. Guangzhou is large, man, and traffic is hellish! Plus the heat at the moment is 28 (at night) to 37 degrees centigrade!