Job Discussion Forums

ptaslawa · Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Poland

Is it then a better idea to go there and see what crops up (a bit risky to my mind) or is it possible to arrange sth via internet (that is arrive in China with the job there waiting for you). What did you do?
Thanx again
Smile

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

I think reading the forums is an excellent way to learn about some of the common problems. Then look at lots of job ads on Dave's and other sites. Research the schools that interest you and then apply to the ones that look good. I got my job from an ad on Dave's. Yes, you have to be careful. My school did an email interview and a phone interview. You can get information from them at the same time they are getting it from you.

lowes13 · Joined: 01 Sep 2004 Posts: 56 Location: Jiangsu

Hi
During my short time here in China I've met several teachers all of whom found their jobs via internet agencies without any negative experiences. When we read many of the posts here we easily conclude that in general agencies are the wrong way to go but invariably there are also positive results. I can say that the College I work for would only deal direct with prospective employees unless they encounter time related problems in which case they justify the expense of using an agent.
It appears that the reason many schools, Colleges etc use agents is because they lack the 'know how' to organize the relevant documentation themselves.
Certainly by placing your C.V. on several of the job sites you will be contacting by many agents but also by schools and Colleges directly.

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

I got mine through the net. However, I must add that as I have mentioned before, when I first got here they had a curfew on the front gate, which I wasn't happy about (although we jsut climbed over) and an office hours rule. I was actually told about the latter (the school info said that you had to be on the premises during office hours) but misinterpreted it - I assumed that on the premises could include in the foreign techers house, given that it is quite literally on the premises.

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

In China I found jobs online and some side things by word-of-mouth.

I'm not sure how you could just arrive and get work without the Internet.

I suppese get out and meet people. Chinese cities are mad places. You can't just walk around looking for schools. On the other hand most FT's know of openings (I do) so I guess you could.

Yu · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 1219 Location: Shanghai

I got a job from Shanghai Jiaotong University via the Internet. I am quite happy with it. The pay was not as much as they had said (and it is low for Shanghai), but there have not really been surprises with the workload. I looked over many different websites not just Daves. I don't remember which ones but there is a sticky... check that post.

Chris_Crossley

I saw an advertisement on the internet for the primary school that I have been teaching at since February. It just so happened that I was in Wuhan when I saw it and the school was in a different district from the one where I currently still live. Anyway, having contacting the school first by telephone, I walked into the school just two hours later and asked if there was still a vacancy. I was told "yes", so I read the contract, negotiated a slightly higher salary on account of my quals + exp, and I'm still here. It was quite easy, really.

I did look at, and visit, other schools, too, so it was not as if I just went straight for that one without having considered anything else. It seemed to be my best choice at the time, and, having been here for nearly nine months (bar the summer hols), I still believe that I made the right decision (even if I have to get up much earlier than the other six expat teachers and commute by bus and on foot for about 50 minutes each way every day for five days a week, because I still live with my wife, her parents and our daughter in their apartment rather than on the school campus).

I may even extend my contract there until the school year ends next July, but I have not actually decided yet.

NateM · Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 358

I got my job on the internet. I didn't have the time or financial resources to make it to China and do my job-hunting in person. That said, I never even considered going to a school if there wasn't a foreign teacher already there that they could put me in touch with. I think that if you can't afford to go to China, that's a good alternative strategy. It's about as close as you'll be able to get to a "safe" choice without going there, IMO.

Larry Parnell · Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Posts: 172

I came and got a job as opposed to the internet. The advantages: You get to work somewhere you feel comfortable with. There's no surprises - you've seen the accommodation, school etc.
The disadvantages: It might take you a bit of time to find somewhere you're happy with and that's going to cost money.
So, for what it's worth, I'd recommend coming here and finding a job. You'll be offered jobs immediately so even if you're strapped for cash it's the same as taking a 'blind date' on the internet.

Chris_Crossley · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 2:30 am Post subject: "Blind date"

Larry Parnell · Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Posts: 172

Ooops! I meant a metaphorical 'blind date' with an unknown school. Or should I have been posting on one of the infinite discussions on the 'off topic' board that revolve around the issues of dating. Help, now I'm confused. That'll teach me to post after a Friday cocktail.

Stephen A Jenkins · Joined: 07 Jul 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Chongqing

I got my job via the net last year whicle I was in England. Everything I was told was lies, and everything that happened afterwards was lies. I shall be posting a full account as soon as the court case is concluded.

Larry Parnell · Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Posts: 172

Chris_Crossley · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 4:07 am Post subject: Whatever we call it ....