Job Discussion Forums

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

I am currently doing tefl teaching in China. I am having a fantastic time, don't get me wrong, but as a long-term job prospect it isn't that great.

The salary DOES afford me a lifestyle I wouldn't have as a beginner teacher in the UK, I can buy many DVDs, eat out lots, get taxis everywhere. However, there is a ceiling of 10,000 yuan a month at most I could get, maybe 15,000 if I'm very, very lucky. Its good at a local level but not if I want to travel etc etc.

On the other hand, if I go back to the UK, and do a PGCE (teacher training) that will open the door to really fantastically-paying jobs in many countries around the world. If I had known this when I graduated I would have gone straight to do a PGCE, which unlike the CELTA course which I had to pay through the nose for, is paid for by the UK government. I thought at the time that with a PGCE you could only get a job in the UK, so you needed to do TEFL to travel abroad.

So why Tefl rather than conventional teacher training, when the latter comes cost free and opens the door to far better job opportunities in places like Hong Kong, and international schools the world over?

I assume this applies to schools in Europe too.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

That's where I'm at now. In for a year and a half. GOing to Peru for a year and a half this Aug. Then hopefully do a Grad Dip in Austrlia to become a primary teacher and work in Christian international schools in China and make more money!

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

[quote="naturegirl321"]That's where I'm at now. In for a year and a half. GOing to Peru for a year and a half this Aug. Then hopefully do a Grad Dip in Austrlia to become a primary teacher and work in Christian international schools in China and make more money![/quote]

Sounds like a good plan. I might well stay in China long term as my fiancee is here and doesn't want to go to England, but I'd need to get an International School job to really be able to afford to buy a decent house, raise a family etc.

waxwing · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 719 Location: China

Please, I'm intrigued, which fantastic jobs exactly do you mean?
I have a PGCE (although not in English, in Science). I've often wondered what I could do with it. Teaching in England .. err no thanks, tried that for 3 years (2 too many really) and it just isn't worth it, not for me anyway.

Do you mean 'International Schools'? Is the pay really that great? I am always somewhat put off, e.g. the ethos of these schools, rich spoilt kids, the whole private school mentality. Maybe I'm just being negative?

Please, give more details on what you mean!

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

waxwing · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 719 Location: China

Thanks ng

Well, that is a big range.. I mean, you can make 1K/month without too much difficulty in several countries (Eastern Europe, Asia) doing bog-standard TEFL work, not necessarily huge hours. I guess I was wondering if someone who'd worked in that kind of environment could say what it's like Question

Russell Hadd · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 181

I think a combination of a PGCE in a shortage subject, where you get a payment, and a TEFLCert then you should be set for an enjoyable career. If it's money and only money your after then forget it. If you are looking for a balance of seeing the world, comfortable living and then opportunities in the UK once you've moved up the ladder then it's definitely possible. The problem is just going back to the UK with 4 or 5 years experience. You really need to go back as an administrator, trainer, or lecturer etc with the Masters in the bag. Even if you're not intending to go back there are opportunities but get that PGCE. Then you can even go for a Euro Schools contract - worth it's weight in gold!

ejw · Joined: 22 Jun 2004 Posts: 15

Waxwing wrote:

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

In answer to that, when I was in Yangshuo recently I met someone who works in Shanghai. He said that International Schools there pay at least 2000 USD a month, and with a bit of experience nearer 3000. Now, even though Shanghai is more expensive than other places in China, on that sort of money you could still have a great time and save money. Its certainly a fortune in Chinese standards.