Job Discussion Forums

Aphrodite#5 · Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 49 Location: Hangzhou

I just received a contract from Greentown school in Hangzhou, and they are offering me 6000 RMB per month, an on campus apartment (I've seen pics, it looks nice), and airfare reimbursement. It says there are 20 contact hours a week, and the guy said I will probably have about 3-4, 45 minute classes per day, if that. It also mentioned that I'll be responsible for partaking in extra-curriculae activities designated by the school. Does this sound good? What kind of questions should I ask? With 6000 RMB, how much is that after taxes? Thanks to anyone who can give me some info and advice.

Noelle · Joined: 26 Mar 2005 Posts: 361 Location: USA

I sent you a private message but you should be getting some advice from other people here pretty soon as well.

Just make sure you read the contract really well... perhaps find out what type of medical insurance coverage they offer, bonus stipends... etc. I don't remember paying taxes but I did pay for utilities in the apartment.

I'd want to know what the class sizes are like but that's just me.

I think the most important thing is to get references on the school if at all possible.

Good luck!

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I suppose you get airfare and holiday travel allowance as well.
You failed to mention whether your employer is a training centre or a public school - huge difference in terms of holiday compensation.

Otherwise, even if this is a training centre (most probably it is) the offer is not bad.

I would, however, be keen on getting as much clarification on "extra-curricular activites" as possible!

It may very well include an unfixed number of hours doing what most TEFLers loathe - "English salons" or "English corners".

You should also make them define those extra-curricular activities as part of those 20 weekly hours rather than a possible complement on top of it.

mlalahoi · Joined: 03 Jul 2005 Posts: 54 Location: China

What's wrong with English corner? i like the informal setting and it gives me a great chanc to get to know my students better, and they are a wealth of information aout chinese culture, where to buy dvd's, what is this wierd vegetable i found, etc.. IF you don't want to talk to chinese people why did you come here?

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

I agree that the extra-curricula activities are likely to be the biggest problem with this contract as it is so open to misunderstanding.

Maybe you could ask what is likely to be included and set a maximum number of hours for this work as well as establish when it could be requested of you (for example not on weekends etc.)

Ask the school what this entails for current teachers, and ask to speak to those teachers. There may be some aspects of that work that you can specifically ask not to be required to do. For example some schools may ask you to do promotional work handing out flyers etc. You don't want to be roped into that kind of stuff so it is best to exclude the possibility upfront.

Aphrodite#5 · Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 49 Location: Hangzhou

Thank you all for your help. You've made some very good points and suggestions. The school I am cnosidering is a private school, affiliated with Monash University in Australia, so I'm assuming that's a training center. I asked about the extra curricular activities, and the international director said that they would be on campus. He said depending on the frequency of the "activities" I can arrange with the principal for compensation. He said for an "excursions" AKA field trips, I would be provided necessary transportation and other costs incurred on field trips would be covered, but they only do these about 1-2 times per year. Also, there was something in the contract saying that they only give me 90% of my monthly salary each month and then give me the sume of the extra 10% each month, at the end of the year. What the hell is that? Is that normal, or should I try and get that changed. Also, please school me on the Chinese way to approach such subjects, b/c I know that culturally, these such negotiation processes are very different, and probably very delicate. Thanks again!

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

Aa far as English Corners/Salons go, it's fine if they specify exactly how many hours you are supposed to be doing them each week (usually one or two hours). So add those to the number of teaching hours and then it will give you an idea of how much they are paying you by the "hour". Each "hour" may be 45 minutes to 50 minutes in length.

Volodiya · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:23 am Post subject:

[In response to Roger's comment that many/most TEFLers loathe English corners: Anything you are required to do, and do often enough, becomes "work", even if it didn't seem so, at first. "English Corner" is no exception. But, it doesn't have to be "deadly". Go prepared with several ideas, in case things start to drag. If you don't like hearing the same questions and answers, don't allow it- take control, keep it moving, and guide the conversation to things you think will be interesting, for you, and the students. It will still be "work", but not a total dead end, like it can be if you let the students dictate the topics and direction of the flow, all of the time.]

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

Chris_Crossley