Job Discussion Forums

[Larry Paradine]

About a week ago I put in a request for some advice re jobs in China, and have since realised that, by so doing, I bit off more than I could chew. Last night there were over twenty replies, though most were from half a dozen correspondents. Tonight there are 56 replies listed but my computer insists it can't open the page, hence the reason for putting this in as a new topic.

Well, my thanks to all respondents, especially the one or two who actually made an effort to answer my questions. However, by last night it was obvious that my search for greater clarity had merely muddied the waters further (excuse the mixed metaphore) and had given some very frequent contributors to eslcafe an opportunity to snipe at each other for what I suspect is the umpteenth time in a long running war of words. One of the replies that I managed to read before my computer went on strike said that there is already a glut of foreign teachers in China, and I have an image of a diaspora of assorted English speakers bickering and bitching and generally getting on each others' nerves, something I've encountered among factious expat communities in other TEFL magnets from Kuwait to Prague. At least we don't have that sort of institutionalised feuding here in Russia, not in the provinces anyway, there aren't enough FTs to constitute a cassus belli. If any of the latest, as yet unread, replies don't fall into the fire and brimstone category, my apologies to the authors. If I post another query, I'll be careful to restrict the scope to questions about a specific and named employer and/or town.

[Spiderman Too]

1) It depends on your definition of kids/adults. University undergrads (aged 19 - 22) refer to themselves as boys/girls which does, actually, provide an indication as to their level of maturity.

Your preference to teach principles of English law (no chance) and British life, society and history (western culture and literature are definite possibilities) suggests that you would be best suited to a university position. Language schools patronized by working adults are not known for teaching subjects other than oral English, TOEIC and TOEFL.

Also, quality, government universities seem to have no bias against more mature foreign teachers whereas language schools seem to prefer under 35s; there are, of course, exceptions.

In summary, I recommend that you limit your consideration to government universities, especially those that recruit direct.

2) The so-called 'key' universities (the prestigious institutes) offer salaries in the range of 3,000 RMB to 4,000 RMB, for 12 to 16 40/45/50 minute teaching periods per week. Second-tier government universities offer salaries in the range of 4,000 RMB to 5,000 RMB, for 16 to 20 teaching periods per week.

I won't work for less that 5,000, for which I am happy to teach 20 periods per week. Positions offering 4,000 for 16 periods, an equal rate of pay, don't interest me because I too want to be able build upon (actually, replenish) my savings.

My reasonable, but not extravagant, lifestyle costs 2,500 per month. If I had a wife I'd figure on spending an additional 1,000.

When considering salary offers, pay attention to the additional benefits. Are July and August paid (February, Spring Festival should certainly be paid)? Does the school provide a paltry 'medical allowance' or have they purchased actual medical insurance? Free electricity is worth 300 - 400 for 6 months of the year, 100 -150 for the balance.

3) I've never been to Dalian.

My 'happy compromise' has been work to in universities 1 to 1 1/2 hours from a major city; a rural setting with relatively easy access to big city shopping / services.

If you send me a PM I'll provide you with details of 3 universities which may suit you.

Finally, I've toyed with the idea of teaching in Russia for a year or two. Your offer to reciprocate at some time in the future, and your e-mail address will be much appreciated.