Job Discussion Forums

Jelson · Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 5

I was just offered a job with Web International in Shanghai. I hear the hours there are rather intense- does anyone have any thoughts? What other schools do you know of in Shanghai which are reputable?

I know its the summer months, but I wanted to start ASAP.

Thanks!

peterpaul · Joined: 02 Jun 2004 Posts: 36 Location: Shanghai

Web International is a chain of English language training schools using Dyned's CALL software as the core material. It is a franchise system, so the school's quality varies.

I have worked at Web International in Shanghai for 2.5 years. The hours are long (about 40 to 45 each week). You are expected to teach 25 hours in that time, though occasionally it is only 23 or 24. During the rest of the time you are expected to prepare for your classes (though after you have taught them a few times the time needed to prep is minimal). You may have to speak with other students and some light administrative duties.

However, I have found that in the busiest weeks I do no more than 30 hours of work in the work week. That leaves me several hours to do as I please; study Chinese, read, go for walks, etc.

The pay is on the low end of competitive for full time teachers, but acceptable.

If you are looking to have a subsidized way to see China there are other options. If you are looking to settle down and make a life (even if it is a temporary life) then I feel it is a great option.

Jelson · Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 5

I thank you for your honest answer. I am only planning on staying for about six months- what other options would you reccomend?

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

A better option is New York.

Shanghai is just New York with Chinese characteristics.

jg · Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 11:49 pm Post subject:

If you will only be there six weeks, why not try to find a parttime position at Web? I had one last Winter, and it was fine. They hold hour-long classes until the late evening, and I often came in to work during the crush. Ah, "crush" means all the after-work gang, come to improve their English.

Kindergartens seem to be always hiring, and if you don't mind singing and dancing - literally - with kids for a few hours, its easy money. Kids Castle seems to be all over the place, and constantly advertising.

Check www.asiaxpat.com, look under "careers" and "part-time", there ought to be googobs of work there.

Good luck to ya! Very Happy

prof · Joined: 25 Jun 2004 Posts: 741 Location: Boston/China