Job Discussion Forums

xinpu · Joined: 07 Nov 2005 Posts: 61 Location: Nanjing

I've done a search on summer camps but none seem to answer the question 'are they worth the effort'.

Background...my employer is paying me my full salary for the two month summer vacation so there's no dire need to work. However I don't want to travel for two months so it seems a good idea to fit in 3 or so weeks work doing a summer camp rather than sit on my a@se.

I'm in two minds though, I'm quite looking forward to the break and I'm not sure if I really want to deal with 20 days of teaching lazy spoilt kids. The job I've been offered is in Zhejiang.. RMB 8,000 (plus accomodation) for 20 days work (6 x 40 min classes a day) 8-15 year olds.

Has anyone else done these? Are they a) badly organised hellish experiences where you just babysit spoilt brats who would rather be playing basketball with their mates or induging in 48 hour online game marathons or b) a slightly rewarding experience teaching kids with a genuine (if small) interest in being there?

Incidently has anyone taught at the 'Teach Training' summer camps? ...if so are they a better bet?

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

Will the 8 year olds and the 15 year olds be in the same class? I can't imagine, but it's worth asking about. Zhejiang Province, hmmm? As long as it's not Global China TEFL, then you should be okay (ok, ok, there are MANY summer camp organizations that can be scary - - but I'm a crusader against this outfit!). In Zhejiang, you have to deal with hot, sticky weather for most of the time you'd be working a summer camp. You might want to make sure wherever you stay you'll have good, strong AC.

My opinion is that if you are not going to travel, why not work a summer camp? That extra money can ALWAYS come in handy or consider it income you'll put aside for when you do want to travel in the future.

My school pays me 1/2 my salary for the months of July and August, so I really don't HAVE to work this summer, but I am anyway (and actually looking forward to it!).

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

PS: I often find some really, really COOL kids at these camps who have some WONDERFUL English skills. Yes, they are mixed in with the lazy, spoiled ones who'd rather be at home in front of their computer (and really, in the summer BREAK, what kid wouldn't?), but those "lazy" kids often become less so when they see others around them really trying and having fun.

amandabarrick · Joined: 30 Dec 2004 Posts: 391

Summer camps are good if you want extra cash and want to sacrifice the vacation time. 8,000 sounds good for 3 weeks;
But there are other options as well during the summer. Private tutoring is enjoyable and lucrative, it's just a matter of finding the right students. Perhaps someone at your current employment could help. There are lots who want IELTS or TESOL prep.

You could also find a temporary spot at a training center or private language school. They usually have tons of students during the summer and need more teachers.

--AB

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

For what it's worth, I've met many teachers who've done summer camps in China. I myself have not. From what I've been told, it's almost never worth the trouble. The money is not as high as other countries if that's what you're after. I hear the kids are a nightmare as well.
I can't speak from experience though but I'd be happy to forward some names and emails if you want to PM me.

I am now in Korea about to finish a year contract. I worked in China last year. In Korea, you will make A LOT more money doing the same type of work. The cost of living is a bit higher but circumstances are better even for summer camp teachers.

If you are interested in just spending a few months in China, I'd say go for it and do a summer job. I found China much more exciting but when it comes down to it... Korea has a lot more to offer in the long term.
good luck!

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

Do they have summer camps in S. Korea? That's a serious question, but the reason I'm asking is that it seemed that school was in session practically year-round with a week here or a week there off for a "holiday". The thing with China is that most teachers will have at least two solid months off so they can choose to summer camp it or choose not to. It seems like there's no choice in S. Korea.

I agree the money is so much more in Korea and I almost parted ways with China for an opportunity to work in Korea, but the lack of holidays pretty much changed my mind.

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

They do summer camps in Seoul. I know a guy from the states who came from his job in China to work during a summer camp for a month of two prior to returning to China. He said he came just to make the money.

The camps may not be in private language schools but on University campuses. I know he worked at Korea Christian College in Seoul and I think he worked with teens and college students.

Check out the Korean job board on Daves. I'd be surprised if you didn't find something there for the summer...