Job Discussion Forums

[dan allan]

Hi to All;

Let me start by saying "MUCHAS GRACIAS" to all the positive responses; your expertise is ACKNOWLEDGED and APPRECIATED.

I am Canadian, 50, qualified by 2 teaching certificates (total 100 hours), TOEFL/GMAT training from Princeton Review, and 6 years experience in Latin America teaching Business English, TOEFL, GMAT, and other specialties in language schools and companies. For the last 2 years I've been freelance teaching in-company business classes here in beautiful downtown MEXICO CITY.

After some research, this is my tentative plan:

Arrive mid October to Hong Kong, pick up a multiple-entry tourist visa, cross the border and look for a teaching contract. I would have a return or onward ticket in my possession, some travelers checks, and be prepared to stay in a hotel and poke around a bit . In other words, go to schools, interview, and finally NAIL DOWN a job of some sort. I understand it's common for schools to secure the working visa and pay travel expense after hiring.

Some lingering doubts:
-Age discrimination? (I look younger if that helps) -Is the housing 1 per unit or shared? Washing machines? Maid service?

-possible to teach adults only? -Medical included? -getting private classes on the side? -combination in-company business classes and institute classes? -any slow periods in the year? Prep time required or are the courses usually "turn key"? online or local unis to take ESL related courses? On the social side, fratrinizing with the opposite sex and outdoor recreation?
Is the South of the country a better option than up North?

Kind of a s___ load of questions, I realize. Sorry for that.

Once again, I'd appreciate any constructive or positive input as well as job leads, contact names, etc.

THANKS A MILLION,

Dan Allan.

[Minhang Oz]

Sounds like a reasonable plan - there will be some nay sayers no doubt - and in line with what I'd do if coming here now. Remember a new term starts Monday for most schools, and the better jobs have gone. Focus on the HK border cities and Shanghai. Make contact before you arrive with schools that can give you a decent bread and butter job, with light hours , a legit. Z visa, and single housing. Corporate training can be lucrative here in SH., 250 an hour is a reasonable rate. It can be a straightforward delivery deal such as TOEIC, or something designed specifically for that company. They're becoming fussy, but you seem well equiped to land something worthwhile. As for leads: I wouldn't give mine to my best friend, as he may steal my next job. Begin with www.thatsmagazines.com

[Cobra]

Mid-October is mid-semester so public schools will probably not be an option.

Private language mills or business institutes will be your best bet.

[Roger]

Your arrival time is less than perfect as the new term begins on this coming MONDAY, 1st of Sep! In October, there is going to be a whole week of national holidays, with travelling becoming a major crunch experience (just imagine buying a train ticket for a Shanghai-bound train from Guangzhou or Shenzhen! COunt on a delay of two days at tyour place of departure). YOu would better arrive before, or stay put in Guangdong.

I do not know why you prefer adults - your business; if you are new to China, this can suck mightily! Lack of imagination, inability to think outside of the Chinese box! Translation requested from students with ten years of "study English" experience! Besides, company classes are normally paid for by the company, but your real overlords are your students. Know what it means if you get freebies that you did not ask for? You become fickle.
Once again, the best advice is for you to find a legal situation, and branch out as you discover the place and its parochialisms. YOur school may object to you having extra income, and why shouldn't they? My school does not mind, but you need to fix this aspect at the beginning.
You will be paid your airfare at the end of your tenure, if at all.
You can try to negotiate a deal whereby they prorate it and add a portion to your salary each month.

Freelancing is illegal, it is sometimes tolerated (apparently so in Shanghai). But even there, the PSB are known to descend on schools employing II's, and marching the culprit to their office, making him or her pay a load of money, then deport him or her!
In Guangdong, it is the same except that I have not heard so far of anyone being deported for working illegally.
On the other hand, the authorities are trying to restore some kind of orderliness. As an expat, you will be expected to contribute to the national coffers. If your employer is a foreign-owned company (a training centre in the hands of an overseas-domiciled business), you may have to pay taxes.
You canNOT pay tax if you do not hold a work visa, and a work visa is conditional on certain criteria, one of which being that you only work for a legal employer and your income is declared.

You may have to show proof of your tax payments when you leave the PRC (for Hong Kong or for any other country).
It has NOT happened to me yet, but I have had to pay tax, and I collected my tax receipts.
There is some red tape involved in paying tax too - which enhances the authorities grip on you and your life!
So, once more: Don't bank too high on that extra income! Just go for a regular job!

Ah, age discrimination: That's the best news - the older the better, or so it appears! They often prefer oldies.

[Minhang Oz]

Almost forgot. Any school provided housing will have a washing machine. A maid? Panama Teacher wrote the book, but please don't follow his lead. An honest housekeeper who can clean and do your market shopping should set you back 5 rmb an hour. I'm not quite sure what Roger means by "freelancing", as he holds down more than one job. A big uni. is the conduit for my extra work. Sure, they get a cut, but I get a contract and guaranteed payment. But as we've both said, get a main job first, and take it from there. Social life? Yes and yes. N or S? Shanghai and the Pearl River Delta seem to have more jobs on offer and better pay, but I'm not ruling out other places.