Job Discussion Forums

[Cathy OB]

Does anyone know of any well paid jobs in China? I'm not really keen on working for $500 to $1000 per month.

I realize that's a high salary for China, but at the same time I'm looking to save some money, not just pay my way to travel around the country.

I have heard a couple of distant rumours of higher paid teaching jobs, but I haven't found any myself. Can anyone help?

Thanks

[TravellingAround]

Are you qualified to teach in your own country's schools?

If so...check the international schools...the largest concentration seems to be around Shanghai or, to a lesser extent, Beijing. There are others in large cities such as Guangzhou. Search for international schools from your own country offering an Australian curriculum. They often pay western-style salaries but with far lower living costs so people can do pretty well out of them.

If not...go to a large city and network.

[Cathy OB]

Sorry, I should have been more specific.

No, I'm not qualified to teach. I've seen jobs for qualified teachers advertised, and I can see that they would do well out of them. I'm not eligible to apply for these jobs.

Also, I'm not all that keen on flying to China without a job and a work visa already lined up. It seems fairly expensive and risky to me, even in a big city. Do you know of anyone who has had success with this approach?

Thanks for your help.

[Itsme]

just show up.

[prof]

Australians generally don't get the high paid jobs here.

Why?

Begin with the accent. Then go with the conventional wisdom of Aussie 'work' habits. Then close with the lack of 'face' hiring an Aussie for a high paid position.

Trolls will likely follow. But that's the harsh truth.

[TravellingAround]

[Steppenwolf]

[sojourner]

Prof,

Have you ever been to Australia ?

If not, have you ever met any Australians ?

If "no" to the above two questions, then please enlighten us as to what you regard as the peculiarities of both the "Australian accent" and "Australian work habits".

When discussing the "Australian accent", which one are you actually referring to ?

Undoubtedly, you have been influenced by media-created stereotypes of Australia and its people. I am often amazed as to why Aussies allow their cultural identity to be distorted by the (usually) American TV/film industry. Could you imagine spokespersons for, say, Jewish or African American groups remaining quiet for very long if a particular TV programme happen to portray Jews and Blacks as acting according to the sorts of (ethnic) images often portrayed in movies of the 30s and 40s, long before the advent of anti-racial and ethnic vilification legislation ? Likewise, with the portrayal of gays and lesbians on TV and the movies. Maybe, Aussies are so self-confident in how they see their national identity, that they are not easily offended by the opinions of others - but, who knows, that quality of "self-confidence", in itself, could be seen as a sort of stereotype ! Should a high degree of self-confidence actually be a trait of the Australian cultural identity, this would help ensure that they are in the running for the "high paid jobs" - but, on the other hand, it could also be regarded as a liability by employers in that it may well result in feelings of inadequacy or inferiority on the part of other expats !

You also said something about Chinese "loosing face" should they ever hire an Aussie for a "high paid position". Would you please enlighten us as to instances where Australians were not appointed to such postions merely on the grounds of their country of birth ?

Incidently, in your opinion what actually constitutes "high paid" positions ? Of course, I am referring to positions in the EFL sector, as well as in related educational fields. ( BTW, were you the person who initiated a thread a few weeks back on 250 RMB per hour jobs ? ).

It might interest you know that China has a very high regard for Australia - it is so high, that the visa fees for Aussies wanting to visit or work in the PRC are considerably lower than those charged for others. Maybe, it's because of the close economic ties between the two countries - but, again, it could be because the Chinese authorities appreciate the qualities that ordinary Australians possess; qualities that could enhance their contributions to China's educational development !

Regards,

Peter

[sojourner]

Cathy,

You mentioned that you are "not qualified to teach". You may not have a teaching diploma, but do you possess a degree ? I recall coming across an item on this forum a short while ago that mentioned that the possession of a degree is "essential" for getting a teaching job in China. However, I have also been advised that that requirement is not always rigidly enforced by employers and local administraters. So, if you don't possess a degree don't give up hope, just yet ! But, if you can manage to find a job, it would probably be in a language school, teaching Oral English, rather than in a university or college. Yet, on the other hand, if you have had several years of business or administrative experience, you just MIGHT be able to land a job as a teacher of Business English at one of the lower level colleges or unis.

If you don't possess a degree, why not take advantage of Australia's HECS scheme - the envy of all Canadian and American FTs, I might add ! - and study for your degree via the online medium ?

If you happen to encounter any difficulties in finding a job, PM me and I'll provide you with the name and email address of my former recruiter. If new to this game, it's a good idea to let a recruiter find you a position. But, after a couple of years in this country, you'll soon learn the ropes, such as how to network with other teachers, find out where the best jobs are, etc - thus, putting you in a position to apply for jobs under your own steam. So, in my opinion, it is not necessary for you to come to China in person to hunt for jobs. Contact a good recruiter, and let him/her find you something. When a job has been found, the next step is a phone interview with the school's or college's Foreign Affairs Officer, and after that, a copy of the contract is faxed to you. If the contract appears ok, the next steps are for you to apply for your visa and to book a flight to the People's Republic !

For further info re contracts, refer to my postings to the following thread : http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=45243

Before coming to China, it might be a good idea to complete a basic course in ESL/EFL teaching, such as CELTA or the Trinity College equivalent. Such a course will give you some ideas re classroom control, lesson planning, explaining the more intricate aspects of grammar, how to use realia, etc. If you intend to spend some time in SE Asia before arriving in China, it might be a good idea to do your CELTA training in Thailand - far cheaper than doing it in Brisbane !

Good luck !

Regards,

Peter

[TravellingAround]

[jeffinflorida]

An Autralian friend of mine works for TAFE in Australia and is based in China. he gets paid at home on his currency (kangaroo dollars i think they are called) and he makes an Australia based salary - which is much greater than a China based salary.

So check with your government about positions available in China.

And God Save the Queen... (She Ain't No Human Being...)

[prof]

[jeffinflorida]

Happy to hear someone bashing someplace other than the USA for a change...

[jammish]

Also, with a celta and lots of experience teaching adults there are opportunities teaching EAP. Pay 25,000 rmb per month or so.

[jammish]