Job Discussion Forums

[hewlettpac]

I don�t usually talk about my experiences in regards to my work in China, but today I have to share something that happens in my school. I will admit some of what happen is my fault, but when I look at the whole situation it exposes the traps that many foreign teachers face in language schools around China.
I have been in my Job now for around 4 months. As I mentioned in another posting a while ago I work 5 days a week according to my contract but, my school require me to work on my two days of working one class in the morning of one day and another day, one class in the evening.
Today was one of those busy days with 5 classes. The first two classes were a breeze, happy kids and a positive end to class. But then I faced a 3 hour class with one student. This student had only recently returned from holidays 3 weeks ago, only to find out he would be the only student in my class. He insisted the first week he would only attend my class if there were other students. The second week he turned up ready for class, but he was not happy as there were no other students in the class. The office staff convinced him to stay and I kept his interest by talking about my home country. What I did not realize was the fact he had completed all the books required in his lessons which the people in the office failed to tell me, and after asking him it became clear I had to reteach him the same books.
And yes he was the only student in my class today, so I decided to teach him some language related to a video game which I had in my computer until I could come up with other topics which I could teach him for 3 hours. My superverviser came in and demanded I change the subject, in front of my student. I reacted angrily which was a mistake on my part, but I felt so frustrated as the people in the school just didn�t listen to my advice in regards to finding other books to teach this student. Before the spring festival when I had the same class but with 4 students, but they hated the book and hoped the school would change to better books but the school refused.

Now the situation is over the school will fine me between 3,000 and 5,000rmb and reduce my teaching hours from 25 hours to 6 hours a week. And on top of that they have said they will give me a 2 week trial to see if I will submit to there ways.

I want to work well with the school but I feel its all a one way street.

[mlomker]

I'd quit. You've learned a lesson, which is cool, but I'd never stay at an employer in a situation like this. As I'm sure you know, it's never good in Asian societies to get visibly angry...quiet defiance is the understood approach. You could have said "Okay, I will do that" and then continued doing whatever you wanted or switch to something else if you were so inclined. Chinese will say what someone wants to hear to "save face" and then continue to do what they think is best. You could do the same if you want to fit in.

You could just buy a book that you like or design your own curriculum. Just because they won't buy the books doesn't mean that they wouldn't let you do so. School owners are notoriously cheap...you'll have to decide if you want to invest your own money for your students' sake or just smile and play along with them. It's totally your call.

[Margot73]

Wait. They FINED you? What for? For yelling at the supervisor? Am I understanding this correctly?

[TravellingAround]

[kev7161]

Do you have a contract with this "school" (I hate calling language mills schools)? Have you been told expressly what the fine is for? If so, please indulge us. If they are reducing your workload by 75% (!!), then are they also reducing your pay by that amount? Is this covered in your contract? Yeah, I too would quit. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, there are a ton of English language textbooks out there for very cheap. Not knowing your situation/location, but you could probably visit most any book store and find a whole section on them. Buy two or three different ones, keep your receipt for return, then talk to your student(s) about which they like best and go with that . 3 hours for one class and only one student. Geez! I'd be hard pressed to come up with stuff for that length of time!

[hewlettpac]

I will be fined for being upset and teaching the student this game, when In fact they wanted me to teach him the book which he has already completted. Personaly I regret my mistake, I should have just printed a quick lesson plan of the net to save face. This school is rather strict with its contracts, one of the first I have ever come across.
Another terrible twist my wife who is chinese is friends with the manager of the school, she help me save my job and lectured me on chinese culture, telling me I had to submit to these people at school, save face, and do my own planing for the classes, In this culture they expect 100% corporation from foreigners, even if the chinese are wrong.

[mlomker]

[Steppenwolf]

Reducing your workload, putting you on probation and fining you - that's awful: you have my undivided sympathy!

It is clear that you are not treated with respect; no teacher should be expected to be put down in front of his or her students; the exact same behavior on your part has had drastic consequences...this shows how little Chinese bosses and colleagues respect FTs!

But it's a common enough outcome in Chinese companies; bosses have no tact and no professional skills. You are but a cog in their machinery.

My question is: are you legal? If yes, then it's best to negotiate a more amicable deal! Make some concession such as probation at reduced pay but no fine! Or quit!

If you are not legal cover find a new position as soon as feasible!

A suggestion: next time you have to teach a single student consult with your superiors first to see what they are expecting!
I wouldn't talk about anything related to my own country to a student unless he explicitly requests it!

[11:59]

[hewlettpac]

I'd like to thank everyone for all your good advice. Working and living here in China is no easy feat. Dealing with the culture, the people, and sadly the lies including the cunning behavouir some of us have to face when working along side the chinese. If anyone would like to look at my contract please let me know, its a contract which in my view violates my human rights and I'm very tempted to have this sent to the U.N and other world organisations that deal with human rights Issues. I myself dream in the future the chinese people can become more honest, and we can work and live together in harmony but that may just be wishful thinking.
I'm married with a chinese wife, she herself knows of the problems in China, sadly I feel she is traped but one day I will bring her to my country .

As I said if anyone wants to see my contract please let me know.

[11:59]

Again, I'm not being provocative � really, I'm not � but that's close to crazy talk. The UN? Come off it! What do you think they will do? Send a peacekeeping force in to help you out? China is not exactly known as a bastion of human rights and I doubt whether a pistol was placed at your temple in order to induce you to sign the contract! 'Contracts' in China are totally meaningless. That's why so many corporations are now pulling out of China; they simply can't get the Chinese to ever abide by contracted terms and agreements, even though abiding by such terms would ultimately benefit both parties, the foreign devils and the Chinese. But, the Chinese seem wholly unable and incapable of deferring gratification. They will invariably go for the quick buck, even if they know it means they will never make another buck again. This can be clearly seen in their abuse of the environment and their interpersonal relationships with others, both compatriots and foreigners. They will look you in the eye and tell you barefaced lies without the slightest hint of shame or embarrassment, even if at the time of telling the porky pies they know that in one hour, day, month, or whatever that you will have incontrovertible proof that they were lying. They play out the Prisoner's Dilemma in the most cynical and myopic way possible. And who can really blame them? When you know that everyone around you is going to lie all the time then you either also lie or get eaten alive.

Remember, there's only one thing the Chinese are ashamed of, and that's being poor. Everything else seems to be socially acceptable, or at least not worthy of condemnation. Or, to put it another way, only one thing counts in China and that's money. And of course, as noted by Dylan, "money doesn't talk it swears".

[abusalam4]

If I were you, I would quit.
From what you have described the situation has already deteriorated that much that it would not be worth the effirt to "repair" it.
It seems the problem is your boss and the management who know nothing about education. I once had a similar thing (even worse than your case), and as the so-called DOS of that "school" I discussed with the other foreign teachers and we decided to quit. And we did.....
If you are legal, try to secure another job before you leave.
Not knowing where to go in China is not very nice.
Good luck!

[Steppenwolf]

[7969]

[hewlettpac]

I will place my contract for all to view within the next 24 hours. I may consider finding another company. By the way I,m based in Harbin.

Cheers Everybody.