Job Discussion Forums

dandesousa · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Ontario, Canada

Hello,

As a new member, I have been reading around posts in these forums and have been getting many mixed experiences [good and bad]. Very interesting to see what people have to say about their experiences, and thought- maybe one of you can help me with mine.

I am curious if it is possible as a Canadian university student to travel to China and teach for the summer [my summer will be from late April to early September], and make enough for the flights to and from there. As a university student, money is a key factor here. It isn't so much how much I will be making as it is how much I will have to fork over for the flights.

For example. If I am able to travel to China and teach from mid July to mid August, would I have made enough to spend a week or two completely free from work and still be able to afford a flight back home?

I am also wondering if there are any university students [or anyone who did this as a student] that would like to share their experiences with me. I am looking to do this semi-privately since most of the agencies have a program fee for the summers and only actually have you teaching for a week or two; something I would like to get around.

So, if anyone can give me a hand or point me in the correct direction- that would be great.

Thank you,
~dan

ispeakgoodenglish · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 1:32 am Post subject:

A 4 week summer camp will probably only earn you between 5-6000 RMB unless you happen to stumble across a much better deal. If you travel after working then you can easily eat through that 5,000 in 2 weeks. If 2 of you traveled together it would cut down on accommodation costs.

Coming earlier would be in the middle of the semester and more difficult to find a short term job as most schools etc would want someone who can commit to a longer contract. Although, if the school has recently had a teacher leave then you might be lucky but don't rely on that happening.

Remember you need a return ticket from Canada to come here and also money to live on while you are here. At that time next year 2008 there will be no special deals on cheap tickets out here and all accommodation will rise dramatically in and around Beijing due to some minor sporting event.....

If you can get a good deal on tickets then go for it, if not then maybe better to plan for the year after... Just my opinion.

dandesousa · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Ontario, Canada

Oh yes, that minor sporting event Razz

.

Thanks for the response. I had the Olympics in mind and though maybe it would still increase demand for teachers [even though it would be happening during the summer camps?].

Maybe I should wait till' I am through with university then maybe do a year or two there... but I would like to have a 'preview' of what it would be like [never been out of North America].

I will look around at flights and see if I can do some fund raising around here Razz

Thanks again,
~dan

Mallaien · Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 44

Prices for plane tickets for 2008 have gone up by $200 on average. I have been thinking of taking a trip to China next year and it�s going to cost me $1200. Six months ago prices were in the lower $900 for round trip tickets. I don�t know what they would be from Canada, but my prices are coming from the central part of the U.S.

dandesousa · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Ontario, Canada

Thank you very much for the price history, Mallaien.

Perhaps this summer I will work locally and save a little bit [apart from what I will be saving for university] and put it towards going in the 2009 summer [=.

Thanks again,
~dan

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

Dandesousa, You may make your flight and expenses if you're lucky and careful with money. Do not consider it a good summer job to save money for next year's tuition and expenses. If your university gives TESL courses, consider knocking off one or two as electives next semester. If nothing else, you'll have an idea what to do if you come here.

I love it here. I'm having a wonderful experience partly because I CAN ALMOST LIVE OFF THE PEANUTS THEY PAY HERE AND I BANK MOST OF MY PENSION! Mind you my work week is 14 or 16 fifty minute hours per week with lots of weeks off. When I pick up privates, I do OK - by Chinese standards.