Job Discussion Forums

LaurenceR · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

RIght Ive been offered a job in Beijing. Its for a seemingly VERY legitimate school. I say this because of the high quality website, the intelligent sounding American-Chinese fellow I spoke to on the phone (supposedly Ivy league educated) and because it has associations with certain top US universities. Really everything about them appears professional, and the school itself has an intersting concept based on early childhood studies being done in the US.

hours are 8am-4:30pm. So, long hours but Im told it is a relaxed atmosphere. Its a preschool so half the afternoon is nap time. But theyre only offering 7500RMB per month before tax. It doesnt include accomodation but does include up to $1000 flight reimbursement and $1000 annual travelling fund. I also get 5 holiday days a year during term time, 3 weeks Xmas, 5 weeks summer, and the usual public holidays. But the lack of accomodation funding is making me anxious.

I dont mind if I have to budget hard on this wage, but just how hard will it be? I could do 1-2 evenings of private lessons a week just to ease the pressure a wee bit. But whatya think? BTW Im not doing this to save any money...obviously!

vikuk · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1842

LaurenceR · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

2000 a month can get a decent apartment though right? That leaves 5500, roughly 1200 a week, for food, bills, shopping and living. That cant be too bad? The hours im expected to be at the school are mon-fri 8am-4pm. Like I say fairly long hours, considering how much im being paid.

As for the concept, well....Ill show you the website when Ive made my mind up!

Lorean · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 476 Location: Beijing

I would negotiate the salary.

7500RMB is not enough to imprison you from 8-4.

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

Go to these sites first and then tell me how good your offer is.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&newwindow=1&q=Elementary+teaching+China+12%2C000+RMB&btnG=Search

http://www.jobsinchina.com.cn/esl-teachers-urgently-needed-in-shanghai-china/

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

For an idea on accommodation go here. Oh. and don't post about your job as many want to be in Beijing for the games and if someone undercuts you then goodby job. Ask TJ here on Dave's and he will tell you.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&newwindow=1&q=Beijing+apartments+cost+&btnG=Search

MGreen · Joined: 22 May 2007 Posts: 81

If you�ve got any leverage, I would definitely negotiate a higher salary or get them to provide or assist in housing. See that's BJ for accommodation prices.

I met some Canadian teachers in Beijing teaching at an experimental high school connected to a first tier university in Haidian (not part of the IB sustem) who make more than that and are in the office less.

Sinobear · Joined: 24 Aug 2004 Posts: 1269 Location: Purgatory

I'll add to this: Make sure that the holidays offerered are fully paid, and that the actual contract you'd be signing is for one year (and not 10 months).

Cheers!

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

The salary is too low, especially when they don't provide accommodation and you are required to be in the office all day. You would still have time to supplement your income in the evenings but would be exhausted after working 12 hours a day if you did this. Negotiate for the hours to be cut or for them to provide accommodation.

vikuk · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1842

jammish · Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1704

That's way too low for Beijing, especially without accommodation. If it was 7500 RMB with free flat, free bills, free internet, etc, it would be fine. Also as vikuk points out those kinds of organisations expect you to trek all over the place.

Personally I came to china for the easy life, living on the doorstep of work, no commutes, etc. I can't fathom why anyone would come all the way here and then spend 2 hours a day stuck in traffic. May as well be back in London with real beer and fish and chips in easy reach.

dragon777 · Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 163 Location: Christmas Island

I agree with Jammish. It is a good salary but it must include accommodation. Otherwise you will probably suffer financially.

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

You should ask them two important questions:

1) Will ALL of my classes be held at ONE location?
2) Will I be teaching all of my classes in a row or will I have block shifts?

What can be more stressful than running around a busy city trying to get to a class?
What can make you tired more than block shifts if you do not live close to work?

7,000 seems OK if there is an apartment thrown in...

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

I agree with most posters here.

Way too low.

Re-negotiate.

LaurenceR · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

Theyve raised it to 8000 per month. Thats every month so holidays are paid. Theyve been nothing but honest with me from the start and everything about them has been head shoulders more professional than other schools Ive dealt with. But Im on the verge of saying no. Another big problem is they want me to sign an 18 month contract.

It seems like a great school though, and if I enjoyed the job none of this would really matter. But for 18 months it is a big risk to take given that I havnt seen it in person yet. And I just dont really know how well I will take to being a preschool teacher. When I finalise my decision Ill post the link for their website and you can see why I think it looks like a great school.