Job Discussion Forums

[wiggy]

dear all, could you tell me if it's possible to teach "private" lessons at either people's homes or schools/universities in shanghai? that is, to make extra money on top of your normal job. if so, what would the hourly rate in yuan be? thanks so much ...

[ITCjohn]

I suggest you PM Jen_2003. She's a very upwardly mobile, politically correct, morally virtuous, modern woman, who I'm sure would relish the opportunity to inform you of how to make more money in Shanghai.

[Minhang Oz]

Extra classes at unis/colleges are usually snapped up by existing staff at overtime rates. It's quite possible to tutor in people's homes, and there are lots of small ads on expat. sites.
However, with the kind of remuneration on offer, you'd need to be really desperate. I'm talking 20-30Y an hour. Bear in mind, that's a lot for a middle class family pulling in maybe 3000 a month, but it's hardly worth your while. Much of this market is actually filled by local uni. English students.

[Freaky Deaky]

Private work can be poorly paid. I taught my neighbours little kid for free - just cos he was a great little kid. His English wasn't too bad, but drastically got worse the more he saw me!! His mum would go out and get us McDonalds too - talk about singing for your supper!!

[MyTurnNow]

I've seen PT slots at unis here, but precious few, and the pay was negligible.

Private work CAN be well-paying here if you can hustle up the right gigs. Leave the 3K/month-salary families to the local uni students and look for the wealthier families and the business people. There are a lot of both here and it's not terribly unusual to rake in 150-200 RMB an hour for private lessons.

For most of this this should be an adjunct to a full-time job. It's hard work to scratch up enough worthwhile private stuff to constitute a salary, and you don't get a visa, etc. It also helps to have some experience here and to make a few connections....if you're new here and green at teaching English in China you're unlikely to get the work you really want.

Check out That's Shanghai etc. and maybe lurk a few English Corners!

MT

[Jen2003]

Considering how big, rich and international this city has become it's pretty amazing just how little lucrative private teaching work is actually available. Even the Shanghainese complain (in secret) about how the city looks good and rich, but the 'quality of the people' lags far behind. I mean, most of the people here view studying as wasting time The women I know all tell me that if they want to study English they'll go abroad and at least maybe meet a rich man (unlike the poor boys here).

If you deal in the 'right' crowds then you get lots of opportunities, but for someone who doesn't know the ropes it can be tough.

[Freaky Deaky]

[Anthony]

Jen, doesn't giving private lessons (at whatever rate) entail evening and weekend work.....?

Hmmm...sounds like very unsocial hours to me.......!

[Minhang Oz]

The only ways to make big money teaching in Shanghai, or China for that matter:
Teach at an International School, and mostly that isn't EFL teaching, so doesn't apply here.
Run a shonky "language School"
Train your students to pickpocket tourists or get rich quick contractors who don't pay their migrant workers.

You can lead a good life and save lots, but not get rich.

[Jen2003]

[Freaky Deaky]

I've started a new career as a window cleaner. With my chirpy accent and jolly demeanor I think I will be a big success!


The downside is I'm afraid of heights...

[Minhang Oz]

I think Disneyland's on the other board Jen. If not, tell us the answer.

[Freaky Deaky]

^ Ooops!!