Job Discussion Forums

[njwebb]

Hello Everyone,

So for a brief introduction: I am a white British, female, recent graduate from Essex University. I am 21 and have no TEFL qualification. In my final year of university I taught at a primary school for one day a week and I've coached children of all age groups. My highest qualification in English is from school (GCSE) and so do not have as good a grasp on the English language as many applicants. I've only recently decided to teach English as a foreign language and do not see it as a long term thing, although never say never!

I would like to teach English in China in January 2009 (I know it's soon) for 6 months/one term and am looking at various contracts. I was very close to signing a contract with New Jordan Kindergarten School until I saw bad reviews on this website. So far I am not set on an area to go to nor am I set on an age group to teach, probably due to lack of experience. Could anyone please advise me as to what wage I would expect to receive with no TEFL qualification. I thought 6000RMB was good until I read that this wage is undercutting other TEFL teachers (again on this website).

It is my first trip to China and I'm travelling alone therefore signing a contract with a reputable firm is high up in my priorities. Any advice on companies to ask/ places to go would be extremely welcome!

Look forward to reading some suggestions!

[SnoopBot]

Actually 6000 RMB is the typical wage paid for university positions in Beijing. The key is how many hours will you be working?

The universities provide housing and generally it is not the rat-holes provided by other institutions.

If the wage is for 18-hours or less, it is very typical. If they expect +20-hours and don't offer any other benefits then I would look at another offer.

Don't expect too much because you are new to ESL and most Chinese institutions will remind you of these facts when offering a salary package.

The key is to find a good area and a good institution first, after a few years of experience you can move into the better markets.

NOTE: Those 5000-RMB salaries are offered to those of us with +5 years experience that have real Education degree's and TESOL teaching qualifications. This salary seems to be standard these days, of course you can find much higher and even much lower offers. The key is to first get your foot in the door- so to speak.

[Eyrick3]

Why not work AND earn your TESOL at the same time? That's what I did.

There's a group in Harbin, China called Will-Excel TESOL (www.willexceltesol.com). They offer probably the best package and benefits out there. The salary is a bit low, but seeing how you're paying for your TESOL monthly instead of all up front it's actually a really good deal. Harbin is also a very cheap city, so you can still save for traveling.

They also offer free accommodation, meals, Mandarin lessons and very cheap (if not free) health care (full coverage for $50 USD a year, I think).

This way, if after 6 months you really enjoy it and would like to stay, you'll have the qualifications necessary to do so.

Good luck.

[SnoopBot]

[Eyrick3]

[North China Laowei]

[SnoopBot]

[Eyrick3]