Job Discussion Forums

[Nic_Nak]

Hi everyone

I�m a 34 year old female Scot with a B.A. in Computer Science and a CELTA certificate (no experience out with my course). Am interested in teaching English in China but from the research that I've been doing it seems that getting scammed and ripped off by employers is the norm judging by the number of horror stories I have read. I don't expect teaching and making a new life there to be easy and am approaching the prospect with an open mind and clear glasses; however the negativity is rather disheartening. There are dodgy schools and language teachers everywhere, I have personally experienced this from a students� perspective at a local college here in London.

What is going salary for a new teacher in China? I�ve seen some jobs advertised at 3,000RMB and others at 6,000RMB (for the same hours), am assuming the latter is what I should expect a legit school to pay me. I also understand salaries are different with schools that provide accommodation but how different is it (and what would it be)?

Has anyone been placed in China using Reach to Teach? I know over in the Taiwan board they are spoken of positively and I�m wondering if the sentiments are extended here.

Has anyone taught in both countries, which would you recommend based on your experiences?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Nicola

[Hansen]

Nic, with a B.A. in computer science, you should be getting into the workforce and capitalizing on your education; however, since you appear determined to do otherwise, here's what I did.

I decided what kind of school I wanted to work at, based on my education and experience. I then looked for a school that suited me and applied.

There is a school around my area known as the Information Science University. It's a military university so they do not hire FTs; however, that's the type of school you should be looking for.

Find a school related to, or with a program related to, your educational background that is looking for English teachers.

There are numerous second and third tier schools offering the kind of training that you studied. Nearly all have English language courses.

In terms of treatment, I have found that the lower level schools actually have a better employment package than the better schools. The arrogance and self adulation of higher level schools makes them think they can offer peanuts. Some FTs fall for the scam. So while they live in a rat hole and make less than I do, they congratulate themselves for working at a "better" school. You decide.

[Mister Al]

I sent you a PM

[Nic_Nak]

Thanks guys for your posts and advice. Am trying to sus out the lay of the land before I make any concrete decisions.

In China, which cities are 'better' to look at in terms of accomodation, expat community and salary expectations?

Nicola

xxx

[sharpe88]

if you do come here.. do not call Taiwan a country, for starters!

[alter ego]

Reach to Teach and other big recruiters might be a good way to go for your first job, but be selective before you sign a contract. You can find out about standard salaries, contracts, and working conditions, and also about good and bad recruiters, just by snooping around online. In mainland China I'd stick to the bigger cities, but many teachers also enjoy the quiet solitude of small town jobs. Do you want quality of life (more free time) or do you want to make money? You can do both in the bigger cities, and there's a lot more happening in the social networking department. Have fun.