Job Discussion Forums

[honky_mcgee]

I've got three years experience in ESL and I'm fairly certain China will be my next stop.
I'm curious if anyone can vouch for Aipusen. I've read some negative things about them but it's all 4+ years old. I can only imagine many things in China have changed a great deal in that time. I'm kind of assuming that things are better there now considering I don't see any recent warning about them. Assuming can be dangerous though. So I'd like to hear from someone there if possible.
Also I'd like to know what you guys think about the wage 10,000 RMB for 25 teaching hours with housing included. It seems like a high wage for China but I hear the larger cities are more expensive.
Ideally I'd like to be able to save about 4,000 RMB of this every month. Is this a realistic goal?
Any other insights would be appreciated as well.
Thanks.

[living&learning]

I responded to their ad and had a telephone interview with their HR girl (an American) on Monday. They were meant to call on Sunday but never did.

She explained that I'd teach at different schools, and would sometimes use buses or taxis, and sometimes the school mini-bus (with driver). Some people call this being 'farmed out'.

She had to use calling cards to call me - made me wonder why she wasn't using the school/office's actual telephone. Suggests a low-budget/minimal frills operation.

The accommodation is shared. If you want your own apartment you get RMB1000 lopped off your salary.

She said there was a bonus at the end of the contract of between RMB7-10K. I would insist on 10K and no less, in the signed and stamped contract.

I didn't get around to asking her if the salary was taxed because her calling card ran out.

I've received no follow-up email as of yet.

And lastly, do you want to live in GZ? I don't think it's for everyone, probably not for me..

[honky_mcgee]

Never heard that term farmed out. I guess that could be good so that if one of the schools is not so pleasant you will soon be leaving the place. On the other hand I guess it could make the work day longer. Give and take I guess.
I guess what I like about GZ is that it is close to two other countries. Get tired of the place and it's easy enough to escape for the weekend.

[Gamecock]

Yes, you can easily save 4,000 a month working at Aipusen. They have contracts with several primary and middle schools in and around Guangzhou. You are not being "farmed out" per se, but there is a SIGNIFICANT commute that they won't tell you about in their recruiting spiel. You are also required to arrive at locations an hour (or more) before classes. You easily spend 15-20 hours a week traveling and babysitting on top of your teaching load, which is the biggest gripe of the employees.

IMO the worst thing about Aipusen is the CONSTANT a$$-kissing you must do in promoting the company so it can keep it's contracts with the schools. An entire month is spent on lavish presentations where the teachers are expected to sing and dance and publicly humiliate themselves in the most unprofessional manner in front of parents and public school teachers. If you think being a summer camp counselor is a GREAT job- you will love Aipusen. If you are serious about being an English teacher, avoid this company at all costs.

You will be well-paid by China standards, however when considering the non-teaching time investment the pay falls to average for Guangzhou. Upon arrival, they also sit down with you and make you sign an addendum to your contract with a host of very petty pay deductions that will be paid back "at the end of your contract." Should you decide to find a another job, and even give the proper notice, all this money is gone. As well, the bonus of 7000-10000 depends on your performance. The 10,000 is NEVER guaranteed. The amount given is at their discretion.

I can tell you that it is not a good work atmosphere and almost all of the teachers are unhappy there.

[living&learning]