Job Discussion Forums

[jg]

Hello,

I am an ESOL Teacher in Florida and I will soon have the summer off here, right now (in a burst of nostalgia) I'm considering a return to China. I've got about 5 weeks free - early July to August 19th. It's been over 4 years since I was in China, so I am curious about a few things:

What's the going rate for a decent summer camp?

I've heard the the visa situation has changed a lot, would anyone recommend just showing up and looking for work? With only a short window to find work in, I'd like to be somewhat certain that the market is... "robust" enough that I could find work quickly. I am certified in the U.S. (if that helps) and I am also open to more "authentic" cities, Guizhou or Kaifeng for example... especially if I could be assured of work by going off the gringo trail. Being someplace where few people spoke English wouldn't bother me at all, and yes I'd teach the wee ones.

Any tips or whatnot are appreciated.

Cheers in advance!

J

[RonHex]

depends on the camp really.. I have worked the same camp for the last few years.. 6000 for 10 days 6 hours per day.. nice hotel, free food, ect... nice classrooms with AC, computer/projector.. the money isnt great but the camp is well managed (ivel been to a nightmare camp where kids had no access to drinkable water, teachers stuck sleeping in same dorm as students, shared showers, ect)

anyway.... are you coming to China to earn money or can u afford just to look at it as a vacation? if your thinking about a summer camp then u should try to sign the contract while in the us. if your thinking about part-time at a training center then make sure you are paid cash daily or im sure payday will happen to be a week after you have returned to the us.

[askiptochina]

I have never done these summer gigs, but here are a few things to consider:

1. It's short term, the school doesn't want to pay airfare unless you commit to a year.

2. You are worked harder and don't have hours off.

3. You won't have much time to find another school after.

China pays less, so why do a summer thing in China? I don't get it. Korea pays more, but they also don't want to pay for airfare. I would personally find a year round job, and then do summer camps that the school sets up for extra cash. I did this in Korea, and they have to pay airfare if you go back home.

However, if you want to work more, get less, and be kicked out at the end of all of it, come to China.

[jg]

Thanks for the replies!

@askiptochina

I don't mind them not paying for airfare, or the increased workload. The airfare is expensive, that's why I'd like to find a camp. Were the airfare not so expensive, I'd just come and hangout for a few weeks. I did a summer camp in 2003, and another one in 2005, so I know what to expect. As far as finding another school, I plan to return to my job here in Florida in late August. The job market here is terrible, I don't dare leave my permanent gig for a flight of fancy.

I considered Korea, but I don't know much about Korea - other than as a tourist - and I speak Chinese, so it'd be a nice chance to see an old friend or two and use my language skills. Outside the classroom, of course.

[jg]

bump*

Still looking for summer camp info, any help appreciated!