Job Discussion Forums

[marui]

Im a UK national currently working as a middle school teacher in Hangzhou, China - 2years experience (Business English, Mid-School, Teacher training -China, Primary School Teaching Assist-UK). My wife is native Chinese with a 4 year teaching degree & IELTS 7.0. Recently we got an offer for us both to teach in Korea (Me to teach English, her to teach Chinese/English) and were assured by the school in question that she would have no problems getting a work visa.

The Korean deal wasn't so bad...she would have her airfare paid for but she would only be paid 600,000 won a month compared to my 2,000,000 for a 25 hour week (twice as much as a normal teacher here in China though!).

This offer although badly timed (We're not free until October) got us both thinking about Korea and other places in Asia we could teach. So if anyone has any more information about teaching Chinese in Korea, Japan, Singapore or is now working in a similar situation with a Chinese spouse i'd be glad to here from you,

Thanks!

[Lanza-Armonia]

It sounds like you got a pretty average deal as Korea is concerned but your wife is being told bend over the table, pretend your feet don't like each other and take it like the woman that you are

If my significant other was offered that, we'd start looking else where.

It's solely an opinion, not a deconstructive comment. Sorry I can't offer more

LA

[marui]

Thanks for the feedback LA, very poetic!

I accept your point about my wifes pay..of course the initial offer is low for a foreigner in Korea (not sure what the average Korean teachers pay is though so I can't comment).

Anyway if anyone can help.......

[chinagirl]

If your wife will be expected to teach two languages, full time, and is a qualified teacher to boot, than she should be offered equal pay. I would tell that school to find themselves two other teachers!

Wow! That's outright sexism and racism if I've ever seen it!

Chinagirl

[marui]

Of course she should get paid more than me as she is a qualified teacher and is fluent in 2 languages....But in my experience and from what i've read MOST schools here in Asia pay native white speakers more regardless of qualifications. I do know African-Americans/Overseas Chinese who have been treated fairly..but a Native Chinese here in China..or Korea?? If I find a school that's an exception I'll let you know!

[Marcoregano]

Hong Kong?....there's an increasing call for Putonghua teachers and as always, plenty of scope for English teaching. You might both do OK.