| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
sibylline
Joined: 14 Sep 2010
Posts: 8
|
 Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 1:05 am Post subject: Teaching Design in China |
 |
|
Hello,
Apologies if this has been raised previously, I couldn't find any posts.
I am being considered for a lecturing position with Raffles Design Institute, (maybe China) and am trying to find out more information about them and what the international teaching experience is like with them.
From what I understand they are an international University-level institution, and it looks like they produce some good work.
For me, a move to China is a big deal, I don't speak the language (hoping to slowly learn) and I expect the culture shock would be enormous. Unfortunately they are asking for an October start (in line with new term/semester), with a mid-September arrival, to help with settling in.
That's next week!!!! Pretty scary.
Does anyone have any inside knowledge of these institutions (there are 3 in China) and how they treat their staff? I was not sure what to suggest for expected salary, so averaged my Australian yearly income and translated into RMB, as a starting point for discussion. They are not offering accommodation, but want a 2 year contract/commitment, so I will need to cover accommodation from my salary. I am approaching this as a career move, and thus need to consider the impact leaving the Australian industry will have on my career. (But I would also like to know what to realistically expect.)
thanks very much and hope you can help.
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Sinobear
Joined: 24 Aug 2004
Posts: 1269
Location: Purgatory
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 5:18 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Which area would you be teaching? Which location are you considering or being considered for? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sibylline
Joined: 14 Sep 2010
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 5:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
Hello Sinobear
There are positions available in:
- Changchun (I worry this might be too remote for me)
- Beijing (first preference)
- Langfang (second preference)
- Changzhou (not sure, this might be more fashion-design oriented, so there might not be an application of my skills in this institution)
- Singapore
- India (not interested)
My preference is Beijing, then Shanghai, partly because I want to experience the rich arts culture (Beijing), but I realise Malaysia might be a more gentle introduction to Asia. (However, I am more drawn to China, than Malaysia.)
Do you have any insights about Raffles Institutions, or the experience of working at (minimum) Bachelor level as a Lecturer (also Advance Diploma level students). I have spent many years honing my craft, and I think I would really enjoy teaching (and learning from) design students, if the environment feels safe and supportive.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DixieCat
Joined: 24 Aug 2010
Posts: 263
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 6:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I have taught for them and would not work for them again. Shaghai was one of the better locations as it had a model school on anther floor. 798 Art district in Beijing is full of students who have graduated and now work as sales clerks. In Changchun ask if Nina is still there and if so, run the other way. Not a top notch program. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sibylline
Joined: 14 Sep 2010
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 6:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
Hi DixieCat
What are your reasons for not wanting to work for them again (which Institutes did you work at?)
And if what are considered the top Design schools in China (where would be a better experience)?
Thanks
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sinobear
Joined: 24 Aug 2004
Posts: 1269
Location: Purgatory
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:59 am Post subject: |
|
|
| You still haven't said which discipline you'd be teaching. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sibylline
Joined: 14 Sep 2010
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:02 am Post subject: |
|
|
Visual Communications (Graphic Design) is what I have applied for, but I gather there is crossover with Interactive Media as well.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DixieCat
Joined: 24 Aug 2010
Posts: 263
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| And if what are considered the top Design schools in China (where would be a better experience)? |
I wasn't aware that they were considered the top and I have experience with two locations. The work atmosphere is much like marshal law with corporate dictating policy. Even so I worked as a contractor for a while and when persuaded to sign a contract was disappointed with their sidestepping obligations. At the time their contracts allowed for a cancellation within the first 90 days, which I fully took advantage of. Not sure where would be your best graphic design teaching experience. They have in the past partnered up with lower tier universities, such as Changchun University and have utilized their license (not sure if this is still the procedure). Perhaps you will have a better experience and my post shouldn't sway you to do anything more than investigate further. Working for Singaporeans has its own special characteristics and the work culture that surround the Raffles empire will will continue to run on the dreams of the marginally talented. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
clearcoated
Joined: 01 Jan 2009
Posts: 5
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:42 pm Post subject: Re: Teaching Design in China |
|
|
| sibylline wrote: |
Hello,
Apologies if this has been raised previously, I couldn't find any posts.
I am being considered for a lecturing position with Raffles Design Institute, (maybe China) and am trying to find out more information about them and what the international teaching experience is like with them.
From what I understand they are an international University-level institution, and it looks like they produce some good work.
For me, a move to China is a big deal, I don't speak the language (hoping to slowly learn) and I expect the culture shock would be enormous. Unfortunately they are asking for an October start (in line with new term/semester), with a mid-September arrival, to help with settling in.
That's next week!!!! Pretty scary.
Does anyone have any inside knowledge of these institutions (there are 3 in China) and how they treat their staff? I was not sure what to suggest for expected salary, so averaged my Australian yearly income and translated into RMB, as a starting point for discussion. They are not offering accommodation, but want a 2 year contract/commitment, so I will need to cover accommodation from my salary. I am approaching this as a career move, and thus need to consider the impact leaving the Australian industry will have on my career. (But I would also like to know what to realistically expect.)
thanks very much and hope you can help.
|
Shanghai is a very easy place to live without speaking the language. International city. Not much culture shock. Maybe Beijing will be similar.... but I only know Shanghai.
Besides, you'll be in an English speaking environment at work all day with other foreign teachers. Chinese translator colleagues will be available too, and they work in the classrooms with the new students.
Raffles serves a very interesting market in China. There are no entrance exams, and they offer a Bachelors Degree. The barrier to entry is expensive tuition...so many of the students come from wealthy families. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sibylline
Joined: 14 Sep 2010
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2010 12:45 am Post subject: |
|
|
ok thankyou clearcoated: i will have a closer look at shanghai.
and i had assumed with wealthy students and no entrance barrier there may be a lower level of student interest? (e.g., out of 10 students, 4 of them actually want to do design?)
DixieCat: am wary of working in a dictatorship, so perhaps i will try to talk to some of the international lecturers. I think its unusual that I cannot easily find any feedback on these institutes. but also aware that it may take generations for China to re-value Design and Art, and take it 'seriously' again.
really dont want to have a depressing experience.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
clearcoated
Joined: 01 Jan 2009
Posts: 5
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| sibylline wrote: |
ok thankyou clearcoated: i will have a closer look at shanghai.
and i had assumed with wealthy students and no entrance barrier there may be a lower level of student interest? (e.g., out of 10 students, 4 of them actually want to do design?)
DixieCat: am wary of working in a dictatorship, so perhaps i will try to talk to some of the international lecturers. I think its unusual that I cannot easily find any feedback on these institutes. but also aware that it may take generations for China to re-value Design and Art, and take it 'seriously' again.
really dont want to have a depressing experience. |
Their biggest problem is English. If they're having a hard time with the foreign language... almost always you get poorer results because they miss the point of the assignment, they do it wrong...and it takes much longer. They just don't understand.
Imagine you needed to learn Chinese and also learn design in Chinese at the same time.
Of course in every class you have maybe 10% that are just too lazy. But their parents want them to learn something too. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DixieCat
Joined: 24 Aug 2010
Posts: 263
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 1:12 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| DixieCat: am wary of working in a dictatorship, so perhaps i will try to talk to some of the international lecturers. I think its unusual that I cannot easily find any feedback on these institutes. but also aware that it may take generations for China to re-value Design and Art, and take it 'seriously' again. |
It is always best to hear it straight from the horses mouth as opposed to past knowledge which I must confess is what I have offered. Due to the fact that I studied/taught Graphic Design some time ago my advice is to seek more current information. Perhaps you could call into the schools and speak to the instructors. One of the managers, Nina, who was at last count in Changchun, lived up to the moniker which I wont reveal publicly. One of the tricks used was to continue "probation" to avoid paying the agreed upon raise. Another was to swap off days for overtime which was restricted by so many rules that it was next to impossible to take advantage of. Expectation included traveling to schools to make presentations on off duty hours and sometimes travel to other cities to attend promotions which was not compensated. Again, others may have had different experiences and I would encourage you to seek additional input on this matter and not base you decision on what is posted on Dave's. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sibylline
Joined: 14 Sep 2010
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 1:21 am Post subject: |
|
|
| DixieCat wrote: |
It is always best to hear it straight from the horses mouth ...Perhaps you could call into the schools and speak to the instructors. |
hi DixieCat
I have been checking lecturer profiles, which is a start, but there are no contact details at all (is that normal?). Its difficult to navigate, without an understanding of the culture and business practices. (and with no comparison...)
I will ask for some direct phone numbers and try to do it that way, before I make a decision.
Thanks for your help |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
clearcoated
Joined: 01 Jan 2009
Posts: 5
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 1:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
| sibylline wrote: |
| DixieCat wrote: |
It is always best to hear it straight from the horses mouth ...Perhaps you could call into the schools and speak to the instructors. |
hi DixieCat
I have been checking lecturer profiles, which is a start, but there are no contact details at all (is that normal?). Its difficult to navigate, without an understanding of the culture and business practices. (and with no comparison...)
I will ask for some direct phone numbers and try to do it that way, before I make a decision.
Thanks for your help |
One more post before I can PM |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
hdwhatley
Joined: 09 Jun 2010
Posts: 25
Location: Hangzhou, China
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:37 pm Post subject: So did you take the job? |
|
|
| If so, how did it work out? Where did you land? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
