Job Discussion Forums

eIn0791207912 · Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 33

Hi all. I'm 27, American, and have been teaching in Korea for 4 years. I've been at hole in the wall school to top tier private elementary schools. I've taught every age and English level, from kingergarten ABC's to university students essay writing.

As many of you know, the good times in Korea have either ended or at the very least on their way out. It's just not as grand as it was a few years ago. So I'm thinking of making the move to China for next Fall.

I'm just wondering if someone can break down the differences in working and living conditions there? I notice the salary is generally less, but I hope that means the cost of living is less as well. I've never been to China, so I wonder if life there can be at least as comfortable as it can be here?

Has anyone made the move from Korea - China or the other way around? Please, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thankx

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

some people are going to tell you that the good times are over in china. no good jobs available, flooded by US teachers on unemployment, tremendous increase in the cost of living, racism etc.

dont believe it. there are still good jobs around if one has the necessary quals and bothers to look, and the cost of living is still below that of many other countries.

the main differences between here and there (been to both places):

1. fewer work hours in chinese universities (12-16 per week). less money as well but easy to find part time work esp. since most schools (regardless of contract appendices) dont care if you do it and some will even send part time work your way;
2. more freedom in the classroom;
3. more things to do in your free time (china is a huge country, korea in my opinion had nothing to offer);
4. friendlier people. some might disagree but i think that if you treat people with respect then that's what you get back.
5. better food in china.

good luck in your search.

west2east · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 120 Location: China

I agree with everything 7069 has said. As a manager, I find those that come to China that have taught in S Korea or Japan previously, don't thrive as well as those that are teaching ESL for the first time. China is very unique in many ways from the aforementioned countries. "Things" don't seem to run as functionally and this can be a huge frustration.

Come here with an open mind, accept that your Yuan is not as strong as what you are used to, but remind yourself that your standard of living does not have to suffer.

I am seeing a significant rise in applicants from SK, so keep your CV and interview presentation sharp. Good luck.

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 3:28 am Post subject:

This thread here on the International Board must focus on living and teaching in China.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=85563

Korea focused postings will be deleted.

sojourner · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 3:52 am Post subject:

Check out the following thread : http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=81789&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 .In particular, refer to "The Ever-Changing Cleric" 's post of 11th June re China's C.O.L. and working in the uni sector. Peter

DosEquisX · Joined: 09 Dec 2010 Posts: 361

MOD EDIT

The transition seems to be less profitable than Korea. But it lends to a large country with a more interesting culture. So, I'm pursuing a large variety of jobs (though my experience is nothing close to OP's)

It seems that the goal of the first job in China is to get your foot in the door and grab a better job while in country if you want to stay for another year.

eslteach · Joined: 28 Sep 2010 Posts: 94

Gamecock · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 102 Location: Zhuhai, China

After 5 years on the Peninsula, I made the move to China 2 years ago and have NEVER looked back...actually, I wish I had done it about 4 years earlier!

Pay less, cost of living less. Check.

Better Apartments in China. Check.

Teaching is a respected profession. Check.

Friendlier Culture, better students. Check.

Able to take work on the side without fear. Check.

A massive country with TONS to see. Check.

I travel A LOT and save $1000's every year by living in South of China. BIG BONUS.

Downsides:

Pollution in big cities. Check.

Overpopulation. Check.

A few dishonest, unscrupulous people. Check.

"Last-minute" institutional organizational skills. Check.

These are just to name a few things. China is a BIG, multi-cultural country (as in it has thousands of people groups, customs, dialects, etc) and every experience and place will be a little different. So it is hard to generalize as easily what your life will be like here. Come and check it out! I really like China, find it a very comfortable, friendly place to live, and my stress level of cultural miscommunication and frustration is about 1/10 of what I felt in Korea. Good luck!

bradley · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 235 Location: China

I taught in Japan, Taiwan and Thailand before coming to China. The latter three are definitely on the way down while at least China is on the way up.

I spent about four years in Japan, just one in Taiwan and one in Thailand. I've been in China for nearly six now. It's way better.