Job Discussion Forums

dog8food · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 60

I was offered a job at a university (up until this point I have only taught children) which provides room/board, approx $700us per mo. and one round-trip airfare ticket every year--in exchange for 18 teaching hours per week.

I don't know what to compare this to, but because I only hold a Bachelor's degree, I'm wondering if this is reasonable?

Much thanks.

rottenflesh · Joined: 22 Apr 2010 Posts: 32

That's a pretty weak offer.
Salary of $700 equates to LESS than RMB 5,000

Airfare is fine, standard.

Mainly, those are a lot of hours for teaching at that salary (if it was less than 10, it would've been okay - as you could've easily picked up private students).

In addition, there's no mention of other perks such as utilities, travel allowance (which is in addition to flights), etc.

Definitely a PASS. Just browse the posting on this website for better opportunities. Plus, it seems you have some work experience with teaching Children - so, you don't need this offer.

ooragnakkangaroo · Joined: 28 Jan 2011 Posts: 33

Give me a break - it's the absolute normal offering in China; regardless of what people claim they make elsewhere (assuming correction for cost of living).

If money is such a factor, you don't belong in China. Make more at McDonalds.

dog8food · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 60

Thank you for your input.

Along the same lines (and for the sake of not starting a new topic) I'm wondering if someone could point me to resources specific to teaching college-age students "for newbies". I found a few helpful threads on this board, but if anyone knows of specific resources off hand, I'd greatly appreciate it.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

there are countless websites on the internet that can provide you with what you need. i suggest a search using the terms "ESL college lesson plan." you'll find plenty of what you need. just download/cut and paste and adapt to your own local conditions.

dog8food · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 60

Great! Thanks for the info.

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

Many universities offer 4,500 RMB or 5,000 RMB a month.

Still, it is possible to find universities that pay more than 6,000.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

If "normal" means typical, regular, average, the mean, the median, the mode and so on;

And if the conditions are "university job" and "China";

Then 5,000 RMB is normal.

It's nothing to do with:

-The price of beef in China.

-The price of beef in the U.S. or UK.

-Salaries in other countries.

-People's motivations.

dog backwards · Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Posts: 178

Five thousand per month at a public university is average (or perhaps the mean), unless, of course, you happen to know about those thousands upon thousands of unadvertised positions which offer 5-10x that amount.

Try checking out job advertisements and you will find out what is the "norm" for any situation. Not all of the advice given on forums reflect reallity.

TexasHighway · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 779

I agree with the above posters that 5,000 is quite normal for a university salary and it is even lower in some provinces. I know because recently I have called dozens of FAOs around China while job hunting. Of course, most universities provide free housing or a housing allowance and the teaching load is equivilent to a part-time job. The salary has nothing to do with the price of beef in China or the price of tea in London.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523