Job Discussion Forums

[Yu]

I am planning to move to Shanghai, China in August with my family. We are planning to stay for two years and our house is going up for sale next week. I am just starting to get concerned with my job situation.
I have applied to work at several universities in Shanghai, China. I have gotten a reply back from 2 universities and one ofhter school. I sent an e-mail back saying I was interested in the job and I asked a few general questions about the positions. Now, it has been a few weeks and I have not heard anything back, so I am starting to get a little worried. One of the jobs is highly desirable to me. What is the process of contract negotiations and how long does it take to get a contract to sign?

Thanks,
Teya

[email protected]

[struelle]

I'd suggest keep emailing and let them know you're still interested, my guess is that universities won't make definite hiring plans until after May Day. If you're in the country, it's much easier to find contracts and negotiate them. I had my current offer signed over lunch at this time last year with my employer, but the process can take a few weeks.

Is it possible to rent out your house instead of selling it? That is to say, in case something goes wrong, you can always have a fall-back plan. If you sell the house, you're pretty much banking alone on uncharted waters in Shanghai. The rate at which this city is changing, I'd not want to put all my eggs in one basket here. But that's just my opinon.

Steve

[Roger]

It's a bit early for schools to hire, man. If they hire right now, they might reconsider later... not what you would wish, right?
Maybe you should concurrently apply for a less glamorous language institute job, so that you have some position to fall back on if your uni career does not take off.
I really do think, selling one's house and moving lock, stock and barrel to China is a little...risque!

[Yu]

Selling our house is not such a big deal because we can always buy another one. We do not like where we are living now and do not want to return to the area, so I think we would sell our house for this reason alone. We also have put a great deal of thought into our decision and weighed the positive and negative aspects of our decision. We are always shocking our family with some "risque" decision, but we have never felt we made a mistake.
My husband is from mainland China, so we have family there including his sister in Shanghai. I want to go there to advance my career, and he wants to do the same and be close to his family.
I have an MA in TESOL and teaching expereince in an American community college for 2 years, so I have no doubt that I am qualified for many jobs. I have thought of taking a position at a language school, but it will not help my career, so I am not willing to do this. I also figure I can negotiate this kind of job if I get to Shanghai without a job (we can live with my husband's sister temporarily.)
In Shanghai, I want a teaching position at Fudan University, Shanghai Foreign Language Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University, or possibly Shanghai Normal University. I am considering some less reputable universities as well, but the aforementioned are my first choices.
I guess I will continue with the e-mailing, I am just a little anxious because it is such a big move.
I guess I feel a little relaxed to know that it is better to wait until May.
Thanks,
Teya

[gingermeggs]

Roger...

[Guest]

Yes, I think you started applying a bit too early. I would have thought about two months in advance would have been ideal.

You have to remember that most of these Schools/Universities get loads of applications from "dreamers" and unless they know you are really on your way and certain that you wish to come here, they may put you in the "too hard" basket. If you keep on to them, they will realise that you are genuine and you will receive more offers.

[millie]

I don't get it?
You have relatives in Shanghai yet your are sending your info down a telephone wire?

get them locals on to your case ,eh Sport?
Seems the obvious move
M

[Burl Ives]

[moonraven]

I don't think it's wise to sell your house and head for Shanghai without a contract and visa in hand. When I have hired professors here in Latin America I have always told them to rent out their houses. Maybe you don't like the one you have or where you are living, but if you are really miserable in another country that house will look mighty welcoming to go back to!!!!