Job Discussion Forums

aksendz · Joined: 09 Mar 2012 Posts: 5

Hey there. My name is Anton. I want to do some work in China this summer, or a program that ends in early October as my full time job start on Oct 30.

Come Summer, I have completed one year of Chinese language instruction and I also speak Russian. I studied abroad in Hong Kong and have also traveled within China. I would like to do anything that allows me to be better exposed to the language. I'm currently finishing my TEFL certification.

This idea popped up only a week ago and I have no idea where to start, especially with summer approaching so soon. Any agency that I talk to wants me to pay big money to get hired. Is that normal?

Sorry this post is a little rushed. Thanks guys!

Opiate · Joined: 10 Aug 2011 Posts: 630 Location: Qingdao

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Googling 'teach English at summer school China' gets a few returns including direct contacts.
I agree you shouldn't pay to be hired.
Will your new employer (Oct start) pay airfares?
I note few if any summer school gigs include airfare.
If the permanent employer is refunding your airfare may be wise to check that they're happy if you travel inbound in say July for an October start.

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

I have heard of people paying for jobs. Some get taken for a ride, some end up with a good job, some end up with a terrible job.

It is pretty common these days for local Chinese to "buy" their jobs in public institutions, government civil servant jobs and even in the private sector.

There are jobs of a short-time nature, but not easy to find.

Good luck.

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

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

The guy has a total of one post. It's safe to say he is new to China. What is not important or new information for you (or even a secret you wish to keep from others) could be new or important for others.

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

actually, dude, i DO like you. i respect your experience and wisdom,
and sometimes envy your lifestyle and accomplishments that you
share with us. i'm not flaming you, just pointing out that your
comment has no bearing on summer camp jobs.

anyway....new poster wants summer job, needs information. whether
chinese teachers or officials buy their jobs is immaterial in this case.
he's only 'buying' a job if he goes with certain infamous recruiters.
the recruiter is doing a job and expects to be paid - either by the school
or by the victi....i mean potential employee. just like anywhere in
the civilized western world, you will find recruiters that charge the
employer, the employee, or both.

if ya wanna talk about avoiding recruiters that charge fees, that would
be fair. if you wanna talk about agencies that charge outlandish fees for
backpackers to do volunteer work and feel good about themselves, that
too would be fair. locals buying civil service jobs is not relevant.

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

Granted, but buying a job in China is not so strange to Chinese. Selling a job is illegal at least in my home country (Canada) but pretty common here. So I find it relevant in that although I personally disagree with the practice, it would not be a tragedy if indeed the OP bought a well-paying but short-term job. Only cavet: buyer beware. If I was ever to entertain going down this avenue, I'd insist on a monthly payment scheme from my wages.

Miajiayou · Joined: 30 Apr 2011 Posts: 283 Location: Nanjing

Where are you now? Do you already have a visa or residence permit?

If you could sort your own visa and flight, I know of a IELTS prep gig that would last about six weeks. I did it last year. I wouldn't count on having either the time or energy to work on your Chinese, though. Ahhh, painful memories...

aksendz · Joined: 09 Mar 2012 Posts: 5

Hey guys, thanks for the responses.

-My new employer is back in The States.

-What be another option for me travel and learn Chinese without being in the red? I was thinking that the job will pay off my travel. Suggestions?

-I am currently in the United States. My Chinese travel visa expires in a month.

aksendz · Joined: 09 Mar 2012 Posts: 5

Miajayou - can you PM me about the IELTS program. I can't pm you since I don't have enough posts.

XiongNu · Joined: 21 Mar 2012 Posts: 5

I was thinking that I could get a summer job that could hold me until I started a university job (if I got one) but it seemed like a safer bet to just leave asap (which I have to do anyway) and get settled into a place permanently - far less messy visa wise etc. And I'm not so sure a university job would be suited to someone going out to teach English for the first time (if I got one)...I think I have a lot to learn!

aksendz · Joined: 09 Mar 2012 Posts: 5

[quote="aksendz"]Hey guys, thanks for the responses.

-My new employer is back in The States.
-What be another option for me travel and learn Chinese without being in the red? I was thinking that the job will pay off my travel. Suggestions?
-I am currently in the United States. My Chinese travel visa expires in a month.[/quote]

Bump :D
Main bump is what would be the best way to learn Chinese

aksendz · Joined: 09 Mar 2012 Posts: 5

[quote="aksendz"]Hey guys, thanks for the responses.

-My new employer is back in The States.
-What be another option for me travel and learn Chinese without being in the red? I was thinking that the job will pay off my travel. Suggestions?
-I am currently in the United States. My Chinese travel visa expires in a month.[/quote]

Bump :D
Main bump is what would be the best way to learn Chinese