Job Discussion Forums

[nathanwt]

Anyone have experience teaching at Xiamen University?

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

I wouldn't say just anyone, no.

[therock]

I was going to work at that uni quite a few years ago, but ended up declining the offer. The actual campus you'll living and teaching at is not in Xiamen, but something like an hour away, if my memory serves me correctly you have to take a ferry to get into Xiamen. That said, it's one of the better ranked unis in China.

[Shroob]

Please note the following is only what I was told. I have no first-hand experience of working for Xiamen University.

While travelling during the Spring Festival, I stayed at a hostel whose owner worked at the university. They painted a pretty grim picture of working conditions eg. long hours, low pay and pretty draconian small print eg. docked 50 RMB every 5 minutes you're late for lessons.

I'd try and talk to current teachers, get their views on what working conditions are like.

[mnguy29]

They also now require a Masters degree. If you dont have, forget it.

[therock]

[Lei Feng]

I just got a hold of the lady at XMU. She told me that I needed a Master's and to apply in April 2013!

Insane. Its only May and they are set for 2012-13. I think you have to start stabbing teachers to get a job there.

[Simon in Suzhou]

Lei Feng,

It's not insane. Most good unis have their hiring wrapped up in April. Because schools become ghost towns in the summer, they want to have all the paperwork finished before the end of June. What's left now are the dregs who are so unorganized you don't want to work for them or those paying rock bottom salaries.

Keep your eyes peeled, however, because a few positions will open up at good universities at the last minute when expected teachers don't show.