Job Discussion Forums

John28 · Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

I have been seriously considering applying for teaching positions in China and I have now come to the stage where I feel that it is a good time to venture off and teach. I have read information on this message board previously and am under no illusion that it can be very tricky to secure a teaching position. I have a 2:1 Ba Hons and a CELTA so hopefully it will make it that bit easier to apply, although again, I am trying to not have any false expectations! I am wanting to experience China and develop my teaching skills and embark on a life changing experience.

With this in mind, can teachers with experience let me know if I am limited to a September start, or whether Schools also accept new teachers for a January start also? This would make financial and general planning that bit easier.

I wanted to get the information first before making any further decisions.

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

Schools can start you in January or after the Spring Festival...whenever that is next year. However, unless they are willing to give you a 6 or 4 month contract I would think twice about it. If they offer you a 12 or 10 month contract..when you want to find another job you'd be looking for work at a less then optimal time of year. Also...the school will know this so you lose some power when it comes to negotiating a new contract.

Usually schools hire after Spring Festival because another teacher has left. Perhaps for private schools... (not likely) they have more classes then the current teaching staff can handle. You'll likely be a replacement.

I would strongly suggest you look for a job starting in September of this year or next. Winter is not the best time to start a new contract imo. To answer your question directly, yes you can start in January....or near there.

John28 · Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

cormac · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 768 Location: Xi'an (XTU)

John28 · Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

John28 · Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 17

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

If you do get a one-term contract, it is more than likely that you won't be reimbursed for airfare coming into china, and you won't be provided with airfare to return. Count on two months' pay lost if you work at a public institution with a BA.

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

There's a Job Offer Checklist thread if you can get 'search' to work.
I think your last idea (OP) is good and I'd certainly try for a one way air ticket reimbursement or allowance.
Don't lose sight of the fact that you may enjoy it and want to return.
Also it's a good negotiating strategy to open up the possibility of returning in Sept 2013 for a full one year.
Any school you get into conversation with will tell you what date they will reopen after Spring break and what date classes finish in late June/early July.
You probably won't see any Feb start jobs advertised until December - at least in the state sector.

siberiantiger · Joined: 28 Dec 2009 Posts: 24

My university hires new teachers for both February/March and September starts. I was one of five teachers here who started my one-year contract in February/March of last year. While most teachers sign one year contracts, others opt for the six-month contracts for various reasons. (One, for example, is leaving to start a Master's program at Tsinghua Uni.)

The one year contract will give you return airfare but you'll only get one-way airfare with a six-month contract. You can live in the teacher accommodation over the winter and summer breaks and choose to teach then or not.