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Credible schools

Teaching in China can be a very well paid year long party, or it can be a very difficult, year long nightmare. If you take some time to check everything out properly, do your research and know whats out there then your time in China will be agood one. Remember, teaching English is a big business in China but a schol can only make money with YOU! No teacher= no tuition fees. You are in control and if you feel a job or a boss is just not right then walk away.

In saying all this I can confidently say that if you follow these measures you wont get screwed over. I’ve worked with a lot of Chinese bosses who have been wonderful employers to myself and other foreign teachers. Yes, you will always hear the nightmare stories but just be patient for the good ones.

Before you head off

1. Check out the school. Find out if they are a franchise, or a government scvhool or a kindergarden with 50 kids in a class. A google search may come up with something from a past teachers comments or just post a message on a chat forum for ESL teachers will come up with something.
2. Speak to the boss in ENGLISH! Generally if you run an English school you should be able to speak English. If the boss can’t, then I doubt he would be able to know how to work with a foreigner, let alone prepare an English teaching curriculm and classes.
3. Try to get in contact with another foreign teacher (both past and present) who is at the school and find out about the school/staff etc.
4. Think of the area you are heading to: if you don't like experiencing a completely different way of life then don't go for a small rural town in China. If you hate big cities and pollution then give that job in Shanghai a miss.

When you are here

1. Come with some money. $500usd can easily get you by in a small town (and a bigger city if you watch your money).
2. The school MUST pick you up at the airport and organise transfers etc.
3. On your first day NEVER　NEVER　NEVER give you passport. (read: nightmare schools). Talk to your boss, and make sure every part of the contract is right. Some people get nervous about this but if you want to be completely covered then the contract MUST state these:
4. What days off a week you have: this must be clearly stated.
5. Working hours: what hours a day you must work, what you get paid for, what you much do at school.
6. Penalties: find out what happens if you are sick or late to work. If you are late to class (a few minutes) then you will get penalised. However, you should not get penalised more than an hours salary. We know you are an honest worker and will never be late, but it does happen. Just protect yourself.
7. What holidays and time off you have: the dates must be written down as well as if you will get paid for them. Also, if you don't have classes during holiday time, check to see if you have to ‘make up’ classes later in the month.
8. Visa: the contract MUST say that the school will pay for your medical test AND any costs relating to your Visa.? It will also state when you can get yoru passport back.
9. A credible school will already have a contract written in clear English stating all the details. If you do feel comfortable with the school but have a few issues let them know. If they think you are good and worthwhile they will help you with these. Remember, the school has done the hard work of getting you to their school, they would be stupid to just see you go.

And finally: first impressions are usually right. If you arrive at the school and you just don't feel right about it, then something is probably wrong. Keep your negotiations on a friendly level and you will be fine. At worst you can walk away and wait for them to call back. If you start yelling and demanding things from the contract then your Chinese boss will just dig in and wont budge. And you wont win.