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Posts: 482

Shifu

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Q: Have teaching salaries in big cities such as Beijing and Shenzhen actually gone DOWN this year?

It could be me, but it seems this way a bit to me.

 

Beijing:

 

Kindergarten Teacher for 10-12k per month with 5k air subsidy.

 

Just one example I have seen today.

 

It's depressing me.

 

As an aside, is the flight bonus actually a con?

 

All the school where I have been offered this have required a receipt with a Chinese tax stamp on it.  How can we get this when we purchase the tickets in the UK, on Lastminute, for example?

 

One job actually gave me cash, but this was taxed on the amount which was not covered by receipts for things which were submit-able under tax accounting law, and even these receipts had to have my name on and the Chinese stamp ON TOP.

 

 

10 years 48 weeks ago in  Teaching & Learning - China

 
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Posts: 164

Governor

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I would suggest leaving the big cities for small cities, in BJ you are a small fish in a big pond, in a smaller city you will be a big fish in a big pond and have more opportunities to pick up part time work and have more leverage in negotiating your contract.  just my 2 cents

Robk:

I agree. 

 

In addition, you will be appreciated more... have more opportunities to be included in various activities and have less restrictions. 

 

Beijing seems like a city that really doesn't want the presence of foreigners. 

7 years 25 weeks ago
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10 years 48 weeks ago
 
Posts: 791

Shifu

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Tax? Geez....who's paying tax? Receipts for an airfare. I'm staying here.....none of that.

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10 years 48 weeks ago
 
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Governor

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Absolutely. Just last year I remember SZ had one of the highest salaries around with many offers over 20k. Now, 90% are 10-15k and accommodation and flight allowance if you're lucky. Or you must work for 40 hours. What happened is that pretty much all of the recruiters (cause 95% of ads are not direct hires) standardized the offers in that range too.

 

The same applies to GZ schools.

 

I don't know about BJ because I've never had the intention of working there.

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7 years 25 weeks ago
 
Posts: 2531

Emperor

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I think it is quite possible that due to the restriction changes in Tier 1 cities that less ESL teachers are being introduced. If that is the case, then agencies make less and possibly need a high percentage of the compensation that schools offered in the past. So possibly agencies are taking this now? 

 

Regardless, as mentioned above... you should leave the Tier 1 cities. Why? 

 

1) Tier 2 or lower cities offer almost the same luxurious now. 

 

The city where I bought an apartment may be considered Tier 4-5, with a million or so. It has a Wal-Mart, movies theaters, various cuisine, speed train, airport, many malls... whatever you would need. 

 

2) Lower Tiered cities appreciate you more. 

 

The novelty of foreigners is quite lost on larger cities. In smaller cities, it still exists which means you get special treatment. Sure, the attention could be negative at times (stares, whispers) but mainly it is positive with free dinners, more opportunities to get around the system. 

 

3) Tax is lower & cost of living is lower

 

You do pay less tax in smaller cities and the cost of living is significantly lower. Taxi rates, housing costs (if you rent or buy) and other activities cost a fraction of the cost. But I only make a fraction of the money! That's true, but the workload is significantly less, so you can supplement your income with tutoring. I know ESL teachers making 20k RMB in my city and the average local salary is 2k per month. Working with MUCH LESS effort than say Shenzhen and making the same salary with a much cost of living... seems like a no-brainer if you have the choice. 

 

4) Closely Knit Foreign Groups

 

The foreigners in the smaller cities seem to get a long better. Maybe it is because they need each other more... or because they can just relate to each other better being in the same situation. If you look at foreigner groups in larger cities, they seem to be more standoff-ish and segregated into some kind of a "foreigner hierarchy". This doesn't happen in my city very often. 

 

---

 

Also, you get to see a more realistic view on China. People in larger cities also seem to be kind of easily irritated while in smaller cities they seem more laid back. If they are lowering the salaries, there is really no reason to continue on in a Tier 1 city at all.  

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7 years 25 weeks ago
 
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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A: In my personal experience, teaching certificates have varied in releva
A:In my personal experience, teaching certificates have varied in relevance depending on the context and location. Here's a breakdown of each aspect:a) Getting the teaching job: Teaching certificates can certainly enhance your chances of securing a teaching position, especially in formal educational settings such as schools and language institutions. Many employers prefer candidates who have undergone specific training in pedagogy and instructional techniques, which these certificates often provide. However, other factors such as experience, references, and the demand for teachers in a particular area also play significant roles in the hiring process.b) Getting a higher salary than your uncertified competitors: In some cases, holding a teaching certificate can indeed lead to a higher salary compared to uncertified competitors. Many educational institutions have structured salary scales that take into account factors such as level of education, years of experience, and additional certifications. Holding a teaching certificate may place you in a higher salary bracket or make you eligible for certain salary incentives or bonuses. However, this can vary widely depending on the specific policies of the institution or organization.c) Getting promotions: Teaching certificates can be beneficial for career advancement and securing promotions within the field of education. They demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of teaching skills, which are qualities that many employers value when considering candidates for leadership positions or administrative roles. Additionally, some promotions may require specific certifications or qualifications, making holding a teaching certificate essential for advancement in certain cases.Regarding which certificate yields better results, it largely depends on the specific requirements of the job market and the educational context in which you intend to work. For example:A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is often highly regarded in formal school settings and can be advantageous for those seeking positions in primary or secondary education.Montessori certification is valuable for individuals interested in working in Montessori schools or implementing Montessori principles in their teaching approach.A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate is particularly relevant for those seeking to teach English to non-native speakers in international contexts or language schools.Ultimately, the best certificate for you will depend on your career goals, the specific requirements of the positions you're interested in, and the preferences of potential employers in your target job market. It's essential to research the requirements and preferences of employers in your desired field and tailor your qualifications accordingly. -- ruqaiya761