Search found 408 matches

by eion_padraig
Sat Nov 13, 2021 8:52 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Out side China job offers
Replies: 13
Views: 22672

Re: Out side China job offers

While my school has definitely focused on hiring teachers already in China, they have for some positions hired outside of China. There are school age dependents and spouse dependents getting visas/PU letters to get in. It's a hassle due to limited and expensive flights, plus testing requirements before someone comes, but it seems like people are starting to be able to get through.

One fear of teachers who are parents is what would happen if their child came to the Chinese border at they had Covid. The policy would seem to be to separate the child who was sick from their parents which has some of my friends rather worried.

We've had a handful of teachers enter China for the first time and start working over the last 2 - 3 months. They've had to do 2 weeks of quarantine in a hotel and then 1 week in their apartment.

Lots of salaries have been increased, but some of that is up in the air due to new tax laws. I know of a few schools who already take on the tax burden who had said they'll cover any increases in taxes if they come up.

Some of my colleagues left last summer and were able to return, and in a few cases with young dependents. A lot more of my colleagues are planning on leaving this summer and returning. Some of the other schools in the city have said it's fine to leave and come back. One of the better paying schools has told their teachers not to leave and the school saw lots of resignations.

Eion
by eion_padraig
Thu Aug 05, 2021 3:56 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: What do the new Chinese regulations mean for IS?
Replies: 2
Views: 5503

Re: What do the new Chinese regulations mean for IS?

So far, the private tutoring isn't impacting tutoring of foreign international school students. It's important to know that schools that are only open to non-Chinese students, are governed differently than private schools and international divisions of public schools in China that are for Chinese nationals. However, this could certainly change, though the foreign international schools are definitely an after thought as far as the Chinese government goes. Often international newspapers don't really differentiate between schools serving Chinese students and those just for foreign students. Certainly there are more international teachers working at the first type (Chinese nationals) than the second type (foreign students), but generally the second type have better pay, benefits, and management.

I wasn't able to read the Telegraph article, so it's hard to comment on what it said.

As far as your second question, it means that up until grade 9 Chinese nationals are supposed to only learn the Chinese curriculum. Once they're finished compulsory education, they can study a foreign curriculum (IB, A levels, GCSE, AP, Canadian, etc).

So far it seems like some schools with Chinese students have been able to operate as they have for years. I can thing of several in my city. It may be that they have more political support. Or maybe that will be coming to an end. Or maybe only the ones that are owned by foreign companies/individuals will have problems.

I hope that makes sense.

Eion
by eion_padraig
Sun Jul 04, 2021 2:17 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Contract
Replies: 13
Views: 13424

Re: Contract

@Remymartin,

I'm in China right now. I've been here through the pandemic, though a lot of my colleagues were stuck outside when they tightened up the borders at the end of March 2020. While there was a brief period where teachers were able to enter China more easily from about September to November 2020, since late last year it's been very hard for international teachers to enter. There may be some who made it after, but it would be outliers. Lots of schools, even top ones, are having a hard time to find enough qualified people to teach. There have also been families who have left the country as international companies have reduced some of their staffing.

The issue is that schools don't know what's going to happen or if China will ease up restrictions for more people to come and go. It would be great if things really do open up in October, but no one at any school knows what's going to happen. Besides several Germans in business fields who have seemed to come and go, (In Germany they have good/quick access to testing and their country currently has relatively good political relations with China), it's not been easy for non-Chinese to enter China. And so far it looks like dependents of people with visas can't come, so lots of people with kids or spouses are not interested in returning on their own.

So international schools in China are in a bind. Schools that have full staff rosters have used this in their directed advertising against competitors in the same city. Lots of teachers have upgraded to better schools or found better roles in their current schools. The places with terrible pay and/or terrible administration/owners are having lots of trouble. So it's unlikely they'll find someone to replace you in country who will have an easier time entering. Although schools let people go when they needed to and sometimes without any notice or money to pay out contracts. People receiving less pay was fairly common when they were stuck out of the country.

I don't know if that helps, but there's a lot that is uncertain at this point. I think there many be a big exodus of teachers if there's not clear signs that coming and going from China will be possible by next summer or before.

Good luck.

Eion
by eion_padraig
Sat Feb 06, 2021 1:41 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Teaching in China
Replies: 9
Views: 11793

Re: Teaching in China

There was a period of time when returning teachers and a few new teachers were able to get into China. Though the borders are not officially closed now, I don't think international teachers are going to be let in for the time being. I suspect it will open up again with limitations a month or so after Chinese New Year celebrations if there are not serious outbreaks that happen within China.

Ours school was able to bring in a half dozen or so new teachers with trailing spouses or dependent children, though there were others that didn't make the cut. I think luck played a part and where they were coming from was the other thing that impacted who made it. But there didn't seem a clear pattern from even where people were coming from that emerged, or at least which consulate or the embassy you applied to seemed to have an impact in some cases.

I'd say it's a risk, but you may end up with a great job with less competition because of people deciding not to apply. If you don't have dependents, it will probably be easier too. The good news is the bulk of schools in China have open campuses, and have been open since sometime in May/June. A few schools closed their campuses a bit early for CNY as a precaution. And if there's a lot of outbreaks our campuses might shut down again, but so far the spread has been largely contained and school campuses are open for the time being.

Good luck.

Eion
by eion_padraig
Wed Jul 29, 2020 2:53 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Beginning Of The End for China Foreign Teachers?
Replies: 54
Views: 66713

Re: Beginning Of The End for China Foreign Teachers?

@sciteacher,

Like most laws in China that comes through we've heard there will be one, but how it may be implemented by schools and which schools have to implement it is still uncertain. I'm wondering if it will need to be implemented at the foreign run schools that serve non-Chinese passport holders. At this point it's not clear. For instance AP US History was banned in China, except at the foreign run schools that don't serve Chinese passport holders, but that wasn't clear when it was first announced in various media outlets.

So far, being American in China hasn't been a negative in my experience. The biggest issue for foreigners in China of late are for those trying to travel around internally in China (since leaving probably means we can't return) and being turned away from hotels or tourist sites for fear they may be sick with Covid19. It's not happening everywhere, but I have friends traveling especially in more remote areas where they've had issues. I won't comment on the irony of it. I speak with local Chinese folks frequently, and let them know I'm American when asked. Once in a while a Chinese person will follow up that with discussion of the American government, but it's not the most common thing. In years of living here, I can remember only a few times (maybe 3 or 4) where someone was angry or hostile with me when I told them I was American. To be honest I've dealt with a lot more hostility from various Europeans over the years when they find out I'm American.

I tend to limit my holdings of RMB because it's hard to take RMB out. You have to prove that you've paid taxes, and there are more hoops to jump through if you've had it hanging out in Chinese bank. But the last time I was traveling internationally I was able to withdraw local currency from my Chinese bank card without problems.

For now it seems like a lot of posturing on both sides. It's nothing like what happened after the US bombing of the Chinese Embassy building in 1999 when the CIA deliberately targeted Chinese intelligence operatives who were believed to be giving intelligence to Serbians. That ended up being a dangerous time to be a Western foreigner in China, when the government stirred up protests against Americans. Granted things can change, but that what you have to deal with as an international teacher.

For the time being, I'm happy to be based here. The money is excellent. I really appreciate a lot about about Chinese culture and the ease of living here (not everything of course). I have excellent colleagues. I can understand folks who don't like it as much, and it's good there is a whole world out there for you to consider.

Eion
by eion_padraig
Fri Jul 17, 2020 5:05 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: and it continues
Replies: 27
Views: 39255

Re: and it continues

Others schools have let people go. One of my friends lost a number of her colleagues when they were not in country when school started up even though it was all distance learning. My friend was frustrated by this because there was not communication from the school about them being in country as a requirement and decided to look for new work which resulted in a much better job. Granted, this was from a 3rd tier school and it happened in February. From my friends, I've heard that Dulwich has let some teachers go who are not in China. Both Yew Cheng International School and Shanghai Community International School re-issued contracts in late Spring with lower pay which people were told to take or leave. Teachers at both places are expecting increased work loads while teachers are making less money. British International School Shanghai were one reduced salaries this Spring.

On the other hand, it's been a good time to get better jobs if you're inside China. I've known several people living in China who have been able to get jobs at better schools as those schools let people go who are stuck outside of China. I know 5 or 6 people who've made a move for bigger pay or the change to get into teaching curriculum they haven't taught before (IB/AP).

The borders are starting to open in very limited ways. Mostly, I've heard of foreigners owning businesses or high-end executives entering or their families. One of my friends working in business had his wife and son come from Germany (both German nationals). I've heard contradictory things though related to the education side. Keystone Academy in Beijing was referenced in a news article saying they were able to bring in educators, but I'm wondering if it's just admin or actual teachers. I don't see this meaning we'll see a big increase in people being able to return any time soon. And of course, politics between China and specific countries can get in the way.

Eion

PS - @fine dude; glad to hear you won't be coming.
by eion_padraig
Wed Jul 08, 2020 4:01 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Schools that take teachers with no teaching cert
Replies: 5
Views: 8568

Re: Schools that take teachers with no teaching cert

I think the bigger issue is whether or not a particular country requires a person to have a teaching credential to get a work visa. Some years back Singapore started requiring everyone to have a teaching credential to get a work permit, and some people who had been there a long time no longer had valid credentials.

While my school normally only hires people with teaching credentials, a teaching credential and/or a MA degree count as steps on our 3 column pay scale. So the base is a bachelor's degree. Column 2 is having a MA or a credential. Column 3 is having a MA and a teaching credential. If you have years of successful teaching under your belt, and the country doesn't require a credential I'd be surprised to see many schools pass up a candidate they wanted. I worked at a private middle & high school in the US for several years before heading overseas, and almost none of those teachers had credentials.

You may be better off seeing which countries require teacher credentials. I don't know that myself, but I suspect you could find that information somewhere. But I do think you're right that getting a credential would be useful.

Eion
by eion_padraig
Mon May 04, 2020 11:49 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: How competitive would I be?
Replies: 19
Views: 55382

Re: How competitive would I be?

There are a lot of jobs in China where you might be hired. The main thing is to get IB and/or AP teaching experience. Taipei American School and Taipei European School (these are the only 2 schools I'd consider working at in Taipei with the order I listed being intentional; only 1 down south Kaohsiung American School) both teach IB curriculum and TAS also teaches AP.

In China, I'd say if you can work at a school that primarily serves non-Chinese passport holders, you're better off. Also, I'd recommend the non-profit international schools and avoid the chain schools if possible. But again, that's an ideal situation in my opinion. I've had friends and colleagues move from schools in China to both of those schools.

The main problem is you're late to the hiring season, though you may be in luck as people may have decided not to make the move. The bigger issue is that the border is closed unless you have a Chinese or Taiwanese passport.

Eion
by eion_padraig
Tue Apr 21, 2020 12:13 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: China closed
Replies: 67
Views: 80239

Re: China closed

Yeah, I think I'll take that nugget of information with a bucket of salt.

Eion
by eion_padraig
Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:18 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Can I force Majeure?
Replies: 52
Views: 68272

Re: Can I force Majeure?

There was a lower tier school in Shanghai with Chinese students running international curriculum that have fired teachers that didn't return to China by the date they were set to re-open, even though the school is still running online classes. A friend of mine works there, and she says there was no communication by the school that the school would take that action. My friend feels it's probably because of dropping enrollment, but this has caused my friend to look for other options next year. It's not terribly surprising to me at a place that has Chinese owners and management.

Otherwise, I've not heard of this happening anywhere else.

Eion
by eion_padraig
Tue Mar 31, 2020 2:58 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: China closed
Replies: 67
Views: 80239

Re: China closed

Our school did encourage teachers to come back, and many were making the move when the door was shut. Some made it, and others didn't. The canceling of flights was going on pretty regularly so it was tough for those who were trying. While many of our students are still in China, some students are also shut out with their families too.

If our campus is able to re-open, there will most likely be a hybrid model here for the end of the year because both teachers and students won't be able to return. There's no talk about penalizing teachers who didn't make it back. There is also no confirmation of our campus re-opening. Lots of uncertainty here which is wearing on everyone.

I was talking to my family and saying I'm not sure that I'll be leaving China for the summer. I definitely won't if they keep the ban on foreigners entering, but I'm not likely to do that even if they keep the 14 day quarantine in a hotel. I'd consider it if there was a 14 day quarantine in my own apartment. My family responded that thought it might not be a good idea to return given what's happening in the country any way.

@t_rock, I think the good schools will be reacting the same way. I suspect the limiting of foreigners is temporary until they can manage the flow of Chinese nationals who are returning. I think it's also why they limited flights into China.

I do have friends who are changing jobs and leaving China. I wonder about their ability to get their stuff all sorted out and moved if they're not in China. If I'm here I'll offer to help people if I can.
by eion_padraig
Thu Mar 12, 2020 2:40 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Job Cuts
Replies: 12
Views: 23521

Re: Job Cuts

We've offered some online courses to augment our curriculum for years. I can't say that the courses are very popular with out students. One of the platforms ends up with lots of low grades because late work is penalized unlike where I work.

Pamoja which offers IB diploma subjects online has also been around for a while. The quality of those classes is uneven. I had a friend who used to teach for them, but stopped when they reduced the pay substantially while giving more students for classes.

Certainly the technology is around to do it, but I don't know that parents paying high tuition will see that as worth the money.

Eion
by eion_padraig
Wed Feb 12, 2020 6:16 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Situation in China
Replies: 37
Views: 81968

Re: Situation in China

@monkeycat, yeah, that's about right. I had friends over on Monday to play games, but some complexes are trying to control movement of the people who live there. The guards don't really have the authority to stop people from coming and going, but some places it's a hassle. I was at my friend's house on Sunday and a few security guards were hassling her as she came down to get us. We signed in and had them take our temperature, but otherwise ignored them.

Just today it sounded like one of the districts' restaurants were all told to shut down again, but it hasn't happened in the next district over. My go to bar/restaurant is still open, but there are few customers. If this were to go on for long it wouldn't be much fun living here, but I suspect by March or April at the latest things will be back to regular old business. I suspect there'll be a number of places that don't reopen after the coronvirus is history either, but that happens even when there isn't a . shutting things down.
by eion_padraig
Mon Feb 10, 2020 12:37 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Situation in China
Replies: 37
Views: 81968

Re: Situation in China

Yes, fine dude, be wise and... panic? Good idea.
by eion_padraig
Sat Feb 08, 2020 4:05 am
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Situation in China
Replies: 37
Views: 81968

Re: Situation in China

I just flew back into China today (Shanghai). It's quiet on the streets, and businesses have been encouraged to be closed until Feb 9th. Everyone is wearing masks outside.

I had to fill out a government document that was accessed through WeChat before I could enter my apartment compound. It asked me some basic questions on who I was, where I lived, contact information, and where I had traveled.

There was no mention of a quarantine period in English or that I saw in Chinese at the airport. My school hasn't mentioned a quarantine either. I suspect this could vary depending on the local government. The start of school has been pushed back into early March, and for now teachers are submitting online work to their students.

I haven't heard any worries from people about not being paid from any of my friends, and I know people at full international school as well as bilingual and foreign programs run from public schools. If that happens it will be something we hear about.

People are paying out of their earnings to pay for housing while not in China. Some folks I know have gone to stay with family and others have hanging out in Southeast Asia where living costs can be lower. I suspect most people will probably save up a bit less during this stint and they may take a bit of a hit from flights back. Given the general savings potential in the region, I don't see this being catastrophic for most people though mileage may vary.

At this point, I'm wondering if the Spring Break will be cancelled so that can be used for contact time. In the end, I'm not worried about the disease or contracting it myself since I'm healthy, though it makes things a bit unusual for a while. I'm hoping it quickly gets under control as there are people who are much more vulnerable to it than myself. It's a lot how I view things like measles outbreaks.

Take care.