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[Invictus]

Hey, guys.

I've been toying with the idea of possibly moving to Shanghai. I only spent a week there in January of 2011, it wasn't enough time to get a feel for the city, but from what foreign friends as well as Chinese friends who are from Shanghai have said, it seems to be a modern city with all the modern and cultural amenities most foreigners would need.

In the past, I have flirted with English First and New Dynamic Institute. I have had friends who worked for both and they seemed fairly content, if grumpy. However, I don't want to contact EF or NDI right off the bat just because I'm fairly sure I can get in there. Perhaps there are better places. And this is my question.

How can I inform myself on teaching in Shanghai? How about university jobs, are those particularly difficult? Are there any reliable resources (besides the good posters of this forum) where I can get an idea for what jobs are available besides the typical job posting boards? I have come to distrust those after so many cautionary tales online.

Thanks!

[scotto858]

Definitely look into the deluge of comments about agents like those you have mentioned. Browse the forum, hear the screams, heed the call.

[Raoul F. Duke]

Try the job ads on Shanghai-local sites like That's Shanghai or Shanghai XPat. They tend to have much better jobs than the big job boards. Why, I think there are links to some in our Links area.

Personally I'm suspicious of EF, and can't advise working for NDI anywhere!

[Invictus]

Thanks, guys! Also looking into Korea. Seems there is more money to be made (and saved) there. Oh, the vast lands of east Asia. Sometimes I muse over where I could possibly end up by September.

[Paul]

echinacities has lots of jobs.

Just about everything is available here in Shanghai from backpacker teaching to international schools.  Same applies to pay rates - slavery up to highly paid.

Take your time.  Sorry, I don't know anyone who works for universities, but I am fairly sure it's poorly paid, judging by adverts I've seen.

Like he said, I'd avoid both EF and NDI.  There are many schools offering similar conditions for much higher pay.

They are stricter here about issuing work visas than other places I've lived in China, but if you're properly qualified that's no problem.  Some people under 24 have been denied work visas.

My experience in Korea suggests that there is equal or more money to be made here for less work.  And friendlier people and a more relaxing lifestyle. But that's just my take on it - others will differ.

[Pashley]

Just about everything is available here in Shanghai from backpacker teaching to international schools.  Same applies to pay rates - slavery up to highly paid.

I'm at a university in Shanghai, paid adequately but not as well as I think I should be I'm about to have a discussion with the department head about pay in next year's contract. I need ammunition.

If anyone finds info on ESL or editing jobs significantly above 10,000 plus housing (especially ones with links that I can give him) please PM it to me. Don't bother with links from Dave's; I have enough of those.

[gonzo]

I taught university in Shanghai several years back. On a visit last Christmas they tried hard to coax me out of retirement. They said there are plenty of willing recruits out there, but they have become very cautious after many bad experiences.
My reasons for preferring uni work are several, but I guess short hours, no night classes or weekend work, and plenty of time to supplement your income if desired are among them
Yes, there are "Western" amenities, but generally at Western prices, so teachers can't indulge too often. I love Shanghai for its variety and vibrancy. I was reluctant to leave in 2004, and then again 5 months ago.

[MK]

generally at Western prices

A lot of western stuff is actually more  expensive in Shanghai than at home - e.g. 60-80 RMB for a pint of Guinness - 8 quid for a pint!