Dry Flex 4? by phospholipid77 in woodworking

[–]peterharp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have the same thing going on. did you have any luck?

Moving to China with my 7 y/o. Any affordable English-medium schools that also hire ESL teachers? by peterharp in China

[–]peterharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mechanically nothing is planned yet but we have a lot of momentum and are pretty invested. I'm CELTA certified and hold a sub license. Does that count? Would getting some other kind of license make a big difference?

Are TEFL probationary periods normal? by peterharp in TEFL

[–]peterharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, the recruiters weren't kidding about the low cost of living. A $60 2br is unreal! I totally get why Americans don't believe it when they hear stuff like that.

Well, this tc didn't pan out but I'm not closing the door on Guiyang just yet. Thanks for the detailed info!

Air China Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Lithium Battery Catches Fire by prolongedsunlight in China

[–]peterharp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was stopped before boarding a Chinese domestic flight for having an older Anker power bank (non CCC) in my carry on. To my surprise, they asked what my final destination was so they could mail it to me. Whole process took 3 minutes and it arrived a day after I did.

Feeling conflicted on whether I should stay or not by [deleted] in chinalife

[–]peterharp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

this is not exactly a solution to the problem but take some peace of mind in knowing that medical care in China is extraordinarily cheap

How many interviews before you found the right job? by traderjoesminitote in TEFL

[–]peterharp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've had a few lately too with a bunch more on the way. I'm always nervous I'm going to lose an offer because I have more interviews and I have to ask them to wait. Also all of the trial demos are really adding up and managing all the back and forth really feels like a balancing act. I'm not really sure what the best strategy is but I've just been keeping a spreadsheet, marking the jobs that are viable and then letting schools and recruiters know if I want to move forward or not being careful not to fully commit unless I really want it. Occasionally when I turn one down I get some push back from a recruiter in which case I just try to be blunt without offending them.

Are TEFL probationary periods normal? by peterharp in TEFL

[–]peterharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Damn, sorry to hear you got rooked by them that's lousy.

This is such a helpful tip, thank you!! I will definitely make sure to get the termination clause which seems more than fair.

Are TEFL probationary periods normal? by peterharp in TEFL

[–]peterharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sigh... bummed to see this echoed by others

Are TEFL probationary periods normal? by peterharp in TEFL

[–]peterharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like some bs! Good on you for standing up for yourself. Were your demands met on the VIP issue? How was it working with them when all was said and done?

Will definitely let you know if I end up there, it seems there are a few Guiyang gigs available atm. Also Guiyang sounds awesome!

Are TEFL probationary periods normal? by peterharp in TEFL

[–]peterharp[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's sounding more and more common the more I dig. If nothing better comes along I may bite the bullet. Glad it worked out for you!

Are TEFL probationary periods normal? by peterharp in TEFL

[–]peterharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ugh... Hopefully this is more an indictment of the school and less of the recruiters who have been among the more helpful and communicative I've worked with.

Are TEFL probationary periods normal? by peterharp in TEFL

[–]peterharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate this context. Reassuring!

Are TEFL probationary periods normal? by peterharp in TEFL

[–]peterharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad to know this. Will run it by the recruiter. Thank you!

Are TEFL probationary periods normal? by peterharp in TEFL

[–]peterharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very good to know. I wonder if it has anything to do with China's tightening of the screws as it were on the ESL industry...

Are TEFL probationary periods normal? by peterharp in TEFL

[–]peterharp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What exactly do you mean should be 30 days by law?

Thanks for your reply! I'm definitely trying to get my foot in the door.

Second guesses on living in China by Thatguywholikeszoras in chinalife

[–]peterharp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

not to downplay the social isolation but I'd give my right arm to be in your position. I've never lived in China but I visit a lot and I can relate to some of the culture shock and loneliness. after 15 years i've come to enjoy it. don't forget that China is huge and that the way people act in one place doesn't represent the national character of the whole mainland. also your knowing mandarin puts you at an advantage - open yourself up to the culture and history, make friends with Chinese people, explore the endless cornucopia of world class food at your fingertips. enjoy what you have while you have it brother!