Job Discussion Forums

[wailing_imam]

Hi,

What's the latest from this place? I have an interview coming up soon and just feel I need to be convinced about it.

1) Is the pay around 30,000RMB a month?

2) How much is the housing allowance?

3) Do they provide education allowance for children?

4) What is the air quality like on the edge of Suzhou. Is it often, as it seems to be, in the unhealthy range?

5) Are the courses well-designed?

6) A decent place to work?

ANY info would be fantastic.

Ta!

[astrayalien]

1) to 3) I'm sure they will tell you.

I have an offer to work there. I think you will be happy with 1) & 2).

4) 5) 6) I would also like to know.

[coffeespoonman]

Hi,

1) Yes, but that's before tax. New tutor C's will probably take home around 25,000 give or take a couple thousand (if you include housing and travel allowance, which can be paid into your monthly salary).

2) 3300 this year

3) Unfortunately not now. We're trying to work out a deal with an international school in Suzhou, but haven't been able to yet. Could happen for next year, but realistically, probably not.

4) Yeah, usually unhealthy, but rarely up into hazardous. Averages between 150-170.

5) Overall, yes, but the degree depends on your module.

6) I love working here - great students, great colleagues, well-run, and best of all, the university takes the language centre more seriously than at any place I've ever worked. Our director is the Dean of Learning and Teaching, so that really helps.

Hope that helps!

[wailing_imam]

Thanks for the responses.

What do people with young children do for schools?

That air pollution looks nasty.

I worked in Suzhou in 2005 for a Singaporean company and enjoyed it greatly. However, the pollution didn't seen to be so bad then. Not sure I could bring a child to a place with such poor air.

[coffeespoonman]

Depends. Some people pay the high fees for the international schools. Some leave. Most don't have school-age children. We realize this has a very negative effect on staff retention, and are really trying to work out a deal.

The pollution is a serious issue. Most of us use air purifiers at home and stay indoors on smoggy days, but it's still my biggest complaint about living here, and may be the thing that finally convinces me to leave. Still, it's better than most places in developed China, but I realize that doesn't make much difference to those not already committed to coming to China.

[wailing_imam]

Thanks for that info.

It sounds a bit grim, and the lack of education allowance is a major negative. Is it any wonder EFL offices are stuffed with childless wanderers?