Job Discussion Forums

[audchiang]

I just interviewed for an "instructional aide" position at an International School in Shanghai. It pays about $13,500 USD/year, with basically no other benefits (no housing, no tuition waiver for my kid, no medical, etc.). I will push for some benefits, but no guarantee.

Basically, is this enough to live on, assuming my husband can find a job that pays at a similar rate? Our main expenses: a two-bedroom apartment, tuition for kindergarten (not necessarily at an International School - that would eat up the entire TA salary), possibly hiring an aiyi during the day...

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[millie]

Hello audchiang,

As you note, international schools charge a lot for tuition fees and that should indicate something about the salary expectations of a suitably qualified and experienced teacher. However, it seems (but I may be wrong) that you are not qualified as a teacher so they rename you as an "instructional aide". Hmmmm….

Thus, the school is looking for a foreigner on the cheap and you are it.
The school needs foreigners to convince parents of its international school status and so part with their wads of cash.
Welcome to the educational scam that seems to pervade China in various guises.

Finally, as a couple, you will certainly have enough money to live on unless you wish to attempt duplicate the lifestyle you have in the west. Depending where you live and the size of the flat you want, rent might be from 2,500-5,000 RMB per month. An Ayi, even live-in, is not expensive.

Happy travels
M

[journeyeast]

So, 13,500 is like 1350 per each month of a 10 month contract.. Not including any perks such as travel bonus, and airfare renumeration..

So thats like 11, 205 Each Month
You can assume very easily that a good apt in Shanghai is going to be like 4500 RMB / MONTH leaving you 6705 Salary

Subtract 400 AVG MO For Electricity
Subtract, 40 day, 1200 MO Food
Subtract, 120 Internet MO
Subtract, 60 Local Phone MO
Total Subtractions: 1780 RMB from 6705
Total Salary 4925

If you like to eat McDonalds, then make your food expense at least 100 day.. If you like to come home to warm apartment in the winter add 300 MO to electrity expense..

For insurance, you should calculate approx. $250 for each policy holder for 1-yr term.

No idea what you would pay for tuition for your children.

For a new, single, inexperienced teacher, the salary is not too bad.. Most people would complain if you started in China making the same salary as an experienced teacher. But that being said, you should be able to enjoy a typical salary of at least 6,000 RMB after expense salary in Shanghai . You are not making that, you are making far less.