Job Discussion Forums

[Matt_22]

When do the spring terms/semesters typically begin and end in China? I'm looking to find a job this-coming spring, but I'm unable to start work until mid-February - and then I have to leave around the end of June. Am I SOL, or should I be able to find some work?

[kev7161]

Without being able to tell you the EXACT dates - - the Spring semester probably will start up around the middle of February, after the Spring Festival/Chinese New Year break. And, even luckier for you, most terms will finish right around the end of June! So there you have it, picture perfect for your needs.

[tw]

February 7 marks the first day of Chinese New Year AKA Spring Festival in 2008, so it is a safe bet to say that most public school probably won't start the new term until late February or even early March.

[Matt_22]

are universities on these same terms as well?

[tw]

Colleges and universities usually start about the same time, though it can vary from a week to three weeks.

[kev7161]

I thought the Chinese New Year (and its celebration) tends to fall near the end of the Spring Festival break - - I could be wrong though. We pretty much had all of February off this year. When was the Chinese New Year - - early Feb.? mid? late?

Okay, I checked Google (god love Google!) - - it was on February 18th and the FTs at my school at least had Feb. 1st to 28th off. Back to school on March 1st. Soooooo . . . if CNY next year (2008) falls on Feb. 7th, then my guess (at least for my school) mid-January to mid-February may well be accurate.

The last day of Chinese New Years celebrations should occur on Feb. 15th with the lantern festival.

[tw]

My school will start its new term the first week of March.

Chinese New Year lasts 15 days, though the first three are the most important for drinking, eating, visiting, etc. Some older people consider Spring Festival a month long.

[Matt_22]

that sounds perfect. do your spring terms also finish up around the end of june?

[latefordinner]

TW, for some of my students Chinese New Years starts when they get to college and lasts for 4 years of drinking eating playing cards partying and catching a quick 40 winks at the back of class. But I digress.

Last spring classes at my previous school began the first week of March, but this can change not only with the calendar but from school to school. My wife has 2 cousins studying at diferent colleges in the city (well one is at Da Wai in Lushun) and they both had different scheds, though one was only a day or 2 diferent than mine. Your Mileage May Vary.

Matt, my spring terms have generally ended the last week of June, but have sometimes carried into the first week of July. Again, YMMV. IF you're up against a tight timeline for travel, you can probably negotiate an earlier date for your final exams within your department. As long as you get the results in they should be happy to cooperate.

[Matt_22]

I really appreciate all the helpful information. Sounds like I have the perfect opportunity to spend a good chunk of time in China. Now I just have to find a decent university that will accept a 24 year old with a BA and 2 years of experience.

[Shan-Shan]