Job Discussion Forums

[Kim]

I have been reading the posted messages and I think that some of you may be able to help me make a decission about whether to take a post I've been offered. Please bare with me as I've only had experience teaching in Europe.
First of all I would like to know if anyone has hear anything about International House, Qingdao. They have an excellent reputation here in Europe but that may not be the case over in China.
Second, has anyone been to Qingdao, in the Shangdong province. I'd like to know what to expect, clean/dirty, expensive... I'm only coming for about 6 weeks and I think they are hoping that I conduct seminars for the teachers as well as teach about 24 hours. Am I naive to think that they will pay me extra for the seminars? They said that for 24 hours I'd be paid 6000rmb,/month that's including 750 living expenses, is this enough??
They will also be giving me a bonus of 3000 for the 6 weeks, so I don't think I should complain, right?
Another thing I'd like to know is regarding the prices of trains, that is, if I want to visit other cities. Are they economical/safe/punctual?
My last concern is about the pneumonia that has been going around. I don't believe a thing I see on TV so I'd like your personal opinions. Is it a risk to come in July or is it just propaganda.
Thanks a lot for reading my worries, let me know if you can help.

[Roger]

This offer looks generous to me! 6000 RMB plus per month, times 1.5 plus 3000 as a bonus amount to 12'000 RMB for six weeks, pous free housing (or do they deduct 750 per month for rent? Still not bad).
You can't expect to be paid extra for "seminars", although you should ask how much time they will take up.

Qingdao is a nice city. It has got a very European feel in the downtown area with its almost intact German core.
You can easily afford to travel around, even in luxury (soft sleeper berths in trains).

I have one concern: They are not likely to provide you with a work visa for such a short period.

The atypical pneumonia scare is genuine, but the epicentre is in distant Guangdong and nearby Hong Kong. Don't worry too much - just keep away from crowds (you would do that anyway).

[Kim]

Thanks Roger,
What are the potential problems if I don't have a work visa. The director told me I would have to apply as a tourist, does that mean I won't have a contract?
Get back to me when you can.

[noodles]

I spent a little time in Qingdao last year and thought it was a really nice city. Very clean and some of the architecture is very beautiful. It could in fact be any number of european cities. The beaches are really nice and swimming in the sea is a pleasure. It is also where a lot of the water sports for the olympics are to be held so they are in fact cleanining it even more.
Sorry i dont know anything about the school, but sounds like a good offer to me.

[Roger]

Kim,
the director should know (and tell you) whether they can upgrade your tourist visa to a work visa. It is common for Westerners to arrive here on a tourist visa that's valid for at least one more month before the PSB grant a work visa.
This period employers often secretly use as probation period, after which time your fate might be to be jobless, although that is not a very routine outcome.
Try to find out if they can apply for your work visa.

If not, well, it's a gamble! In some cities the PSB never interfere, but one never knows.
The PSB are known to show up in classrooms and to inspect your documents there and then. They can cause you trouble from that time on, which will cost you a pile of money and can be followed by a deportation order.

[scot47]

Tsingtao was the orthography when the Germans held this port as a concession. Before they lost it to the Japanese in the First World War, the Germans built a nice brewery. Stiil there I believe. GO ! It should be good, even if you are a total abstainer like me !

[MartinK]

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[scot47]

Do I detect another Englishman who is uneasy when he hears about Germany and the Germans ?

[Kim]

Martin,
I don't think I asked for you opinion regarding what others think of Qingdao, I wanted yours. But I guess you are one of those who takes everything personally and gets a kick out of blowing things out of porportion on open forums. Chill will you.
The fact that people are saying that Qingdao in somewhat European looking doesn't change the fact that I'm going there, that I want to experience culture shock again and I'm looking forward to it.
So you might want to be less defensive and let teachers help other teachers without interferring in such a condecending way.

[MartinK]

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[MartinK]

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[Roger]

Martin,
you too are one of those from I don't know where, with a huge chip on your shoulders!
I mentioned that Qingdao has a quaint German downtown area because this is a fact that adds to the city's charm. Even the local authorities are under obligation to preserve it albeit without mentioning that itis European architecture!
And believe me, the shortlived German presence had a lasting effect on Shandong as a whole! To this day, their beer swilling culture has survived. When I was there, I got a mug of beer from a barrel in a small shop just about every day - for fre3e, as a courtesy gift from very hospitable locals!
Considering the abysmally uninspiring cubist architecture of 5 decades of socialist Chinese construction all over the country that blighted cities from Urumqi to Dandong, it is worthwhile to note which urban places are attractive!
And, since we are at it, why not mention QUFU with its traditional-Chinese architecture, including Confucius' family palace? Yes, there are a few towns across China that have character - either because some Western country left its imprint, or because Chinese communism has not destroyed most historic buildings!