Job Discussion Forums

louis.p · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 107 Location: Tainan, Taiwan

I'm considering a teaching job at an university. However, it seems its benefits are bellow the norm: salary is 4,700 a month; living quarters is provided freely, however all utilities, including internet use, must be paid by the employed. Am I correct assuming this job ranks bellow the norm? Would it be foolish to accept?

Thanks.

Lorean · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 476 Location: Beijing

City?
Number of weekly classes?

louis.p · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 107 Location: Tainan, Taiwan

Thanks -- I forgot. About 16 hours /wk. Heilongjiang.

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

Heilongjiang is the area. It's gets down to -50 in the winter. It would be an interesting place to spend a year and the ladies are supposed to be beautiful there. Harbin can pay a bit better I think but.

China Guide: HeilongjiangWith the Yabuli Ski Resort, Heilongjiang boasts the best skiing facility ... Located in the northeastern most part of China, Heilongjiang Province ...

http://english.ctrip.com/destinations/RegionDestinations.asp?region=55

Lorean · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 476 Location: Beijing

Is this a 12 month contract or a 10 month contract?

Paid holidays? Airfare reimbursement? Contract completion bonus?

If you mean 16 TEACHING hours (50 minute classes) and you get tge airfare reimbursement + completion bonus, then it's a pretty good contract compared to what most universities offer.

louis.p · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 107 Location: Tainan, Taiwan

Yes, 16 teaching hours. Travel expenses are reimbursed. Paid holidays are not explicitly mentioned in the contract, except for winter vacation. The contract says nothing about a completion bonus, though. I will need to pay income tax. Additionally, It stipulates that I need to obtain a Z-visa before I arrive at the school and pay all of the visa's costs.

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

"Am I correct assuming this job ranks bellow the norm?" -- Louis P.

�4,500 a month is about par for university jobs in the Northeast. You can treat the non-free utilities as an effective reduction in your monthly salary. The utilities should run about �500 a month (the saving grace of Heilongjiang is that it's so cold in winter that the municipality will pipe in steam heat, although not necessarily for the duration or in the quantities that you may want it). Therefore, considering the expected cost of utilities, you should use no more than �4,200 (their �4,700 salary, less �500 for utilities) when comparing this offer with that of other "utilities included" schools you may be considering.

Lorean · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 476 Location: Beijing

Songbird · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 2:04 am Post subject:

Not wishing to scare anyone, but I have heard a wee little rumour that all SAFEA schools in China are now required to NOT cover electricity in new contracts! I heard this from a friend in Suzhou, but they're supposed to give you an 'allowance' as such.

Anyone else heard this? Seems strange...and my new contract in September doesn't have this, it's still covered by the school. However, this is in Jiangxi, could make a difference...

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

If you are on campus, still as far as i know, you do not pay utilities. If you are off campus, you pay your own utilities, and the school gives you a certain amount. Schools should also pay for your internet, and your phone connection (not your calls)
Internet/phone connection is standard, they pay the receipt amount. utilities, lots of schools want to offer the same amount as years earlier.

Also the school, as far as I know, is still required to provide all living neccesities, such as heating for the official winter period ( I believe this is for four months??? or three?) This is a substantial bill

louis.p · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 107 Location: Tainan, Taiwan

In my contract it clearly states that the employed party will pay for the use of gas, water, electricity, phone use and Internet use by themselves. This is a public university. Seems as if there is not a law requiring the school to provide these services free of cost.

- Greg

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

killian · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:15 am Post subject:

the contract is not a sacred document until it is signed by both parties.

negotiate.

get what you can.

and if you don't like it, says "no thanks". they need you much more than you need them.

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

4700RMB a month is the average for university work. Welcome to China. By the way 4700RMB was the average salary for university work 3 to 4 years ago as well. So you can see how much the pay has increased.

senorfay · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 214

Which university? If it's Harbin Institute of Technology, the living facilities are good. If it's Heilongjiang University, the living spaces are garbage. Also remember that you will probably be locked in around 11pm everynight unless you establish a friendly relationship with the doorpeople upon arrival.