Job Discussion Forums

[pattyflipper no more]

Hey everyone,
I am going to need some advice and info from all the "old school" teachers here, or anyone that wants to say something really..
I think I am accepting a position in Fuzhou, at the Ladder English Training School. This school has been around for a while and I have been in contact with some of the teachers there. They seem to think it is great, one of the teachers just signed a 2 year extension, so that is a good sign. But I am wondering if anyone has heard anything about this school.

I am also wondering if anyone has heard anything on Fuzhou. Or if anyone lives there or around there, I would really like to hear about it from people that live there.

As for flying out there my ticket is going to be about $1300 canadian (about $700 US) if I fly with Air China. Is this a resonable price, or does anyone know where I can get a ticket cheaper that goes right into Fuzhou.

As for the contract, the Director is sending the details out to me this week, but the basic points are,
pay - 4000rmb
airfaire - 1000 us (500 after 6, 500 after 1 year)
apartment -included
bills - are not (the teachers said they would be about $50 canadian a month)
transportation to work - yes, if needed
and they are sending me out a letter of invatation so I can get my visa

those are the basic points, let me know what you think, I will be posting the rest of the deal on here when I get it so I can get your opinions.

I also have one other question about visas, what is the best way to go with them. Do I get it before I leave, or when I am there. What should the school take care of for me, what is the norm??
Thanks for the help
Cody (PFNM)

[Roger]

4000 RMB is normal provided your weekly contact hours do not exceed 20. In many places, you get more than 4000, but you could fare a lot worse too!

Your details do not include:
- holiday pay?
- who pays for your work visa and the medical exam?
(With an invitation, you will probably get your work visa in CAN
but at your expense; the medical might be queried though, and
often the CHinese authorities do not recognise it - you will still
need a work permit and a residence permit besides a FE cert
to be fully legal and to be able to convert your RMB into CAN$);
- medical insurance?

All the rest is standard.

Your cheapest bet is probably flying to Hong Kong, then bus or train or a combination of bus and train all the way there - some 1300 kms. COunt on 2 days of being on the road!

I gave you my own account on Fuzhou. There seem to be very few expats out there!
Good luck
Roger