Job Discussion Forums

[Cubism]

Anything on this place? 2008 said "give it a miss." Is it better now? And they offered 5000/mo for 18 hrs week. Is that enough in Suzhou or is it expensive there?

Thank you..

[Zero]

Well, you'll do what you want, but don't blame us if things aren't so great.

[maotouying]

Nice location actually. And no more expensive there than any other place. 5K a month I think you will survive.

This could be one of the luxery locations because of the rich history and the closeness of going to Nanjing or Shanghai are within stone throw in any direction.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzhou

[wangdaning]

Don't know about the school, but I just returned from a trip to Suzhou. Though I spent almost that salary in a week, I was on vacation.

Looking at the prices there, it was not too expensive. I can only really compare with Chengdu, so Suzhou is a bit more expensive than Chengdu. Taxis start at 10 RMB, which gets you 3 Km, after that it is 1.5-2 RMB/KM. It is not a huge city, so getting places by taxi is rather cheap and quick. Meat and vegetable prices weren't that high. The western restaurants were a little pricey, but really good.

My judgment tells me that 5K would be doable. If you don't splurge all the time. I would personally look for more though. Hope that helps

[Big Poppa Pump]

How many working hours a week? If it is down around 12 to 16 and housing included I'd be ok with it.

You can pick up a couple private lessons here and there to make up the difference. Though, if it is a language center be careful, it is considered very naughty to compete against your own employer.

Though, if the teachers who work for me were to quietly come up and ask, "Look, Big Poppa, I got this sweet private lined up for an adult student, is that ok?"

I'm like, "Sure, we don't teach adults go for it."

So there are language schools who will let you do privates so long as you aren't poaching potential customers. Just suss it out a bit, you should be ok though.

[kev7161]

I usually convert "X" amount of my salary to send home and end up keeping about 5,000-6,000 rmb for my monthly needs. It usually lasts me right up to the next pay day (and sometimes even beyond) and that's with massages, haircuts, taxis, eating out, buying western foods, medicine, and other "this and thats" I may want or need. So I think you'll be okay, esp. if you are not planning on any sort of serious savings or if you don't have any bills to pay.

[wailing_imam]

Cubism, back in China? I thought you were in Delhi?

Anyway, I worked at this school for 4 months in 2005. I was working for a Singaporean school who take students from this school every year. I was doing the foundation English programme. I was paid a Singaporean salary but worked at least twice as hard as the normal teachers. Nevertheless, I saved up 40,000RMB in my 4 months so I was fairly happy.

The school is located in Lumu, about 6kms from the city centre. There is a daily bus. There are also plently of local buses passing the school. The school is rather nice, modern and I found it a good place to work. Suzhou is a fantastic city, full of all the weatern amenities you could need and only a 45 min trip from Shanghai. I recommend going to this school.

[Cubism]

[quote="Zero"]Well, you'll do what you want, but don't blame us if things aren't so great.[/quote]

Zero, are you spokesman for the entire board, or are you simply superior to everyone! Using the imperial "we"--

Drop dead.

[Cubism]

[quote="wangdaning"]
I can only really compare with Chengdu, so Suzhou is a bit more expensive than Chengdu. Taxis start at 10 RMB, which gets you 3 Km, after that it is 1.5-2 RMB/KM. /