Job Discussion Forums

whitethunder10 · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 22

deleted

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Right now 10500 RMB is just under 1600 USD. Saving 1100 per month in Beijing or Shanghai? No. The other places I don't know, but probably not in Suzhou.

whitethunder10 · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 22

What do you think we are look at for savings on that salary?

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Lots of variables, depends on what you need as far as living facilities. We? You're bringing family?

whitethunder10 · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 22

There is an apartment allowace of $4,350 per month. i guess i would only be responsible for food, utilities and transport.

I would also join a gym.

whitethunder10 · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 22

I meant pet monkey... No sorry not we... Just I....

daCabbie · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 244

Sounds like a really good offer. A little too good.

I would specificly ask if the offer is exactly the same for every school. Usually these types of schools are individually owned and make thier own offers/contracts.

What have they said about your visa? Tourist or Official Z?

Once you decide on a location ask to speak with the schools directly and try to get the answers from them, not a person who gets paid to sell the school to new teachers.

My opinion is that Nanjing will give you the best chance at saving some money balanced with a good quality of life.

I am sure the ulities come from your end of the housing money. Internet is about 1000 for one year. Electricity is about 100-300 depending on your use of heat or air. Water is nothing.

Get everything in writing. Good luck.

whitethunder10 · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 22

@ dacabbie... check your PM Thanks

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

First of all, I echo that it sounds too good to be true, not least because the cities cited have vastly different living costs.

The apartment allowance seems a bit strange. In Ningbo you could afford a very good flat for that much. A nice flat is about 2,000 -2,500 a month. I guess if the school / centre is in the centre, then you could pay over 4k for a top notch apartment, but if you have to spend the allowance, you may end up in some kind of penthouse suite, although I'm sure you'd also be able to find someone to rip you off.

You can probably save the monthly amount you want in Ningbo. The best gyms are about 3,000 a year.

Obviously some of the schools with lots of franchises are not great, but I presume for that money you'll be coming as a DOS or something similar so you'll have an influence on the standard of the school going forward.

THree is a huge difference in living costs between Ningbo, and SH/BJ, so there's no reason to go to the big two unless you really want to live there. Of course SH/BJ have much better nightlife, but then I presume you're not aiming to save that much while entertaining a lavish party lifestyle. However, as a rule, I think that you will save less in China than in Korea

winterwawa · Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Posts: 48

I agree. That sounds way too good to be true. I am in Korea now and am looking at china for a change of pace. I have been offered a job at three different universities so far, and none of the offers come anywhere close to what this place is offering you.

I think the old saying "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is." might apply here. Like daCabbie said, "Get everything in writing."

whitethunder10 · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 22

Well if I took the position in Suzhou do you think i could save $1000 per month US? I mean if it is all legit. Which I am pretty sure it is.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I live in Suzhou and generally send $900 - $1000 home every month. My salary is slightly more than the one you are being quoted and my school pays fully for my rent and utilities. I keep between 5,000-6,000 with me every month and that's more than enough to get through one month spending pretty much however I want. But like everyone is telling you, if you choose a place besides SH or BJ, then you should be fine.

whitethunder10 · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 22

@ kev - check your PM

relaxtischina · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Posts: 113

Hi . There is a school in Suzhou which goes by the name of " Dobby" English which uses Disney stuff for their teaching and promotion. I am not sure if the are a legit franchise of Disney or if they have even been given permission to use Disney products. I suggest checking with the Shanghai head office more about the schools credentials including their legal right to hire foreigners in Jiangsu( Suzhou is under the Jiangsu government administration not Shanghai ). The School has been open here since around March this year and is located in Suzhou Industrial Park. Good Luck

ShawtyPut · Joined: 03 May 2010 Posts: 83

Beijing here. 3,000 is super expensive for a gym. I paid 550 for 12 months at Soko. You can get by on 3350 kuai a month (thus save $1100/month) if rent is covered. That is, if you don't drink or smoke or eat out very often. But if you're joining a gym, why bother with those vices?