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astrotrain
Joined: 18 Apr 2013
Posts: 96
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 Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 2:44 am Post subject: Confucius International School Qingdao（CISQD） |
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Hi all,
I am looking for information about this school. Anyone that has worked there, friends, stories, anything. From what I know they are a Chinese run international (boarding) school catering to rich kids in the city.
Not offered a contract yet (maybe) but want to do some background check as much as possible, so any insight would be appreciated. One thing I find odd is the school's HR is looking to do the Visa work now but from conversations with department head they need (chinese) board members approval before they hand out contracts. From my experience schools that are interested in hiring a person, the procedure is mutually agreed contract first then visa docs proceed consequently. In this case they are putting cart before the horse. weird.
http://english-qingdao.cieg.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=2 |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 5:54 am Post subject: |
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I don't see anything that wrong with the process if you stop short of incurring medical costs.
You can't do anything vis a vis your local consulate without a contract, so it's self limiting as to how far they can go.
Could be Board is a rubber stamp and they're just trying to get a jump.
Non Chinese senior staff feature on the website and the address is a pretty decent area of Qingdao. |
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Mikeylikesit114
Joined: 21 Dec 2007
Posts: 129
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| Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 10:57 am Post subject: |
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The Confucius school in Qingdao has, in the past
a) hired foreigners on illegal business visas and refused to convert them to legal Z visa's
b) cancelled a new mother's health insurance policy while she was still in the hospital
c) hired incompetent teachers with suspect credentials
d) been unable to retain the majority of staff for longer than 1 year
The owner claims to be a descendent of Confucius, and is a maniac from what I understand. |
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astrotrain
Joined: 18 Apr 2013
Posts: 96
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| Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 4:44 pm Post subject: |
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| Mikeylikesit114 wrote: |
The Confucius school in Qingdao has, in the past
a) hired foreigners on illegal business visas and refused to convert them to legal Z visa's
b) cancelled a new mother's health insurance policy while she was still in the hospital
c) hired incompetent teachers with suspect credentials
d) been unable to retain the majority of staff for longer than 1 year
The owner claims to be a descendent of Confucius, and is a maniac from what I understand. |
Hi Mike,
Was this recent or some time ago? First hand account or from friends etc. I think they had a name change as the Department head indicated such, did research on current name, hard to find recent reviews about teachers experience.
My impression based on the interviews, the foreign teachers, headmaster and execs seem to have a bit of disconnect between themselves and the Chinese management team, everything needed the board's approval and they were/are very hands on, micro managing the place.
The subject department head and headmaster seem to love my qualifications but the contract release dependant on the board is taking forever . . . but they keep asking for visa docs, whole thing is strange way of doing things.
All the foreign staff listed on their english website seem qualified, Masters, one guy from Harvard but I wonder if these people left some time ago and they are still keeping their profile up to entice new students, faculty?? |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 8:20 pm Post subject: |
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OP As I said. Go along with this to a point short of paying money.
I'm sure you've read enough on Dave's to know that the tourist visa route is no a 'goer' under any circumstances.
Given that the new semester has started, they could be desperate and may well play that card in an effort to get you to agree to a tourist visa.
If your creds are of interest to this school they will be to others. Don't fixate on one possible employer. |
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mambawamba
Joined: 12 Jun 2012
Posts: 311
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| Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 10:43 pm Post subject: |
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@astrotrain I've told you privately and mikey's told you publicly, yet you don't want to heed that advice.
Just looked at your link here. You asked if it's up to date, well no. The clue is the first article under 'latest news' is dated 16-12-13.
The deputy head in this photo was a good friend and left in 2013.
Read the signs. |
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astrotrain
Joined: 18 Apr 2013
Posts: 96
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| Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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| Non Sequitur wrote: |
OP As I said. Go along with this to a point short of paying money.
I'm sure you've read enough on Dave's to know that the tourist visa route is no a 'goer' under any circumstances.
Given that the new semester has started, they could be desperate and may well play that card in an effort to get you to agree to a tourist visa.
If your creds are of interest to this school they will be to others. Don't fixate on one possible employer. |
Always appreciated your input, and valuable advice, have followed such. I remember from last year you are from Kiwi country. Great you are still on this board.
Here is a crazy contract I would like your thoughts and other valuable forum members here. I will share my views shortly.
This is basic synopsis:
Your annual salary before tax is RMB 169,720.
Housing allowance before tax is RMB 3,000 per month.
Annual return flights allowance RMB 10,000.
We will buy your first ticket here and your ticket back when you complete your 2-year contract.
13-month's pay when completing the 2-year contract; then 13-month's pay at the end of each year for the new contracts.
A very good insurance policy.
As you might have noticed, most of the benefits are based on a 2-year contract, in your case, from 15 October 2014 to 14 October 2016. However, finishing a contract on 14 October could be very awkward, preventing you from starting a new job – not that we do not want to keep you longer; you will move on eventually. Also, it can cause problems in teaching and learning if you finish your contact two months into an academic year.
We do have teachers starting at various times during the academic year and we normally offer the following options:
1. Sign a slightly less than 2-year contract, in your case, 15 October 2014 – 31 July 2016, and work some time during the summer holiday of 2015 to ‘make up’ the time so that the full benefits of a 2-year contract can still be enjoyed.
2. Sign a slightly less than 2-year contract, in your case, 15 October 2014 – 31 July 2016, but does not work during the summer holiday of 2015, then the benefits associated with the 2-year contract will not apply
To be honest, all the teachers who had not started at the beginning of the academic year had chosen option 2, including our Senior Master. It is the best option for the teachers financially and career wise. We also prefer the teachers to choose option 1 as we do need teachers during summer holiday for certain activities. In your case, if you choose option 1, you will be required to work for the Experience Week (5 days with several lessons delivered to potential students), which is normally the second week of the summer holiday (2nd week of July 2015) and the three days after the release of A level results (13 – 15 August 2015) for clearing (to make phone calls to universities in the UK). This will leave you one week holiday to rest at the beginning of the summer holiday and a bit more than 4 weeks undisturbed summer holiday in the middle.
A rough summary of holidays for a school year:
1 week for Chinese National holiday,
2 weeks for Christmas,
2 weeks for Chinese New year,
1 week for Easter,
7 weeks for Summer. |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 12:27 am Post subject: |
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Everything I say is on the basis that you go on a Z Visa. Not Business and certainly not Tourist.
I note their acknowledgment that they do have teachers starting during the semester and have a two-option contract to cover.
The English is good which is also encouraging.
The salary is very good for an FT but probably right for a subject/certificated teacher.
The only issue is finding your own accommodation and I doubt 3K would cover the pm cost and deposit could mean a substantial upfront outlay.
Money and teaching time go together and I really would like to know the pw contact hours.
Also, just a bit mystified on the summer holiday, as there are some duties to be undertaken. Would pay to have this issue clarified.
These are initial reactions and I'll look again at option 1 and 2.
I note the negative comments from other posters. My only reactions are that Chinese websites are seldom up to date and staff move on.
Thanks for your personal encouragement.
Best
NS |
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astrotrain
Joined: 18 Apr 2013
Posts: 96
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:21 pm Post subject: |
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| Non Sequitur wrote: |
Everything I say is on the basis that you go on a Z Visa. Not Business and certainly not Tourist.
I note their acknowledgment that they do have teachers starting during the semester and have a two-option contract to cover.
The English is good which is also encouraging.
The salary is very good for an FT but probably right for a subject/certificated teacher.
The only issue is finding your own accommodation and I doubt 3K would cover the pm cost and deposit could mean a substantial upfront outlay.
Money and teaching time go together and I really would like to know the pw contact hours.
Also, just a bit mystified on the summer holiday, as there are some duties to be undertaken. Would pay to have this issue clarified.
These are initial reactions and I'll look again at option 1 and 2.
I note the negative comments from other posters. My only reactions are that Chinese websites are seldom up to date and staff move on.
Thanks for your personal encouragement.
Best
NS |
The salary I find kinda sucks for subject teaching in this case Econ, but I have related work experience, academia and interest in this field.
The salary I wanted which they asked for in the beginning was 21,000rmb/mth but the way they structured this contract as base of 17000 rmb/mth with the remaining tied up in the housing allowance 3000 and with flight compensation only after completed 2 yrs etc is a cheap way of meeting that figure.
Moreover I only want a 1 year contract as I don't want to be tied to a full 2 years just in case what some have mentioned this place is true. I am going to ask but I doubt they want someone just for 1 year.
Not stipulated above but from previous emails the hours are probably 30 hrs teaching a week (8 classes per day) plus 1 hour every day for what they call ECA, so schedule is 8 to 5pm every day, 45 hours stuck at the campus each week. Furthermore since this is a boarding school I may have duties 3 times a month several hours supervising/monitoring the dorms. This I want gone from the contract.
I have same concerns about the housing, from what I hear some places ask for a 1 year payment, that is ludicrous to me, may have to ask for dorm stay if possible or a cheap motel, haha. For those in Qingdao all ready and have this type of housing allowance please share your experience of how affordable is 3000 rmb: apartment size, furnished(?), utilities, internet and most importantly initial deposit and what websites you used to find apartments for rent. Much Appreciated.
Regarding the two contract options, I am not sure of but if I don't fulfill the 2 yr contract completely then no flight allowance and other things etc.
That is correct, their chinese website gets updated but not their English version. |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 11:12 pm Post subject: |
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Even with the provisos you mention, you are a helluva lot better off at Confucius as a certificated subject teacher, than as a bog standard FT at a uni or vocational.
I'd go on prospecting in the international school area.
I'll pm you a link to a Guangzhou international school that does provide accom. |
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astrotrain
Joined: 18 Apr 2013
Posts: 96
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| Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 1:17 am Post subject: |
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^^^^
Thanks NS, your input always (and link) appreciated. I will probably go the QD route and see if they have a 1 year schedule and look over the official contract in more detail. Will post more queries when that develops.
Regarding the UNIs the pay is often too low with often the high schools surpassing them by some margin, strange this I found in my prelim research.
What part of the PRC are you now located?
Sure would be great to meet somewhere down the line and have a cold Tsingtao beer at a nice pub.
Cheers |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 5:54 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Astro.
I'm too old to get a visa but I'm looking at some of the less affluent provinces eg Gansu to see if the regs are more flexible.
I envy you the QD experience and it looks like you are close enough to the beach to get the sea breeze in summer. That's assuming you go for a contract that extends to mid 2015.
Confucius School seems to be at the newer end, but there are good aircon buses (2RMB) along the seafront to the older end near the railway stn.
There are still a lot of older buildings from the German protectorate times.
Nice open air dining at the station end. There's also an expat hangout cafe in a park just along from the Copthorne. I'll post a link if I can find it.
Have a look at the Tsingtao Beer Museum. The tour is free and you get a beer thrown in.
Best
NS |
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Mikeylikesit114
Joined: 21 Dec 2007
Posts: 129
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| Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 8:50 am Post subject: |
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| astrotrain wrote: |
| Non Sequitur wrote: |
Everything I say is on the basis that you go on a Z Visa. Not Business and certainly not Tourist.
I note their acknowledgment that they do have teachers starting during the semester and have a two-option contract to cover.
The English is good which is also encouraging.
The salary is very good for an FT but probably right for a subject/certificated teacher.
The only issue is finding your own accommodation and I doubt 3K would cover the pm cost and deposit could mean a substantial upfront outlay.
Money and teaching time go together and I really would like to know the pw contact hours.
Also, just a bit mystified on the summer holiday, as there are some duties to be undertaken. Would pay to have this issue clarified.
These are initial reactions and I'll look again at option 1 and 2.
I note the negative comments from other posters. My only reactions are that Chinese websites are seldom up to date and staff move on.
Thanks for your personal encouragement.
Best
NS |
The salary I find kinda sucks for subject teaching in this case Econ, but I have related work experience, academia and interest in this field.
The salary I wanted which they asked for in the beginning was 21,000rmb/mth but the way they structured this contract as base of 17000 rmb/mth with the remaining tied up in the housing allowance 3000 and with flight compensation only after completed 2 yrs etc is a cheap way of meeting that figure.
Moreover I only want a 1 year contract as I don't want to be tied to a full 2 years just in case what some have mentioned this place is true. I am going to ask but I doubt they want someone just for 1 year.
Not stipulated above but from previous emails the hours are probably 30 hrs teaching a week (8 classes per day) plus 1 hour every day for what they call ECA, so schedule is 8 to 5pm every day, 45 hours stuck at the campus each week. Furthermore since this is a boarding school I may have duties 3 times a month several hours supervising/monitoring the dorms. This I want gone from the contract.
I have same concerns about the housing, from what I hear some places ask for a 1 year payment, that is ludicrous to me, may have to ask for dorm stay if possible or a cheap motel, haha. For those in Qingdao all ready and have this type of housing allowance please share your experience of how affordable is 3000 rmb: apartment size, furnished(?), utilities, internet and most importantly initial deposit and what websites you used to find apartments for rent. Much Appreciated.
. |
17000 a month for 30 subject teaching hours plus extracurricular activities in Qingdao, at a school known for lying and ripping off its teachers. Wow you must be desperate. This might be the worst contract I've ever heard of at Dave's. May god have mercy on your soul. |
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astrotrain
Joined: 18 Apr 2013
Posts: 96
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| Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 2:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Mikeylikesit114 wrote: |
| astrotrain wrote: |
| Non Sequitur wrote: |
Everything I say is on the basis that you go on a Z Visa. Not Business and certainly not Tourist.
I note their acknowledgment that they do have teachers starting during the semester and have a two-option contract to cover.
The English is good which is also encouraging.
The salary is very good for an FT but probably right for a subject/certificated teacher.
The only issue is finding your own accommodation and I doubt 3K would cover the pm cost and deposit could mean a substantial upfront outlay.
Money and teaching time go together and I really would like to know the pw contact hours.
Also, just a bit mystified on the summer holiday, as there are some duties to be undertaken. Would pay to have this issue clarified.
These are initial reactions and I'll look again at option 1 and 2.
I note the negative comments from other posters. My only reactions are that Chinese websites are seldom up to date and staff move on.
Thanks for your personal encouragement.
Best
NS |
The salary I find kinda sucks for subject teaching in this case Econ, but I have related work experience, academia and interest in this field.
The salary I wanted which they asked for in the beginning was 21,000rmb/mth but the way they structured this contract as base of 17000 rmb/mth with the remaining tied up in the housing allowance 3000 and with flight compensation only after completed 2 yrs etc is a cheap way of meeting that figure.
Moreover I only want a 1 year contract as I don't want to be tied to a full 2 years just in case what some have mentioned this place is true. I am going to ask but I doubt they want someone just for 1 year.
Not stipulated above but from previous emails the hours are probably 30 hrs teaching a week (8 classes per day) plus 1 hour every day for what they call ECA, so schedule is 8 to 5pm every day, 45 hours stuck at the campus each week. Furthermore since this is a boarding school I may have duties 3 times a month several hours supervising/monitoring the dorms. This I want gone from the contract.
I have same concerns about the housing, from what I hear some places ask for a 1 year payment, that is ludicrous to me, may have to ask for dorm stay if possible or a cheap motel, haha. For those in Qingdao all ready and have this type of housing allowance please share your experience of how affordable is 3000 rmb: apartment size, furnished(?), utilities, internet and most importantly initial deposit and what websites you used to find apartments for rent. Much Appreciated.
. |
17000 a month for 30 subject teaching hours plus extracurricular activities in Qingdao, at a school known for lying and ripping off its teachers. Wow you must be desperate. This might be the worst contract I've ever heard of at Dave's. May god have mercy on your soul. |
How is that the worst contract on this site when a simple google search indicates similar arrangements below. One of them has the same hours and pay but no housing allowance at all.
I find on this site there has not been one school and contract that has not been defamed on one aspect or another or some foreign teacher having a negative experience.
If you care to elaborate on details of these incidents at the school and worried about the authorities tracking you down please share via PM. I am not dead set on this school and can wait till next semester but this particular board seems to have a lot of disgruntled ex-employees in proliferation.
http://www.findworkabroad.com/jobs/china/shenzhen/full-time/middle-school/4964
Start in September, 2014. Canadian science subjects teachers wanted in Shenzhen, up to 17000 RMB per month, Working visa
This fantastic opportunity is available to all candidates in China and overseas. You are required to have teaching experience and will be working in middle schools in Shenzhen city. Full training and support is offered as well as a legal working visa. You are required to be a BA degree holder and Canadian to be accepted for this position. The positions including Geography, History and Politics start in September.
The working time and salary packages are as below: 15000-17000RMB with no accommodation for 25 hours teaching weekly work +work visa, airport pick up, finding apartment assistance will be offered.
As usual, working in public or private schools, 5 days per week, you will benefit weekends and summer and winter vacation. Classes will be between 8AM-12pM, and 2:30-5:30PM. Maximum 30 working hours per week. 25 for teaching and 5 for extra curriculum activities or work arranged by the school.
We're looking for honest, hardworking, responsible, mature, easy going, desiring to learn about new cultures, and energetic Canadian English teachers to take on this brilliant role. Only Canadian teachers are accepted for these positions.
We offer online interview to teachers as well as in-person interview. Apply now in order for us to handle your application quickly.
Salary: ¥15000 - 17000(RMB) Chinese Yuan per month
Accommodation: Not provided
Teaching hours: 25 hours teaching weekly work, 5 office hours, weekends off
Location: All areas, Shenzhen
Students: Children
Positions available: 5
Visa information: Working (Z) Visa provided
Nearest Metro: Taoyuan station by Luobao line
Date Posted: 10/07/2014
17,000RMB/Month, Physics teacher, Chemistry teacher and Economics teacher needed in Hangzhou
Salary: 17000 / Monthly Location: Hangzhou, China
Type: Full-Time
17,000RMB/Month, Physics teacher, Chemistry teacher and Economics teacher needed in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province
Teaching position: A-level teachers
Teaching subjects: Physics or Chemistry or Economics
Level of institution: A-level centre
Location: Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province
Students: High school students
Class size: 25 to 35 students per class
Time to start: ASAP
Contract Duration: One academic year
Salary: 17,000RMB per month according to your qualifications
Teaching hours: About 20 class periods per week
Office hours: 8am to 12:00noon, 1:30 to 4:30pm from Monday to Friday
Housing allowance: No apartment, but 2,000RMB allowance per month
Airfare reimbursement: 8,000RMB upon the completion of one year contract
Visa: Work visa
Requirements:
1. Native English speaker
2. Bachelor degree or above in the relevant content subject being taught
3. Two or more years teaching experience in A-level, IB or AP programs
4. A recognized teaching diploma/certificate is preferred
5. An understanding of teaching ESL students and sensitivity towards other cultures
6. 23 to 55 years old
http://www.eslemployment.com/17-000rmb-month-physics-teacher-chemistry-teacher-and-economics-teacher-needed-in-hangzhou-hangzhou-zhejiang-china-45748875.htm |
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jm21
Joined: 26 Feb 2008
Posts: 406
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| Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 10:21 am Post subject: |
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30 teaching hours is on the high side I think. 8 classes per day is also a lot. I would check on those carefully. Teaching Chinese high school students econ could be a very frustrating experience sometimes I bet. I would want more time to recover. I would think there are jobs with similar compensation but 20 hours per week. Maybe 25. It would make a big difference for me. I suspect some classes you will want to pull your hair out and it would suck to have 4 or 5 more classes to teach when that happens.
As for the housing situation it varies depending on what part of the city you're in. You can rent rooms by the week where I'm at and the deposit for your own place is is usually around 3 months rent. Pretty much all apartments have 3 bedrooms where I am. Maybe 2500元 per month. But that means 10,000 for your first month. Renting a room maybe 500-800 per month depending on the quality. The quality of the rental properties can be very low sometimes...barely finished. |
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