Job Discussion Forums

[cariep]

Hello,

I've had a few job offers in China but only one I am carefully considering. I'd like to hear other's opinions on the job offer.

First, about me: I'm a recent grad (2016) from the US, B.A. in English, TEFL (in-progress), 6 months experience teaching English online. I've also taught art classes to young students at a local art studio as both an assistant teacher and main teacher for about a year. So, not a whole lot of previous teaching experience.

Job Offer

Compensation

Location: Suzhou, China
Salary: 13k rmb
Housing: 3k rmb
End of year bonus: 10k
Relocation: 5k rmb

Job description
Holidays: 18 paid
Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, 2 classes of ~20 student from ages 3-6 with an 2 hr office time/break each day.

3 lessons/day, 25-30 mins each...the rest seems to be playing with the kids and conversing in English with the help of a Chinese teacher and an Ayi for the younger kids.

Like I said, the job is in Suzhou, SIP. I'll be moving with my husband and we are planning to live off my salary until he finds work as well. Does this seem pretty standard job offer for my background? Will we be able to live off the salary easily in Suzhou? Would we be able to save money? I know this depends on a couple of factors like how we live: for fun, we like to read books, play video games and hiking/camping. We like to have a night out with good food and drinks now and again. We like to travel. Also, we'd both like to learn Mandarin.


Any tips or thoughts would be great appreciated!

[coffeespoonman]

Hi,

Certainly doable though 13k won't go far if you live like most of the expats around here. Still, if you can keep yourself from giving into the constant temptations of western food and drink, 13k will allow you to be quite comfortable in most ways, with the occasional night out (as long as you're a bit careful about where).

Plenty of work here as well, so I doubt you'll be on one salary for long.

Sounds like your hobbies will be cheap here - plenty of hiking in the vicinity (look up the Hash House Harriers) and I assume you'll come with a Kindle loaded up. Depends on the games you play, but be aware that many online games are tough to play from here. Either because of the lag (VPN or no) or IP blocking. Not saying it's not possible, but just thought I should mention it.

CSM

[cariep]

Hey coffeespoonman, thanks for your response! What you say seems reasonable. Also, I'll check out the bit about hiking.

[Non Sequitur]

Are these people able to offer employment to a foreigner?
If not, the deal stalls right there.
Don't be naive when dealing with Chinese employers and be especially careful when prospecting for your first job.
The Job Offer Checklist thread has been going for yonks and now contains a lot of good suggestions.
Best

[twowheel]

[coffeespoonman]

Hi,

I wasn't thinking about the legality of the job, but the previous two posters are correct. You certainly need to make sure that's sorted out first. The fact that they're offering relocation suggests to me that it's above board, but I'm not an expert on that part of the market.

FYI, there are also jobs here that, even in these early stages of your career, would pay significantly more than that. Sounds like this may be a good one to come in on, but once you're here, you'll likely find out about much better paying jobs for the next contract (should you wish to stay).

Finally, there is no problem with finding English board games. There are groups and cafes in Suzhou just for board gaming. Also, Taobao.com (Chinese Amazon sort of) has almost everything you would want. Furthermore, if it's a game you know well (or don't mind using crib sheets), there's often a Chinese version for peanuts. Check out this copy of Puero Rico for the equivalent of less than 5 USD.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.61.Xk4XsJ&id=7051071714&ns=1&abbucket=5#detail

CSM