Job Discussion Forums

[k-Portz]

I've interviewed and been offered a job at an international school in Fuzhou.

The basic salary is acceptable but I'm concerned about some of the additions.

They offer a housing allowance of 30 thousand RMB a year. Would this cover the cost of a modest apartment in that city?

Another concern is that they're asking me to front up a total of three and a half months rent when I arrive: One month rent, two month deposit and half a month for a housing agency's 'administration fees'. What is the likelihood of even ever seeing that deposit again?

Another concern is the flight allowance. It's around 10 thousand RMB a year, but I have to organise the flights myself, and will receive the allowance in two separate payments, one half at the beginning of the year and the other at the end of the year.

Are either of these situations a standard for China // Fuzhou? I would expect to get the majority of this money back eventually, but it seems a bit much to expect a new employee to front up $1500-$2000 of their own cash before they even begin work.

Flight and accommodation allowance aren't taxed if I can come up with a 'fapiao' - how easy are these to get?

Thoughts and opinions anyone? Thanks in advance!

[coffeespoonman]

30,000/12 is a bit less than 3000 a month. You could certainly find something for that, but it might either be small, basic or remote - or a combination of the three. Having said that, I don't know Fuzhou, so I hope another can comment better.

One month rent up front - of course that's normal. Half a month admin fee also normal. Two months deposit is not unheard of and is usually because the flat is furnished. Doesn't seem particularly sketchy to me. Deposits are generally pretty easy to get back in my experience, with a bit of negotiation. Take pictures of any damage and inventory all furniture as soon as you move in.

Flight allowance seems reasonable.

I'm not sure what your experience has been in the past, but moving to another country for a proper job DOES require a bit of investment. So would moving to another state/province/territory. Working in an international school isn't the same as teaching out of a backpack and crashing in a hostel. If you don't have the cash on hand for any reason, you can explain this to the school and ask for an advance. Good schools will often do that, but I wouldn't write them off if they're not willing to.

Besides, your investment is going to end up being more than that after you factor in background and health checks.

Fapiaos are super easy to get, though you sometimes have to pay a small fee (the tax that they are trying to avoid paying by not issuing the fapiao in the first place). In China, anyone selling anything legally has to be able to provide a fapiao. Even the guys and gals selling noodles in the little slophouses next to the train stations legally have to be able to give you a fapiao if you request.

[k-Portz]

[Non Sequitur]

As to accommodation I would look to share with people in an existing place. This avoids the upfront costs you mention, which are pretty typical.
The experience of Chinese employers with 'no shows' is the likely background to not putting money upfront. Half on arrival is good. Most of us have to wait until end of contract - and even then getting the dosh can be problematic as another current thread suggests.
My overall impression is that you have been 'featherbedded' previously.

[coffeespoonman]

You shouldn't have to use a Chinese travel agent. Usually there is a system of accepting foreign invoices/receipts (a fapiao is really neither one of these things) in place of fapiaos. For example, as far as I'm aware, my uni requires that we show the boarding pass to prove that we took the flight.

I agree with Non Sequitur. An employer paying all costs upfront seems like it would be the exception rather than the rule. I think what you're experiencing in this case is pretty standard - no alarm bells.

[Foo_Fighters_Dave]

I was told that people who come to teach in China should have 2-3 grand ready to use as a start up: getting an apartment, living expensive and flights. Everything that you wrote sounds reasonable.

[k-Portz]

Thanks for your comments and assurances. I've accepted the job.