Job Discussion Forums

[sobz2000]

I will soon be between jobs and I would like to spend a year in Xinjiang - probably Urumqi. I taught a year in Taiwan (3 years ago) and speak pretty good Mandarin (all learned in Taiwan). I have only been to the mainland once, for a short two week visit. I don't know a thing about working in China and hope that somebody can give me some "insight".

1) I'd prefer traveling to China w/out a contract already signed and look for a school freelance. What type of Visa will I need? Are there certain types that can be extended i.e. w/ a work permit?

2) Where can one stay in Urumqi? Is there inexpensive lodging available for foreigners, or will I be stuck w/ luxury-type hotel as my sole option? Any idea how much a typical rent is there per month? This info is very valuable to me.

3) My primary goal is to improve my Mandarin and see Xinjiang. The focus is not earning money - but breaking even. What is the minimum number of hours one can teach in China and obtain a work permit? What is good wage?

If anyone is willing to share their Xinjiang experiences with me it would be greatly appreciated! Adam

[nolefan]

it has been discussed recently

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=11806&highlight=urumuqi

[Roger]

I think you need to change some of your preconceived ideas.
It is not very wise to hope the black or gray market will welcome you in a nominally-socialist nation, particularly in a sensitive region such as Turkestan/Xinjiang.
If you want to work in Urumqi you should go for legal jobs that come with housing and all vital perks included.
Working hours seldom exceed 20!
You will have plenty of spare time to roam as far afield as Heavenly Lake (3 hours by bus from Urumqi), Turpan (same), Kashgar (by train: one day and a half), Gulja/Yining 2 days by bus...
I don't think any school will force you to live luxuriously at a five-star guesthouse! The work visa should be valid as per definitionem entered in your contract!
Get a two-motnh or three-month visa in HK to sort things out before your school applies for your work visa.

[tarzaninchina]

As for the visa, no contract means you're a tourist (of one kind or another) or a student. Get an L (tourist) visa for up to 90 days. That should give you enough time to find a place.

As for school hours, it's just a question of who's willing to hire you. Once they hire you, boom, you'll get the residence permit and temporary visa change and you'll be good for a year.

As for breaking even, a grand in RMB plus whatever you'd want for travel (both there as well as getting to/from there).

[hahahaha]

I'm about 3 hours away from Urumqi and my school desperately needs a teacher. They will happily offer you free accomodation for the time you need to travel around Xinjiang if you find their contract good. They will change your VISA from whatever type to Z and give you all necessary documents. It's a public middle school. You will only get at most 16 hours a week and a lot of time to travel around Xinjiang. I mean a lot than you will ever need.
PM me for more info.

[Sinobear]

I am currently living in Urumqi (and leaving soon). Winter will be coming...so be prepared for one heck of a cold 5 months.
EF is here (already one school and expanded to a second). There is another school...but I've heard it's shaky.
I pay 400RMB per month, bills included, for a 2-bedroom apartment...not fancy, but comfortable.
If you like a lot (I mean a lot) of noise, spitting, oily food, and really horrendous city planning, then Urumqi is for you.
There's some noticable tension here between the minorities and the Han, although any printed media will tell you it's "all smiles and sunshine".
So, if you are young and looking for an alcohol-fueled adventure...do come. If you are older and looking for a stable teaching environment...forget it.

Good luck!