Job Discussion Forums

awbradley · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 15

A) any info on teachinchina.biz?
B) is 4000 RMB/mo decent pay?
C) anyone been to Xi'an?

amandabarrick · Joined: 30 Dec 2004 Posts: 391

4000 RMB is common, but I don't know if it is "decent" pay. It depends on where you are teaching. Things are more expensive in some cities compared to others. It also depends on the other benefits, for example if the school is providing you with a room or apartment, other allowances, etc... But one thing I have learned is that there is nothing wrong with negotiating the salary. In any job the first amount they offer you is the minumum they are willing to pay, not the maximum. If you feel 4000 is too low, try asking for 5000 and see what happens.
Sorry, I have never been to Xi'an.
AB

awbradley · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 15

thanks amanda. lets say i'm getting apartment, airfare reimbursement, travel allowance. is 4000 rmb decent in that case?

No Moss · Joined: 15 Apr 2003 Posts: 1995 Location: Thailand

If you'd like my two cents, I'd always negotiate. The worst they can say is no, and one person's no often leads to a (higher-paying) person's yes.

jeffinflorida · Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:20 pm Post subject:

I make 8000 month and they give me a 3 bedroom apt, computer, and cheap eats at the school. Airfare and end of contract bonus too. It is a decent wage and life here is cheap. I can save some money.

awbradley · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 15

Jeff--
What are your credentials? Do you have TEFL certification? How much experience? How many hrs/wk do you teach?
Thanks

Norman Bethune · Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 731

Jeff...

You say you have been in China for about a month now, judging from what you have written in other posts.

I have a serious question for you.

Have you been paid that 8000 RMB for your first month yet?

The amount you say you make seems fairly high for a public university.

The average is about 4000 to 5000 RMB per month for an FT working 14 to 16 hours per week at a public university.

In some provinces, it may be higher or lower. But 8000 seems very high.

That's why I ask if you have actually recieved your pay yet.

Guest · Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 10:56 pm Post subject:

I was on 2,500 rmb when I first came here and I am now on 4,000 rmb. I did not request the increases, they just happened. (at the same School)

I find that living in a small City is very inexpensive and if you wish to you can save more than 50% of your salary. It depends on your lifestyle really - in any City. If you like to go out to the Bars a couple of nights a week and if you like to go to Western Restaurants also, you may not be able to save much money.

It is really up to you, no matter where you live.

I also get free apartment, computer/internet, free local phone calls, free lunches, free electricity and gas - Air fares etc.

jeffinflorida · Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:35 am Post subject:

Norman:

My contract is for a base of 4000rmb month and 100 extra per period. I teach 14 base periods a week and 10 extra for 24 hours a week. It comes out to 8000rmb and I have discussed it at length with the fao and director of the business program. They have assured me that 8000 a month is correct. The director of the business program is an Aussie and I trust him.

I really did not want to teach an extra 10 periods a week and was under the impression that i was only going to teach 14 - like the contract said... But when I got here they said they were short a teacher and I had to take the other classes.

So, the contract says 8000 rmb a month for 24 periods a week and that is what they said they would be paying me. They have been very fair so far and I do not believe they will rip me off.

If they attempt anything less than honest I will nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand.

Norman Bethune · Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 731

Jeff...

For Working all that time, 8000 RMB is about right.

Problems may arise when it does come time to be paid the full amount though.

Let us know if the school keeps to its promise.

jeffinflorida · Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 11:27 am Post subject:

There are several teachers who have been here for more than one semester. I have asked them if they ever had pay issues and was surprised to hear all no. Most of them work over their base of 14 periods a week and all got paid on time.

I do keep accurate records every week and turn them in at the end of the month. I was told that is a formality as the univeristy knows exactly what we work.

End of month is coming up and payday is the 10th, so, I will let you know on the 10th if they have lived up to their side of the contract. Laughing

journeyeast · Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 5:35 pm Post subject:

4,000 RMB in Xi'an actually seems pretty good. So long as they are already providing a decent apartment and covering the basic amenities.

The avg salary in Xi'an is quite low from my understanding. (as of two years ago the avg was something like 2500 RMB.. I know that its improved somewhat in the past two years, but I honestly do not know the present avg. Anyone mind sharing info about their Xian salary for a basic 16 periods work week?

Regards