Job Discussion Forums

[Domino]

Hello, my girlfriend and I are trying to teach in China together for the upcoming year. We recently graduated college and will be taking a TEFL certification course this summer so that we have at least some exposure to what we will be doing before we arrive. So far we've been in contact with two employers.

1. The China Teaching Network: I've read several good reviews about them on various ESL discussion boards, but many of these seem to be the exact same good review over and over again. They are looking for a job for us in Shanghai and have thus far been very helpful. Does anyone know anything about them or their placement manager (Chris Ryall)?

2. The Wujiang Middle School in Wujiang: We understand that Wujiang is somewhere near Shanghai and Suzhou, but have been able to find out very little about it other than where it is located. Has anyone lived or worked there? If so could you tell us anything about it. Is it easy to get to Shanghai and Suzhou from Wujiang? Anyone know anything about the recruiter (Linda Qi)? Anything at all would be helpful.

Also I'm curious about people's experience with couple placement. Do schools usually provide decent accomodations for couples? Is it hard for couples to get the same days off?

If anyone can help us out I'd be grateful.

-Derek Sandhaus

[Super Mario]

I believe Wujiang is actually part of the greater Suzhou, sotravel shouldn't be an issue.
You'd better check that the school is willing to supply shared accommodation to an unmarried couple. This is unlikely to be an issue in Shanghai however.
Public schools/universities generally run a Mon-Fri teaching schedule. If you're working in a language institute, evenings and weekends will be your prime times.
Accommodation standards still vary widely, but in the developed Eastern cities-where you're looking-they are generally of a good standard, depending on where you're coming from of course.
Reverse cycle AC, western toilet, bath, shower, kitchen with gas and microwave, washing machine, fridge, TV, usually desktop with broadband.

However all these things need to be clarified upfront and printouts kept of emails.

PM me for some links to other sites/forums that may help with your specific employer related questions.

[Voldermort]

I would be very weary of trying to get accomodation together. The Chinese do not like the idea of a girl and boy living together without being married. Even though many of their morals go right out of the window when confronted with money, this is the one they stick to.

I should point out that it is illegal for a Chinese couple to live together without being married. I had to face many of these problems while I was dating my now wife. Some schools were very strict, especially those where accomodation was provided on campus, and some just turned a blind eye.

While applying for a job, I would make sure that your apartment is off campus. And get prior approval from the employer that they will have no problems with you living together.