Job Discussion Forums

Greg 09 · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 169

I got a pretty decent offer from a Uni but the FAO says I have to use the apartment provided, on campus. "We do not allow the teacher live away the University."

I don't really like the idea of living on campus and would rather have a little more control over my living environment. I live a pretty quiet life, but still...

Ever hear of this?

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

Well, I don't mean to imply anything, but a lot of universities have found that when given too much freedom, the male foreign teachers will tend to, um, fornicate. (Not with each other. With the students.) So, living on campus, that's a bit harder, though by no means impossible.

This way may actually be better for you. If you aren't fornicating (not that you would do that, but just saying), you can spend more time planning your lessons. You can also be more readily available should any English corners or banquet speech opportunities pop up.

To me it sounds like a win-win.

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

It is really none of their business. If you are not seeking money for them for your place, then I would suggest just saying ok and then renting an apartment. They don't need to know and have no way to know (in most situations).

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

There are some miserable situations in the apartment/dorm life caused by the FTs themselves. Some FTs can't mind their own business.

Try for the apartment. Don't ask for permission. Just rent one with the help of a Chinese friend and don't tell anyone.

You've got my sympathies. Some FTs are hell-bent on making the lives of others miserable. Sometimes you need to get away from the pathological personalities.

Sinobear · Joined: 24 Aug 2004 Posts: 1269 Location: Purgatory

I would ask, "Why not?" and wait for their answer.
It may be that they take their responsibility of insuring your safety waaaaaaaaaaay too seriously or that too many FTs found pulling a runner much easier when they've lived off campus.

I've lived on-campus twice in my time and China and I'd never, ever do it again.

Optional_Toaster · Joined: 22 Mar 2009 Posts: 74 Location: Dong bei

I think unless the apartment on-campus is super-swanky and you aren't planning on having any guests that's cool. My first year in China was made better by living on campus, and offered no major hassles.

If you've been here a while, well, that's a different story. Living off campus means bills, rent, and other hassles. Still, you can have your independence and that can mean a lot. There might still be nosy neighbors who will monitor your every move and sound they hear, though.

I've met quite a few teachers who have taken the apartment offered by the school, and then simply rented another off-campus. There is no need to inform the school of your apartment, it is all between your landlord and the police you need to register your residence with.

If it is in a contract that you can't live off-campus though, I'd find another job! If they are trying to babysit you because they are worried you won't live up to your responsibilities that seems kind of silly.

Oh, and if you do have to live on-campus, you can always smuggle the girls (or boys) in via suitcase (if they're small enough)! Just kidding, of course! Probably because I said that, security will be opening peoples' suitcases as they enter their apartments.

hot_water_hillbilly · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 97

You have no legal requirement to live on campus, in school provided housing, or anything of the sort.

You are free to live anywhere you want, but must be sure the PSB has your local address.

The school cannot legally prevent you from doing so. Of course, they could make it a condition of employment that you accept or refuse.

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

Try to contact current teachers at that school. I've lived on campus in a situation where I was apparently ignored (who knows how many files on me were updated daily!) And I've lived off campus where it felt more invasive. It depends on the school atmosphere and attitude, the structure of the housing complex (i.e. fishbowl or semi-private entrance and windows etc.) I would definitely say no to a VIP Dorm type situation, but some apartments technically on campus provide plenty of privacy and convenience. Finding a decent apartment off campus could be a hassle, but maybe a good learning experience too. Good luck.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

roadwalker is right.
Uni apartments are very variable in size and quality - so check this out.
If the accommodation on offer is substandard your request (to live off campus) will not be the first they've had.
Mystified by Miles Smiles experience though.
Surely exercising basic people management skills would keep the idiots at bay?
'Please do not come to my apartment (other than in an emergency), without making an appointment.
I have advised the FAO of this request'.

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

I don't know what the FAO meant by, "We do not allow the teacher live away (from) the University." But knowing what I do about the compensation on offer at most universities in China, you could choose to interpret the statement as "It would be almost inconceivable for any teacher earning as little as we pay them to be able to afford an apartment off campus." Naturally, you could ask for a housing allowance in-lieu of the flat. However, since the accommodation on offer has already been paid for, any additional amount they are prepared to stump up in cash can be fairly minuscule by comparison.

Teatime of Soul · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 905

hot_water_hillbilly · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 97

The PSB - the issuer of the Resident Permit MUST have your current living address

kukiv · Joined: 13 Dec 2009 Posts: 328

Greg 09 · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 169

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Zero, you raise good points, ones I hadn't considered. Of course, my chief and admirable goal is to execute the Glorious Program of the Univ. of Polytechnic Devices cheerfully and energetically for the advancement of all the persons. What's "fornication"? If it has anything to do with a board game count me in!

You other guys mention the exact things that worry me. I'll ask him about the policy and push a little bit.

I'll only be working 16 hrs/wk so most of my time will be spent away from the school, so I'd rather my apt. be in the city, not 15 mins away by taxi (so he says). I hope to pick up a little part time or private work and I'd like to be in the middle of things.

Roadwalker, the FAO is supposed to be getting the permission of a Canadian teacher there for me to contact. Of course he could be a plant, but I look forward to hearing what he says.

The on-campus apt. is allegedly a two bedroom with all the usual stuff. I'm a total Noob to FT (and teaching, and China) so it would be a nice, soft landing. That's the only positive I can think of, as someone else mentioned.

Thanks again everyone

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Bosses like to control workers in China as much as possible.

They want you to live on-campus for many, many reasons:

- It's cheaper for them

- They have more control over your movements and your personal life

- When you are teaching, they can simply go into your house and snoop around to see what you are up to

- Uni's have curfews, treating teachers more like students and less like adults. If you have your own apartment, there is no curfew

- Easier to keep tabs on your whereabouts

- Harder to do the so-called "midnight dash" if things go sour

Lots more reasons, but these are the main ones. Reasons which have made me NEVER want to work for a Uni in China.