Job Discussion Forums

[sojourner]

Hi,everyone !

Is there anyone out there who has ever worked at the above uni; or, at least, has heard about it on the grapevine ? Good and bad points ?

Unfortunately, Dave's search facility does not appear to be working - thus, this post.

Peter

[leftie]

There was this thread:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=57685&highlight=xjtlu

.....which was posted a while ago. Anyone with any more up-to-date info?

Thinking of applying myself....maybe for next year.

Thanks

[coffeespoonman]

I've just been offered a job there and would love any updated info. Recent info about XJTLU seems to be strangely lacking here at Dave's, which I generally take as a good sign. Happy teachers enjoy life rather than complaining on Dave's. Or is that wishful thinking?

Any updates?

[Gamecock]

[coffeespoonman]

Gamecock, I think that's very good advice. In fact, I've already done that. I'm no spring chicken. However, because there might be pressure to respond in a certain way through your work email or if the adminstration knows you're having a conversation like that, I thought I'd approach this from a more anonymous angle as well.

For the benefit of everyone else curious about XJTLU, I'd just like to announce that the feedback I've received from people working there has been realistically positive. Enough, at least, to persuade me to think very seriously about accepting the offer.

[tuwljmv]

[quote="coffeespoonman"]For the benefit of everyone else curious about XJTLU, I'd just like to announce that the feedback I've received from people working there has been realistically positive. Enough, at least, to persuade me to think very seriously about accepting the offer.[/quote]

I've been there for some time and, yeah there are issues, but you're right to think seriously about taking the job. You're paid on time, you get good holidays and the accommodation is fine (some better than others).

Downsides? As always, some of the people. Being in SIP away from the action. Chinese may be changing the rules to bar NNS

[coffeespoonman]

Alright, some feedback!

Now, I hope you don't mind some questions! I would pm, but your post count is low and you may not be able to. Also, because they're hiring a good amount of teachers, the answers to my questions may be relevant for others as well.

I've accepted the job for an August 22nd start. Actually, I have a GREAT job here in Istanbul, but I've been here for almost 6 years and really need a change of scenery. To be honest, I'm kind of looking forward to not being in the middle of everything for a change. I'm hoping to do some of the things I can't easily do here - bicycle, picnic, etc. I assume that would be easy to do in the SIP, right?.

However, easy access to action would be nice. I understand that taxis from the SIP to the city center are fairly cheap (like 40 RMB). Is that true?

Also, which accomodation would you recommend? After I adjust a bit, would you recommend staying on campus or off? Is Suzhou cool for bars/restaurants/nightlife, or is it more practical for a weekend to just go into Shanghai and get a cheap hotel room?

Any other information that you think would be really valuable? Can you be more specific about the issues? Feel free to PM if you don't feel comfortable giving certain details on Dave's.

Thanks in advance!

[leftie]

[tuwljmv]

Here you go then!

The teachers block isn't good in winter because the windows don't fit right. I don't have exact details about all the flats, but the other flats vary in size, so ask a lot of questions. Yeah, you'll probably want to move nearer town after a while.

Is Suzhou cool? Well that depends....personally no. Shanghai's better and good for weekends and maybe overnight if you're really into it. But there's plenty of OK bars and restaurants in town and near the uni, and taxis are cheap

Social amenities aren't that developed or you have to share with a bunch of students, like the swimming pool. But, yeah you can picnic and bike around, and there's golf, tennis, etc

The 'issues' are the same you get in any job, but less than most places in China. Just don't take things too personal. Good luck.

[della]

Does anyone have input on the accommodation allowances? How much assistance do you get with accommodation? How much is paid for?

I'm looking at applying to work at XJTLU and any other input folks have got would be appreciated.

[Skyblue2]

Some pretty negative views on that other thread (and one that was deleted). I wonder if the rooms are still frigid in winter and if people leave in droves. They are recruiting a rather large number.

[wangdaning]

[leftie]

[Skyblue2]

[Josef K]

I dont know anything about the university - although I have seen the ad - but I have been to SIP.

I ended up at the railway station by mistake, having caught a train from Shanghai.

The place is basically barren just new highways, industrial buildings and few amenities. You would need a scooter or car if u wanted to socialise on the weekends - 15 minuted to Suzhou by car.

Suzhou is an interesting place - many old gardens and a charming old district alongside the canal with some nice bars. However, traffic is a nightmare; there are scooters everywhere. Many scooters are electric so the noise - save for the incessant horns - isnt too bad but commuting via the narrow roads and congested streets is no fun at the best of times.

One good thing about the place - plenty of cheap food with a variety of restaurants and the people, I thought, were congenial.