Job Discussion Forums

jesi+jesse · Joined: 13 Apr 2011 Posts: 3 Location: Madison, WI, USA

I am wondering if there are any schools in Nanning or Kunming? If so, what can one generally be expect to make in monthly salary? My husband would be applying for a position, he has a BS in Poli. Sci and Philosophy and also had some experience teaching preschool aged children, no TEFL though. I have 5 years working with preschool and elementary aged children, but no bachelors or TEFL, but it is not pertinent that I work. We would be accompanied by our baby who would be almost one year (or over) by the time we would like to arrive (Jan or Aug 2011). Any advice is very welcome. Thank you!

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

nanning and kunming have universities, colleges and
private schools. cost of living is relatively low, although
rents have skyrocketed in the last few years. that may
be a problem, as i'm not sure uni housing would be
suitable for a couple with a baby.

average monthly pay in nanning is 5000, kunming 3500.
no problem to supplement pay with privates, if uni agrees.

start looking now if you want to arrive in august.
unfortunately, the authorities frown on time-travel,
so that january start date will not do.

dakelei · Joined: 17 May 2009 Posts: 351 Location: USA

Want advice? Don't bring a one year old child to China to live. It's pretty close to child abuse if you ask me. Things can't be THAT bad at home, can they?

jesi+jesse · Joined: 13 Apr 2011 Posts: 3 Location: Madison, WI, USA

thanks choudoufu!

That is another part of the question, I am having a bit of trouble actually finding schools in Nanning or Kunming. I am also wondering which schools other teachers feel are the best to go with, and how to find them?

jesi+jesse · Joined: 13 Apr 2011 Posts: 3 Location: Madison, WI, USA

Is it really that bad in china for a one year old? Also I had a typo in my OP, I meant to say January or August 2012, not 2011 :p

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

Karl Sal · Joined: 28 Nov 2010 Posts: 27 Location: Zhengzhou, China

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

if you look you'll find it.

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

sorry guys, i sorta kinda exaggerated a lil bit.

when i said 3500 was average in kunming, i was
just rounding UP.

average for bach'lors - around 3000

average for masters - maybe 3300

when i say average, i mean the mode - the most common salary.

not the median or mean. there are few unis that pay more.
i say that cause i don't know of any.
there are many that pay less.

but the low pay is balanced by the lack of RT airfare.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

dakelei · Joined: 17 May 2009 Posts: 351 Location: USA

The airfare crack was obvious sarcasm.

When I say bringing a one-year old here is borderline child abuse it is absolutely NOT ridiculous. (Note I said "borderline.") I knew a couple here with a young child, maybe 2 or so at the time and they couldn't bring that kid anywhere without her being stared at and drooled over everywhere. If you were going somewhere like Shanghai or Beijing that's one thing. But in most other cities in China "Western" children are a very rare sight and it is not uncommon at all for folks to want to touch the cute little thing. I used to watch in amazement as crowds gathered around my friend's daughter and poked and prodded at her like she was a stuffed animal. To me it was horrifying. I felt really sorry for that kid. She was simply too young to understand that folks meant no harm but were simply "curious." The child's parents were Romanian and had genuine economic reasons to be in China. Neither of them, despite holding multiple degrees, could find meaningful work in their own country. They eventually moved on to Hong Kong where Westerners are much more common. I'm not just being a China basher here. The air and water are both chemical-ridden and filthy. One can drink bottled water but not breathe bottled air. Your child's lungs are still developing. In smaller cities people spit and smoke everywhere and it's just not a healthy place for such a young child. Then there's the lack of reliable medical care if, heaven forbid, something went wrong. If there were a medical emergency you'd be trying to tell someone who probably doesn't speak English what the problem is and all sorts of problems could arise. Maybe I'm an alarmist but, really, if you have any options at all at home, as unsavory as they may appear, you'd be much better off staying in Madison until the child is older.

Now, you are going to see posts from others who swear I'm just being paranoid and hyperbolic and they're entitled to their opinion. Just think long and hard about what you're doing. Being new parents is hard enough WITH the support system being "home" provides. Being here will be that much more difficult.

snacksturbo · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 25

Search CFCIE and SCIC for a job in Nanning. They recruit out of the USA, have great apartments for a family. The pay is somewhat high for the region. There are also some kids classes that take place in the school that you may be able to handle for them to make some extra cash. If you want further more detailed information, PM me and i will give you the email addresses of the ones in Charge of hiring.