Main Items for Foreigners Who Are Willing to Teach in China

22,2007 Editor:at0086| Resource:AT0086.com

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China has absorbed a large number of foreigners to work in China. People who want to find a job in china should pay attention the following things.
China has absorbed a large number of foreigners to work in China. People who want to find a job in china should pay attention the following things.
 
1 Salary
Salaries sometimes appear low by Western standards but the cost of living in China is very cheap. Schools that offer very high salaries usually "trim" the benefits, but as you will be spending a long time in China your personal comfort will very quickly become far more important than a few extra RMB. A cheap bed, lumpy sofa and old computer with expensive dial-up will soon have you wishing for a better life. 
 
2 Accommodations
Check the Appendix that is sent to you, it will list all the main items. If you need more items than are provided and they are not unreasonable requests, asks your employer, they will usually oblige. You are not expected to bring household items. However, sometimes departing greedy teachers who are going elsewhere in China after their contract term remove most of the small items and this has caused some schools to limit items provided, or ask for a security bond. 
 
3 Contracts
As the future of students is reliant upon their education standard, it is very important that teacher/student relationships are established. This cannot be achieved in a couple of months. China is seeking teachers who will commit to long-term contracts. It has been my experience that teachers who contract for two semesters are treated very differently from those who can only stay for a short time. 
 
4 Medical Cares
Sometimes foreigners are hesitant to use Chinese health care facilities. You shouldn't be afraid, because as a foreigner you will be given very special treatment - if you need it. The standard of medical services in China is very high, while also very cheap when compared to Western services. I suggest that you have evacuation insurance and maybe general health cover. 
 
5 Airfare
This is the subject that causes the most arguments, it is also the thing that has been most abused by foreign teachers in the past who have enjoyed holidays to or from China, or demanded the face value on the ticket. It is also the most expensive item for the school. Please be sensible when buying your ticket; economy class by the most direct route will rarely be challenged. 
 
6 Additional Income
You will be expected to devote yourself to your students and teaching. The face-to-face working hours are commensurate with those of West. Therefore, you may find it very exhausting to work two jobs. Your salary is very high compared with Chinese teachers, and they are not permitted to have second jobs. 
 
7 Bicycles
Don't be too concerned if your school does not provide a bicycle, often they are a bigger liability than they are worth, especially when they are stolen. If you want you can buy one and give it as a reward when leaving to your best and most attentive student. 
 
8 "What to Wear"
Sometimes administration officials will make indirect comments about "dress" so that you do not loose face. Although the teaching profession is amongst the most conservative sectors of Chinese society, as a foreigner you will be afforded a lot of latitude in most things. Look around you and use common sense. 
 
9 Applications
Some people think that religion is not important, but as most often meals are provided I am sure you don't want the school officials to loose face by serving you a taboo food. Also, schools work weekends before national vacations and some religions don't allow this. If the school knows in advance, they can work around it. 
 
10 Visa
As it is becoming more and more difficult to convert travel "L" visas to work "Z" visas, only travel on a travel visa if you are directed to do so by TEACH CHINA, in which case it will have been approved by the Foreign Affairs Office. Do do otherwise could result in big problems. 
 
 
 

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