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Post by acjade on Oct 15, 2005 18:28:33 GMT 7
Chongqing. Pollution is so bad that the girls skins are white - major sign of beauty here. Can you explain that further please? Gawd I sound like like someone who infiltrated the media in a previous life. I've seen women devoted to nightcreams that look like extras from a B=Grade vampire movie here in the middle of the Middle Kingdom. Bleached skin in the name of beauty. Beats little feet anyday. |
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Post by Mr Nobody on Oct 15, 2005 19:05:39 GMT 7
Not so sure. bad feet can't kill you, bad skin can. It is teh biggest and most important organ.
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Post by con's fly is open on Oct 16, 2005 0:17:43 GMT 7
What Ruth said.
White ash making skin white, I suppose.
Edges, the contract isn't great, but it's fair. And the real trick to making serious coin in China is to stick out an entire contract and get a letter of recommendation from the school. Then you can take your time and comb through offers. This will be especially true for the gal: the repulsive salary she makes now should skyrocket after a year in-country, particularly if her accent's clean.
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Ruth
SuperDuperMegaBarfly 
God's provisions are strategically placed along the path of your obedience.
Posts: 3,915
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Post by Ruth on Oct 16, 2005 7:19:19 GMT 7
I didn't make the original white skin comment, but my guess is that the pollution cover is so bad that the sun never shines, hence, no tan.
Either that or they're all dead from breathing the stuff and, like all good walking zombies, have very white skin.
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Post by Edges on Oct 16, 2005 9:01:43 GMT 7
Thanks Ruth. The thought did occur to me of asking for more $ since the University would save $ by me sharing an apartment with her. She and I chatted for about 3hrs last night, I guess the University has some arrangement with companies in India (they have Engineers there studying and some teachers from India) so they're used to paying low salaries. But I'll definitely mention it during negotiations. They may think they have me "by the b***s" since Anna is there, I'll have to mention I'm considering going to Qindao. And btw, though Weifang is in the University name I wrongly assumed it was in that town, it's actually in Shouguang.
As for the whitening creams, it's a "beauty thing", the whiter they are the better (in their eyes).
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Post by Lotus Eater on Oct 16, 2005 10:23:01 GMT 7
I didn't make the original white skin comment, but my guess is that the pollution cover is so bad that the sun never shines, hence, no tan. |
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Post by Jollyjunklass on Oct 16, 2005 11:54:36 GMT 7
Edges,
To be honest, your wife's contract is terrible. 20 hours a week may not sound like much, but when it comes down to all the work, it is quite a bit. 2000 for 20 hours a week is pretty bad. I am curious to know why they are willing to give you 4 but not her, what's up with that? Also what Ruth said, as a couple living together they save a lot of money on living expenses.
As a couple you have many options in China, schools want couples, they are generally less problems and share space, both a bonus for the school. There is nothing your wife can do now, but as soon as you guys finish this contract, if you do decide to take it, either ask for way more money for the two of you, or switch schools.
2000 is not good for 20 hours, and for 4 thousand you can find a job with a lot less hours. Also, are internet, water, hydro, holidays, gas all extras the extras being paid? I would hope so.
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Post by Edges on Oct 16, 2005 12:08:43 GMT 7
Hi Jolly,
Anna is not my wife, she's a 24yrs old teacher from Ukraine with a Bachelor's degree who worked as an English teacher and lecturer back home. Admittedly she has a small accent, but enunciates very clearly and possesses a better vocabulary than many I meet in my daily life here in the US. She's also almost fluent in French. We "met" via internet a couple months ago, and will likely live together at the University. I'm 31, been there done that, needless to say I know what I'm getting into relationship wise.
As for salaries, you're right, they should pay her more than 2000RMB and with the experience in China she's getting she'll be in a better position for her next contract negotiation. Yes everything is paid for except her meals, which cost next to nothing.
As for me, 4000RMB isn't much I agree, and I will try to negotiate especially if she and I are to live together. I could probably find better terms in Jinan or Qingdao but then I'm looking at travel every weekend to see her. Plus she got her Z visa in a snap, they treat her like royalty (but still quite unorganized) and give her alot of freedom in class. She's provided with teaching materials but is not required to strictly adhere to it. The truth is she's better off in China at 2000RMB with paid housing than she was in Ukraine.
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Post by Raoul Duke on Oct 16, 2005 12:43:21 GMT 7
Edges,
there's obviously more than money involved in this situation. Them Ukrainian girls be luscious when they yong.
That said, 4000 for 20 hours is insulting. 4000 is unfortunately not unusual for unis, but these contracts are also usually more in the 12-16 hour range. In a university, 20 classroom hours is a lot.
2000 RMB for the lady isn't great but it's reasonably in line with what a Chinese teacher will make.
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Post by Dragonsaver on Oct 16, 2005 13:38:35 GMT 7
I work 24hours for 4500. That doesn't include marking essays and writing tests and doing the class planning either or the bus ride to and from the uni.
We heard last week the buses were going to stop 1 km from the uni due to road repairs and we may have to walk. Two of the teachers said " The teachers replacing us will" we will be back in Canada not teaching. They meant the threat.
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Post by Edges on Oct 16, 2005 15:27:47 GMT 7
Dragonsaver,
Ouch! I'll never understand why schools would burn teachers like that, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Quick question: could you not stay and get a visitor visa while you search for another job?
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Post by Edges on Oct 16, 2005 16:44:11 GMT 7
The more I think about it (after talking with Anna for hours again tonight) the more I think I should try to get work in either Qindao or Jinan. Anyone know of a site with Shandong specific (or with some) jobs offers? I see lots of jobs for Beijing etc but Shandong Province....
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Post by Dragonsaver on Oct 16, 2005 17:10:39 GMT 7
I use chinatefl. It actually has some really good stuff.
My position isn't horrific. I knew the hours before I signed. It is with a joint venture with a Canadian college. We get paid in advance each month. If I stay next term I should get a raise.
The experience is worth the trouble.
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Post by con's fly is open on Oct 16, 2005 18:57:36 GMT 7
Edges, you should be able to find a gig with either more pay or fewer hours, but there's the big intangibles to consider. Shop around by all means, but maybe this gig is right for you... if less than generous on paper. But life isn't lived on paper.
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Post by George61 on Oct 16, 2005 19:41:04 GMT 7
Money isn't everything, but it's a long way ahead of whatever is second. However, I reckon, in your situation, you could be ...m'kay, my brain is scrambled. If the lady is happy in her situation, and you can get a job at the same place, and if everything works out well between the two of you, and if you can synchronise the ending of your respective contracts there, and then go on to bigger and better employment, then why not jump in? Important thing is, unless you are absolutely forced into an impossible situation, FINISH YOUR FIRST CONTRACTS! This will make it easier to get new jobs.
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Post by con's fly is open on Oct 16, 2005 19:56:17 GMT 7
What George said.  I just agreed with George.  |
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Post by Edges on Oct 16, 2005 22:24:28 GMT 7
Grrrr lost my entire post. Here we go again.  She's happy with her University for the time being, as in as a first gig, but she really wants to move on to bigger and better after her contract ends in July or August 2006 (I forget). To time it with hers I'd have to get a 6 months contract starting in February. (they offered me 6 months and 1 year) Let me see if I get this straight. I get a Z visa valid for 6 months, I finish my contract and my Z visa expires. I then have to leave China (or do I?) and go to so say, Thailand!, for a bit then go back to China on a 30 day tourist visa. Then I have to pray to the money gods that I find a school that can take both she and I (or at least me) and that can offer a Z visa. Am I correct? Or do I need to leave again to get my Z visa? What if I find another position while at the first University, can I get another Z visa (after I conclude my contract) without leaving China? |
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Post by George61 on Oct 17, 2005 2:51:06 GMT 7
Seems your timing is pretty good. During the 6months, look for other jobs. The next job will renew your Visa.(theoretically)
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Ruth
SuperDuperMegaBarfly
God's provisions are strategically placed along the path of your obedience.
Posts: 3,915
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Post by Ruth on Oct 17, 2005 8:54:39 GMT 7
Take the 6 months and ask them to make your z visa extend for 7 months because you want to travel in the country before you go home. That will give you time to find another position. The new position should be able to get you a new z visa without you leaving the country. I wouldn't worry about finding another position in July or August. Prime hiring months and you are prime sirloin.
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Post by Raoul Duke on Oct 17, 2005 13:16:50 GMT 7
For Shandong-specific stuff, try My Red Star. Link on the Links page in the Library.
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Post by Edges on Oct 19, 2005 14:54:50 GMT 7
Thanks all for the help and advice. I've decided to take a 6 months contract (starting in Feb) with the Shandong City University, assuming the contract is to my liking. They're using Anna (the teacher from Ukraine) as correspondent, and told her to have me tell her or email them my specific requests so the generic contract can be modified. ("assuming I don't ask for too much", she says :-) )
She'll email me her own contract tonight so I can see what to expect as well, I'll post it here (with her permission) so you can comment or advise should you wish to.
We'll likely look for work in Qindao or elsewhere for the next school year unless I really like that place.
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Post by con's fly is open on Oct 20, 2005 18:23:17 GMT 7
Edges, if they offer a 6 month contract, TAKE IT. You'll get a plane ticket, they'll probably offer you a second contract (and your proven track record by then will give you great leverage in salary negotiations), and the job offers at that point will be far juicier, given that you're in-country and planning to stick around.
Just don't put up with any "you don't need a plane ticket because you're already ehre" bullpoo.
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