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Detailed information on the terms and conditions of your employment in China.

1- Fixed Salary: [Refer "Salaries"]

All expenses such as accommodation, the previous list of benefits, airfare reimbursement, Holiday bonus, health care, Temporary Residency Permit, etc. are paid for or provided by your host university/school, in accordance with SAFEA Regulations. The set-down salary will not be liable to taxation and is usually for 14-16 hours of face-to-face teaching per week. Face to face hours worked in excess of these hours is usually paid as overtime.

For an applicant with first degree, minimum RMB 3500+, with PGD; MBA, Teaching Certificate etc minimum RMB 4000+ and RMB 5000+ with a Doctorate. Your salary is negotiable and dependent upon your qualifications (academic degree/diploma, etc. previous teaching experience, and ability to teach, etc.).Additional  hours are usually paid as overtime at the rate agreed in Appendix A.

 2- Accommodation:

SAFEA Regulations stipulate that during your entire contractual period in China, you shall be provided rent-free a fully furnished apartment of similar standard to a 3 Star Hotel. Usually the apartment will be on campus and include one bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom/ toilet, etc. Do not expect too much and you will not be disappointed. You can reasonably expect the inclusion of most of the following items, appliances and facilities (However please note:  This is not a checklist, only a guide). Most schools will provide a completed Appendix A for your perusal and signature as a condition of acceptance.

1)   Colour TV (China has one official English language Channel, CCTV9)

2)   Radio (not usual, but most schools will oblige if asked)

3)   Air Conditioning (in areas where it is deemed necessary)

4)   Heating in all northern and western provinces, elsewhere in colder climes.

5)   Personal Computer with Internet Connectivity 

6)    Telephone (Most often.  Please bring your Mobile Telephone.  You can buy prepaid SIM cards for use locally and for international calls)

7)   Fax (usually at school and available for your use)

8)   Washing machine

9)   Refrigerator

10)   Microwave or oven and /or gas cooker.

11)   China Daily or other English newspapers are usually available locally.

12)   All kinds of cooking utilities (plates, glasses, cups, pots and pans)

13)   Comfortable furniture

14)   Purified or mineral water

15)   24 hour supply of electricity/hot water/gas

16)   A-Z miscellaneous items (bedding, blanket, pillow, towel, sleeper, etc.)

Chinese universities/colleges/high schools normally require that you sign the  SAFEA employment contract for at least two semesters (each of 41/2 months, plus a paid six week holiday). If you cannot commit yourself for two semesters for any reason, you may also be welcomed to sign a contract for only one semester. This is the minimum time requirement for teaching; however, it is becoming increasingly very difficult to find schools that are willing to employ teachers for only one semester, and then only because no one else wants to go to the particular school.  In exceptional cases, if you have special qualifications, a school may accept you for one only semester.   The reason for this is that the curriculum is designed to take the students who are assigned to an oral language class through one full school year, changing teachers mid-year often results in a down-grading of the student's academic standards.

Should you be selected as suitable for a single semester posting, you will only be reimbursed for one half the ticket purchase price after teaching one full semester. Furthermore, you will have little say in the location of the school to which you will posted and you will not be paid for the vacation period and some other benefits may not be available or limited.

  4-  What happens if I get sick?

There are hospitals in almost every city where patients can get treatment without having to travel too far. Foreign experts may have the special treatment of Chinese traditional medicine. Foreign experts can buy the necessary medical insurance abroad. Some particular issues concerning foreign experts' medical care may be covered in the contract.

Basic health care is provided by the clinic or hospital nominated by the school and they will usually ensure you are covered for the costs of unexpected medical expenses should you suddenly take ill or have an accident. If you require comprehensive insurance, we suggest you take out private cover before leaving home. EMERGENCY EVACUATION INSURANCE is suggested.  Domestic health cover does not (usually) extend to overseas residency, albeit temporary.

  5- Round trip international air ticket:

This varies among the institutions. Many will provide reimbursement for a round-trip international economy air ticket at the completion of one academic year. Others will provide reimbursement for one-half of the international air ticket at the end of one academic year. Some institutions provide one-half of the international air ticket at the completion of one contracted semester. Normally, the terms are written into the contract.Reimbursement is in Chinese Yuan RMB and is not considered as part of the salary for conversion purposes.

 6- Possible source of additional income:

You are required to teach up to 16 hours a week over 5 days at your school in return for receiving the contracted amount of fixed monthly salary. Apart from teaching at your own school/university, you may be afforded the opportunity of additional outside "jobs" teaching work at other nearby universities/schools/night schools or local companies in your spare time.

Please note that the possibility of finding extra jobs and earning additional income is subject to approval by your school administration. If you wish to earn additional income the prudent thing to do is sit down with the school head and discuss your requirements. The actual amount that you could earn during your spare time varies from city to city and from school to school. It depends on your own ability to communicate with and attract others to classes - students and other people wishing to learn/improve their English.

 7- Local Transport:

Should your accommodation be provided off campus and be in excess of ten minutes walking distance from the school, your school will usually subsidise public transport. In most instances your accommodation will be provided on campus.

8- Holiday Bonus:

A  bonus of RMB 2,200 will often be paid during your school holidays (either summer or winter) to help offset the additional expenses of your holiday within China. The allowance is only payable if you commit to two or more semesters.  Sometimes this is paid as a bonus at the completion of your contract, at other times, not at all if the school provides you with paid vacations within China.

 9- Bicycle:

The schools quite often provide you a bicycle for your 'exclusive' use WITH UNLIMITED KILOMETRES ALLOWANCE.  However, repairs and maintenance will be at your expense, collision waiver insurance is unprocurable, and you will need to provide an anti-theft device.  Crash hats are not worn (by anyone), as they are not considered a fashion accessory, nor are the bike rider's tights, that are so popular in the west. Remember this is China, and many things that are considered OK elsewhere, can sometimes attract the unwanted attention. Bicycles in China are an essential and practical mode of transport, but are very often stolen, especially in the evenings. New bike prices range from 100RMB; second hand 40 RMB.

10- Visits and Sightseeing:

During the National Holidays, the school administration will normally organise various celebration activities and visits to many of the significant and historical sites within the province, often providing you with free accommodation, transportation and meals.

11- Dress Standards:

Ladies and Gentlemen should dress sensibly and avoid clothing that is suggestive and inappropriate given the normal constraints imposed upon Chinese society. Tailored trousers and slacks are best, as are sensible length skirts and dresses. Blouses should cover the shoulder. Shirts should be collared, preferably tailored.  Jeans are not acceptable for teaching and shoes should newish joggers or conventional shoes - no sandals or worn-out joggers.

Very, very short hair, although acceptable in most western countries, is not seen as acceptable for female teachers in Chinese schools, conversely the same applies to men sporting very long hair, facial jewellery, exposed tattoos.

12- Can I open a Bank Account

The foreign experts with Residence Card can open an account with any bank inside China by providing the number of Residence Card, and thereinafter have liberty of depositing into and withdrawing from the bank account. With tax payment certificate and supporting documents, the foreign experts can convert into foreign currency their legal income in Chinese currency during their employment and remit the amount to overseas destination through banks handling foreign exchange business. (For further information, please go to the bank close to the residence.)
 

13- When should I apply for the job and for how long am I required to commit to China?

You can start your teaching job in China at any time there is a vacancy.  Please do not hesitate to contact C.T.T.R. whether you are available to start immediately or at some time in the future. To apply for a teaching position, simply apply for and complete the application forms. Refer to the Checklist for Teachers document. Your documents are assessed by the Beijing Education Evaluation Committee [BEEC].

14- What documents/information am I required to provide to support my application to teach in China?

Please read the "Jobs in China". You are required to provide C.T.T.R. with the following four key documents ASAP:

1. Application form
2. Supllementary Medical Report
3. CV/ Resume
4. Copy of Academic certificate

15- What additional information must I have to include in my CV/Resume?

When you submit your application, please do not forget to provide the following list of information in your Cv/resume.  It is crucial to the efficient processing of your application and arrangement of your Work Permit. If you fail answer all the questions your application may not be processed

• Full Name (Exactly as it appears in your passport)
• DOB (Date Of Birth):
• Citizenship:
• Gender:
• First language:
• MS (marital status): 
• Your Present Address
• Your telephon number
• Your email address

17- What documents should I present to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate for processing my Visa Application?

You should submit the following list of documents to your country's Chinese Embassy or Consulate:

To apply for and obtain your Z-Visa (Expert Work Visa) you will need to submit the following:

• A completed Visa Application Form (you can obtain this Form from the Chinese Embassy or download it from the Internet.
• Your valid Passport (the validity of your passport should be longer than your desired period of commitment in China by at least six months)
• Invitation and Work Permit that you receive from C.T.T.R. by facsimile.
• 1 Passport Size Photo (colour), two if your a citizen of the United States.
• Applicable Visa Application Fee - obtainable from Embassy or Consulate or Internet.

18- Can I travel to China for teaching with a Tourist Visa?

Certainly, if your presence in China is urgent or there is an unreasonable delay in the processing of Work Permits (as occasionally happens), it is possible, but not recommended and can only be done at the request of your school, and if approved by the Foreign Affairs Office.  If you arrive without being previously authorised to do so, your application may be refused and you will not be able to seek alternative employment.

19- By what date am I expected to arrive in China?

You are strongly advised to arrive in China on the date requested by your host institution. However, this is subject to availability of seating with the airlines. In any case you should book your flight upon being advised of confirmation of your acceptance.

20- Who will meet me at the airport upon my arrival?

If you can read your name (and we certainly hope you can!!) you will begin your China experience with minutes of your passing the final customs checkpoint at your China destination Airport.  Upon your arrival at the airport an official of your host university/school or by a representative of C.T.T.R will greet. You need to inform C.T.T.R. either by Email or fax of your flight number and date/time of your arrival airport as soon as these detaila are available to you.

In any case, please take comfort in the knowledge that out of THE MANY HUNDREDS we have organised, neither C.T.T.R. nor GAC has lost an inbound client.  

21- Do I have to travel to my final destination on the same day of my arrival in China?

That depends on the flight's arrival time and distance from the airport to institution.  Many teachers transit through Beijing [at the schools request], in which case the school or representatives of C.T.T.R. and you will overnight at a Beijing 3 Star Hotel very near the CBD of Beijing before your departure to your final destination on the second day.  If you are met by C.T.T.R., you shall be invited to Welcome Dinner on your first night in China; however, C.T.T.R. does not meet all inbound teachers, most are met by their host school representatives and entertained accordingly.

22- Can I also bring my spouse (Partner) and child with me to China?

Certainly, some Chinese universities, colleges and High Schools welcome spouses and families to China.  Chinese schools will not be responsible for your spouse's expenses (air ticket, health insurance, holidays expenses, etc.)

Foreign experts working in China have many choices to give their children a good education. They can individually send their young generation to some international schools and all sorts of other ones that have the qualifications to admit the foreign students. (For more concrete information on admission, please directly contact the school considered.)

 23- What am I required to teach?

Generally speaking, you are required to teach listening and oral/spoken/conversational English by correcting the enunciation and diction, adjusting inflections and explaining the idiomatics and nuances of the English language to those Chinese students in your classes, many of whom will be preparing to go either abroad for study or to a university. If you are capable of teaching English Literature, Business English, Business Administration, Accounting, Math and Computer Science, etc., you will be the most welcomed and may be offered a higher salary. Generally you shall be required to teach 3 hours/day (usually in the morning, but sometimes split) and classes often begin at 8 am. Class size in Chinese schools is normally between 30 and 35 students.

  24- What teaching materials do I have to use for my teaching?

There are set course/text books and a National course curriculum for Chinese schools. So you do not have to worry about the teaching materials.  These will usually be readily available at your school. If you believe you may have superior teaching aides, such as textbooks, you could bring a copy.. Additionally, you will have full access to all the teaching resources at your school including library, language laboratory, over-head projectors and computer etc.

  25- Where will I be teaching?

C.T.T.R. represents and recruits on behalf of the Central Government of China in cooperation with Provincial Government Foreign Affairs Offices and SAFEA approved schools located throughout the whole of China.  By carefully examining and evaluating your application, CV/Resume and your past work experience as well as considering each specific requirement of Chinese schools/colleges and universities, you are offered positions with schools that best suits your abilities, qualifications and wishes.  All postings are subject to vacancies.

  26- How long do the school holidays last in China?

The School Year in China begins on the 1st of September. The Winter Vacation, which lasts about three weeks and the Summer Vacation is usually 50 days and starts about 10th July. There are two other shorter holiday periods, starting May 1st and October 1st; these holidays last from 3 to 7 days.

27- Can I apply if I do not have an academic degree or teaching diploma?

The regulations state very clearly that all Foreign Experts, including teachers of English, must have a minimum education standard of 1^st Degree; however, where an applicant can clearly demonstrate an equivalent "academic" standard through experience, sometimes the Foreign Affairs Office may approve such persons. All applications are individually assessed. 

 28- Can I apply if English is not my first language?

"Black cat and white cat are all the same as long as they can catch the mouse".

If you are fluent AND have excellent knowledge of  English and only slight accent and have lived in the Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand or USA for some years, you are may be well qualified to get a very good teaching job in China.

Again, all applicants may be required to telephone China and submit to an oral examination. The telephone call is at your expense and the time required in usually less than 5 minutes.  If you are not willing to do this, you may not qualify for a teaching position.

 29- Is there an age or physical restriction?

If you are between 20 and 60 years of age and in good strong health and stamina, you could well be qualified to teach in China.  Minimum height is 1.55cm for ladies and 1.65cm for men.  Also, excessively overweight persons may be not suited to teach in China, primarily because everything is designed for the small Chinese frame.  Young ladies are especially sought as the younger children relate better to the mother image.  In China, as other parts of the world, the father is the disciplinarian.  C.T.T.R. has placed teachers aged from 18 years to 72 years of age; however, the guidelines do stipulate the aforementioned age parameters.

Please note: By strict Government Regulation, you must provide the Official Medical Report completed either by your General Practitioner, a hospital or a Health Organization your country, which confirms that you are good health and strong of disposition and that you do not carry any infectious disease (such as: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, malaria, sexually transmitted disease, etc.).

The Medical Report form be obtained by direct request to C.T.T.R. Beijing.  The Report is in Word format but If you do not have Simplified Chinese installed on your computer, some of the form will print as 'gobbly-Gook'.  Please do not be concerned, your medico needs only needs to read English.

  30- What kind of airfare/ ticket should I buy when I travel to China?

You can buy either a round trip or one-way economy class ticket, which will be reimbursed at the end of your contractual by your host school in accordance with the Regulations of China State Administration for Foreign Experts Affairs. Please note that whatever ticket you buy; it should be an Economy Class only, for the purpose of reimbursement, which is limited to 7,000 RMB for a return ticket if you do not produce a travel agents/airline receipt . 

You must inform C.T.T.R. your flight number, arrival airport, and date and time of arrival at least one week in advance by EMAIL, otherwise we cannot guarantee you will be met on arrival.

  31- What shall I have to do during the school holiday periods?

This is entirely up to you. You can either travel within China as a tourist or teach English at one of the schools/training camps which may be organised by your host organization or others, or you could learn Chinese language at one of various training centres where foreigners study Chinese.

32- Do I have to observe all the relevant regulations and laws during my stay in China?

YES!. Please remember, you are a guest, and although you may be forgiven minor misdemeanours, any serious irregularities will be dealt with according to Chinese law. 

33- In what currency will I be paid for my teaching in China?

You will be paid in Chinese currency, Chinese Yuan - Renminbi. However, your savings in Chinese currency can be converted to a hard currency (Dollars, Pounds, etc.) if you wish, due your special status/privilege in China as a foreign expert, as per the Provisional Regulation of China State Administration For Foreign Exchange. The current official (average) exchange rate in China is: 8.27RMB: $US1.00.

Usually you will be paid at the end of your teaching month. For example, if you start to teach on the 1st September, you will be paid on 1st of October and each month thereafter. You shall be paid either by cash, cheque or bank transfer.  After you have signed the contract, ask the administration to organise a "friendly bank account" banking facilities for you at a local bank.  Chinese bank accounts cannot be organised from outside of China. 

35- Can I apply for and pursue a degree course at a China university whilst I am still engaged as a teacher In China?

Provided you are a good time manager and so long as your studies do not have a negative impact upon your teaching or your host organization, you are free to further your education in China as you please both within China or as an external student elsewhere in the world.

36- Can I lean the Chinese Language during my stay in China?

At some of the Chinese schools, you may be afforded the opportunity of taking Chinese lessons. If not, the school authority will be very happy to arrange something for you at your expense.  Often it is easy to exchange English lessons for Chinese lessons.  China has many television channels, but only one in English,  CCTV 9, and only a couple of English language newspapers; so for those who feel compelled to keep abreast with current affairs, other than via the Internet, learning Chinese can be a distinct advantage.

37- What is the attitude of the Chinese people toward the foreigners?

The Han Chinese are the most hospitable, warmest, generous of people, equal to the friendliest people in the world, and generally demonstrate a great deal of respect for foreigners. By comparison with some Western Countries, China is a very safe country; however, as with any large group of people, and China has the biggest, there are differing opinions and attitudes. Almost invariably teachers have the most wonderful and exciting experience during their time in China.

38- What are the main terms and conditions of the Employment Contract that I sign with my school?

Your SAFEA Employment Contract, is a legal document, an agreement between the parties (the school and you) to respect each other's benefits and entitlements.  As a teacher of English you are expected to provide education to a suitable standard, to co-operate with the school and other staff members, to be available for your rostered classes and to stay for the duration of your agreed upon time in China. In return the school will honour its commitment to you.  For legal reasons the contract must be entered into and signed in China.

Please do not come to China and with a "trial-it" attitude. There is no trial period. You will be required to complete one or two full semesters. Please commit yourself to teaching in China before you leave your country. There is a penalty clause in the contract that states that if you suddenly and without due cause decide to prematurely terminate your services, the school may recoup their costs and disbursements from you before approving your departure.

On the other hand, if you have a genuine desire to teach oral English to Chinese students, both children and adults; to live in China in conditions that can sometimes be a little trying, to experience the cultural and traditional differences first hand and to generously contribute to not only to your own life's experience but also to leave a lasting impression upon 100's of Chinese - then please send your application today, you are the sort of person China needs.

39- What is the list of my main obligations and responsibilities during my teaching period in China?

Other than a commitment to teaching English in China, your main obligations and responsibility include the following:

1. Observe all the applicable laws and regulations of China. Please do not come to China and play the prima-dona, best you stay in your own country and take up acting. Antics may not be appreciated as you are a guest of the Chinese Government.
2. Honour your contract and observe all those regulations of the school. If you expect the school to honour its side of the contract, please do likewise.
3. Motivate your students to work very hard and to achieve the best results from their course in the shortest possible time, especially in their spoken English, listening comprehension, understanding and the enlargement of their vocabulary.
4. Evaluate and closely monitor the progress of your students with their English studies by arranging their homework, setting targets and schedules, and by arranging necessary examinations on time.
5. Motivate and teach/instruct your students on how to set ambitious goals for their future,
6. Maintain a high moral and ethical standard; give your students something to aspire to. Create a good impression with your fellow teaching staff and the school authority and as well as the local community.
7. Seek selection as an exemplary foreign teacher by the Inspection and Assessment Bureau of local Provincial Government, which it conducts twice a year – it is an inspection to assess the performance of foreign teachers.

China is officially non-religious, but is quite tolerant of you practising your own faith so long as you do so in private and do not attempt to distribute or disseminate information pertaining to your beliefs nor recruit or entice Chinese to attend meetings, services or other group discussions at which you discuss your beliefs. A breach of this Code will also constitute a breach of your contract.

 41- What is the average cost of living in China?

Despite the remarkable achievements in its economic development and modernisation for the past two decades, China is still considered a developing country where resources and the cost of labour are very cheap. Average Chinese earnings are comparatively quite low and therefore the cost of living is low. As a general guide, common food stuffs 1 RMB = $1 buying power.  The cost of food, clothing, utilities, rent, electronics and public transportation, etc. can be very low indeed. The highest average monthly salary of university graduates who have majored in English in large cities, such as Beijing, rarely exceeds 2,000 RMB for the first three years.

However, in so saying that, if you purchase imported products or products manufactured by western companies you can expect to pay similar or commensurate prices with what you would pay elsewhere, outside of China. Coca-Cola, for example, is very expensive when compared to local beverages, MacDonald's hamburgers could not possibly be described as a bargain, and medicines manufactured by western pharmaceutical companies are often unaffordable for many Chinese.

42- What is the electrical power system in China if I bring with me some electrical appliances?

Power Voltage in China is 220volt/ 50 hertz and plugs and sockets are mostly, 2pin flat/round plug, otherwise Australian 3pin. Power is supplied continuously 24 hours per day, except in some very remote areas. Being without electricity is unlikely to affect you unless travelling. Electrical trades work, sometimes, is not necessarily up to Western standards and care should be exercised when handling some electrical wiring.

--oOo--

We hope the listed 42 items of information have covered most of the questions you have been asking yourself. However, if you do have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact C.T.T.R.. We shall be very happy to provide you with all information that you need.

We look forward to welcoming you in China soon as one of our most important guests.

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Official and legal providers to the Government of the People's Republic of China
Authorised Official SAFEA Recruiter No.0031