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Tracey, thank you for your input.
We did go through medical, it was far more than £40!
We were a bit rushed to do it quicker, and ended paying a lot for the very basic form-based examination report. No blood work, no X ray nothing of a sort. Simply paid to state that we are fit and healthy and not mad.
The form then was sent electronically to HR, I am not sure if this is enough, as we are now waiting for invitation letter and foreign expert permit to take it to embassy. We are not there yet, but have a feeling that things moving very slowly.
About education in mainstream school… I found many expats do send their children to mainstream schools. From what I was told ( and this is the information that was passed on to me, not my experience) is that mainstream school is still to paid for, but much less than private/international etc. Depending on the school, immersion is exercised and provisions are made for extra language tutorial. I was told that it takes somewhere between 6-12 months for a child to make reasonable adjustments and be somewhat proficient to continue without extra supervision/help. Whilst local kids have to take extremely hard exams to graduate from the school, foreign children are exempt from such exams and will receive their graduation certificate which will allow them to progress further.
I think my main concern is the age of my children (boys), the language barrier and the fact that the teaching and learning style which is very relaxed in the UK will cause them a lot of stress. I guess, all depends on your child and her age. The younger she is, the easier it will be. But it is a possibility and a very real one. I will keep updating if I come to more information.Hi all,
Can anyone explain the formal route for Z visa, please.
Sichuan University has asked Bureau of foreign experts affairs for foreign experts permit. To receive such permit we were told to undergo a lengthy and expensive (not covered by NHS) medical examination, which has to be sent to them BEFORE being granted the permit.
The question is…do we really need to go through medical in the UK, to get this foreigh experts permit, which alone with Duly authorise invitation letter, is essential for us to obtain Z visa.Thank you
Thank you for your input.
We will explore all the possibilities and I trust we will be able to find the best option that will suit our children and help achieve their aspirations.
It is a learning curve and we are bound to have upsets and pleasant surprises on the way. I will keep updating and will be on a lookout for more information.
She’s Back!
Any suggestions?
Yes, stay in England. Don’t put ur kids in a shitty position since u don’t seem to know what ur getting urself into or have not really planned well.
But if u MUST, considering ur criteria……HOMESKOOOLLLL…..
Indeed I can’t possibly know about schools in China, 5 brief visits weren’t enough to form an informed opinion, particularly when it comes to educating our children.
What makes it that bad? Is it a personal view, or this is the sentiment of larger expats community. Surely, not everyone can pay extortionate fees of international schools.
We both work in education sector, and probably, just about…. qualified to say that the education system, its setting, particularly high school environment would match your description.Thank you!
After carefully evaluating your suggestions, as well as balancing things through, we have decided that it will be best for my husband to accept the position in Chengdu.
As it stands we are expecting him to start the job in December-January, we will join him in April-May.I am still not convinced that this is a totally crazy idea, nor I think it is a sound one!
We would love to see, feel and experience it for ourselves.With the decision being made, I am even more anxious making it right.
I am sure there will be many more questions prior to our departure as well as during initial period. At least I know that I can rely on the forum members, and the site, which is a fantastic tool for people who are about to visit Chengdu to settle or otherwise.
I want to thank you all for all the support shown and advice received.
Hi Guys!
My husband got another offer from Hebei University,in Baoding. In addition they seem to offer me a job, which is another bonus! The combined salary will be around 20.000 per month after tax.
Do you know anything about cost of living there?
Are any of you familiar with the city or University?
Considering everything, which offer is better to accept?Any information will be gratefully received as always XX
Thank you Charlie, Miro, Sunchen, Merior!
I am grateful for the detailed and unbiased information, and truly appreciate the time you took to write your responses.
Our reason for moving to China is to experience different culture, lifestyle, education…all those experiences that would strengthen understanding of a wider world ( for children)…something that the usual foreign holiday destination won’t cover.
It seem that these experiences will come at a cost…not directed at a posh living, but safer living … such as healthy food, means to deal with air pollution, water, funds to repatriate if the need arises, etc.
I will be looking for ways to boost our income, which sounds promising. There seem to be a development in regards to renegotiation with the university contract which may help with housing costs and/or other help.
I am happy to hear any other positive or negative experiences, although, positive experiences are always easier to digest.
Thank you again xx
My Chinese girlfriend and I live pretty frugally. I asked her if we could support 3 kids with the salary you mentioned. Her response: “very difficult”. Anyway, good luck with it…..
Thank you!
I am sure I will benefit from some frugal tips!
drjtrekker!
In respect of the area… We are not sure of the area, the stress will be placed on budget, then location (with good transport links), newness, greenish etc. It looks like 3 bed apartment are not easy to find, when the budget is an issue.
I am happy to hear that finding employment in Chengdu is not ‘mission impossible’! Correct me if I am wrong… part-time job does not require working visa, merely residence permit?…if not, what makes part-time job ‘simple’?
We are going to readdress several points of the contract with the university, and I hope we will reach mutually beneficial conclusion. Will update in line with progress.
Thank you as always xx
Thank you Sunchen and Rick, that was quite informative!
I am a musician classically trained with Master’s degree, and many years of teaching experience, not sure if Chinese job market would appreciate my skills though, as it seem that they have enough of their own musicians, pianists. I am not UK native, therefore do not meet criterion for English language teacher position. I am fluent in Russian and English and have years and years of translating and interpreting experience… will it help me in job hunting, not sure and can’t predict unless I test the waters myself. Most certainly I will be very unhappy without a job, even if working from home.
After reading various blogs and forums it is clear that trustworthy nanny services come at a price, but 4000 sounds like a hell of a lot.xx
Hi guys,
I aim to post large container of goods from UK, mainly clothing, shoes, books, music scores. Mainly used stuff.
the questions are:
Is there a secure way of posting stuff with a guarantee that it will be received.
Am I too naïve to expect a compensation if the goods are lost in transit?Does it have to be cleared with customs?
Thank you x
Thanks again….
Of course, I agree with you entirely.
I thought about kids education, and fear that my children (as other kids brought up in the West) have no idea how intense and dense the teaching/learning is going to be.
Regarding re-negotiation on pay and bonuses…Is it something that it is practiced frequently without causing a shock?
And what is the normal practice… Are we able to ask for assistance with relocation, or settlement, or help with something related to establishing life abroad, banking, renting, initial integration. Should/could we do it now prior to our arrival or after?So far we are told of privileges of annual salary (200.000) which is not so privileged after looking at prices and demands of a fairly large family.
One more thing that I can’t get answer to, even from Chinese embassy or consulate in London or Manchester… It seems that to work you need to have a work visa, Z visa, this is what my husband is applying for. I understand that as a family member children and I can join my husband, but if I want to work in China, what then? Do I need to leave China and re-enter with work visa, or I can get a work permit irrespective of the rule as long as I am coming under the umbrella of Z visa holder?
As I said, when I contacted consulate I was told that they are unaware of procedures, which I find really odd and really frustrating.
If embassy doesn’t know, who would!The last but not least…Baby milk and regular milk, is normal UHT style milk, or fresh pasteurised milk is not available in the shop? Should I pack as many as the customs allow? And how easy it is to buy safe milk powder… can it be bough online from trusted sources (or such concept does not exist).
Thank you xx
Hi Drjtrekker!
Thank you very much for your response.
You are absolutely right, I have no experience living in China!
I was under impression that buying food in supermarket rather than ‘open’ market would somehow insure freshness and safety…is a wishful thinking?!
My husband is offered faculty position (Chemical Engineering) with a remuneration of 200.000 of local currency. I am not sure whether it is good, enough, or utterly unmanageable. There are not extra bonuses attached to this package and none are expected, therefore my income would be necessary (I believe).
We are thinking to rent an unfurnished apartment and fill it up with our own goods, which will hopefully save some cash in a long run. Desirably, the apartment would be located somewhere with reasonable transport link, metro etc. Looking at the rental market, on the web as well as in this forum, I sense that we are going to spend no less than 4000 RNB a month for a 3 bed flat. If paying year in advance will save some cash this option will also be considered.
I contacted medical insurance rep (not sure what you call it) and was quoted £6000 per year for our family on comprehensive insurance excluding maternity and dental care. That is equivalent to 60.000 RNB.
Basically that leaves us with very small amount of disposable cash, or I may be wrong.
It seems that after tax we will be left with 15000 (?) RNB per month, and we will need to balance rent, medical insurance, food, and other groceries for 5 people. Is it doable?
Sorry my post seems heavily materialistic, but if we are unable to fulfil basic needs such as roof, medical care and reasonable food then it is hard to think of cultural experiences which I am sooooooo eager to explore.Thank you again
Hi, I am a newbie…not yet in Chengdu, but planning to move from the UK as soon as final details of employment are finalised, which is most likely to be in mid November. I have posted on the forum with some questions related to relocation, medical care and housing. One of the main issues is health insurance, came across this thread and wondering if it is worth getting comprehensive insurance considering that basic flue jab is seemingly cheap, or is it ? As I said, I am a total novice to the entire notion of starting life in Chengdu, hence clinging on any information remotely relevant. Thank you xx
