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Thanks for the input TrevorTCB. I wonder how hard it will be to convince a cabby to drive me that far. Here in Austin, it can be tough to find one willing to make the drive from downtown to the northern part of the city which is about 20 minutes haha.
And at the rate that the school is replying to my emails, it seems like I’ll probably be there after the holiday whether I like it or not. I’m fine with that though, I’m sure the spring festivities will make up for it.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/10/china-floods-landslide-buries-sichuan-province
I interviewed for Dujiangyan last month…hope everyone is safe over there.
@rick in china – No offense taken, and you’re right on all accounts. It doesn’t dissuade me at all, as I mentioned I’m going to look at other provinces that might not be so strict. Like you said, I’ve suspected that the administrators I’m dealing with are clueless and unfortunately it’s put me in a bind time-wise. At the end of the day I’ll get it figured out one way or another – litte things cannot phase me anymore. Best of luck to you and your situation.
@rick in china – You’re right…just had to vent. Something tells me that even if I jump through the latest hoops, they’ll find even more for me. I’ve already reached out to a former recruiter to see about getting me in to a less desirable province. :\
I just woke up to some shitty news about the documents I mailed over a couple weeks ago… Need some advice. I can’t tell if it’s the school feeding me bullshit or what. They’re telling me the ‘Sichuan international traveling hygiene center’ would not accept my health exam because it was not done at a state/government owned hospital. Cherry on top: a new requirement for the photo on the exam to be stamped. I’m so pissed right now.
So, take this with a grain of salt because I’m a newbie like yourself. But conventional wisdom (read: forum posters and other expat resources) says that you should have a couple grand saved up before you make the move. At least enough to cover a plane ride home should you need it in a pinch. If you’re used to a frugal lifestyle then maybe you can get by with less.
As far as salaries go, my research says that it’s typically dictated by the type of position you’re seeking. Universities typically pay less but require less than 20 hours a week. Private schools, or ‘language mills’ as they say, should pay quite a bit more as they demand longer hours in order to drive profits. It seems like you’re probably getting into a public school gig, so I would google the name and see what kind of reviews it gets. Another piece of advice is to not accept a contract until you’ve had a chance to talk to a current/former teacher who worked there. Be wary though, I’ve read stories about teachers who were ‘held hostage’ over a reference letter and ordered to give glowing reviews about the school.
Use common sense and also realize it’s going to be a gamble no matter how prepared you are. Good luck!
If it helps, I will share my experience with the process as a newbie coming from the states for the first time. Unfortunately I probably won’t have an update until August as my paperwork is still in transit and the school breaks on the 11th of this month. I was so ready to quit my job too…but I can tough it out a while longer.
If anyone is curious, I shipped my docs off last week. As luck would have it the package got hung up in customs (it was supposed to be delivered today), I think because we used a very low dollar amount for the package value. They assumed it was some sort of product being imported, but after some phone calls and emails to fedex the package seems to be moving again. I’m getting really nervous as the school is telling me it’s going to take upwards of 12-15 days to get the Visa paperwork once they submit my docs to the proper authorities. In the same email they’re telling me they start their summer vacation on 7/11.
Something tells me I’m not going to get my Visa until the very last minute, which puts me in a pretty crappy spot. Sigh…trying to stay positive.
I should’ve mentioned I’m in the states and coming over for the first time. Fortunately they’ve backed down on the other docs and just need the health exam now. Still going to be a hassle to send xrays and all the other stuff, but I’ll play the game for now.
I’ll still have to bring my degree when I arrive, but that was expected. Thanks for the replies.
Me again…I’ve gotten some offers lined up but nothing in Chengdu yet. The UESTC person did not reply back to me for whatever reason. Thanks again for the lead though Stephen. Closest I’ve found is Deyang, has anyone been and can comment? How bad is the commute to Chengdu?
And Sky, if you can offer a university-like position with similar teaching hours, salary and accommodation, feel free to pm me.
Thanks Charlie…good point about the immersion, but I think part of me would like to have the ex-pat bubble for some newbie support.
Stephen – Yes I’m very interested and will send a pm. Thanks for the tip!
I should re-phrase that last question as I know it’s going to vary depending on city. What are some satellite cities you could see yourselves living in? I’d prefer to be somewhere with a larger population vs. a rural area. Any thoughts on Dujiangyan City?
