First Month in China

My first month in China has been a pleasant experience. I cannot say the same for other members of my cohort. This is not a declaration of my classmates' emotional well being. I only want to make it clear, that everyone will have a different experience. China and teaching ESL is far from perfect, but I would ask you to consider; what isn't?

If you work at a university you will work between 15-20 hours per week. I make 4,400 RMB or $700 a month. The pay is the lowest, but so is your workload. I don't have any bills aside from food costs.

 Don't think this is any different from most other countries. In Korea, I worked 25 hours per week and made $2,500 per month (apartment provided). My friends with true professorships that worked 10 hours a week, made a mere $1,000. It's normal, so don't think China or Concordia is cheating you. HOWEVER, I have a couple friends working in Shanghai that make less than half of their co-workers. Maybe its b/c Concordia sold them out, or maybe it's a probationary pay period. Find out, do your research on your job. Get in contact with current employees at your prospective employer.

So far, I've had a good time. The only suggestion I have for you is to have enough money in your US bank account to pay any bills while you're gone. Also, bring enough money to cover any immediate costs to get you set up when you get here. Bring $500-$1000 for the first month. Sounds like a lot, but trust me, you don't want to bring too little.