Frequently Asked Questions
Program Information
Living in China
Miscellaneous Issues

Living in China

Educate. Experience. Explore.


WHAT IS IT LIKE LIVING IN CHINA?

Teaching in China demands a high degree of flexibility, adaptability and optimism. The Chinese culture differs greatly from western cultures, especially in the area of communication. For westerners this difference can be frustrating and annoying.  

We are used to talking to the right person to get something done. In China, you may not ever be able to talk with that “right” person directly, but may have to go through the school’s established hierarchy to receive a satisfactory answer.


Being in another country, whether with a group or independently, can bring on deep feelings of loneliness. You should prepare yourself for this before your departure; plan activities and ideas to push you through that initial culture shock and longing for home, friends and family.  

The best way to combat these emotions is to immerse yourself in the Chinese culture by constant interaction with your students and fellow teachers.  Making friends in China is easy, and the relationships you develop will open up doors to new experiences and opportunities. 

Learning the language is another key factor affecting the quality of your stay in China.  Mandarin Chinese classes can be arranged with the school.  Most of your fellow Chinese teachers are more than willing to provide you with cultural and language classes during your stay.  

You should expect to offer them a chance to practice English one-on-one with you in exchange.  Being able to speak with the Chinese people in their own tongue allows you to understand their unique view of the world and enter their society more as a fellow resident than as an uninformed foreigner.


WHAT ARE THE LIVING COSTS?

Although prices in China are rising, the cost of living still compares favorably to most industrialized countries. You will be amazed by how comfortably you can live and how strong your purchasing power is. You can afford a lifestyle you are unlikely to be enjoying at home: get a housekeeper, travel every month, enjoy frequent restaurant meals and nights on the town.

FOOD PRICES IN CHINA

Eating local food and buying produce from the Chinese markets gives our English teachers amazing insight into the Chinese diet and a glimpse at traditional Eastern medicine. It also leaves them with money in their pockets for massages and traveling.

·    Milk (1L) : 7 RMB
·    Eggs (12) : 7 RMB
·    Carrots (1kg) : 5 RMB
·    Chicken breast (1kg) : 15 RMB
·    Rice (1kg) : 8 RMB
·    Bottle of water (1.5L) : 3 RMB
·    Bottle of Chinese beer (.5L) :6 RMB

LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN CHINA

China has a wide range of regional cuisines and eating out is the best way to discover this variety. Chinese people eat out frequently and often entertain friends and colleagues in restaurants instead of having them into their homes. Whether you're enjoying a meal with friends, working out at the fitness club, or getting a massage, you'll find that leisure activities are often very affordable in China.

·    Three course mid-range restaurant dinner : 80 RMB
·    Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles : 25 RMB
·    Large steamed dumplings, a common street food : 3 RMB
·    Housekeeper (2 hours) : 30 RMB
·    Massage (30 min) : 40 RMB
·    1 month fitness club membership : 150 RMB
·    Movie ticket, international release : 65 RMB


TRANSPORTATION COSTS IN CHINA

China has excellent, yet inexpensive, public transport and even taxi rides are quite reasonably-priced, if sometimes harrowing. Chinese people often commute by bicycle, but this mode of transport is only for the bravest of foreigners.

·    Metro ride : 3 RMB
·    Taxi rate per km : 5 RMB
·    20-min taxi ride across town : 25 RMB
·    City bus : 1 RMB

TRAVEL IN CHINA

Any traveler on a budget will love taking trains in China. Trains are numerous and increasingly high speed rail services connect large regional cities. Domestic flights are also usually inexpensive. There is some seasonal variation and prices rise during national holidays like Chinese New Year.

·    1 night in a mid-range hotel : 150 RMB
·    High speed train, Guangzhou to Wuhan (3 hours): 490 RMB
·    Slow train, Guangzhou to Wuhan (10 hours) : 120 RMB
·    Flight, Guangzhou to Beijing (2 hours) : 800 RMB
·    Flight, Guangzhou to Bangkok (3 hours) : 1300 RMB

CLOTHING PRICES IN CHINA

The cost of having clothes tailor made is very affordable. Once you discover the joys of custom-fit clothing, it may be difficult to go back to the rack!

·    1 tailor-made button down shirt : 100 RMB
·    1 tailor-made skirt : 100 RMB
·    1 tailor-made business suit : 300 RMB
·    T-shirt : 50 RMB
·    Pair of jeans : 200 RMB


SAMPLE MONTHLY BUDGET

To give you an idea of how an average EF English teacher in China spends his or her salary, here is a sample monthly budget:

·    Gross Income (Salary) : 3500-4000 RMB
·    Accommodation:free
·    Utilities (electricity, gas, water) : 250 RMB
·    Internet is free, Phone:100 RMB
·    Food : 500 RMB ( some schools meals are free)
·    Insurance : free 
·    Remaining Disposable Income :2900-3400 RMB

Note: All China cost of living estimates are approximate averages for large Chinese cities. Prices do change and vary from location to location.