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agneezieOffline
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Joined: July 11, 2008
Posts: 4

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Post  Posted: July 11, 2008 - 11:49 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top
Post subject: Need Advice-Just Hired to Relocate!!

I was just hired by the Raffles Design Institute as a Design Lecturer.
They wanted me to come in September but I
am not ready and am negotiating a winter semester arrival.

I was offered RMB 16,000 a month with a rental allowance of not more that RMB 5,300.

Is this an adequate amount to live on in Shanghai?

What is this I hear about not drinking the water?
Help!!
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emersonOffline
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Joined: May 11, 2007
Posts: 684
Location: Shanghai
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Post  Posted: July 12, 2008 - 01:04 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Welcome. First, congratulations. Shanghai is an interesting place and your experience will be what you make of it. Second, that salary is not bad-rent allowance might be low by some peoples' standards--but together that amount is enough to live comfortably and save a bit. There are a number of other factors you will need/want to consider, such as health insurance, shipping, travel home, taxes and others that I'm sure others will offer in the following posts. Also, depending on your teaching schedule, you could probably pick up some decent freelance work on the side Thirdly, there is much you should know and ask about living in Shanghai--too much to spell out here. My advice is to troll through the archives using the search bar at left to find topics of interest (water is VERY popular) asked and answered by many, many, many people before. If you can't find an answer after narrowing down the topics and questions, then throw it out to the audience. Finally, if it was me, I would come in September, when the weather is still warm and bright. Winter in Shanghai can be nasty and depressing.

_________________
Depth perception: the difference between brown nosing and kissing *ss
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Jessie2Offline
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Joined: June 26, 2008
Posts: 9

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Post  Posted: July 12, 2008 - 09:32 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

yes, come in September or October will be much better than come in Winter.
Before you live in Shanghai, you need to have a basic knowledge of the local culture, the transportation, the food, the housing in Shanghai. These factors are the most important things. While, learn a few simple but useful mandarin will make your life in Shanghai much more convenient~
Good Luck!
www.shaces.com
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lilymoOffline
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Joined: Dec 20, 2004
Posts: 40

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Post  Posted: July 13, 2008 - 03:13 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

It depends whether you have dependents or not. The offer for a single person is OK, but if you have family, it's a little tight.
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AdrienneOffline
FooJay
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Joined: Mar 01, 2003
Posts: 1708
Location: Shanghai, China
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Post  Posted: July 13, 2008 - 08:28 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

I think you will be working in the People's Square so either south or north of that area would get you quite a few lower budget local housing apartments. I think the best way to find these is to walk around the areas and find a neighbourhood that you like and check out that it has convenient transport, shops etc. When you find an area you like check out the newest building in the area as that is where you will find the local agents. They mainly circle new apartment blocks as their main market is sales however some people with properteis in the area will put their properties on their books. Typically the agent won't go to see the apartment and jsut take the basic details like floor, block, size, beds, price and any special features. When you visit them ask them to call the landlord to find out exact details of the apartment like the the interior decor style, renovations, furnishings etc. Most will say "western style" but ask if it is modern and if the furnishings are Ikea styled which denotes more modern style as opposed to the rich heavy dark wood furnishings many people like here. This drilling just helps in narrowing down serious options to see and gets you into a place quicker. As the local agents don't usually speak English then I suggest you ask one of your new colleaugues for assistance with this. Have a look at our advice on leasing so you know what to negotiate for etc.

I "ditto" coming in September. 'Tis a cold city this one is in winter! Especially the last one!!

Adrienne
http://www.shanghaiprops.com
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agneezieOffline
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Joined: July 11, 2008
Posts: 4

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Post  Posted: July 14, 2008 - 11:36 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Thanks for the advice!!
I'm still not sure what I will do. September seems extremely fast and I have a lease until February in New York and I'm not sure if I want to lose my apartment yet.
For any teachers out there, can I negotiate and have them rewrite my contract? I'm not sure if I want to commit to two years yet.
any thoughts?
Does anyone know anything about the Raffles Design Institute?
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Sirva2008Offline
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Joined: July 14, 2008
Posts: 12
Location: Shanghai
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Post  Posted: July 14, 2008 - 12:04 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

sounds like will be located in Raffels City of people square, one more ponit, how about your visa ?? recently China tight the visa applications cause the coming Olympics , make sure the employer apply Z visa ( work visa ) for you to enetr China....
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