Telephone: (360) 650-3753
Fax (360) 650-2847
Email: ctp@wwu.edu

QUESTIONS ABOUT LIVING IN CHINA

What type of housing is provided?
The Chinese host institution usually provides small furnished apartments within the foreign housing complex on the campus.  In some institutions, accommodations are in hotel-style rooms with private baths and access to shared kitchens.

Can couples be placed together?
Yes.  The host institutions generally welcome couples to teach.  Spouses or partners not qualified to teach may accompany you to China, although most institutions prefer both partners to work.  Employment opportunities outside of teaching are limited and must be arranged through legitimate channels, with proper visa processing.

Are my dependents welcome in China?
Usually, yes.  However, the decision remains with the individual host institution.  Families with children under the age of 3 and/or over the age of 10 may be more difficult to place. Depending on their age, children may be able to attend Chinese schools, but parents should bring home-schooling materials to supplement Chinese instruction.  Living accommodations are limited in size, so families should be prepared to share considerably smaller spaces than they may have at home.

Does age affect my chances of being placed?
Chinese institutions may be hesitant to hire teachers over the age of sixty.  Exceptions are made for applicants with an extensive background in teaching or a great deal of experience in another profession.  Occasionally institutions have requested teachers within a certain age range, but most are flexible.

Will I have access to telephones, the Internet and e-mail?
Most faculty living quarters have telephones either in the living units or in the building.  International and domestic telephone cards are readily available, and some teachers choose to purchase mobile phones in China.  Computer facilities are usually available for general use on Chinese campuses, and some institutions provide computers in faculty residences.  Many teachers prefer to bring a laptop with them to China.  Internet access from residences is usually easy to set up.  Internet cafes are now fairly common and are often less expensive than individual accounts.  Teachers usually use Internet-based email accounts for maximum flexibility.

What about transportation?
Most foreign teachers and experts purchase a bicycle in China.  In addition, public transportation is readily available. Driving yourself is not recommended unless you have attained a true Daoist go-with-the-flow state of mind.
 
How much time will I have to travel?
You will have a 3- to 4-week paid vacation for Chinese New Year (usually in late January-early February) and holidays on October 1 (National Day), May 1 (International Labor Day), and January 1 (International New Year).  Chinese host institutions often are willing to make special arrangements for you to have a few days off for Christmas, Hanukkah or other holidays you traditionally celebrate.