I am very keen to start work in China, not too much worried...

I, too, am interested in info on China, as it is one of the areas I am looking at. I will be watching to see what others have to say.
Judy

In a rural area (or in any city under 1 million people!) you might be the only westerner actually living there. Great if you want to try to reinvent the wheel. But for a much easier time, head for the big cities: Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai. Sure you´ll be paid more, but you´ll also end up spending much more.

Good thing you´re not too worried about money because you´ll not be paid much--ranging from 4500rmb in more rural areas to upwards of 6000rmb in big cities. On the flip side you´re only asked to work around 16 hours for a public school (could be much more for a private, but the pay will be more, too). But you´ll always be making about double that of a Chinese Teacher. So if you shop in the local markets and don´t eat in the Western places or take taxis everyday, you´ll save more than you spend. Certainly you´ll save enough to travel through Asia during Chinese New Year vacation.

And remember that EVERYTHING is negotiable in China. Even your contract...

Best of Luck,
Holly

I live in Xi´an which seems to be the best of both worlds when it comes to things to do/cost of living. Last year me and my girlfrind earned 5500 per month (800 dollars) and managed to live really well and save 3500 each. The school are hiring so if you are interested let me know.

I have been living for a year and half in Xi´an, Shaanxi which seems to have a perfect balance with regards to cost of living/Things to do. Last year we earned 5500 per month and managed to live really well and save 3500 a month. The school are hiring this year so if anyone is interested please write.

Be careful of recruiters is my suggestion and also promises made BEFORE you get there. At one school I was promised a furnished apartment, when I got there it was run down and filthy. If you stand your ground though they will try to make you happy. Also, avoid rural areas. If you like a lot of attention and being called a ´foreigner´ every ten minutes by everyone that passes you by then it is the perfect place.

Hi John just stay away from a company ESL America and Star International in Changchun North East China. They are a b ad lot keep your passport keep cutting your hours (Thats Star International) ESL America just sell you off without knowledge of who takes you on. Michael

I´m seeking a placement in Shanghai. Does anyone know of a school they can recommend?

Little cities are great. I did the Beijing thing. I did wel, but I worked for many many employers. I didn´t stick with one. They pay shi$. There´s no pleaing them. They don´t remember what they said yesterday. They don´t keep promises.