TxTeach's post is in line with my experience. I knew that the work visa didn't require me to get a vaccine but I too wanted to feel comfortable traveling. What I thought was going to be a simple visit to my family physician turned into a 2-week long expensive scavenger hunt. The physician referred me to the State Health Department, which then referred me to the local Walgreens (corner drugstore). I'm not too thrilled with trusting my health to a franchise corner store but they seem to have a hold on the market.

The store ordered the shots and I went in several days later. To my (and the head pharmacist's) surprise we discovered that Rabies and J.Encephalitis were $500 and $830 respectively -- with insurance. These were deal-breakers for me and she understood. (I think they can send them back and get reimbursed.) I did end up spending a total of about $300 on Hep A shot, Typhoid (4 pills), and Polio booster. Fortunately, I've had the routine ones and Hep B series.

As far as Yellow Fever... yep, not necessary coming from the States. A Malaria vaccination required a $70 consultation with a faraway passport health clinic nurse on top of the unknown cost of the vaccine itself. After reading up on the need, I cancelled appt.

I am curious about the quality of vaccines in large Chinese cities though. Anyone?

I'm also interested in the international vaccine records if someone could address this for me.

@Canada11 It's all but official now. Good information about Elong. Thanks for the encouragement.

@Canada11
Thank you. This really is about experiencing a different culture.

Contract came in with 36K (about 33K after taxes) + benefits and gratuity

Contract is on the way. Though I'd like to venture away from home, my current situation is pretty good.

@PsyGuy, thanks for the response and clarification. You seem to be a very active poster with experience and extreme opinions.

Anyone else have opinions about YCIS Qingdao?

I'm following this thread closely as I am in talks with the Yew Chung I.S. (secondary). The published salary is 28K or above +airfare, lodging, and "gratuity". Despite looking it up, I'm quite confused on what this actually equates to in USD per year. Also, what is gratuity as it relates to educators?