@WinterFerret

Heh, I've tried taking the train in Mumbai ONCE, just to see what it was like to be jammed like a sardine into a non-airconditioned box with the local Indians (and me the only foreigner there). Actually, I think the sardines had more space in the tin compared to me and that train! Plus, the locals were happily climbing up onto the roof and sitting outside in the breeze while I was sweating it out inside! In fact, I seriously thought about joining them up there at some point during the journey!

So, even if the salary was high enough to entice me to work there, I doubt very much if I'd be going into Shanghai much. Maybe just ONCE, for the experience. LOL... anyway, the salary is far too low as it is, and packaged in such an iffy manner. So, I'll pass.

Thanks for your feedback too.

@PsyGuy

Yes, I've verified that the school is owned by this reputable and established education group and in fact, my dealings have been directly with this education group (interview was conducted by the CEO of said education group).

I suspect they do it this way to make it harder for us to sue them if anything goes wrong.

Anyway, whatever the reason they have for doing it this way, I'm not buying in so it's moot.

Thanks again.

@PsyGuy

Wow... just wow.

Ok, rejecting the offer seems a far safer bet. It's not even a lucrative salary in the 1st place so kinda a no-brainer.

The co. (that is going to pay the RMB7,000 monthly in cash) seems to be expressly set up for this purpose (i.e. to avoid paying taxes). Unlikely to be any other criminal activity going on as the school itself is owned by an established and reputable education group with a HQ based in a first world country where the rule of law holds supreme (with many other schools and learning centres in said country) BUT of course, we never know, right?

And thanks a lot for your feedback!

Wow, everyone, thanks for your comments.

@ WinterFerret: yup, I meant Nantong City.

@PsyGuy, they actually gave me two contracts to sign: Contract A is with the school, for the RMB4,000 monthly salary + RMB4,000 fixed monthly allowance. Contract B is with a company that has no obvious links to the school for "services"; this pays the RMB7,000 cash monthly. The "services" is for what I do at the school, naturally.

So, yeah, it's a total of RMB15,000 and not only is it not much in the first place, it sounds like an iffy way to try and pay less income taxes. I'm a homebody so all I need is an internet connection and I'll have my weekend entertainment! But I'm not sure I want to be . to defrauding the Chinese Gov. of income taxes. Nobody is going to be on my side if I end up on the wrong side of the law over this.

Thanks, mate!

Since Nantong is just 3 hours drive north from Shanghai, I guess anyone who's in Shanghai would be able to give some feedback too.

I'm a bit concerned about the quality of their air, water and food.... heard a lot of horror stories!

Also, is it a norm to pay you in 3 different components?

My contract states RMB4,000 monthly salary, RMB4,000 fixed monthly allowance (both after tax) and RMB7,000 monthly cash payment, which I "do not have to pay Chinese Income Tax" as I "can declare it in the country of my choice and pay taxes there".

Free furnished accommodation and tuition for 2 kids rounds up the package.

Any thoughts?

Anyone here working in Nantong, China? Have an offer to join an IS there and would like some feedback from anyone who's currently living and teaching there.

Particularly on the pollution levels and cost of living, as it's just north of Shanghai.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.