Hi Mark,

There are three schools in the Dalian area. The senior high campus, where I work, is in Jinshitan National Tourist resort. The elementary school is about half-an-hour away in Kaifaqu. The foreign national school is in Dalian proper. There is a fourth, which I don't know much about. The school I am at is the largest, and is likely where you likely gain employment.


This year, of the one hundred twenty odd teachers, there are approximately fifteen leaving for home. Of the fifty or sixty new teachers,only a small handful are leaving after one year.

As far as teachers being let go after one year, I do not know enough about this to make an authoritative comment. In my estimation, however, hiring enough teachers is a large concern for the school system as it is expanding so rapidly, so unless there is a serious concern with a teacher, it seems very unlikely that one would be let go after one year.

As for the number of new teachers, the system is opening two new schools this September, so that is not a surprising number.

I wish you all the best in your research, and hope that I have been of some help.


Still,


Charles Chalmers

Hi Mark,

I'll try to answer your questions as best I can.

Most teachers choose to have thier children attend the Maple Leaf Elementary school, which is taught in Chinese. Next year there is a preschool/kindergarten planned, which would be half English, half CSL. Teachers pay 50% of Chinese tuition which amounts to, I believe, about 2,000 CAD per year.

Many teachers live on campus and pay about 250 - 400 CAD per month
We are quite comfortable and happy in our apartment.

Many teachers live off campus. They pay about 400-600 CAD.

We pay about 400 CAD a month on tax.

In addition to our housing costs, we spend about 8000RMB a month.
With two salaries, you should have no problem saving one complete salary.

The most common complaint about the school is the smell from the toilets. Plumbing in China is not quite up to Canadian standards.

Feel free to ask any more questions you might have.


Yours Truly,


Charles

Hi Mark,

I've responded to your questions regarding DMLIS in another thread.

As I said there, my experiences have been positive. Some teachers complain about certain things at our school; but then, some people can complain about almost anything.

Ask your questions and I will try to answer them as best I can. As a father with two children, I know how important it is to make an informed decision before making such a big move.

As far as private messages: I would prefer to make my comment publicly, and certainly not anonymously.

Yours,

Charles Chalmers

[quote="markholmes"]Would you mind sharing which school you ended up at after your teacher training?
[/quote]

Not at all:

Dalian Maple Leaf International School,
(Jinshitan National Tourist Area!)

Good Luck,

Charles Chalmers

Hi Mark,

I will introduce myself briefly and then tell you my experience here.
I started teaching in Dalian Maple Leaf International School last September. Today was our last day of classes. :d This is my first contract post BEd, my seventh year teaching abroad, and my first time in China.

To answer your questions:

I have had many good experiences since coming here. Few bad.

You should be able to save, perhaps considerably.

Our particular school is planning to open an on-site Chinese-English preschool next September. Barring that, there is a Chinese Elementary school that many of the teachers have sent their children to. Many are very pleased with the education their children receive at that school. They are especially pleased that their children are fluent in Chinese.
I have greatly enjoyed my time here and am pleased to be coming back for another year. Both of our children were homeschooled this year by my wife and I, and we will likely to homeschool for one more year. This is a personal preference.

There are a number of teachers with children, many of whom have been here for many years. The environment in Dalian is one of the best in China and it is a very safe and friendly place to raise children.

I would be happy to answer any more questions you may have about my experience here.

Good Luck with your search.

Yours,

Charles Chalmers

As the t-shirts here in China say, "Impossible is Nothing!"

I landed an international school job straight out of teacher training, with a non-teaching wife and two dependents. After we finish this contract we are confident we will move on to another good contract.

Good luck to all intrepid parents out there.

With My Best,

Charles Chalmers

Thanks everyone.

As a teacher with a non-teaching wife and two dependents, this is exactly the kind of thread that I need to read. After this current contract, which has been great for our kids, we are looking at Brunei.



Cheers,

Charles Chalmers,
Dalian, China

Thanks from me, too.

Charles Chalmers

Hi Mark,

I graduated from UBC last year and picked up a job at Dalian Maple Leaf International School in Dalian, China. I came over with my wife, two children, and about fifty other teachers, many of us new graduates.
I can recommend it for new teachers, and teachers with children. As far as educational options for your child, the Maple Leaf elementary school may be your best option.

Let me know if you are still reading this thread and want more info.

Yours Truly,

Charles Chalmers