WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN STAFF

  The academic year, which begins in late August and ends in next early July, is divided into two semesters of 18-20 weeks, between semesters is a four-week winter vacation. Foreign instructors are usually employed for one academic year and there will be possible extension of one more year if both sides agree. In order to ensure consistency and continuity for the students, foreign instructors are expected to begin their teaching on September 1, and are contracted to teach for the full academic year, ending early July next year. Foreign instructors are required to teach 12-16 hours per week, with exact allocation of teaching hours dependent on the courses assigned. They are also required to participate in a program of weekly lectures to be exemplary, since they are role models for their students. The salary for foreign instructors can be set through negotiation by both parties according to the foreign instructors' teaching experience, academic degree, local consuming level as well as the national policy. During holiday times, foreign instructors are free to travel throughout China. There are very few restricted areas, and transport, although advance booking in busy seasons may be problematic, is generally easy and inexpensive. The university will arrange and subsidize several trips to places of interests within Shandong Province.

LIVING CONDITIONS AND FACILITIES FOR FOREIGN STAFF

   Foreign instructors are provided with free accommodation which includes one room, with a bathroom with furniture, bedding, bath towels, color TV set, telephone, washing machine and refrigerator. There is also a kitchens in the room for those who choose to cook their own meals. Foreign instructors pay for their own food. The canteen in the campus can provide three prepared meals each day at an average cost (depending on the choice of dishes) of approximately 600 yuan RMB (US $65) per month. There are also many inexpensive local restaurants readily accessible in the neighborhood, and own convenient market and supermarket shopping for those who choose to prepare their own meals. Shopping for food, toiletries, clothing, photographic films, gifts and other commodities is easy and convenient. Specialty shops, department stores, supermarkets and street vendors stock a wide variety of both daily needs and accessories and luxury items. Buses provide easy access to the city center, and taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Banking facilities and foreign currency exchange can be readily accessed. There is a post office branch located very close to the foreign instructors' living compound. International phone and fax service can be made available through the Foreign Affairs Office of the university. Weather conditions in Jinan are mild in spring and fall. Temperatures in winter may fall as low as -10°C, while the hottest days of summer may reach 35°C. Air-conditioning and central heating are provided in the apartments of foreign instructors. A well-staffed clinic attached to Chinese treatments is available as needed.

SOME SUGGESTIONS OF USEFUL ITEMS FOR FOREIGNERS TO BRING

  Prescribed medicines for existing medical conditions. While some western medications are readily available, the exact treatments prescribed by your own doctor may not be. Some foreign instructors feel more confident taking familiar medications for common ailments such as colds or flu, and may like to bring appropriate course of treatment. Eight passport-sized photos for personal identification and other official cards need to be prepared. Teaching materials which may prove helpful to supplement locally available resources for your teaching assignment. The equipments for teaching or lectures may be provided upon request. Patience, optimism and a sense of humor! Your appointment to the staff of the university will be an adventure in cross-cultural communication. It will bring unforeseen challenge, occasional frustration, unimaginable joy, personal and cultural insight and untold opportunities for deep and lasting friendship. Be prepared to enjoy the richness of the experience. Do not expect to be unchanged by it.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE

  The personnel in the university's "International Exchange and Cooperation division" (briefly called "guo jiao chu" in Chinese) are eager to serve and support you in making your experience in China both pleasurable and rewarding. If you have any questions concerning your teaching in the university, or if you wish to ship any unaccompanied baggage to the university before you arrive to take up your appointment, please address (Your own name)
    c/o Kang Jian

    International Exchange and Cooperation division of Shandong University of Art and Design

    23 Qianfoshan East Road
    Jinan, Shandong 250014 
    People's Republic of China
    Tel: 86-531-2619385,2126127 Fax: 86-531-2619550
    E-mail: kangwang59@sdada.edu.cn
NB. Should you wish to send books or notes to the university prior to your arrival, most countries have special postal rates for printed matter. This may be a more convenient and economical option than carrying excess baggage. Sometimes express mails by EMS, DHL and others are not suggested since most of the mails should be supervised by Chinese customs and too much money should be paid. We look forward to welcoming you in person to share your knowledge and expertise with our staff and students. We echo the sentiments of Confucius, who said more than 2,000 years ago, "Isn't it a pleasure to learn and then constantly carry into practice what has been learned? Isn't it a delight to have friends coming from afar, who cherish the same ideals and follow the same path?"