Teaching in China is an exciting adventure, but one of the biggest questions for first-time teachers is housing. “What types of housing are available? Do schools offer housing allowances?” These are common concerns for many teachers moving to China. In this article, we’ll explore the housing options for teachers in China so you can better understand what to expect and how to prepare for your new life abroad.
Does the School Offer Housing Allowances?
Many schools in China offer housing allowances to teachers. Typically, the housing allowance is around 2,000 RMB per month. However, some schools might include a housing allowance as part of your salary. So, remember to read the contract carefully before making your final decision.
What Housing Options Are There for Teachers in China?
On-campus housing dormitory in China for teachers
Teachers in China typically have two main housing options: on-campus housing or renting a house or an apartment.
- On-Campus Housing: On-campus housing is not very common for foreign teachers in China, but some schools, especially universities and international schools, do offer this option. If your school provides on-campus housing, they usually won’t give you a separate allowance.
- Renting a Place: Most of the time, schools will give you a housing allowance to help cover your rent. Renting your ownplace means you have more freedom to choose where you want to live and what kind of place suits you. If you want to save money, consider sharing an apartment with a roommate.
Will Your School Help You Find Accommodation?
Typical residential neighborhood in China
If your school doesn’t provide on-campus housing, they usually help you find a place to live. Many schools assist by offering advice on local housing options, helping with rental contracts, or connecting you with trusted real estate agents. In addition to the support from your school, you can also use popular local rental apps like 链家, 安居客, 58同城, and 自如 (Ziroom Rentals) or find an agency that offers services in English.
How to Choose a Safe Neighborhood in China
Safety isn’t usually a big concern in most of China, especially in urban areas where crime rates are low. You can walk around at night without too much worry. But it’s always a good idea to be cautious. Here are some tips to help you choose a safe neighborhood:
- Ask locals or expat friends who know the city for advice.
- Use rental apps or online forums to learn from others who have lived in the area.
- Look for areas with good public transportation since these areas tend to be more secure with more foot traffic.
And it’s also a good idea to walk around the area yourself and ask colleagues for their opinion.
Are Grocery Stores and Public Transport Accessible in Most Neighborhoods?
Sam’s Club in Nanning City, China
In most neighborhoods in China, you’ll find local markets where you can pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and other groceries at great prices. If you live in a relatively large city, like tier-1 or tier-2 cities, you can easily find major international supermarket chains like Costco, Walmart, and Sam’s Club.
Metro system in China
On top of that, most cities in China are well-connected with public transportation, including buses, metro systems, taxis, and bike-sharing services. Getting around is pretty easy, and you can travel almost anywhere by public transport.
To sum it up, most schools in China won’t provide on-campus housing, but many offer housing allowances to help with rent. If your school doesn’t offer accommodation, they’ll usually assist you in finding a place, either by connecting you with local agents or providing useful info.
Now that you have a better idea of the housing options for teachers in China, you’re one step closer to feeling prepared for your move. But housing is just one part of the equation. If you’re wondering how much you can earn as a teacher in China and what living costs look like, check out the article Salary and Living Costs for Teaching in China for more insights.
