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Frequently Asked Questions:

1.  How large is the city of Linfen?

Linfen and its surround areas have upwards of 4 million residents but the number of city residents is considerably less..

2.  What international restaurants does Linfen have?

Linfen has several western style restaurants including a KFC, a couple of coffee shops, and a Korean Restaurant  Refer to the map.

3.  Is travel from Linfen to other destinations in China easily accomplished?

Linfen has both a train and bus stations.  Staff in the The International Office will assist in purchasing tickets if the teachers desires to travel.

4.  What is there to do in or around Linfen?

There are several cities, parks or mountains that can be reached all within a days travel by bus or by train.  The International Office plans from time to time to help teachers get a first hand taste of China.  Linfen as many small shops for those who enjoy shopping.  There is also a movie theater, which occasionally shows English language films.  There are often cultural/art programs at the university as well.

There are several full-service gyms in the city.  At the current exchange rate it will cost you about 1300 RMB ($160 U.S.) for a years membership.  Because the Chinese have a habit of using their lunch to take a nap, the gym is empty during lunch time.  This is also a good time to do any shopping if you want to avoid crowds.

 

There is a small amusement park which includes some rides and pedal boats east of campus.  There are also several dance clubs and karaoke establishments.

 

Yao Temple (named for the first Emperor)  is a short taxi ride from campus and boasts buildings which identify the area as the birth of Chinese culture.  The temple area includes an aquarium, as well.

5.  What is the typical salary of a foreign teacher?

Typically teachers who hold a MA or PhD, earn 4000 RMB monthly for 16 hours of class work.  Working less or more than 16 hours will decrease or increase the salary. 

6  What is the university's policy regarding airfare reimbursement.

The university will reimburse the teacher for the cost of one roundtrip air ticket the teacher's home country upon the completion of a one year contract. 

7.  What does the apartment come equipped with?

Teachers are provided with a modern, clean apartment in the apartment building adjacent to the he International Office.  The apartment is equipped with a small kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room and balcony where clothes can be hung to dry.  The apartment has an air conditioning unit and is heated between Nov. 15 and March 15 (according to Chinese law).  The apartments have a television and a full complement of furniture.  The kitchen has a washing machine, counter/sink area, gas stove and refrigerator.   Teacher's are also provided with a computer in their apartment.

8.  Do the apartments have an internet connection?

The teacher can have an internet connection in their apartment but will be responsible for monthly, semi-annual, or annual fees.  The current rate is approximately 30 RMB a month but changes may have occurred causing a fluctuation in the price.

9.  What is the cost of living in Linfen?

While this has not been precisely calculated, the cost of food is considerably less than it is in the United States.  The cost of clothing and electronics comparable to costs in the United States.  Housing and utilities are included with an annual contract.  There is a monthly telephone fee of 15 RMB, plus any additional calls are the responsibility of the teacher.  The cost of a movie is approximately 30 RMB.  The typical salary of a teacher at SXNU is more than enough for the teacher to live very comfortably.  A taxi ride is 4 RMB to most locations in the city.  A loaf of bread is 3-5 RMB.

10. What is shopping like in Linfen.

Within 2 minutes walking from the Foreign Teachers Apartment there is a restaurant, a branch of the Bank of China, an office supplies store, a mobile phone branch office, a farmer's market type fruit/vegetable stand, a barber shop and an optometrist.

The city has a wide variety of small stores as well as two large supermarkets (Wongef and Milky Way) which sell groceries, clothing, appliances and electronics.

Refer to the map.

11.  How large is the student body at SXTU?

The student body has approximately 17,000 students.

12.  How large is the campus.

SXTU main campus is on 50 acres with two smaller campuses in another part of Linfen.

Refer to the map.

13.  Does SXTU have weekend classes? 

In some cases a teacher may be asked to teach a Saturday course, but this is not always the case.

14. What areas does the university train in?

The University includes a variety of schools including:

  • School of Economics
  • School of Politics and Law
  • School of Foreign Languages (English, Japanese, Chinese)
  • School of Fine Arts
  • School of Educational Technology
  • Research Institute of Chinese Opera and Relics
  • School of Biological Technology and Engineering

15. What courses to the foreign teachers typically teach?

Subjects taught by the foreign teacher include:

  • Survey of American and British Culture
  • American literature
  • British literature
  • Composition
  • Oral English
  • Selected Readings
  • History of America
  • History of Britain
  • Extensive reading
  • Listening comprehension
  • Essential Japanese
  • Japanese grammar
  • Japanese reading
  • Japanese composition