International Office SXNU, Page 1                       

The International Office (formerly called Foreign Affairs Office) is responsible for all foreign personnel at the University. The office has staff fluent in English and Japanese, and will help you with all of your problems and concerns. 

International Office Hours of Operation:

• Mon. to Fri.

•  9:00 – 12:00

• 14:30 – 18:30

• 9:00---12:00 Saturday

Arrival & Documentation

When you arrive at Beijing International Airport you will be met by someone from the International Office (look for a sign with your name, or the University’s, on it) , who will then accompany you (via “soft-sleeper” train) to the University in Linfen.

The following documents are to be obtained within 10 days from your arrival (The office will help you on this matter):

• Residence Permit for Foreigners living in China

• Foreign Expert Certificate

• Library Card (if desired).

Passport-type photos are required for the residents permit and the foreign expert certificate. There is a 400 RMB charge for resident's permit/visa.  It is advisable to bring a minimum of 8 passport-size photos, which will serve as identification pictures submitted with your application forms.

Work & Salary

The last day of each month is your payday.  Your salary will be deposited in a special bank account by automatic deposit which the university will set up for you.  Only you have access to this account for withdrawals or transfers to another bank account.  If you want to change your salary to other currencies, please contact the liaison officer to help you in this matter.  The base salary is 4500 RMB for 16-18 class hours.  Classes at the university are 50-minute hours.  Typically scheduled in two-hour time blocks with 10 minutes for a break and 10 minutes to allow students or yourself to get to the next class.  Unique classes require a certain amount of out of class preparation time.

Foreign teachers are also off during the winter (approx. 8 weeks) and summer (approx. 8 weeks) however these are not paid holidays.  Many teachers if continuing on their contract during the coming semester choose to travel during these breaks.  Travel expenses are offset by an annual travel allowance.

According to the exchange rate settled in your contract (70% for example), your RMB may be changed periodically during the school year.  Ask the International Office about this directly.

Foreign teachers work five days each week. All the teachers enjoy the public holidays of China and also a two-day holiday at Christmas.  Any other missed classes are to be rescheduled by the foreign teacher.

All residents are equipped with a small kitchen and living room, and one or two bedrooms depending on whether the teacher is in China with his/her spouse.

The apartment is provided for teachers and their family members. If you wish to have overnight visitors, please contact the International Office.

You will be notified of all mail delivered to the office in a timely manner.  Packages are delivered to a shipping office or the post office on campus and will need to be picked up by the recipient.

Shopping

There are a few small shops very near the apartments including a bank, post office, eyeglass store, barbershop, mini-market, and a restaurant.

Shopping can be done in the city.  Several stores are within walking distance, though you will probably want to use a taxi to carry your purchases home with you.  Taxis are available near the gate and throughout the city.  You can get most places in the city for 5-6 RMB.  The best time to go shopping to avoid traffic and crowds is between 12:30 and 1:30 in the afternoon.  As is the case in many cities in China, the streets and stores empty out because many Chinese people go home for lunch or to take a nap.

Top:  The foreign teachers and students are housed in an apartment centrally located on campus, very close to many of the classrooms.

The apartments are nicely furnished and comfortable.  A balcony allows for the green thumb a place to grow plants

The kitchen has a two burner gas stove, refrigerator, washing machine, and an oven.  Rooms are equipped with a double or full sized bed depending on the occupants. 

Bottom:  Te extra room for married couples makes an excellent office space.

Eating Out

If you don't like to cook, there is a restaurant on campus with a very inexpensive cafeteria line, or food may be ordered from a menu.  A meal for two from the menu will typically run you less than 20 RMB.  Food from the restaurant can also be delivered to your residence, though you will need to learn enough Chinese to order or find someone to help you if ordering over the telephone.

There are several western restaurants in addition to hundreds of Chinese restaurants to visit.  Western-style restaurants include a McDonalds, a KFC, a Pizza buffet and a Brazilian BBQ, Dicos (Chicken Fast food).

McDonalds (6789200), Big Pizza, and Dicos (2013288) will deliver to your home.  You will need assistance in taking care of this. 

SERVICES ON CAMPUS

BANK:
8:30 – 17:30

POST OFFICE:
8:00 – 12:00
14:00 –18:00

MINI-MARKET:
9:00 – 21:00

BARBERS:
all day

CHINA MOBILE:
9:00 – 19:00

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