Dear Participants:

Global Crossroad is pleased to have placed more than 300 teachers in China during the past two years. When we began, our partner schools covered all utilities expenses for our teachers; however, problems occurred because some of our participants misused available utilities, causing financial loss to schools and to Global Crossroad.

Some—not all—schools do not have central heating systems. Shanghai is a city that is usually without central heating during winter months. The dividing line is the Changjiang-Yantse River. MOST schools north of the Yantse River have central heating during the winter. However, MOST schools south of the Yantse River have no central heating systems. Thus, the only resource for heat in the winter is electricity. The southern region is not too uncomfortably cold. Normally, temperatures there are about 0 degrees centigrade during the winter months.

Unfortunately, some of our participants misused utilities. They kept air conditioners and heaters on without bothering to turn them off. Similarly, in some schools participants made long distance calls and returned home without paying their bills. Consequently, our partner schools have decided not to pay the utilities expenses for Global Crossroad’s teachers.

We regret that teachers will not receive this additional benefit because of the poor behavior on the part of past teachers. Some schools do cover part (the first 100 RMB) of your utilities, such as telephone, water, electricity, and gas. Today, our teachers are required to pay their utility bills, at a usual cost of 100-300 RMB per month (if properly used). Fortunately, this is a very small part of your salary.

FOOD

Some Chinese schools DO NOT offer foods for English teachers because they simply do not know what to cook for Western teachers. So, these schools give additional food stipends (in addition to your salary) which range from 650 RMB to 1300 RMB (average 800 RMB). This money is enough to buy local food for one month in China

Reminder:

Global Crossroad gives a benefits summary in the final placement information before our teachers leave for China. It clearly explains your salary, room, food, and the issue of utilities (who is responsible). Teachers are strongly encouraged to read their placement information carefully to understand their benefits. (Note: The benefits summary given in our web is generic and it does fit each school placement.)

If you are not pleased with your final benefits statement, please reconsider your decision to teach in China. We strive to offer more benefits to our teachers, but we cannot control the decisions of Chinese school officials. Any complaints regarding benefit issues will not be valid once you arrive in China.

AGAIN, Global Crossroad assures teachers that you will receive all the benefits guaranteed in your placement package.

Even with this change, Global Crossroad’s Teaching in China Program remains one of the best available worldwide for its benefits, services, and cultural experiences. Each month, nearly 20 teachers join our program.