As part of the agreement, institutions provide free
accommodation to the foreign teachers. Lodging varies from
guesthouse room, similar to a standard hotel, to a complete
apartment with sitting room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen area.
Much depends on the school facilities and what they are able to
provide for the teacher.
Normally, the teacher receives an apartment setting. At some
schools, teachers share a living space but have separate bedrooms.
In all cases, there is "private" space for the foreign teacher.
Most institutions offer lodging on the campus. In some cases,
the lodging is not on the campus and the institutions are required
to provide transportation in those cases. Type of transportation
(or stipend) depends on distance from the campus.
In a few instances, institutions allow teachers to live
off-campus and they are willing to pay a lodging stipend to help
cover rental costs. The stipend might not cover all costs, but will
help to defray costs. The teacher then can choose his/her own
accommodations.
If lodged in campus housing provided by the institution, the
lodging is furnished. In some cases there is service attendant
service during the week; in other cases, the teacher does their own
cleaning. If a teacher lives off campus, they are responsible for
furnishing their own area. Normally, if teachers elect to cook for
themselves, they are responsible for purchasing their own pots,
pans, and other equipment. Sometimes, previous teachers will leave
such items behind for others to use.
Rental costs vary according to city, region, and circumstance
and cannot be quoted here as a "norm." Most institutions will not
allow their teachers to live off campus, since the institution is
responsible for the teacher's health and safety and has no control
over those areas if the teacher is not present at the institution.
If the teacher lives a distance from the institution (as arranged
by the institution -- not the teacher), it is the
institution's responsibility to see that transportation and safety
are addressed.
(State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs October 18,
2006)