Job Discussion Forums

Blue Skies · Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Posts: 22

I briefly thought about teaching in China as an ESL or TEFL teacher until I saw two things; (1) All the legal hoops I have to jump through and then (2) the photos of the fricking air pollution - so bad that people have to wear masks to breathe in the winter time. They just cancelled school for kids because the air is toxic! http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/china-shuts-down-businesses-and-schools-due-to-smog/

I would not risk my health even for $10,000 a month. Besides, Singapore is much cleaner and pays double what China offers.

max71081 · Joined: 05 Aug 2015 Posts: 125

fpshangzhou · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 280

The irony in your name and your topic. In regards to teaching in China, it depends on what you are seeking. If you're looking for clean air, adventure and outgoing people and lots of culture, you'd definitely smart for avoiding the greyness of this place all around. Besides, who can compare China to Singapore!

Cheers,
Aaron

Dan123 · Joined: 08 Jan 2014 Posts: 112

There's more to China than Beijing

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

"Is it safe to teach in China smog as ESL or TEFL teacher?"

No, the pollution does not discriminate; it's no safer for teachers of math, science, art, business, music, etc. Rolling Eyes

Blue Skies · Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Posts: 22

I just found this Economist article which says that working in Beijing is like smoking 40 cigarettes a day - just by breathing the fricking air! http://www.economist.com/news/china/21661053-new-study-suggests-air-pollution-even-worse-thought-mapping-invisible-scourge

Lack · Joined: 10 Aug 2011 Posts: 252

Because of the wording, when I read this article I immediately pictured a teacher teaching some kids outside in the smog.

Anyway, we have a lot to worry about OP. The smog goes after EFL teachers more than other kinds of teachers. I think it's racist.

Hermosillo · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 3:57 pm Post subject:

Singapore has had its share of air quality problems, too. China seems to be in a league of its own, though. You would probably live to at least 40, so you could double your booze intake and not feel guilty. Chronic cough? No one will suspect you're on the pipe every morning.

Guerciotti · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 4:43 pm Post subject:

Right! Do not teach English outside, in the polluted air!

Very Happy

Like Max said, go teach in Singapore. Oh, and good luck with that.

u troll

JamesD

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

There's some legal hoops getting into the US as well. It's called borders control but not so onerous if you come from Pakistan via Saudi.

GreatApe · Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 6:39 am Post subject:

JamesD wrote:

3701 W.119th · Joined: 26 Feb 2014 Posts: 386 Location: Central China

I still don't understand the motivation behind this. I've seen the same sentiment, coming from (almost certainly) the same person (or few people) during my short time on this board.

What is the point? What do they gain from this?

Is it to put people off making the move to China to teach for the first time? If so, why? What is the point? What does OP gain?

I really don't get it. I don't understand.

If it's actually addressed to those of us already here, living and working - again I ask, what is the point?

Personally, I'm quite aware of the situation in China. In work, and life in general. You know, because, I've actually chosen to live and work here. Nobody held a gun to my head. I'm enjoying my life here. If that changes, I'll move on. I'd wager that's also probably true for the majority of regular posters here.

OP - You are ignorant. Please stop preaching your ill-informed, tinfoil hat nonsense.

Thank you.

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

The OP is obviously bored.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Anyway, aren't EFL teachers specially equipped by nature with smog-reduction noses? I always thought we were.... Laughing