Job Discussion Forums

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

Kungfuman: How's the pollution there? My friend who works there says it's really, really bad.

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

Maybe I've lived in China too long [3 years] but I no longer notice the pollution.

Sure on a murky day you can see it affect the buildings, but I mean I don't feel it.

I don't feel as if it's grating my lungs or anything, and I didn't think Beijing was any worse in terms of how I felt than say, Xi'an or Baotao.

Anyways, I live in Xi'an, really enjoy the place. Even in my three years it's becoming bigger and richer, you can see that from more imported goods to more foreign restaurants.

Although there are a worrying number of farmers, and the foreign supermarkets often soon start selling purely Chinese stuff. Metro used to be almost all entirely foreign, now it's just like a huge Walmart [just masses of Chinese goods] save for cheese and some good bacon.

mambawamba · Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 311

Just to clarify this university is actually located in Suzhou not X'ian!

March Hare · Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Posts: 21 Location: S. Korea

Can anyone give information about the CNY / summer vacation time at this place?

kungfuman · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 11:54 am Post subject:

kungfuman · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 11:55 am Post subject:

March Hare · Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Posts: 21 Location: S. Korea

Rumblefish · Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Posts: 18

Hi everyone,

This thread has made for interesting reading as I have been considering applying to this organisation. Does anyone have any more recent info regarding work/life/environment? It would be great to hear from anyone that has worked there in the previous 12 months or that has recently been/is going through the recruitment process.

One last thing, is there any more info on this whole probabtion period story? The thought of being offered one thing and then paid another for the duration of a contract would be highly unpalatable, to say the least!

Thanks in advance to all who choose to read and respond.

S

Julli4u2 · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 13

There's no probation period - they pay what you sign for in your offer letter. Pollution here compared to Shenzhen area is not bad. A lot of sunny days. We live off campus, takes about 20 min by fast bus or longer if you cab it. You can stay in their apartments - quite comfortable and cheap, plus they are serviced. A lot of teachers do.
This part of Suzhou is very expat oriented - foreign food stores, travel agencies with english speaking personnel, numerous bars, restaurants with western food. The bar street is 45 kuai at night away. Train station - about 30-35. Aforementioned LiGong Di bar area is very close. It is remote from downtown with canals and parks but i wouldn't want to live in that craziness.
This uni is strictly controlled by the Liverpool uni in terms of quality of education, work and study environments. ELC currently employs about 120 foreign teachers plus there're subject teachers as well from various European countries. It's located in so called Dushu Lake Science and Innovation District, surrounded by other unis. They only get the top tier students from mainland China. It's an all day job so yes you have to be there from 9 to 5, and a lot of work as well as they are growing.

What else? We're quite happy with everything actually. Hope this helps Smile

Julli4u2 · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 13

Rumblefish · Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Posts: 18

That's really helpful, thanks for taking the time to provide some updated info. Surprised

) It seems like the situation there is definitely worth investigating further.

Julli4u2 · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 13

Rumblefish · Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Posts: 18

Hi Julli4u2,

Can I send you a PM? I have a few questions that I'd like to ask.

Cheers. Very Happy

Julli4u2 · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 13

PM anytime