Job Discussion Forums

[tabrege]

I have a child and I would like to know of the three countries I am considering teaching English which would be the lesser of the three evils in regards to living with a child in bad air pollution.


I have previously taught in Beijing but with a child on the way I return back to the states. I am now looking into teaching again in would like to know what are opinions about each place for a child?

I have been to Thailand in favor it but Bangkok Taipei and Hong Kong all seem polluted like Beijing.

[sistercream]

Won't comment on Thailand as I've spent a grand total of 2 weeks there, but have spent 5+ years in Taiwan and 10+ in Hong Kong.

I'm told that the pollution in Taipei has reduced a lot in the 11 years since I left (as the MRT system as expanded). They've also done a great job in getting people to recycle household waste - but it can be rather inconvenient if you work evenings and can't get down to the garbage trucks. For me, the two biggest negatives there were the weather (rain, fog, rain, typhoons and more rain), and poor quality of infrastructure/ construction/ maintenance. The latter just didn't take account of the landslides and flooding, either in planning or construction standards. Oh yeah, and then there are the earthquakes. If I had to return, I'd probably choose Taichung over Taipei if I had a child with me: at least it doesn't suffer as much pollution and bad weather, and there are still some English language schooling options.

In Hong Kong - pollution can be really bad in winter (prevailing wind is from the north, so we cop all the stuff from the industrial areas in the Pearl River Delta as well as the home-grown stuff), but summer, with the wind in the south/ east is pretty clear. Lots of days I can see clear across to Zhuhai (30+ miles) from the beach by my place. There are lots more lifestyle options here than in a Taiwanese city, but if you want city centre, here is stinking expensive compared with there.

[tabrege]

Between Hong Kong and Thailand now eliminating Taiwan can't cold or wet weather plus bad air quality. I prefer warm weather I am from Texas. Just have to see which is better Hong Kong or Thailand thanks though this was really helpful.

[Makoli Mark Mark]

[Perilla]

With a child I'd choose HK - despite the poor air quality at some times of the year it has excellent (and more or less free) healthcare. Also free education if your kid is young enough to adapt to the local schools. On the downside, if your salary is at the lower end HK might be a struggle with two mouths to feed.

[Joshua2006]

Dubai.

[Arsenal79]

[tabrege]

Cost of childcare is cheaper in Thailand, however I am looking at pretty attractive job salaries in Hong Kong. It will come down to job offers. If I get a decent salary job 60,000bht or higher I will consider Bangkok. If not then off to Hong Kong.