Job Discussion Forums

[ben.detw]

Hello,

I am looking for some updated info on Dalian Maritime University. I have been offered a position and do not know what the teaching environment is like. I currently teach nearby in Dalian, so I am quite familiar with the surroundings. I am debating between moving to Guangzhou or just staying put in Dalian.

-How is the housing the school provides?
-Are the students motivated?
-Management is competent?

Thanks for the help!

[MisterButtkins]

so u live in Dalian but instead of just going to the school and taking a look... you'd rather post online and hope someone is actually familiar with the school and hope the person doesn't make a radically different judgment or provide misleading information. And this is a place you will work and live.

smart move bro.

[doogsville]

[Non Sequitur]

Apart from the housing question which is plain loopy from someone living in Dalian, the other questions re legit. But if you are offered housing in the so called pink building go for the upper floors as opposed to lower floors. The newer flats have all rooms with south facing windows.
I taught mainly Sophomore English majors there Sept 2004 to Dec 2005 and found students good. As one might expect from a tier one outfit these were students with good entrance scores.
Most teaching was in a 'Teaching Building' and the best part were the rooms with moveable desks and chairs. But hey it's term time so why not ask the FAO for a tour while classes are in session.
Great new all weather pool and lido area since I was there as a teacher.
DMU is still closely linked with the Min of Commerce and doesn't lack for money.

[choudoufu]

mr.b does have a point.......bro, you're right there. how hard could it
be to either meet the fao, or, jinkies(!) locate one of the current
teachers? get some valid, current, up-to-date information?
you can't rely on mr.s whose info is a decade old.
things change quickly in our china.
i taught at one uni in kunming three years ago. sure, i could tell you
how it was then....but now? kunming (and the uni for all i know) then
and kunming now are two very different realities.

[ben.detw]

@doogsville: Thanks for understanding the meaning of the post.

@NS: The housing question was meant to get a perspective into someone who has lived there and may know some inside information that may be beneficial.....which you provided! I will be visiting for a observation next week. What is a lido area?

Anymore information about DMU is greatly appreciated.

[Non Sequitur]

[ben.detw]

@NS: I see, thanks for the clarification. The issue with the lack of cooperation is expected. Anything is an improvement from where I currently am👍.

They gave me a sample teaching schedule of 14 hours......does that sound accurate?

Would you take the supplied housing or use the allowance to find something better? What kind of price range would I be looking at for a nice 2-bedroom close to the uni?

[Non Sequitur]

14 sounds good but I would be interested in class location. If all are in the Teaching Building which is that massive 8 floor edifice straight in front of main gate, that's 7 min walk from the FT accom.
As to living off campus, I'd be concerned about your situation if you get a split shift.
That is, pulling an 8 to 10 and then a 2 to 4 or worse a 4 to 6.
Is there enough time to go home and chill?
I'd take the on campus flat and then see about off campus later.
The pink building as I've called it is not all FT accom so you are not under total school surveillance.
I had a friend visit from another uni close by most weekends and was never openly queried.
There is a Chinese language school close by the pink building. Not sure if classes are discounted for staff but they have beginner level sessions starting regularly.
DMU ain't downtown but the light rail is close by.
Again (weather aside), DMU would be a good place for the longer FT haul.
Best

[ben.detw]

Thank you so much for your help NS, I really appreciate your insight. Having the light rail close by is definitely a big advantage to have, especially in Dalian. The Chinese lessons are a good idea.

[PBirm123]

Benjamin, I think you'd be happier in Guangzhou. Go south my young friend!

[muffintop]

Care to elaborate?

[ben.detw]

@PBirm123: Give me some aspects of Guangzhou that might be more favorable than Dalian. DMU is a great school with a good reputation.

Do you know anything about the universities in Guangzhou?

[Shroob]

[ben.detw]

@Shroob: With the teachers. I agree that the students view is not important when talking about reputation. I have heard some of the top schools can be a pain in the ass to work for as well.