Job Discussion Forums

The_Big_White_Elephant · Joined: 12 Mar 2014 Posts: 56

Hello everyone,

I am interested in teaching in a third-tier city and hoping to get some information from you guys.

Has anybody here ever taught in a third-tier city? If so, would you mind sharing your experience and thoughts on it?

Does it make it easier to learn the language? Are the locals friendlier? What are the pros and cons? What was it like teaching there? Are they more laid back than first-tier cities? What are some good third-tier cities? Any interesting stories you're willing to share?

Thanks.

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

3rd tier cities are still sizable locations.

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

I have only been here a short time - but in general, the less famous places have friendlier locals, since there are fewer foreigners - and that can be an advantage.

Plus, in a third tier city, you will have the chance to make more friends, because in general your skills and competence will be in high demand by many, and this is not a criticism, but a reality check in China.

Different locations have different dialects and accents in China, but 'putonghua' (national language) is the lingua franca known and used by almost everyone as the default language for Chinese who come from different regions - so you will hear it spoken every day.

In general they (third tier cities) would be more laid back with less stress, but with generally - a lower salary, somewhat compensated by a lower cost of living - with most meals available in the 6-10 rmb range ($1.00 - $1.50 u.s. dollars). Even with a salary of 5000 rmb ($800 u.s.), you may save part of your salary.

As the original poster stated, many third tier cities are large by western standards, and that can mean up to almost 500,000 inhabitants, or more!

Ghost in China

shaka · Joined: 19 May 2014 Posts: 23

Is this post a joke?

The ability to save money is the primary, perhaps only reason why I and many others are here.

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

Son of Bud Powell · Joined: 04 Mar 2015 Posts: 179 Location: Since 2003

happyinshangqiu · Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2015 5:12 am Post subject:

Third tier cities are alright though adaptability is dependent on the person rather than the livability of the city. A fair few teachers are unable to live without cheese, coffee, Mexican/Indian food - if you can't and need certain western comforts then give them a miss.

All the third tier cities I have lived in have KFC (at least one) Dicos, a hypermarket of some kind, even a Walmart if you are lucky. It probably won't have Starbucks, Pizza Hut and it may or may not have a McDonalds. Gyms will be expensive and somewhat grotty (with crap equipment) though it will be safe and interesting in their own way.

My time in China has been in third tier cities and you adapt if you give it time, first and second tier cities are comparitively luxurious in comparison - a subway system? Superb!

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

Simon in Suzhou · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 404 Location: GZ

The internet is your friend. You can get ANYTHING you want on taobao and have it delivered to whatever backwater village you may choose to exile yourself to. If you are not tech nor language saavy, make a local friend who would be more than happy to help you get your coffee and cheese.

Of course your salary may be so low that the cheese will break your bank...

The_Big_White_Elephant · Joined: 12 Mar 2014 Posts: 56

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

Edited to reflect that the post I responded to was pulled (probably for violations of the rules, but I don't know for sure.)

Unchained English · Joined: 31 Dec 2014 Posts: 32

The_Big_White_Elephant · Joined: 12 Mar 2014 Posts: 56

Nano · Joined: 10 Jun 2014 Posts: 58 Location: Qinhuangdao, China

Personally I enjoy living in a third tier city. I've been here since Sept 2014. The population of Qinhuangdao is about 3 million. There is only another foreign teacher at my school and foreigners in general in this city are rare enough that I stare at them just like the Chinese stare at me. I only usually see foreigners when I go to the city centre and I usually only see one during my whole time there.

My city is also quite clean and my school is in the Development zone so everything is quite new. Cost of living is cheap. Locals are very friendly and want to get to know you. We have KFC, pizza hut, Tesco, carrefour, Mcdonalds, one starbucks.

I think most foreign teachers that come here can't stay here very long. There isn't much entertainment and the previous foreign teachers usually went to Beijing over the weekend cause they couldn't stay here and do nothing. I am different. I live a simple lifestyle, don't feel very lonely, and have only been to Beijing once (excluding times I've been to airport area). I cook simple meals at home usually and do not crave western/foreign food. During most of my free time on weekends I meditate/stay home or stroll around by myself in the city centre.

People that speak conversational english are rare. You'll get plenty of "Hellooo"s but that's about it. As a result, I practice Chinese quite often.

So yeah, living in a 3rd tier city has been pleasant for me but I'm a bit of a loner. If you are similar than I am sure you will enjoy it too. If not, well...

Son of Bud Powell · Joined: 04 Mar 2015 Posts: 179 Location: Since 2003

I work ONLY in cities of 2- 2.5M people. If there are public universities, one will find an ample supply of English speakers (certainly enough to find someone to communicate with in stores and to carry on a reasonably active social life).

I agree that the fewer other FTs, the better.

Someone in this forum once stated "H3ll is other FTs." I agree.