Job Discussion Forums

Andrew Button · Joined: 07 Nov 2014 Posts: 5

Hi,

I'm a freelance writer who is considering applying to ESL jobs for the fall or winter of this year.

I have read a lot about the paid accomodations and so far I think it sounds dece.

There's just one thing I'm wondering:

Do apartments typically come with wireless internet?

Just wanted to know because I was hoping to be able to keep up my freelancing on the side should I land a job.

Sorry about the annoyingly factual "could have Googled it" question, I'm just curious to see what people have to say.

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

Mine only had direct ethernet connection but the FT that lives above me couldn't get his internet working so he bought a router and plugged it into one of my apartments ethernet ports so now I have WiFi.

Listerine · Joined: 15 Jun 2014 Posts: 340

Typically? They *usually* come with internet of varying degrees of quality, reliability and speed. I've had wifi in my previous 2 apartments, but unsure if that is "typical"... Probably. Anyhow even if they don't provide it just go out and buy your own router. They cost nothing - 15 bucks or so.

It will probably be mentioned in the contract when you apply for various jobs about what is provided with the apartment. If not just ask the boss, or better yet another teacher.

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

I think the question to ask an employer who offers an apartment is 'does it have internet?'
A router is cheap as Listerine says and if a router was left by a previous tenant it has likely disappeared.
A school probably wouldn't think WiFi was standard equipment, but that may change over time.

Songbird · Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2015 4:13 am Post subject:

Hey Andrew,

I had my own internet put in in China for 3 years in total (1 year in Shenzhen, the last 2 years just outside Guangzhou because I moved out of the school apartment after my first year) and it was super easy even as a foreigner to get it put on. I generally don't think it comes included, unless you're in a share situation.

Just call 10000 (China Telecom) and choose the English service. Ensure you have passport and bank (Chinese) details ready. Although I didn't, and they were happy to direct me to the closest shop for payment after setting up the initial service. They arranged for someone to come and install the router and modem within a couple of days (they will call to confirm a time- in Chinese!).

You generally pay for a 12 month subscription of about 1840rmb (if I remember correctly)- completely unlimited 24 hour a day glorious internet! I don't remember the speed but certainly not fast enough for gaming, and there were never any outages so it would be fine for your freelancing. Just keep all the paperwork and remember to pay when your 12 months is up!

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

..are we talking on-campus apartment or a random rented one?

Andrew Button · Joined: 07 Nov 2014 Posts: 5

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

You'll likely have broadband but not a router.
Better still the campus IT guy will be available to you.

Songbird · Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2015 9:55 pm Post subject:

Either really. I was specifically talking about my experience off-campus, though you should just as easily be able to sign up with China Telecom on campus. I've heard a few teachers at my last school did just that with no issues. Generally at every school with campus wide (& apartment) internet it has been CRAPPY most of the time so if the freelancing is important I would recommend it.

Andrew Button · Joined: 07 Nov 2014 Posts: 5

Thanks for the thoughtful replies everyone. I was also wondering, is it easy to bypass the Chinese firewall and access blocked sites? This is important to me because I consider the ability to access social media as crucial to my freelance career.

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

Not sure but it could be problematic for a government school to aid/abet/or turn a blind eye to use of their system to get around the 'wall'.
Like many other things in PRC just quietly do it and deal with issues as they arise.
Getting your day job under control should be your first priority.

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

VPNs work, but I don't know how well under a university network. I have been able to get mine working at work, but I don't live there so cannot comment on consistency.

GuangJoseph · Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Posts: 8 Location: Guangzhou

It will likely stipulate in your contract whether you get internet in the apartment or not. I imagine most schools would offer this now. If it's ethernet - just plug a router in. My school has wifi routers in all apartments, but that is a fairly a recent refurb. Check with your employer!

Not really job related - but to answer your other questions:
VPNs are getting closed down randomly - I use Express VPN without a hitch. It was dodgy a while back but then started working again. Just be sure to get a VPN that allows you to switch countries. Then just run through them at random and they'll work.
ARK VPN is good for your phone on the go.