Job Discussion Forums

[Johnmc]

Hi,
I am in the process of getting a Z visa in this city on the coast in a university called Huaihai Institute of Technology. I would like to know a bit about the city. Is it fairly clean/big/noisy etc. I've heard that it is about 40 minutes by bus to the coast. Is there much to see here and does it have interesting areas.
Any information on the area would be appreciated, especially if you have worked at the above university. Thanks
John

[xinpu]

Hi,

I worked there between Sep 05 - Jan 06. I would summarize as follows:

University:
Standard Chinese model, administration competent by Chinese standards, they have had FT's for a number of years therefore not a complete mess but it suffers from the usual communication problems. The flip side of this is that the Uni is very much FT fatigued and thus you wll be just another white face to be tolerated.

Don't expect much from either the FAO / FL Department and you probably won't be dissapointed. The best way to deal with both is to have minimal contact. Basicly it's a case of here's your books, here's your schedule...off you go and I'll see you at the end of term when we want all the exam paperwork (request = 1 day before it's due).

Accomodation:
Not bad, 2- bed apartment on campus with air con / kitchen/ bathroom/ TV. They were in the process of building new flats when I was there and maybe you'll get a place in those...if not no problem cos the existing accomodation isn't too bad.

Students:
Very very very typical bunch, some good, some lazy...most disillusioned and dissapointed to be there (ask them why they came and they ALL say 'cos i failed by Uni entrance exam'). The university doesn't do anything to change this perception with crappy classrooms and a disinterested attitude to teaching quality. You'll be teaching English major's and a decent lot they are too..don't expect too much and you'll get on ok with them. Bear in mind that they are very conscious of how much they are shellng out for this...they may SAY they want to watch video's / games but will then complain to the English Department if that's what you give them.

City:
Boring beyond description. Dull architecture and very little to do once you 've seen the local sights (see below). On the flip side there is / was a decent expat community (20-30) who are quite close as the all frequent the same 1-2 bars.

When I was there there was a big french contingent from the local JV company. Their number were dwindling as I left and without their presence it could well now be a ghost town of 5-10 FT's. Your school will have 6 English Language FT's ...two I know who are staying and really nice people too. Don't expect any of the Chinese staff to socialize...they are a bit jaded and slightly pissed off with the FT's better pay / conditions.

Couple of ok bars, some reasonable restaurants and supermarkets flogging the usual stuff...no Carrefour or equivalent so western neccesities are 4 hours away in Nanjing (Coffee / Cheese). McDonalds / KFC in town.

Stuff to see:
Well there is Hua Guo Shan whch is the setting for the the Chinese Folk Story of the Monkey King. It's worth a trip to climb / see the monkey's (RMB 100 kinda pricey) but once is enough, aside from that there's the sea...well in reality a very small dirty beach about 30 mins by car...again once is enough. A little further away in Donghai (50 mins) which has some ok hot springs and a bit further still is Qingdao (better beaches and overall good vibe).

Summary:
I wouldn't be fooled by the 'next to the mountain surrounded by the glittering ocean' they try to punt you....this is a very typical Chinese city..fairly dull and not a great deal to do. My advice would be to buy a bike and get out into the countryside...it's easy and quite fun seeing how rural China is. The Uni is ok but nothing special.

Oh one last thing the weather here is pretty crap..very very windy from about Oct - Jan...bring warm clothes.

Anything specific u wanna know get in touch.

[thepreferrednomenclature]

Lianyungang can be a great first town for new foreign teachers, and in general most of the teachers who go there are newbies, if only because it's a small town and the pay is better elsewhere. On the otherhand the place is extremely inexpensive to live in. For an amazing 'first-time culinary experience' I always recommend heading to Xugou, the district closest to the coast, and eat at the famous seafood street there. Very fresh. Drink a little Baijiu with your shellfish, it goes down so good.

Buy a motorbike if possible or find a good place or friend to rent one from; I always enjoyed riding out in the hills, in the countryside, and along the coast.