Job Discussion Forums

[chufeng]

I'm currently studying in Beijing, and I'm hoping to find a teaching job this fall at a university or middle school. I've been having some respiratory issues due to the lovely air in Beijing, and I'd like to work in a better environment this fall if I can.

Can anyone recommend cities/universities that I should be looking at? I don't mind smaller cities, and in fact I think I prefer that, but I realize that smaller does not necessarily indicate cleaner in China. I speak some Mandarin and I'm not worried about living a Chinese lifestyle, so McD's or a big expat community are not a requirement for me.

I graduated from a very good American university, took a TESOL class (although it may not be a "recognized" cert - I'm not sure what that requires) and I have teaching experience in the US, although this will be my first job in China.

So basically, I'm looking for a city with some clean(er) air, a decent teaching environment, and a place where I can continue to study/practice my Mandarin. Any suggestions?

[adamsmith]

I just left Beijing and came to Ningbo. The air here seems much better - I was able to see blue sky two days in a row (only been here two days). I know there are some schools here looking for people if you go to the chinatefl site you will find at least one. The zhejiang business technology institue I know is looking for people and the school seems quite nice with reasonable accomadations. You may want to check it out. I have heard many good things about the school from other teachers who have been here but do not know it myself.

[Super Mario]

I know this is politically incorrect, but...........the outer Shanghai burbs, Minhang, right by the river where it does a 90 degree turn, and about 30km from The Bund. Apart from when the school dining facility [since demolished, I believe] fired up its ancient coal burning ovens, the sky was blue, and when it wasn't, the rain looked like water. Oh teah, quite a few birds [feathered] around; always a good sign.
PM me for the college. You may be a bit late for hiring, but China's an interesting place.

[erinyes]

I know of a little known island county called DongTou, off the coast of Wenzhou City, Zhejiang province. The middle school there has been trying to get a teacher for years, but hasn't got one yet (they must not know about ESL Cafe) Anyway - I teach in Wenzhou Middle School, and one of my students is a local there. I'm sure I could put you in touch with the right people. The town is beautiful, and they finished the dike only 2 months ago, before that, the only way to get there was the ferry. Little development and (mostly) clean ocean air. Beautiful and only 1 hour away from Wenzhou city. I would go there, but I have a contract.

[ColinA]

Try Hainan or Hawaii, both are islands that escape the mainland madness.
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One of the indictments of civilizations is that happiness and intelligence are so rarely found in the same person.