Job Discussion Forums

[Berek Halfhand]

Well, my first complaint and I haven't even left for China yet! Glad to join the masses here, I feel more welcomed now ;P.

Please read the shortened transcipt below. This was between my coordinator and myself (I'm going through a program sponsored from the United States that is working for the Shenzhen government and placing us in Public Schools within Shenzhen). The basic need is Internet access in these cities, as I have two other jobs overseas in the United States here that need to go with me. From everything I understand so far this shouldn't be a problem. The biggest issue is the two areas I will be training at, Weifang and Beijing. After that its a stable location in Shenzhen. Is this a legit concern?

I thought I was rather nice and accomodating in my inquiry, but I think he took away that I was simply on some sort of addicted gaming urge that I needed and that is why I wanted the Internet. I'm going to have to correct that misinterpretation and perhaps things will resolve themselves, they need to.

China is going to be interesting, and I was going to let him know that I understand the unexpected elements, but some things can still be done beside that chaos, and Internet is one of them fortunately from what I've gathered here:

-----------------
"You will not have DSL or cable access in your housing in Shenzhen. The
typical service is dial-up. Weifang may not have even that. There
could be cable access at a school computer lab, but it would not be
appropriate for you as a faculty member to use those facilities for
computer games. Frankly, you will need to change your attitude or you
will not be successful in adapting to life in China, which is, of
course, the main reason for going to China."

I wrote:
> "I was hoping you could tell me in detail what kind of Internet access I
> will be receiving in the various cities throughout China. Beijing,
> Weifang, Shenzhen where I will be living and teaching, and even Hong Kong.
>
> The reason this is of such importance in my recommendations is that I
> have just acquired a prominent volunteer position within the game
> industry that will require me to keep in daily contact with others back
> in the United States and Europe. A computer I will have that will
> support this, but Internet needs to be there, whether it is provided
> (hopefully) or if I have to purchase it for my exclusive access.
>
> The most important thing is that I get a good solid high-speed Internet
> connection in my apartment and something at school as well. This will
> also be needed on some level at Beijing and Weifang as well.
>
> I hope this will be feasible?
>
> Thanks,"

[Steppenwolf]

Come on, most places have an Internet bar that costs you 2 kuai an hour for the use of a computer with Internet access.

Yes, most schools do provide Internet access on computers installed in the FTs' quarters; occasionally you have to fight for your rights, but is it worth?

Incidentally, Shenzhen is one of China's wealthiest cities...the schools should provide you with everything. Weifang? I don't know!

[Berek Halfhand]

Is it worth fighting for it... well, translated into RMB I would receive an additional 12,360 or so RMB a month for my Internet jobs... I think that's worth it.

Do you think I just need to ensure they know my seriousness, and that I will pay for high speed internet access in my apartment? Is it too much really to ask this program to look into this for me?

I need that High Speed internet... I'll be using Skype and other programs to do my jobs, and yes as well as being in-games such as EverQuest.

[Lobster]

Hate to break it to you Berek, but you won't be able to play EQ in China. I've tried to get on countless times but the server will not allow the connection. You'd be reduced to hours of CS like the Chinese gamers.

RED

[Berek Halfhand]

I'm not playing EverQuest thankfully, that is just an example. It will be Lord of the Rings Online, at the moment. That's part of my job is to play it... sounds too good to be true but that's what I do .

[Berek Halfhand]

[kev7161]

I think if you really, REALLY want to come to China and the only thing standing in your way is the internet service AND you stand to earn some big bucks by having high speed internet, then you should just pay for it yourself. In the grand scheme of things, it's not all that expensive and if the school's going to pay for dial-up, then maybe you could arrange that you pay the difference between dial up service and the kind of service you want.

I love this line in their email to you though:

[Berek Halfhand]

No problem! I'd be happy to pay for it if that is what it takes... not a problem. What would it cost, 400rmb at most? Clearly that's a solution, and if that's what it takes then great. I just need to know there IS a solution, somehow .

Yeah, I thought that was sort of pompous. I understand the point he's trying to make, but I think he's looking at me now as a child or something that plays video games and is going to China for fun because I mentioned the mear idea that I'm working on computer games... I had a hard time convincing my mother and I live with her ;P.

[clark.w.griswald]

Berek from the two quotations that you made in your first post I would say that the guy who you are corresponding with was out of line. Are you committed to that program? Why not find yourself another place to work where they are a bit more accomodating of your request which seems to me to be a reasonable one? I would leave the word 'game' out in future so as to not give them the wrong impression.

High speed internet costs may vary from province to province and area to area but would generally be around RMB100-150 per month. The problem will be whether the infrastructure is in place which it will be in most new buildings in most cities.

[Berek Halfhand]

I'm pretty committed, although I could always jump ship as it isn't too late for that. I like them so far overall and I feel safer with a program... except for this one issue. If I can just get this issue resolved I'll be a happy person. If they can see that they will help me. I'm paying for it after all, they should be obligated to at least tell me how I can pay for access instead of bitching about the simple request ;P. I'm not going with a program to be preached at like I'm some 16 year old boy who knows nothing of the world.

[vikdk]

[vikdk]

[Berek Halfhand]

[vikdk]

is it Nathan, Prof or Malsol?????

[Berek Halfhand]

What? Are you ok? I think you're confused dude.