Job Discussion Forums

[odysseus]

I am interested in teaching in Shanhai or even Guandong province. I know my question is quite broad, but I would appreciate any insight about these areas from someone who is teaching there or has taught there. Even if you have not taught there some 2nd hand info would be beneficial.

Thanks~

[Roger]

The question is sort of too vague. I know both places, and have been working in Guangdong for years.
This is, in a nutshell, my answer:
Shanghai is the up and coming economic and cultural centre in the East, with a large hinterland that encompasses big cities such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, Kunshan and others. Living there is somewhat costly as many employers don't offer housing (in Shanghai city anyway).
If you can't secure a legal employment situation, you will have costly trips to Hong Kong. I have recently learnt work visas are not normally multiple-entry ones, so if you want to exit HK, you will need an exit permit that may take up to one month to obtain!
A defining difference between Shanghai and Guangdong may be the climate: Cold winters and hot and humid summers are pronounced features of Shanghai. Get goot winter clothing, and an aircon for summer!

Guangdong has the most jobs because it's got the most cities that have teaching vacancies to occupy. Guangdong is a lot less scenic than the hinterland of Shanghai. THis certainly obtains in the Pearl River Delta, where one huge megapolis is developing, with associated pollution and traffic jams. Pay is second only to salaries in Shanghai (and, perhaps, Peking), but you can most of the time add to your regular income some part-time wages.
If you are on your own, living costs are pretty high too, though lower than in Shanghai. The highest are in Shenzhen.
Cities tend to be cultural wastelands, especially Dongguan, Shenzhen, Shantou.
The climate is less cold in winter, and summer lasts longer though it does not get as hot as in Shanghai.
Last winter, the temperature never dropped below ten degrees, and it often hit well above 20 degrees in the deepest winter.

[gmat]

Average Maximum Summer Temperatures:

Shanghai
June 27.9
July 32.1
August 32.2
Sep 27.9


Shenzhen
June 30.8
July 32.0
August 31.8
Sep 30.9

checkout worldclimate.com

[Minhang Oz]

I can only speak for Shanghai. Many people who come for a gig end up staying much longer than originally intended. Its an addictive place, and can accommodate most lifestyles.

[struelle]

[odysseus]

Minhang Oz & struelle, I am encouraged by your words. I taught in Korea for 15 months and made a brief visit to China, I really enjoyed the visit. My fear is the low wages.

Can you live decently on 5000RNB?
What is is so attractive about Shanghai, that a person could stay there for years? In Korea most people are counting down the days until they can leave.
How does one select a good institution in Shanghai?

These are probably redundant questions that have been asked a million times, but I am really serious about heading to China. The money just seems so little when you convert it to buying power outside China. I have also been told Shanghai is an expensive city.

[Minhang Oz]

Shanghai's sheer size, its diversity, and its willingness to absorb and accept other cultures makes it possibly unique in China. I know people here who have changed schools, but no-one who's actually left. Non-teacher expats seem to feel the same way. Its a very easy place to fit into, and doesn't give the "three heads from Mars" treatment to Westerners that gets commented on in other areas. Its got lots of faults; often unattractive, crowded, polluted, absolutely no natural beauty, etc. But there's a very strong pulse, and an upbeat feel to it. The "expensive" tag mainly applies to rentals, and even then is over the top unless looking at restored French villas or expat compounds. Basics [food, clothes, transport] are only marginally higher than other cities. But to live here and rent you would need to earn 8-10K minimum [my opinion only!]. With a Uni. or state college job [and so accommodation and utilities supplied], and no hugely expensive tastes [give the Western bars a wide berth except on payday], you should live a comfortable life on 5K or so. Of course, more can be found, but if you can get 90-100 an hour in an institution with housing supplied you're doing OK.

[struelle]

[odysseus]

Thanks for all the info!

The pay and cost of living is still a concern to me. I'm not sure what kind of life one can lead on 5k RNB.

[ilunga]

5k rmb would be a good wage for Henan but not for Guangdong or Shanghai. I guess you would need at least 8k.
I think someone said it was a good idea living in a big city for your first job in China but I wouldn't agree with that. As long as you don't mind cutting back on a few luxuries I think a smaller city is a much better option. Maybe one day i'll get to Beijing or Shanghai but i've a feeling I would have been eaten alive had they been my first destination!

[struelle]

[Guest]

Weather wise Shanghai is pretty cold right now - I am teaching 3 hours northwest of Shanghai. Also, the pollution is very bad in Shanghai and also here in Zhangjiagang. Just keep this in mind when deciding where to go. If I had a choice, (which I do not have now) I would be south of here.