Job Discussion Forums

[ebond007]

I'm just beginning the search for work, and I want to start by getting a "feel" for the country and where I might want to be if given the option.

Let me provide a list of things I'm seeking in a good placement. Please keep in mind that I'm not expecting to find ALL of these in one place--no such place exists, I imagine--but it should give you guys a little reference as to where my priorities are:

- Coastal or with a significant body of water nearby

- Plenty of history (the older the better)

- Plenty of natural surroundings (i.e. - not just another concrete jungle)

- Cooler climate (with four distinct seasons or cooler)

- Developed enough to be a "pleasant" place to live

- Preferably with a good, traditional martial arts scene (or at least one or two good teachers around)

- Um... nice to foreigners? Pay their teachers well?

Like I said, I'm just trying to get a feel for my options. I don't expect to find heaven-on-earth or anything.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

If you look at a map, and given your desires, it looks like Liaoning, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Shandong and Jiangsu are the only places you might like.

There are other coastal areas but they're too far south, too warm for you, and they only really have two seasons.

Focus on the above places listed.

[ebond007]

Thanks for the input. As I said, I'm really pretty open and ready to weigh one thing against another. For example, I'd prefer a warmer area that treats its teachers well to a cooler one that treats them poorly. I'd take an area rich in cultural history even if it meant being a little further from the coast. I'd be willing to move closer to a good Wushu teacher even if it meant being more in the city than I'd like. etc. etc. So any thoughts along those lines are appreciated.

Also, if anyone has reliable school/company recommendations for the areas being mentioned, it's greatly appreciated. I'm just trying to get a feel for how this whole system works.

Thanks again!

[eddy-cool]

I think there is a contradiction in your list of desirables - if it's got to be in a 'cooler' climate, then most coastal areas are out as they tend to be in the subtropical parts. The exceptions seem to be the Bohai Sea and SHandong down to Shanghai (but not really 'cool' though quite cold in winter).

Now as for 'plenty of history, the more the better', that's where your troubles really start.

Shanghai has some (but not dating back longer than a couple of centuries). Tianjin is similar but its proximity to Beijing assures you of a lot of scenic and historic sites within day trip reach. The rural parts to the east and north of Beijing also militate in Beijing's favour.

Not much to see in terms of 'history' in Dalian, Shenyang, etc.



What purpose is the ' significant body of water' supposed to fulfill? Swimming? Snorkeling? Diving? Surfing?

I would not risk my health in China's coastal waters!

Kunming has a 'significant body of water' in the form of its Lake Dian - again it's not advisable to immerse your body in that murky water. The climate, however, is wonderful!

[ebond007]

[The Ever-changing Cleric]