Job Discussion Forums

[Jasmart]

Has anyone worked at Beijing Normal University in Zhuhai?

Any thoughts/advice about Zhuhai in general??

[eddy-cool]

Only some thoughts on Zhuhai.

It's well-liked bymany because it is refreshinglyunmarred by industrial activities. Polluted it is too, though, in large partbecause it is set near heavy polluters in Guangdong. The town seems to have a lively expat scene. On the other hand, I find Zhuhai a little artificial; too big in design, too little contents. It is quite soulless. It's advantage, though is that you have easy escapes to nearby Macau. And the hinterland to the west and north is still relatively green.

Zhuhai has made its name nationally as a centre of higher English education. Lots of mainlanders flock there to perfect their English at local training centres. These command top tuition fees, though, and I wonder whether in these times of crisis people want to spend so much on English when their future looks so bleak.

In Yangshuo they can get the same proficiency at roughly half the price.

[Ariadne]

I spent a year at BNU-Z a few years ago. It was my first job in China and I had a wonderful time there. I had several different classes, but mostly English conversation. The students were friendly and they come from all over China, so it's an interesting mix. When I was there they paid a monthly salary for a 10 month contract, but I've heard that they have since changed it to a per hour rate. I think that means teachers don't get any pay for the Spring Holiday.. which can be over a month. I don't really know what the pay situation is there now, but be sure to check it out before you sign up. The apartments were small but quite comfortable, each with a private balcony and washing machine. No elevators in the residence buildings. I think there is a train through campus now, which will make getting to Zhuhai much more convenient. The campus is a long way from town. Western foods were available at the Jusco supermarket and at Carefore (sp). I really enjoyed being so close to Macau. You can easily go for a weekend or even just the day. Hong Kong is easy to get to also, but I personally like Macau better.

Good luck to you.

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