Job Discussion Forums

Jordean · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 238

Anyone currently in Russia have experience in China too? How would you compare the two for employment?

I am currently teaching English at a university in/near Beijing. It is okay, but I am finding the Chinese way of dealing with foreigners more and more annoying. That is, we're geese to be plucked, or whatever. Individually people are fine, but there's a rather vicious exploitative pseudo-capitalism abroad, untempered by considerations of politeness/compassion/etc.

Plus the spitting and wild driving and queue jumping.

Or is it pretty much the same everywhere?

At least I can speak, read and write Russian. Chinese is an enigma wrapped in a puzzle, whatever.

Just wondering...

expatella_girl · Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:47 am Post subject:

I have been to China and lived in Russia.

I found the Chinese exponentially better behaved than the Russians when it comes to "spitting and wild driving and queue jumping." NO one spits more than the Russians do, and in the winter it freezes on your shoes or the ground and then becomes a slip-and-slide hazard of contagious disease.

The Chinese are far better behaved than the Russians ever thought of being.

However as a foreigner in Russia, the ability to read and speak Russian is worth a king's ransom. It will save you a fortune in time and money and headaches.

You choose which is the lesser evil for your purposes: China or Russia? The devil you know, or the devil you don't know?

Jordean · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 238

Spit more than the Chinese? Is that the men or the women? Confused

I was expecting this answer, based on my reading in the forum.

Just hoping someone would paint Russia in rosy tones.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

For what it's worth, I endorse expatellagirl's comments. I like Russia, but the driving is literally homicidal, and they spit a lot.

expatella_girl · Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:05 pm Post subject:

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

bharrell · Joined: 25 Oct 2008 Posts: 102

Honestly, your post boggles my mind. Beijing is a lot nicer than Russia.

I find Beijing to be clean and modern. I think the Chinese are kind, humble and appreciative. It is a much, much easier life than I experienced in Ukraine or the considerable time I spent in Russia with my slutty Russian ex-wife. I like it here. I think you would be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire by moving to Russia.
Spitting is a much smaller annoyance than the stumbling drunks, the arrogance, the criminal mindset, the general brutality of the culture which I experienced in the FSU. It is usually the country bumpkins in China who try to cut in line here. They don't seem to know better. I yell at them and they have always backed off. In Russia, I would be risking my life doing that.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Well I don't where you've been, but I don't recognise Russia as the brutish place you mention. Are you talking about Moscow or St Petersburg, perhaps?

bharrell · Joined: 25 Oct 2008 Posts: 102

Yes, I was talking about Moscow, mostly. Kiev as well. I am not impartial. I don't particularly care for Russia or Russian society, although I once was infatuated with them both. If someone likes Russia, as many do; that's fine. I'd had enough. I don't see much to recommend the place particularly if the OP is teaching in a University in Beijing, thinking about going to a private language school in Russia. I think that is like trading a BMW in for a Yugo. But it's his life. He can do what he wants.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

bharrell · Joined: 25 Oct 2008 Posts: 102

You may be right. I certainly didn't experience the whole country. But there are quite a few people on this board whose experiences and perceptions are quite similar to mine. We probably have a few valid observations amongst us. You are correct about Universities not being the best at teaching. Certainly mine isn't. But I teach 14 hrs a week, get 2 months of paid vacation and a townhouse. I'll take it. Find that deal in Russia.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Oh dear. The reason most think like you is because most work in Moscow. I rather think that most Siberian posters, and dare I say it, people in Samara, Kazan and Ufa, tend not to think like you. Whether it's because of the conditions in Moscow, or whether it reflects the kinds of people who choose to live there, is a moot point, although your last (somewhat off-topic) point gives a little strength to the second argument.

bharrell · Joined: 25 Oct 2008 Posts: 102

That's right! I don't like pain. Russia is the land of pain. It must certainly take a unique type of person to willingly choose to live in Siberia for an extended period. Either a rugged individualist or a masochist.
Every day I thank the universe I am not in lousy Russia. Living there has made me appreciate my life here. I know that the millions of emigrants who have fled that frozen armpit feel the same. I guess I share a bond of brotherhood with those who had the good sense to leave.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Jordean · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 238

Interesting posts, thanks.

Many similarities between the two countries.

I have wintered in Manitoba and Alaska, so I doubt whether a Siberian winter would be that different.

I think a critical factor in the long run is your ability to communicate with people. Here it is happening slowly, so every day is fraught with frustrations.

Thanks again for the insights!