Job Discussion Forums

[Teachurrrr]

Has anyone worked or is anyone currently working in Changchun City, Jilin Province?

Generally, how did you find it (aspects that appealed to you and/or horrified you)?

I realize the question is very vague and there must be a million factors that vary from person to person. That being a "given," what were your experiences in Changchun (living in generally, amenities you had access to, sites to see, isolation, expat accessibility, etc.)?

Cheers.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

I love it. When I get back home from class I will tell you why.

[Optional_Toaster]

I lived there for two years. It was my first experience in China and in a lot of ways I loved it. Unfortunately, I lived in the northeast corner of the city in the middle of the industrial area....bad, but I kind of enjoyed the first year feeling like I was in the wild-east.

Major downside- it is freakin' freezing in the winter, plus a nice wind-chill being on the plains. If you're used to cold weather and pack some good winter gear (thermal underwear is a must) things won't be too bad (oh, and maybe even some ski goggles). I'll say it again...cold in the winter! I'm from Maine, which gets cold, but nothing like Changchun.

Major upside- decent people, both foreign and local. The food is true dong-bei and despite the fact that it isn't world-renowned cuisine it is often damn good. Easy to spend a year there checking things out. Plus, the CHR (high-speed rail) runs through there which'll put you in close proximity to Harbin, Shenyang, and sort of Beijing.

If you're living in the city, life should be good...if cold!

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

It's comfortable to live in Changchun, but I find it expensive compared to other Chinese cities.

Lots and lots of Germans and Koreans live there as ex-pats working. There is a foreign grocery store with things like Rice-a-Roni, Campbell's Soup, bacon, cheese, etc. so if you cannot stand Chinese food or want to feel like home every once in awhile you'd be in luck.

It's a good "first place" to start in China I reckon as a foreign teacher.

[Teachurrrr]

Toaster and Whiner, thanks for the feedback.

Sounds good. Koreans and Germans in Changchun. At least I should be able to get some kimchi after withdrawals kick it, ha ha.

I hope I will "hit it off" with the local cuisine as you seemed to have done Toaster. I spent 3 years in Japan and loved the sushi, almost 6 years in Korea and absolutely love everything spicy, and 3 years in the Philippines and came to love the soups. I hope it might be the same for me in China. It's nice to know Western food is available too.

Ski Mask ... really? I like the cold weather, but I have only ever heard of my Canadian friend from Edmonton mention wearing a ski mask in winter to avoid frostbite on the face. Yikes!

Well, if I actually get offered the position (i.e. get a contract to sign) I might just go to Changchun. Thanks again.

Teachurrr

[gene]

I found it too cold and limiting in what it had to offer. The Mayflower, to me was just another dive and the old guy who owned the foreign food store charged an arm and a leg for dry goods, the rest was frozen. Located in what many call the rust belt, industry is heavy and to my account the city is dirty in many places. Culture Sq., one of the highlights of the city, foot traffic is contained on the walks...outside the city is a really nice park (cant remember the name at the moment) which was reclaimed from a dump and they did a nice job... but last I was there, litter from visitors, created an eyesore. Summer are the best time.. but they are short... winters are harsh..this is the NorthEast and thinking is not as advanced as it is in some other cities...I went there years ago .... stayed two years due to a contract obligation .... left as soon as I could .... I would think a more friendly region other than the North East would be a good starting point ... winters can get mighty boring...