Job Discussion Forums

[tabrege]

I have a child and I would like to know of the three countries I am considering teaching English which would be the lesser of the three evils in regards to living with a child in bad air pollution.


I have previously taught in Beijing but with a child on the way I return back to the states. I am now looking into teaching again in would like to know what are opinions about each place for a child?

I have been to Thailand in favor it but Bangkok Taipei and Hong Kong all seem polluted like Beijing.

[EFL Educator]

Unfortunately there is no escaping air pollution in the three countries you mentioned. I would pick Thailand of the three anyhow as I believe it is less polluted than the other two countries you mentioned having been to both of them myself.Air Pollution is a sad reality in Asia as cities continue to grow due to increasing population thus demanding more cars and vehicles for their people who can afford them. Good luck!

[tabrege]

Thats what I was worried about no escaping bad air, I went to Bangkok when I worked in Beijing in the air was better I did not wear a mask like in Beijing. However my eyes were burning every time I entered the main downtown area of Bangkok. With a kid a toddler I may have to pass on Asia all together.

[btsmrtfan]

Pollution in Bangkok is somewhat relative in that there are neighborhoods outside of the city center ("downtown area") where pollution is not a problem, the grass is green and the living is easy. Yes, there will be places and times that you will encounter pollution and especially in the congested parts of the city. It is possible to find teaching positions and living locations away from most of the pollution as there is no "one" Bangkok in many different ways. Good luck with your search and decision.

[BlueStater]

I've visited Beijing 2x and live in Bkk. There's little comparison between the two imho. There are many streets in Bkk that aren't main thoroughfares polluted by bikes and gridlocked traffic, and air pollution is negligible and non-noticeable for the most part.

[tabrege]

I have some friends with a toddler that accepted a teaching position in Bangkok I believe they live in Bangna. I guest if its fine for them it could still be a possibility for me.

[EFL Educator]

The only way to escape air pollution in Bangkok is not to live there. EFL teachers will experience the same in the capital cities of most (if not all) ASEAN countries. If you embark on a career teaching English in Bangkok this is something you must deal with on a daily basis when commuting to work. More people = More cars on the road = MORE AIR POLLUTION! It is estimated there will be many more cars on the road here in the future as more and more people come to Bangkok looking for work from the provinces.

[urbanadventurer]

I live in Guangzhou PRC. I just returned from a little get-away in Bangkok.
Air pollution in Bangkok does not compare to air pollution in China.

http://aqicn.org/city/all/