Job Discussion Forums

[twizzler1]

Hi,

I am considering a job with Web International in Urumqi, Xingjiang Province.

Has anyone previously worked there or know if it has a good reputation / bad reputation? I have tried searching the internet but cannot find anything.... I presume this is good news really.

Also, I know there was a lot of trouble in Urumqi last year. If anyone is currently working there, is it safe now? I know it is very cold there.... I don't need to know that bit.

Thanking you for your help.

[cutiepiesweetiepie]

welcome to Urumqi!
i've been here for 6 years and have never entertained the idea of leaving.
yes, there must be some drawbacks such as lower salary range ( uni jobs) but food is still cheap ( clothes and the likes are more expensive, though)
about that incident last year, well, we just hope it's not gonna happen again. i feel safe here.
thing is, i can't say anything about Web... never worked there. i'm with a uni.

[samhouston]

What is it like living in a Xinjiang place? When I go to the markets in Shanghai and eat the food, I tell myself I should move to Xinjiang and just gorge on meat. But I can't figure out the people. They seem cool sometimes, but you know...sketchy. Not like I've "figured out" regular Chinese people, but at least I know what to expect. Xinjiang people are still a mystery to me. But I can seriously dig on lamb kabobs.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Gotta ask:

Did you like not having the Internet or international phone calls for an entire year?

Having family and loved ones outside of Xinjiang would be hard.

[cutiepiesweetiepie]

sure, having family and loved ones outside of Xinjiang during that time was kinda difficult..but it wasn't a whole year. After a couple of months, most of the foreigners here were able to figure out how to connect outside. Not having the internet of course was the most difficult thing..but we coped or should i say i coped.
after the incident, things seemed to be better than before...well, i don't know, but that's just my own opinion or how i see things. i'm actually a very simple person so i take things as they are and enjoy them.

the people, food etc. are actually different. just a matter of blending in..then you're in. yup, i love the polo and the meat meat meat...superb. am just lucky to remain at 52 kg.

[zootown]

My family in Xinjiang is complaining about the extraordinary increase in fruit and vegetables this past summer.

Making Kashgar a EDZ makes me nervous.

Personally I think the best thing about Urumqi is the road out.

Does have good skiing close by though.

[zootown]

[cutiepiesweetiepie]

i didn't find any discomfort about those army/policeman patrolling around...i felt safe. i also found the presence of policemen inside the buses good for the riding public.

as for the " needle incidents" , some were just exaggerated reports.


i also noticed the tension between the Han and the Uighurs . when was it gone? The Han and Uighurs had been living separate worlds ever since...that i have learned to live with..having cultivated friendships with the Han and Uighurs alike.

[zootown]

[zootown]

[cutiepiesweetiepie]

[Lei Feng]

I worked at Web for a while. The HR lady Jessie is really cool. I mean that. She is honest, with excellent English.

The fellow teachers are alright. Really a mixed bag, but fine. One tea party type and the rest are the random assortment you find everywhere. But, even the tea party guy was fine.

It takes some time to get the way they do the materials, but everything is planned out, just photocopy and walk in. Really, little to no prep is needed.

The city is boring. You can get the hang of it pretty quickly, but there really isn't a lot to do in the winter, but watch DVDs and drink.

In the summer you can head out, but since you are working its really hard to find the time to go. You could possibly put yourself on a 4 day week and than get some reasonable time off to check out the surroundings.

A lot of the scenery in Xinjiang is incredible.

The people you might are pretty interesting and there is a lot of complicated social/ethnic politics. Much more so than any other city in China.

All in all, a pretty good experience.

I would watch out for the little chick that is the head of teachers. She can be a real lying bitch.

[twizzler1]

Thanks everybody for your input.

I really appreciate the honesty. I have decided to give it a try, but at least my eyes are open.

Lei Feng, thank you for your input. I must admit I have had many email conversations with them (web) and they always answer promptly and give concise and understandable replies.

Once again thank you everybody

[7969]

Xinjiang is one of the most interesting and most beautiful parts of China and you would certainly be able to see some nice sights in your off time. I'm also thinking of relocating there.

[Cubism]

I have seen over these 6 years in the PRC

that buxibans (language schools) can make your life Hell. That's my biggest worry at Web Urunqi. Becoming a prisoner or unpaid ...

Many thanks. pvt msg me or reply here.