Job Discussion Forums

izzy272 · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 29 Location: Shanghai

I have been offered my choice of teaching positions in China. One is in Shenzhen the other in harbin. Both offer the same deal. The only difference is the location.

If it were your choice what one you do and why.

Also I was offered 6200y per month. for 22 to 25 hours a week. I was told by everyone to always ask for more before you sign. I have no teaching experience but do have a MA(Hon) as well as 20 years life/work experience. I know its subjective but how much should I ask for..

Thanks

James_T_Kirk · Joined: 20 Sep 2003 Posts: 357 Location: Ten Forward

Well, if I were you, I would go with Shenzhen. Of course, I am biased because I lived there before and hate cold winters (and I heard that Harbin winters are really freakin' cold!!!). Shenzhen is hardly the greatest cultural experience you'll have in China, but the weather is better (if you like the heat) and Hong Kong is just a border crossing away!

Why are you going to China? Make a list of what you want to get out of the experience and put these factors in an order of priority. If, say learning Mandarin and experiencing Chinese culture are at the top of the list, choose Harbin. On the other hand, if you enjoy nightlife and warm weather, choose Shenzhen. Really, both cities and locations are quite different...once you list your priorities in order, the decision should be obvious.

Good luck,
Kirk

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

You really need a good travel guide and make your own pick, buddy!
I lived in Shenzhen and never liked it; in summer it is far too hot and humid, but it has the mitigating advantage of being within an hour's travel of Hong Kong, and if you take a ferry, you can go to Zhuhai and to Macau and return in one day.
Winters are balmy and relatively pleasant. Life is far more expensive in Shenzhen than almost anywhere in China; just transport will eat seriously into your budget - a trip to Guangzhou sets you back as much as a trip from Guangzhou to a place three times farther north.
As for HARBIN, it has four distinct seasons, and you will no doubt find winter unbearable, especially so since they heat their houses with coal. But apart from that, Harbin has more charm, has a Russian cultural heritage, and still attracts Russians and other tourists.
You will find Harbiners far more congenial than the comparatively rude and slightly xenophobic Shenzheners.