Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

I am in Korea now and I think I have just about had my fill.

I want to go to China and learn some Chinese. Hopefully I can make a bit of money at the same time.

Is it possible to arrive without a job and seek employment?

What are the start-up costs like?

What cities are the best to try, with regards to good basic jobs and moonlighting? Culture also would be a bonus.

[jeffinflorida]

Chas it can be done with no real problem. First, decide what city you wantto live in. Once you decide that check this website for some cheap hotels - it is not inclusive of all the hotels in a city but it can help you plan where you are gonna stay and at least have a bed waiting for you when you get somewhere www.elong.net

With that said, once you pick a city then go out in search of English mills, public schools and other foreigners. English mills in China burn through people fast - in many instances - and usually hire, sometimes on the spot. Moonlighting is readily available.

You can often find side work to keep you in extra money - or if you only want to work part time then you can make enough to survive.

The cost of living in China is lower in the smaller cities and much like Korea depends on your lifestyle.

Visa, get a 90 day or higher visa. this will prevent you having to leave on a regular basis.

If you rent an apartment, be prepared to have to pay 90 days upfront and sign a year contract. if you leave before 1 year you may lose your deposit. utilities are nominal, water is cheap - but not drinkable. electric depends on your usuage - if you run the A/C 24/7 it gets expensive.

Most importantly, decide where you want to live. this is a good time to hook up with a 6 month contract or a month-to-month deal at a mill.

[Shangdi]

I must type that it has been a pleasure to follow/read the metamorphosis of JeffinFlorida from someone who originally asked = "Where are the eggrolls?" into someone who is an "old" hand in the ways and means of China.

It has been a pleasure.

As for the "eggrolls" - where the hell are they?

I'm dying for an eggroll and some "real" fried rice and spare ribs, American style.

[jeffinflorida]

[eslstudies]

If you've got a few hours to spare, have a look at
www.asiaexpat.com
Click the euphemistically titled "careers" button for the city of your choice [ok, there are the big 3, but a lot of other towns have ads there] and at least you'll get a feel for what's on offer and how much it pays. I don't think you'd ever be unemployed in Shanghai.
Checking out the accommodation section wouldn't hurt either.
If you're used to dealing with sharp practice, you could do well in China.
as mentioned, startup costs can be considerable if renting. Public schools usually provide housing, though not everyone wants to live on campus. A place that pays a rental allowance is a good compromise.

[tw]

[Steppenwolf]

It's thoroughly possible to come here and look around in search of a new employment situation.
I would second the opinions of those who suggested you apply for more than one month on your visa; make that 3 months and you should be carefree!
The hiring season is upon us - at the end of next month, probably, you could be hired by a public school since the new semester begins then.

If you are out for a job with a training cnetre your luck is almost evenly spread around the whole year though peaks occur during summer holidays and other national holidays.

I would say, come with U.S.$ 600 per month plus enough to buy a return ticket.

You might consider the winter in the North and in Manchuria to be a tad unwelcoming; go south, young man, and in Hainan it will be quite warm (though there are few vacancies down there).

[dv82]

one of my friends arrived a month ago in hong kong, looking for a teaching job. She found one a few days ago. so its possible but i have to mention that she had the financial backage from here boyfriend who allready lived here.