Job Discussion Forums

[sigmoid]

Can anybody please comment on which might be better and the differences/similarities between Southern China and Vietnam.

In particular, I am trying to decide whether to go to Guangzhou or Siagon. Which would you recommend and why?

thanks in advance for any input.

[Roger]

In a PIZZA HUT the other day:
Mother-in-law: "I think WE will have a pizza Margherita!"

Waiter:
"May I recommend our special pizza of the day, Sir, Madam?"

Me: Haven't tasted either. How to choose when two people are so determined to force their choice down my throat?

[MyTurnNow]

I know Vietnam only by reputation, but I think it's safe to say the choice depends on you...

Both will be hot and steamy; VN a little more than anywhere in China...even the deepest reaches of southern China get the occasional cool blast in the winter. Both will assail your senses with new foods and other experiences...some will be delightful and some will gross you out. Both will present you with a lot of friendly and weird people, although VN is likelier to be what you consider polite. In public the Chinese can be some of the rudest people on the planet. Both will be the adventure of a lifetime.

I write the following assuming you'd be in some sort of city in China; if you are taking a hardship post in the deep countryside the differences will diminish.

VN is going to be less developed and more rugged. Things like transport and toilets and shopping will be more challenging. Medical care will be dicier. Your salary will probably go further since life seems a lot cheaper in Vietnam. You'll find fewer fellow Westerners and fewer things in the stores to accommodate you. VN will likely be more physically and culturally challenging.

China is more developed and a little more comfortable but still far from Western standards. It's easier to get around, there is some excellent shopping, and from time to time you'll encounter a real decent toilet. Medical care is weird and uncomfortable but it's available and it sort of works. Things cost a bit more here than VN...and there's more to spend your money on. There are more other expats around and things you'll find familiar in the stores. China will be physically easier (although there is rugged available of you want it) and more comfortable to live in, but perhaps more difficult from a societal standpoint.

Which sounds more like you?

MT

[David Bowles]

As far as I know, there are very few TEFL jobs in Vietnam- the Vietnam forum here seems to have about 3 people in the country. It may be because Vietnam is lacking in China's permanent internet frenzy, which the EFT teachers seem to share in by spending a good portion of their lives online...

[khmerhit]

No, no, theres lots of work in VN. For some reason noone posts from there. Equally there lots of work in Cambodia but not many posts from there either. If i were you id go to Hanoi, there was a poster who said hes been there five years because he doesnt want to leave. Dont rule out Cambodia either, it;s the dogs bollocks.

[Chairman Roberto]

"It's the dog's bullocks"????

I'm guessing that's a more colorful version of the "cat's pajamas"? Heh heh...the more I think I about it, the more I like it. I think I'll start using it!

Roberto

[sigmoid]

Thanks a lot to those who commented on the topic.

Does anyone else have any thoughts about advantages/disadvantages regarding teaching in Southern China vs. teaching in Vietnam, epecially Guangzhou and Saigon.

[Roger]

I only visited Hanoi, Haiphong and Halong bay some years ago. The North was visibly suffering from the country's war with the Americans. Infrastructure is still waiting for investors. Going to Saigon by train or bus seems risky and is time-consuming.
On the other hand, the Vietnamese people are a lot more cosmopolitan than the Chinese. I met ex-refugees that had been repatriated from Hong Kong that were fluent in Cantonese (which I can't speak). There also were former Germany residents (they had been imported by the former East Germany, then returned when the two Germanys reunited), and they often ran guesthouses or other tourist businesses.
French also still is widely spoken. English is making serious inroads. And Mandarin is understood in some places.
Now what can I say about Guangdong, where live?
It is heavily industrialised, seriously polluted, but it has the most jobs, and the highest-paying ones.

I got a telephone call a couple of days ago from Vietnam - a private school seeking to hire an expat. Not bad offer, really!

[aaronschwartz]

Anti-Americanism is stronger in Nahm.