Job Discussion Forums

jg

Hello,

I am on my way to China for a summer camp gig - will be in Jinan for camp (July 7 - Aug 31), but after that I wouldn't mind hanging around for a bit, say 6 or 7 weeks.

My employer will be providing housing for the camp, but after that I imagine I will be on my own. I would like to find some short term work, in Jinan or perhaps elsewhere in/nearby Shandong province. How might I go about picking up 30 or so hours a week, and also finding a modest place to lay my hat for this period? I am qualified and experienced, but the work I have seen doesn't seem to be geared towards a "quickie" such as myself...

Any tips, or perhaps suggestions on ways to keep the funball rollin' for 7 weeks longer (but no more than that, I am NOT looking for another contract) will be happily digested...

Se�or Sangria

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

senor sangria,
after completing your Ji'nan 'gig' you had best move on as I can't imagine how you could be gainfully employed for a short period of time - and illegally - in Shandong's capital! My boss did just that to me - and it cost me my job (but I was not down and out after that).
My suggestion would be to seek a job in QIngdao, same province but some 450 kms away. Other options: Nanjing, or Shanghai.
However, you must be aware that you are going to be an II - and as my own experience suggestes this is not something I want others to experience!

Minhang Oz · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 610 Location: Shanghai,ex Guilin

Provided you're all fixed up with some kind of legal visa for your stay, eg "L" tourist visa, you could try heading south to Yangshuo [train to Guilin, then a 5 yuan minibus] A lot of travelers find themselves some casual, part-time teaching work there to support a very relaxed lifestyle. And a prettier, friendlier place would be hard to find. Maybe if Hubei Canuk still reads these pages he might fill you in.

jg · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 11:51 pm Post subject:

Roger and Minhang Oz,

Thanks for the info. I will look into Yangshuo, Shanghai, Qingdao, and Nanjing. I know that I have a steeper path with a tourist visa and I may have to take a bit less than someone with a year-long visa might.

Those cities are all somewhat familiar to me (I have been reading up before my journey) with the exception of Yangshuo. Hmmm, anymore info on either Yangshuo or the options available to a short-timer (but with tons of experience) would be great. Thanks guys!

JG

Minhang Oz · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 610 Location: Shanghai,ex Guilin

Lonely Planet has heaps about Yangshou. Also, look at www.yangshuo.com.cn/index for some info. and links-some are in Chinese but have email links. A guy I met here in Shanghai had picked up work there, shared a cheap apartment and had a great time for a few months. As for Shanghai, a lot of the part time worked disappeared during the SARS scare and hasn't come back yet. Probably not a good idea to come here unless you've got something pre-arranged. If you're cashed up though, you can have a very good time. PM me if you want some links.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Minhang Oz,
with all respect, may I ask: isn't it a little risky for a newbie to try his luck in tiny Yangshuo during the end of summer, with the competition from fellow-travellers at its peak?
Maybe Guilin would be better for HIM?
Not my opinion as I am sure you know Guilin and Yangshuo better than myself.

Minhang Oz · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 610 Location: Shanghai,ex Guilin

A fair point from Roger. Given the two are only an hour apart now with a new highway in place, it doesn't present a big problem though. Also, Guilin doesn't really have a language school, casual employment scene- there's a handful of regular colleges and that's about it, unless things have changed recently. Some of the people at the end of the links I mentioned should be able to advise our poster; English is widely understood in the town.

woza17 · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 602 Location: china

My company is having a Summer camp, 12000RMB food and board for 4 weeks.
Regards Carol

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

[quote="jg"]Hello,

skyline5k · Joined: 26 May 2003 Posts: 57 Location: Tangshan, Hebei

I can't help you in short-term employment, but I can suggest some places to go in Jinan. That's where I am now.

Lan Gui Fang on Wen Hua Dong Lu is a good foreigner hangout, as is Pyramid (same street.) Jenny's is at the corner of Wen Hua Dong Lu and Li Shan Lu. If you're not familiar with any of the Chinese, ask the people around you. If worse comes to worse, ask about Shandong Teachers University. It's in the middle of all of that. Just say "Shan Shi." Have fun in Jinan! It's a good city. Don't let anyone dissuade you. Everyone comes back to Jinan.

jg · Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2003 8:27 am Post subject:

Hello,

Thanks again to all the people who gave me the original info, just thought I would revive this post to see if anyone had any new suggestions for me.

I am here in Jinan, about two weeks shy of leaving. Jinan is nice enough, but I am still wanting to look around. I have a foreign experts visa thats good until next summer, and so that part is taken care of...

Anyone know anything about Kunming, or Chengdu? I have been hearing that 3 month dealies might not be that difficult to come by, but I am curious about the names of some schools themselves. I like warm weather, or at least mild.

I also would appreciate any info about finding places to stay in a city you might recommend for short term work - roommates are not my thing. Doesn't have to be top-shelf, just reasonably sanitary. This time of year I am even willing to do without air-conditioning. If I had to have a roommate, well then... how are locals in some places about cheaping letting out a room for a little moola or for the odd English lesson? Or is that asking for trouble?

Thanks in advance.

J