Job Discussion Forums

[Robert0007]

Does anybody know anything about some good schools in Guangzhou?
I plan on going down there next month to find something. I am currently in Zhejiang province now.
I am from Canada and have taught english for 2 years now.

I would appreciate any info in Guangzhou.
Thanks.

[wailing_imam]

Don't do it!

The city is absolutely awful. I am in Guangzhou now, and the pollution is revolting. There are people sleeping rough all over the place. It is basically just crap. Good dim sum though...

If it's good weather you're after, head to Fujian.

[scorch]

I think Guangzhou is great. It has three distinct advantages. The first is
that it has warm weather. None of the brutal, cold winters, which is important to me. The second is that it has all the amenities that can make life comfortable, such as good restaurants, shopping, nightlife and
public transportation. The third is location. You are close to Hong Kong,
Macao and Zhuhai. These are great spots for a weekend getaway. Also,
Hong Kong is a gateway to other SE Asian nations like the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, etc. This is very convenient. No place in China, like no
place in the world, is perfect. But I have been all over China and for the
long term, Guangzhou seems to me to be the place to be.

[Mister Al]

It's been a 4 years since I was in Gz but I loved it there. Hot, steamy days and hot steamy nights. Good beer, the best food in all of China and close to HK etc.

As for schools there are plenty, Canpac, EF etc etc...it's a huge city. Just look around. Get to now some folk..check out What's on Guangzhou magazine-and it's on-line as well I think

Good luck

[prof]

Great food.

Lots of nightlife.

[Steppenwolf]

Been here for several years and am dreaming now of uprooting myself and transplanting me to cleaner, greener pastures!

The city has grown to a monster size, attracting hobos from the whole country. The good thing for TEFLers is that a city with over 7 million inhabitants also has a commensurate number of training centres and public schools that hire teachers.

Judging by the previous replies many have come here and gone away; the attraction of Guangzhou leads to a certain saturation on the TEFL job market. I would caution against too romantic expectations! Job security is not too great as training centres can easily dispose of you - and they do. Most are cowboy outfits - the standard promise is that they pay "150 kiuai an hour", which they mean in a literal sense: unless your periods have 60 minutes you will be paid considerably less (amounting to an average of 100 kuai per period, a lot of dead time unremunerated and long hours on the road).

I also would compare local residents - both natives and migrants - as unbelievably boorish, aggressive and unfriendly.

Yes, Guangzhou has many amenities that other cities cannot offer, a sizeable international resident community (Africans and Near-Easterners are fast outnumbering westerners!), a lively restaurant scene (we have now several Arab restaurants, African bars, hip cafes and excellent delicatessens - but remember if you have no money you are worth zero here!

[joey2001]