Job Discussion Forums

[MoggIntellect]

Hi veterans!

By this time next week I will be on Chinese soil (Lanzhou, China to be exact). Before I go, I was hoping some of those who have had experience in China, could let me know of two things.

A) Anything I should bring that I cannot find in China (Lanzhou)?

B) Anything I should know before I go... either any "look out for", or "don't do".

I saw a thread similar to this but it had to do merely with medicine... so I thought it was important, not only for selfish reasons, but also for others who might be in the same position, to go over a broader spectrum.

[Roger]

It's too vague a question, open-ended really! What are you concerned about?

Life in China?
Bring a lot of humour, which some interpret as meaning that you should have the gift of self-deprecation. Don't forget, you are going to be a sore thumb in a homogeneous, chauvinistically-self-consicous environment.
Make allowances for different time and respect concepts. Time in the Chinese mind is that you have to be on time though the Chinese always come late! (Don't be late for class, though the school may be late paying your dues).
Don't argue with your Chinese side - remember, "Rule no. 1: We Chinese are always right, and Rule no. 2: Should we erroneously be seen as to be wrong, Rule no. 1 comes into effect..."

In a nutshell: Patience and equanimity will stand you in good stead!

I do not know why you chose LANZHOU of all places! My advice for you would be to bring with you anything intellectually stimulating - the city is not going to be that! It is one of the least attractive ones in this country. Pollution is a serious problem.
And, winter will be pretty cold. Lanzhou is situated in the temperate zone, but relatively high!
The rewards include proximity to Tibetan-inhabited districts and towns, a life rather different from that in coastal China - a kind of living in a socialist utopian time warp.

[MoggIntellect]

Roger,

I have just finished working here in Canada for a Chinese boss, and I know exactly what you mean. Even something overtly his fault, something not even in any way connected with myself, would come down to my fault.... "Why didn't you warn/remind/tell me, etc." Of course on the flip side anything I did with my own mind and without any help would be claimed as his triumph. So I understand that part of they are always right and I will always be wrong.

Why Lanzhou? I have no idea. My first job out of the gate. They were desperate for teachers and I guess I'm a sucker for desperation.

I know it isn't a cultural Mecca, but I figured it would be a change of pace. The city has 3 million people, so it can't be all that dead... or can it? And if worse comes to worse, I can always count down the days. I will consider it a tour of duty.

[gerard]

Hello MI-----Last night some Chinese teachers invited me out for beer and kebabs. By "out" I mean across the street to an outdoor stall. After eating and drinking for a while I began to shake and sweat. I excused myself and ran across the street and was violently ill. I then spent the night in the can thinking I would be laid up for a week at least. Strangely though I am OK now. I guess the lesson is watch meat on a stick sold by farmers in dusty areas of China. Not to scare you though---1st time its happened and I eat everything.

I think you should do the following...Do what is difficult to do here. See an optometrist if you wear glasses---see a dentist and see a doctor if anything is bothering you. Buy books and deodorant and Tylenol...Thats what I did anyway...Good luck...

[killian]

you are gonna get sick. diahrrhea will be an irregular companion. china has a different universe of germs than back home. what to do? immerse slowly, if possible. keep your hygene up. wash hands, bowls, food more frequently.

bring books and books and books to read. who knows when you'll find a bookstore. chinese tv, any tv can get real stale real quick.

[lclaroche]

Lanzhou, eh?
While I can't address the first part of your question, I'll add 2c to Lanzhou-
even though I only passed through there years ago, it was the most interesting city I'd visited (mind you, though, the competition!) I loved the food, the camels tramping through downtown, the cute little Hui, an occassional Tibetan (while you're there, get away as much as possible, YOU MUST GO TO XIAHE!!!)
a few years later I read that it topped the list of the most polluted city IN THE WORLD!!! Kinda hard to believe, but I guess the cold, the altitude, the valley it's all add up to an atmospheric nightmare. But it IS an interesting city...

But now I'm wondering- I got an offer from a Uni in Lanzhou just last week. Is it the same place? you should post an update on how it is.

[MoggIntellect]

Yeah, that must be the same place. I have already taken a job and signed a contract and booked my ticket, so I will find out how it is. If you're interested give me a shout in a month and I will let you know how it is... mind you this is my first position, so it is likely to be a skewed view.

[khmerhit]

When you get fed up, try Cambodia. It's not far away. And there are lots of Chinese there, if you can't do without em (I can.) Fortunately, they are not on their home territory in Cambodia, though they act like they are, so you dont have to put up with too much of their nonsense. Good luck anyway.

[gerard]

Stop!!!