Job Discussion Forums

Crimmy · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 3

My wife and I are planning to teach English in China for a year or two while we improve our Mandarin skills. We both have Bachelors Degrees and I have a TESOL certificate.

One of the teachers at our University runs a school in Shijiazhuang and wants us to teach there. He'll pay us each 4500RMB for the first 6 months, and 6000RMB+ the rest of the time we're there. Of course housing and work visas are provided as well.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the nightlife in that city. I spent 6 weeks in Tianjin over the summer and I really liked it. We don't want to commit to a city that has no entertainment.

TreKidation · Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 108

I don't go for the concept of an increase in salary every few months or such. I don't go for the idea of a lower salary during the probation period. They are clearly trying to scam you to save money ... demand a proper yearly salary.

Shan-Shan · Joined: 28 Aug 2003 Posts: 1074 Location: electric pastures

Shijiazhuang = dump. But this being China, the dumpiness of Shijiazhuang is relative. Tianjin is, too, is a hole but does attract people.

flutterbayou · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 244

It's a dirty, polluted city, and more than a year ago I claimed that the quality of air would probably harm a child's overall health . To apply a term loosely, Caveat Emptor

Crimmy · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 3

Thanks for the tips; I suppose we'll keep looking around.

flutterbayou · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 244

Crimmy,

North East Normal University in Changchun has a VERY nice Mandarin program, and the city of Changchun is alway s looking for teachers, full-time or part-time.

The winters are cold but it's a pretty city with a nice international flavor these past few years. And there are many days of blue skies, too, if environment means anything to you.