Job Discussion Forums

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

The Olympics in Beijing are about to begin as I'm sure surprises none of you. I bring it up to point out how much attention will be placed on the China forums over the next many weeks. A lot of people have been drawn to China, for good or bad, over the last several years that I've been posting and writing on this forum, to that country under mostly the idea that the 2008 Olympics changes everything. Now that we're here, I'll be most interested to see how this pans out...

...clearly, the Olympics will be a great affair. But what will come of the whole EFL industry there after?

Let's find out. Go Canada!

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

MO39 · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 3:06 am Post subject:

I've gotten into the habit of checking out what's going on China on the China Off-Topic board here at Dave's. Why aren't I shocked to learn that the Chinese government isn't living up to the promises it made when the IOC gave it the right to stage this year's Summer Olympics?

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

What's the job scene like in China now? I'm imagining everything on hold at the moment. And after Olympics?

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

For teachers working legally, not much of a change. In Beijing in particular, many teachers working illegally. Many summer schools had to shut down or cancel classes due to lack of foreigners. I will be very curious how IELTS is finding enough people.

They say that everything will go back to "normal", which I find doubtful. How often does a bureaucracy acquire new powers, and then willingly give it up. Some benefits, many foreigners perhaps should have been asked to leave. But many foreigners doing business in Beijing have not been able to continue their business. Many quality inspectors have not been able to come to China (like Mattel Toys)
Worst is for the local people. The poorest of course drive cars and trucks that pollute more. These have been absolutely forbidden to enter beijing. Trucks that would bring in farm produce, etc. I am curious how that will stand up for the next month ot two. Many restaurants have shut down. Power is being concentrated in the hands of a very few. Just read an article that only one Pharmaceutical company will be allowed to supply over the counter meds .. for the safety of those coming to China, of course. That company will have its monopoly for a long time.

But I am sure the olympics themselves will go off very well. I heard that 30% of the factories ( at least) are now closed in Beijing and the surrounding counties, to ensure clean air.Can you imagine trying to do that in the West?

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

It's a circus as usual...and it's just warming up -Wait till all those media networks, who've paid heaps of money, find out how restricted their movement is !
Beijing, has as long as I've known,has been an armpit to work ESL, in light of the fact that it should be an international head.