Job Discussion Forums

[Eagle's Nest]

Hello all,

Well, to begin with, my wife and I, retired Canadians, are going to accept teaching jobs in China (location yet to be determined as we have a number of offers from various universities to consider). We have offers from:
a) Jinan University
b) Hunan University of Science and Technology in Xiangtan
c) ZhangZhou Institute of Technology
d) Xuchang University
e) Chongqing College of Information Engineering
f) Changzhou Institute of Technology
g) Gannan Normal University

Which ones do I stay away from and which one's are considered better from a FE's point of view.

Now for some critical information about living in China that we want help with ... (also posted in the non-job related China forum).
1. Electrical stuff .... 110 or 220 or what? Also if 110, do we need an adaptor so that curling irons and such from Canada can actually be plugged in? (We have the stuff as we have travelled to Europe)
2. Shaving ... currently I use these disposable guillette or schick blades. Are these available in China? What is the normal way of keeping one's face clean?
3. Coffee ... can one purchase ground coffee to perk in one's own kitchen? I noted that instant coffee is available (pricey).
4. Bedding ... I hear it can get quite cool/cold in one's apartment. Can one buy a duvet in China or a warm quilt?
5. Pharmacy products ... what can I expect? What would I have to bring from home (We aren't brand-name people).

Okay, I guess this is a start and I am sure that I will have MANY more questions to ask so that we go to China with a bit of awareness of what we are doing.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Robert

[kev7161]

1. Yes, bring an adaptor, but you can buy most major electronic products here as well (curling irons, blow dryers, etc.)

2. Shaving cream can be pricey here so bring a couple of cans. However, you can get any shaving apparatus here for not too much (can't figure out why Gillette shaving blades are priced "okay" here, but their cream is astronomical!) - - - disposable or otherwise.

3. Plenty of coffee choices - - you can even pick up a bag at Starbucks if you are so inclined. It also can be quite expensive, so be wary.

4. Bedding is absolutely no problem. You can get duvets EVERYWHERE during the season - - usually for little money, depending where you buy. Last time I was in the states, I bought a couple of fitted bottom sheets (queen-sized, for my sort-of-queen-sized bed). I couldn't seem to find those anywhere.

5. A modern pharmacy will have Bayer products, Tylenol products, etc. However, I suggest you bring along items that you are very comfortable with. For example: Alka-Seltzer. I don't need it often, but it's nice to have when I do. I found some sort of powdered product here that is supposed to combat the same maladies, but it just tasted wretched and wasn't nearly like what I was expecting. So, antacids are hard to come by here. I suggest stocking up at your local pharmacy first, then you can search for items here when you start to run out.

[Eagle's Nest]

Kevin,

Thanks for the tips. It is this type of communication that I was hoping would be found here.

cheers,
Robert

[Yu]

One thing to keep in mind is that the jobs you are considering are all over China. Kev is probably speaking about what he finds commonly in Hangzhou/Suzhou which are both close to Shanghai and have some of these things.

I pretty much agree with what Kevin said. As far as tolietries, you wont have problems locating soap, shampoo, etc. The only thing I have not found is a good nail poilsh remover (like Cutex). I clean my face the same way I did in the US. I am not sure about the avaliability of dental floss. I brought enough from the US to last for 5 years at the rate I use it, so I have not paid attention. I also stocked up on the OTC medicine I find works for me. But I did run out of cold medicine and found a chinese substitute that works great.

In addition to blankets, I highly reccommend a electric blanket for warming your bed at night (not sleeping with it on, but getting warm).

I do not know anything about the universities you have listed. Never heard of any of them.

[7969]

[tofuman]

Important items:

Good socks and underwear
Razor/razors of choice
Dental floss

Shoes. Problem here is that the lasts used by local shoemakers are too small for Western feet. It can be difficult to find shoes that fit properly.

A good laptop computer with the programs that you use. Many schools offer low end computers with Chinese software only.

An electronic English dictionary

A Palm with the "Pleco" Chinese software if you are interested in language learning.

Lonely Planet and or Rough Guide Mandarin phrase book.

Pimsleur Mandarin language audio if interested in language learning.
***

Winter clothes are plentiful and relatively inexpensive here.

Electric blankets to sleep upon are abundant, inexpensive, and work well. Save your money and space in your luggage.