Job Discussion Forums

[Cubism]

Thank you...! Anything about Wuhan, too -- just [b]information.[/b]

[YAMARI]

I know a lot about wuhan but little about the university you mentioned. Do they want you to teach or are you looking at studying acupuncture or something.

Wuhan is an interesting place if you want a real Chinese experience. Hubei women are very hot as well. Problem is Wuhan is really bad air quality and the universities are still paying the same stupid wages they paid 5 years before. Jobs that should be paying 7-9000 are still offering 4000. Prices in Wuhan have gone up a lot in the last 5 years as well but those wages stay the same for some reason.

[Cubism]

The recruiter I'm working with for Wuhan says "The school..." The school wants me to go in on a tourist visa because class started today. What do you think about that?

I started looking elsewhere... survival stuff Sent out one cv already
It's so late in the year that I'm trying to curb my perfectionist tendency, though. Advice?

Thanks for writing

[Cairnsman]

Formerly called Hubei College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (recently upgraded to university status).

Ranked no: 23 out of 75 �medicine� universities.

Student population includes 1,000 foreign students (that�s impressive).

Located in Hongshan district of Wuhan (wherever that is).

Working on an �L� visa, even for a month and even for a reputable government university, is illegal but not, in my view, very risky. I liken the situation to driving a car without a licence � if you get caught, then you�re in trouble. However, unless you mess up and draw (Police) attention to yourself, the chance of getting caught by a random check (assuming that you�re going to live on campus) must be very minimal. No doubt, other forum members will challenge my viewpoint!

The issue you should clarify, in writing, is who will pay for your trip to Hong Kong to get a �Z� visa if the university is unable to convince the local PBS to convert your �L� visa.

By the by, I know someone in a similar situation to you. To protect themselves and also to give themselves some degree of flexibility should things go pear-shaped after they arrive at their new school, they are firstly landing in Hong Kong. They are going to get an �F� visa through Forever Bright Trading Company � hand in your passport by 2:00 pm and collect it at noon the following day � Monday to Friday.

[Cubism]

Thank you; really kind.

I'm not too crazy about Wuhan -- I hear it's expensive and hot. However, I do like teaching doctors. Interesting work.

[dean_a_jones]

Wuhan is not expensive, especially when compared to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong etc. Hongshan is in Wuchang, which is full of Universities so lots of cheap food etc. Of course, 'expensive' has a lot to do with lifestyle choices, rather than general costs of goods and services.

Wuhan is very hot in the summer, and cold in the winter. Your flat should have an aircon that doubles as a heater, but a lot of public places (school classrooms, restaurants etc) only use these in the summer, so it can be bitterly cold in the winter months.

Would agree with Yamari that Wuhan is a good place for an interesting Chinese experience, it has a fair number of foreigners but most are residents (students and teachers mostly) rather than tourists. It makes it a less international city. If Shanghai is like New York or London, then Wuhan is more like Boston or Manchester. It is up to you to decide if that is your thing.

As for the visa, you are a bit late in coming, so the tourist visa thing is not as much a surprise, I have seen it happen here a number of times. Would say you should assume you will have to pay for the HK run if you need to do it, whatever anyone says otherwise, though you will probably be able to claim it back via annual travel allowance. If on the other hand they do actually pay you for it, lucky you. As always, the worst case scenario is them not giving you the right visa (or treating your coming over as some kind of interview). Always a risk, but I would guess in this case the timing is probably the reason, rather than this.

[Mallaien]

When I have been investigating schools on the internet I have spotted something to look out for.

If the school has any pictures that show students in a classroom, and they are all wearing winter jackets during a lesson, you could assume a few things about that school.

1) they are too cheap to heat the classrooms.
2) the climate might be unpredictable, and they were not prepared.
3) It's a new Chinese fashion statement.

[Lamentations]

That is a wonderful observation.

I enjoy living in China as well as observing the "cultural differences". The weather/body tempature issue is always fascinating.

I'm walking around in shorts and sweating profusely while the students are wearing pants and jackets. When I turn on the fan they claim it is too cold, yet in the winter they open the window. Perhaps they should take their jackets off, but then they might be cold!

[Mallaien]

I believe what your talking about is Climate acclimation.
I grew up north of Chicago, and they have a good reason its called the windy city, and the winters are not always nice. After living there during to first 22 years of my life, I moved to a city outside of LA, California. I was in shorts and a tee shirt in the middle of December, but after 2 years, my body had adjusted.

One of the School pictures I had seen, had students not only in large puffy winter jackets, they also sported scarves and knit hat's. It didn't look like they were just chilly.

[Cubism]

This comes as a shock and I'm glad you told me. I was planning to bring autumn-weight stuff, but now it's sweaters and a jacket. Really surprised.
Thank you for the info about the area, too.

[Big Poppa Pump]

There is a 3 hour speed train from Wuhan to Guangzhou. From there it is a hop and a skip to Hong Kong. I'm fairly sure you'll be heading that way soon if you take the job to get your visa converted to a Z-class visa.

Sometimes you gotta love this whole 2 nations, 1 government deal. Reminds me of the 2 girl.. err anyway.


I wouldn't worry about the L visa too much. As it is easy enough to get to Hong Kong from Wuhan.

I live a couple hours away from Wuhan by train. Climate in Hubei is hot and sticky in the summer, colder than death warmed over in the winter. A good warm jacket is a must. My Carhat is my best friend come every winter around here. I put a hoodie on under it and I'm good to go for most days.

[Niederbom]

This is kind of funny. They are in a rush to hire because I backed out of the job at the last minute when I found out there was an 11 p.m. curfew. Watch out. Talk to former foreign teachers like I did.

[Cubism]

Oh, that was funny...I needed that HK stuff.

An 11 pm curfew: It's too late to do anything about it now. But Nieder: I do want to get good housing (an upper floor). What would you suggest I do, to whom would I speak to get this nailed down? thank you. Cubism