Job Discussion Forums

[2m01z]

Please name your city and why you like it? Would you rather live in another city?

[sistercream]

Currently in Macau SAR, which is so small it wouldn't even be a 4th tier city north of the Border Gate.
I like it because it's compact, easy to get around, there's a large range of expats here, not just TEFLers, product availability is good, food is even better, wine is cheap, it's a duty-free port, registered teachers get free medical care (and the government health care system WORKS, without application of bribes) - or you can go private to avoid waiting lists, electricity is reliable, and when it feels TOO small I can get to China mainland within 30 minutes or to Hong Kong in 75.

Of the mainland cities I'm familiar with, I enjoyed Xining and Zhuhai the most (but Xining is growing/ changing so fast that I wouldn't like to comment on what it's like nearly 5 years after I left).

Least favorite of the cities I know has to be Shenzhen.

If I move anywhere else in greater China, my choice would be either Hong Kong or one of the older areas of Guangzhou.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

I live an a small city near Shenyang.

Pros:

- Been here a long time so used to it and know where everything is.

- I make a good wage.

- Four seasons. As a Canadian I can get my summer, winter, fall and spring.


Cons:

- Can count the number of forigners on one hand. This can also be a pro, but I count it is a con because you end up making 'friendships' or at least a passing relationship with people you would never back at home and personalities and lifestyles often clash.

- Much more expensive than other small cities.

- People here don't know how to react when they see a foreigner, and go all goo-goo ga-ga like a child at Disneyland seeing Mickey Mouse.

- Hard to find certain products.

[knight4ever]

Shenzhen.

Weather is hot and humid but I consider that a plus. I'm from Florida and the heat here doesn't bother me at all. The landscape and greenery are wonderful. Being close to HK puts me within reach of all the western items I enjoy back home.

The people here are not necessarily rude but they're not warm. One of my students said the people in Shenzhen are indifferent. Couldn't agree more. If you're a single guy, finding a girlfriend is not a problem at all unless you're quasimodo or just hate women.

As far as jobs go, schools and language mills are hiring all the time here.