Job Discussion Forums

[Foxkorea]

OK, it's a vague question. But here's my situation.

I'm looking for a mid- to long-term commitment in China (3-5 years). That doesn't necessarily mean that 1 job has to last for that long. But I'd like to select the "right" city for me and base myself there.

I'm 48, male, married. The wife and I are both credentialed and experienced teachers. I've worked in US and Korean universities. She's not particularly interested in getting a teaching job. She's Korean-American, so we're looking at some places with a Korean population.

I'm not too keen on the long, hot, humid, summers. So I'm shying away from Shanghai and GuangZhou. I really like the way Qingdao sounds. What about Dalian, Yantai, Wehei, or Tianjin? I'd like to be near the coast, have a bit of space in the apartment, and make a bit of money on the side.

Your feedback is appreciated, and I'll continue my research.

[Non Sequitur]

Of the two I've taught in - Dalian and Qingdao - I'd go with Qingdao - especially if you can get accom and job near the seafront. There is a nice cooling breeze that kicks in about 2-3pm in summer. Bit like what Perth people call the 'Freemantle Doctor'.
It's about 50 mins by air Qingdao to Beijing and about 4 hours by the high speed train, so easy to get around if you can jiggle your teaching schedule to having Mondays or Fridays free. IMHO Beijing is a place you would go to only to be able to say 'Been there, done that, got the teeshirt'. Otherwise it's lungbusting.
Yantai is coastal Shandong and within short ferry ride of Dalian. I think it's 3rd level provincial so amenities may not be up to Qingdao standard.
There is a thriving expat association in Qingdao and I expect there will be a Korean component. Google 'Qingdao expat' and you'll get something.
Overall what you avoid in summer heat you get back in winter cold. But I wasn't bothered by humidity in Dalian or Qingao.

[seamallowance]

Avoid Weishan!

[jimpellow]

I think you have done your homework. Qingdao is the best city IMHO in terms of quality of life. For job opportunities Qingdao or Dalian, though the competition is fiercer in Qingdao as many expats want to live there. Weihai and Yintai are a little boring and have fewer schools. Don't know Dalian, though I know some teachers who worked there with mixed feelings. In terms of side work, I know all (not sure about Yintai) have large Korean populations looking for tutors for their kids. I know there are not many teachers in Weihai, so your wife could network a bit and you could get all the side work you wanted there. Good luck!