Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Warhammer820]

[northway]

[radcon]

[Oreovictim]

[Ribena]

[Ribena]

[CaliUSA]

Question for you, Ribena, since you've brought up the issue of ignorance of other countries. You write, "Do you think its a good idea to listen to anyone who claims that any country is full of 'ugly women'(unless they are talking about America)?" I'm wondering if you're implicitly coding "America[ns]" as white people. As a matter of fact, the USA is composed of blacks, hispanics, asians, whites, native americans...all of whom consider themselves fully "American"...it's a multiracial country. So when you indicate that it's a good idea to listen to someone who says American women are ugly, do you mean to slander all of these women of various races? Just wondering.

[radcon]

[edwardcatflap]

[demitri]

This thread has turned into nonsense.

[seansmith]

Having lived in both Seoul and Shanghai - and living in Shanghai now - I'd say hands down Shanghai is much nicer. It's like comparing Buffalo to New York. But you don't notice that about Shanghai on a brief visit - all the best places are down lanes, behind a wall, behind a restaurant. The mix of European and Chinese architecture, the tree lined streets of the French Concession, 1920's mansions with outdoor garden patios - Seoul has nothing like it. Really, these places make Apgujeong look shabby and Itaewon post-apocalyptic. It's a far more diverse and cosmopolitan city, with 100,000 western expats from all over North America and Europe. About 80% are here for business and many have families, which creates a much different vibe than the U.S. soldier/ESL teacher demographic that dominates Seoul.

Unlike other posters, I thought the pollution was about the same. There's far less xenophobia in Shanghai than Seoul, which means you can show affection to your Chinese gf in public and not get death stares or other hostile reactions. The Chinese are essentially focused on money and getting ahead. Compared to Seoul there is more competition for the good ESL jobs as the Chinese are not as English crazy as the Koreans. Still, if you have a CELTA and experience there are jobs for 12,000 - 16,000 rmb per month at schools like EF, Wall Street, and Web. Once you get the coveted full-time Z Visa, you can work at other part-time jobs: unlike in Korea no one, whether its your employer or immigration - cares. Believe it or not, in some ways it's more "free" than Korea. Be warned that working for Chinese management can be frustrating. Try to get a western boss or AD if you can.

[demitri]

[quote]schools like EF, Wall Street, and Web[/quote]

Sean, thanks for the mature response. I actually received a couple offers from these schools. Would you recommend them? Sorry, can't PM at the moment.

[seansmith]

My friend worked for Web up in Baoshan, 30 minutes north of downtown Shanghai, and it was a nightmare. While trying to renew his Z visa, the new HR staffer there asked him: "What's the difference between a Passport and a Visa?" (Has to be one of my favourite Chinese work anecdotes). They would parcel out 5 A4 pieces of paper for photocopying for a class of 10. Then again, a different Web location might be better.

I've had several friends work previously at Wall Street, and they said it was okay, especially when you're landing in Shanghai for the first time. They worked there for 2 or 3 years. EF is also legitimate. Of course it helps if you accept that the overriding concern of a language school in China is profit first, education second. Yes with Korean Hogwans that's also true, but in Shanghai even more so. I would do the usual thing of trying to speak to or have email exchanges with teachers currently at the school.

[Ribena]

[rayray123]