China: Best places. . . worst?

I'm a new TESOL graduate, and I'm interested in going to China. I've heard about the big cities' pollution problem, as well as the filth around the country in general. I'm not expecting it to be like Canada, but I'm not sure, with all my options, what area would be a good place to start. Does anyone have ideas or know of good reliable websites, etc?

Hi Nicole,

I'm currently teaching in Hong Kong and I go to mainland ocassionally (Shenzhen). I haven't been to other parts of China yet so I can't tell you much about it. There's no doubt that China is the fastest growing country in the world.Pollution is a global problem.Every big city you go to,you come across problems like that.I know some people who is teaching or have taught in China and they loved it.Diverse culture,interesting people and food,simple lifestyle,just to name a few.China is one of the most amazing places you'll ever go to.Don't let the pollution hold you back.

Mandy

Hi Nicole,

I graduated from Global TESOL in 2004, and have now lived and worked in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China for two years. I love it here - though there is definitely a lot of pollution, all the amazing experience I've had more then make up for it. There is nowhere else in the world quite like China. Some cities are better then others, but honestly - I don't think you should make your decision on where to live and teach based on pollution levels. Start with deciding what kind of experiences you want to get out of your time here - where you want to travel, what you want to see, how comfortable you are with limited comforts of home - then go from there. In the larger cities you have most comforts of home, in the smaller cities you won't. But in the smaller cities you will experience more culture and authentic Chinese life then you will in say Beijing or Shanghai. Weigh the options, then go for it! And good luck:)

Have been working in Sichuan in a city of about 8 million for two years, and the pollution level is a concern - if you have asthma or other respiratory health problems you will want to avoid big cities or industrial areas. (I hear Beijing is even worse, though I have only been there briefly.) Some friends of mine have had to leave due to these conditions. That said, I don't see China as a filthy place and am quite happy living here.

Hey, I just started working here in Wuhan CHina, and although it was a huge shock at first, It's not so bad. I've heard it's pretty similar all over china. No matter where you go, you're going to feel the culture shock. We are very spoiled in Canada with regards to cleanliness etc, due mainly to the fact that for such a large country, our population is relatively small.
I would recomend buying a mask if you're going into the big cities and want to avoid being affected by the smog, it's not so bad here in Wuhan though.

:)

Nicole
Just returned from 3 years in China working all over from Jinan and east, south etc. 10 different cities.

Ask and I will help.

darrelldorsay@yahoo.ca

I am a graduate of the Global TESOL College in Edmonton.
I do not have a University degree.
I taught English in Taiwan for four months using an extended visitors Visa.
I saw your positing about the New Jordan school in Wuhan, China.
You seem to be pleased with your choice of employment.
Please respond to my message.
I would like to apply for an employment opportunity there if one is currently available.

Thank you.

The above message was directed to Tricia in Wuhan, China.

Hey Gerald, yes I am quite pleased with New Jordan. A few teachers that have worked for New Jordan had unpleasant experiences, but their have been new hires in upper management and so it's much better now. You can email me if you like.

tri_cia@msn.com

Hi i am Sandor. i have been to south korea and china to teach english. it was fun like hell there. i travelled and made many friends. i am from canada. i want to go to asia again. i noticed that the schools dont pay for air fare these days. in 2002 it was easy to get a job in korea, i went to work later in jiaozuo it was great there. i like the night life in Asia.