Life in Shanghai

hi there...im new here and just done with my TESOL cert.
can you guys share with me the environment and safety in china to be teacher there. Currently im applying few places and China one of it.

would be appreciate if you guys can share the lifestyle there.

Thanks,
Aruna.

Hi Aruna,
So you have chosen China. There are a lot to consider before you make the decision because employment here differs from place to place, school to school, etc. Schools that are close to large cities (Beijing, Shanghai) usually pay higher than those in smaller cities but if the city is highly industrialized then pollution comes with it. Also most larger city employer will not provide accommodation but will help with your rent. It is up to you to look for a place to stay and you are expected to pay 3 months in advance. Also chances are, you may need to commute from your apartment to the school and that could cost you. Consider the topography as well coz weatherwise, if you get an offer close to Siberia, weather could be severe.

I am working in Western Sichuan province which could be humid in the summer but winters can get no lower than 3 degrees. The city is not very large although as expected, all Chinese cities are heavily populated. The city is less industrialized so pollution is insignificant. Accommodation is provided and I live inside the school campus...at the "teachers' apartments" which is a plus. During school days, our food is provided for free at the school restaurant...and my, can they cook! My salary is not as high as those in large cities but it's pretty decent. English teachers here are in demand (coz there's not many of us here) so when locals learn of your presence, they will seek you and arrange for some private tutoring and a know-how on teaching IELTS/TOEFL Preparation could be your "pot of gold" or as our school director calls, a "cash cow". Right now, a university is waiting for my commitment to teach IELTS preparation to its students.

Is Mandarin difficult to learn?Are there Western tv cable providers? What is the cotract siuation generous or ....Is there a big culture shock...gap?The visa situation has it settled..it was a bit rocky a while ago In remembe rsomeone saying the Police or soldiers make you produce your passport when boarding a train

Is Mandarin difficult to learn?Are there tv cable providers? What is the cotract siuation generous or ....Is there a big culture shock...gap?The visa situation has it settled..it was a bit rocky a while ago In remembe rsomeone saying the Police or soldiers make you produce your passport when boarding a train

Hi Dave,
I really do apologize a million times for not sending you a quick reply. I remember you were on your way to China in late spring and inquired about similar things...what happened? You did not get the job? Where are you now then? The answers to your questions depend on so many factors. Learning Mandarin may be easy for some but challenging to others. Local co-teachers from my school is trying to persuade me to study Mandarin but I think I am one of those hopeless ones. Chinese words are usually heavily accented and if accented incorrectly, it could mean something else. My attempts have brought my class into hysterical laughter. Also culture shock could depend from individual to individual. I lived, worked, and studied with a lot of Chinese people in Canada so culture change is maybe only half-shocking for me. Regarding the "visa situation" I have not heard of any difficulty worth noting. I also don't have any idea about the military or police asking for your passport when you board the train.

Well I have only just got my duplicate Degree Certificate...unfortunately the uni wasn't too hot on Customer Service..well I have to admit I went to my local Chinese Restaurant for compu;sory chopsticks practice every Sunday an d still go there..believe it I didn't want to b e"the odd man out" maybe I will still make it after that debacle in Shenzen I haven't been scared off I have just been drawn to Russia like a moth to the flame recently but a sMc Arthur said "I shall return!"

Hi Dave,

I would like to know if you are interested in working here. We have an urgent need for one more ESL teacher and for some reason, the task to find that teacher falls on me and I can think of anybody else. It is really urgent...as in ASAP...or hurry up if you're interested. Please send me an email at dovilleis@yahoo.ca for more details. Here, it's a smaller city (relatively speaking) and pollution is minimal PLUS apartment is provided..a nice one. Please think about it.