Why China?

[otago]

As a 'golden oldie' from Dunedin, New Zealand I have been doing the spade work on the web whilst looking for a teaching position in Korea or China. I am a littled puzzled when comparing Korea (salary wise, airfare paid, accommodation supplied, 50% medical cover, paid holidays and so on) with China. Why would anyone go to China? I understand that in both countries ESL teaching jobs appear to be like 'swimming with sharks' but I wonder if anyone can enlighten me as to why China should be considered?

[kdavid]

A lot of it depends on what your goals are. I can only speak from my own personal experience and thoughts. They go like this....

1. I entered the TESOL field mainly to learn a 2nd language that would offer job security in the future. Chinese is arguably the #1 language to learn for someone wanting job security in the future as a translator / interpreter.

2. Outside of the hectic mega cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, the cost of living in China is super dirt cheap. One can easily save 75% of their income in China, while more modern Asian countries cannot always afford this (perhaps those in Japan or Korea could elaborate on their savings plans?)

3. Because there is such a high demand for native-English speakers, benefits are often much better in China than other Asian countries. Free private furnished apartments, free meals, health care, transportation to and from class, free language classes, a flexible schedule, etc.

4. The mystery of China. How many people do you personally know that have traveled to China? The media in the West (or at least in the US) tends to focus on China quite a lot, therefore piquing everyone's curiosity. Honestly, I wanted to come see what all the fuss was about, and damn glad I have.

Just a few reasons here. When I think of more I'll make sure to post them.