When I first came to China to teach in August '94, I signed up for four semsters. Then I moved to another college, and did likewise. In '98, I did likewise again. However, from then on, I changed my approach as regards teaching contracts. I signed either for 1 semester or for 2 semesters, and always moved on, never wishing to request a renewal. Coincidentally, I've shed 2 wives in that same period, but my present one is the real deal, and has been so for nigh on a decade. As for finding the perfect workplace here in China, I haven't found it yet, and I guess I never will! I'm a backpacker extraordinaire. China is the perfect country to teach for those like me.

Strictly speaking not a university (was formerly known as Huaiyin Teachers College), in Huaian City, Jiangsu Province.

For a change, a post with no bad words to say. I actually found this position to be exactly what was offered. Sure, Huaian is no Beijing or Shanghai, but it is developing fairly quickly. If you don't mind not being in a metropolis type city then you can't really go wrong here.

The admin pretty much just let you get on with things in your own way, and do not trouble you at all (as long as you approach the job in a professional way - i.e, be punctual, etc). They are friendly and helpful, and the pay is always on time. I teach oral English in twenty 40-minute lessons each week for 4800 RMB a month. I very rarely get asked to do anything else, and am left to prepare lessons in my own time at home. The apartment is free, as is electricity, gas, water, and internet connection. You will be expected to pay if you want to use the telephone landline, and also for food. I find I am able to save the majority of that 4800 each month.

You may be asked to teach Oral English, Written English, or Teaching English classes. These last 2 terms I have been teaching Oral English classes only. The term before that I had some Written English classes too. There are also positions for French teachers. Any Canadians reading can double as both English and French teachers.

The classrooms are not state of the art, but are adequate enough. If you teach English majors then you will have to rely on blackboards alone as no computers are available in these classrooms, the English teaching classes do have computers - though you are advised not to show films (students can do this in their own time, and want you as 1st hand experience. I never had a problem with this).

The only problems I ever had were very, very minor, and the kind of things you would expect from working in China (such as broken A/C units, etc)

You will live on East Campus, and probably have some lessons there however, most lessons take place on North Campus - which is about 15/25 minutes away be taxi/bus depending on traffic. Some of those lessons may be at 8am, so be prepared to get up early. A bus leaves from East Campus at 7:20am, though I usually go for the taxi in the morning to have a few more minutes in bed and a coffee. Other bus stops are very close, and it only costs 1yuan a time. I was supplied with a bus card, which lasted for about a year (and you also get travel bonus in your contract). A taxi should cost around 10 Yuan from East to North Campus, and the taxi drivers here are actually pretty honest compared to many places I have been in China.

East Campus, where you will live, is right in the city centre - and within walking distance of 4 supermarkets (Times, Wallmart, Su Guo, and Lotus) 24 hour shops are not as obvious to find, but small places under the street near Wallmart usually stay open all night to cater for the internet cafe users. There are a few nightclubs, but drinks can be expensive. East Campus is fairly close to a wide range of entertainment (snooker/pool halls, swimming pool, badminton, KTV, aracdes {though the video games are rather old}, parks, etc) but don't expect anything like you might in a big city. If you do go out for the night, be aware that the Campus gates close at around 11:30pm... you may have to wake up the guards to get back in, or hop the gate. The Campus also has it's own small shops, 1 of which stays open until 11pm or later.

All in all, a very laid back place to work. I have enjoyed my time here and would recommend this place to anyone who doesn't mind not being in the most modern of cities. A professional attitude by the staff and admin, and not in an annoying way. A good college to work at.