which is not very attractive given the heat, the lack of freedom, and unfriendly colleagues there, etcetera. Clearly the downward spiral in salaries has continued. Not worth it to go there and have to work hard for so little, relatively speaking. Better to stay in China and get paid basically just for turning up at the classroom!

Your thoughts mirror my own!

On my return, it doesn't seem so bad in the PRC...complete freedom to teach what I like, cheap and good beer, possibility of a gf,etc etc.

The heat is another point. Without A/C it is hell. I wouldn't say that your colleagues are unfriendly...just most seem to be motivated by money to such an extent, they will stab you in the back and screw you over, just out of spite, and to make themselves feel good. Have to be careful who you trust over there. There is the usual collection of bankrupt, drunk, deadbeats and the plain lazy and racist who hate the locals and islam, and just want easy cash.

As I said, I wouldn't care to repeat it...but you may like it?

Cheers on
SMGS