Unexpected things often can and do happen to foreigners in China.

Very true, an open ended or flexible return flight ticket with one of the major airlines back to your country and emergency exit fund and grab bag is essential.You never know when due to unrest you may have to flee suddenly. But yes, it is a good gig for older blokes, but still not bad for young ones on the dole in the UK, if you can even get the dole in the uk these days. I'd rather be working at a good public uni for 7.000 rmb per month with a free flat and minimal lesson planning and bags of free time, rather than be rotting away in the broken UKSSR. Just me though. good luck for vietnam sb, and merry xmas.