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| Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang | ||
| I taught at the Wenzhou University for two years from August 2002 until July 2004.The university is amalgamating with the Wenzhou Teachers' (Normal) College from next semester. That could mean some changes to the current administrative routines and structures. The university has two campuses - an old campus downtown, where the foreign teachers currently reside, and a beautiful modern campus at Chashan - about a 35 minute free-bus commute away. The teachers' accommodation building looks like a run-down tenement building outside, but the apartments are OK inside - but certainly not palaces!! The classrooms at the Chashan campus are modern and clean - but they only have ceiling fans for cooling, and the classrooms are not heated in the winter. During my two years here, I have worked mainly in the College of International Relations, and I also have done some classes in the Colleges of Economics, the College of Humanities and Law, and the College of Adult Education. I have always been paid on time. The university usually abides by the provisions of its Contract with you. The main advice is to "negotiate, negotiate, negotiate" for what you want before you sign any Contract. It is much harder to get additional benefits, or extra amenities, once you are signed up! What you teach, and how you teach it, is left to you to work out. After all, you are considered to be the "expert"! Wenzhou is a rapidly developing city. There are a lot of small private companies in the city. There is construction going on everywhere. So, the place can be a little dusty and noisy at times. Wenzhou is a mecca for "migrant workers" from nearby provinces who come here to do a lot of the jobs that have been created in the free-for-all business environment of a rapidly growing city! It is very hot and humid in the Summer months - quite oppressive really - so the airconditioning in the apartments really helps!! Unlike Shanghai , Beijing, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen and Chongqing, there is not much western food to be found here in Wenzhou. But, any of the teachers staying on here next year will be able to show you where to go to get the essentials (breakfast cereals, cheese, pasta, and so on) that are occasionally available here. And, of course, there are KFC, McDonalds, and Pizza Hut outlets here in the city. Teaching and living in China can be frustrating, exhausting and confronting at times, and you will experience a number of seemingly 'bizarre' things. However, it does have its rewards, its joys and its satisfactions. The most engaging thing about teaching here is the students. They are great young people, and you will form life-long friendships with some of them. They are generally enthusuastic, respectful towards teachers, well-behaved, friendly (after an initial period of shy reserve), eager to help you, and keen to practice speaking English with you in other more informal settings away from the classroom. After three years of living in the provinces in China, I will be moving to a new job at a public university in Shanghai for the new school year from September 2004. Best Wishes, Errol errol114@operamail.com Wenzhou, China |