DS,
I tried to find some information on your city for you. I have been doing a lot of research when it comes to China and it's areas. I only know what I have read and researched, so my word is not the greatest to take.
But since you are not getting any replies I will tell you what I think, take it for what it is. Half assed research, I guess. This is how I have gone about the process of searching for schools and cities. First I check out the province. The province of Henan does not seem to be too desirable to me, but hey, that is just me and only through researching and not seeing.
It does not seem to have much in the way of attractions. And the weather seems so-so. I have followed the job boards and Henan was one of the last provinces to fill in their Universities. A couple of Universities offer to pay the airfare up front, this shows a sign of desperation to me.
When looking for a location I check out photos; there are no photos of the city you mention, not a great sign again. I check out travelogues, places close, that I may want to visit on my weekends. I check out any single thing I can think of. If I can find no photos, no travelogues, no info on the city other than the florists in town, then I pass.
I also email people who have been to the cities, a lot of blogs have email addresses.
I also speak to others who work at the University and I email people on this mentor list.
teflchina.org/jobs/mentors/list.htmlMake sure you speak with someone at the school, and try not to have it be a person who is teaching there, some receive finder's fee. Try to make it a past employee.
I would not have choose my particular place had it not been for a good recommendation. I am not crazy over the province I am going to, but it was the better offer monetarily then other areas that were more desirable to me. Also, the group that has been there have been there for a long time.
In my opinion if a school is advertising for many foreign teachers this shows me that they did not keep people. Not always because they aren't great, but just another thing to consider.
Try to look at the area from every angle you can, especially if your like I am, and all these things matter to you. If you are real easy going and not picky about your surroundings than it won't matter so much. I am going to a smaller town, but I have read pleasant travelogues about it.
I almost went for no airfare in order to go to Yunnan, but the way I look at it, I can use my airfare to travel there. So, overall, it's kind of a balancing act. Not everything can be what you wish it to be. If location and scenery are important to you, I would not choose this school. There are other offers out there, that I have seen, and at times, wish I could change my mind. But, personally I think you can do much better than this school. Like I said, I am only offering my advice because no one else is.
But through all my research this would not be a province I would look at. I also read this town is famous for coal, that's not great, I don't think anyway.
I could be right off with my thoughts, I have never been there. But, I can tell you I have read nothing great about this province.
We all look for different things, so take my opinion for what it is, my opinion!
I had a great list of questions that was given to me, unfortunately I trashed them when I switched computers.
From memory, they were:
Is there 24 hour water service.
How many foreign teachers work there. How long have they been there.
Is there an internet connection in the apartment.
Do I have to share a room with anyone, important, because this may end up as a surprise.
How big is the apartment, what facilities are in it.
Will I be picked up from the airport.
Do you pay for electricity.
What type of audio/visual equipment do you have, is there a photocopier.
How big are the classes.
Can I have the email of a past employee.
Do you issue a Z visa.
Is there a travel allowance, bonus, airfare. Do I receive holidays.
What is the pay.
What type of washroom facilities are there.
Sorry, but thats all I can think of.
Hope I have helped somewhat.
I have been researching for about 6 months now, and know the areas pretty well. If you want send me a list of your schools or the cities they are in, and what you are looking for in a city and I will try to be as helpful as I can.
Best way DS, is check out China sites, see what types of destinations might appeal to you, learn a little about each province, and go from there. Certain provinces are wealthier, certain ones are more scenic, certain ones are more historic, some have better weather, certain ones have more western amenities. Feel out what's important to you and then search the job. Do you want a big city, do you want a smaller more intimate environment? Do you want to be the only westerner, or do you want many westerners, etc.
Or look at a job that sounds appealing then check out the city, whichever way you like. But usually if a cities first net links are florists or Falun Dafa, move on by, unless there is something else you really might like about it, like say pay or add-ons.
China is so vast and I think where you are may make a huge difference, all depends on your personality.
Keep in mind this is coming from someone who has never stepped foot in China.
since I have been getting other offers, I am giving it second/third/ and fourth thoughts.
