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Shazamataz
Newbie
Joined: Dec 28, 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Perth
Status: Offline
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  Posted:
Dec 28, 2008 - 11:58 AM |
 
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| Post subject: Should I give Shanghai a go ?? !! |
OK, so here's the thing...
I'm a 50 yr young lady travelling the world and wondering where to go next. Having spent 18mths in Phuket I left my husband of 30 years and went to Spain last year but lost 2 jobs (start of the R word) so moved on from there after 7 mths which was a shame as I loved the cafe style of living but couldn't find work without the lingo. Now had 10 mths in Oz but can't get a work visa and have to go back to work now, can't keep bumming round. The though of going back to the UK is not a good one so was thinking about China and doing a TEFL course, but after reading your blog's not so sure now, so you guy, what do you think, is it worth me giving it a go or should I keep looking.... |
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underh20
Board Legend
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 12702
Location: Veggie-Free Zone
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Dec 28, 2008 - 12:07 PM |
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Spain is much better than Shanghai. So is Phuket.
Still, you'll probably do ok here. |
_________________
"If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV. A Chinese TV might explode." -- Jackie Chan |
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blondesands
Raver
Joined: Nov 21, 2007
Posts: 470
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Dec 28, 2008 - 12:33 PM |
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Ponzonia
Rocker
Joined: June 24, 2008
Posts: 691
Location: el mundo
Status: Offline
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Dec 28, 2008 - 01:17 PM |
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WOW Shazamataz。。。sounds like you're a very brave Lady！ YOU could probably survive everywhere。Good luck in whatever you decide！ |
_________________
The Important Things are not Things |
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Ponzonia
Rocker
Joined: June 24, 2008
Posts: 691
Location: el mundo
Status: Offline
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Dec 28, 2008 - 01:18 PM |
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WOW Shazamataz。。。sounds like you're a very brave Lady！ YOU could probably survive everywhere。Good luck in whatever you decide！ |
_________________
The Important Things are not Things |
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ziccawei
Board Royalty
Joined: Sep 12, 2008
Posts: 6804
Location: Ziccawei
Status: Offline
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Dec 28, 2008 - 01:39 PM |
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Shaz,, I think you would probably be ok in China, BUT..
Its kind of like a white man's playground if you catch my drift.
Just trying to be honest here. |
_________________
We had access to too much money, too much equipment, and little by little, we went insane. |
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sweenytodd
Raver
Joined: July 10, 2008
Posts: 461
Status: Offline
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Dec 28, 2008 - 02:55 PM |
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| Post subject: Re: Should I give Shanghai a go ?? !! |
Don't know what your profession is but Dubai/Qatar is a better bet than Shanghai as no one knows English here except multi-nationals.
| Shazamataz wrote: |
OK, so here's the thing...
I'm a 50 yr young lady travelling the world and wondering where to go next. Having spent 18mths in Phuket I left my husband of 30 years and went to Spain last year but lost 2 jobs (start of the R word) so moved on from there after 7 mths which was a shame as I loved the cafe style of living but couldn't find work without the lingo. Now had 10 mths in Oz but can't get a work visa and have to go back to work now, can't keep bumming round. The though of going back to the UK is not a good one so was thinking about China and doing a TEFL course, but after reading your blog's not so sure now, so you guy, what do you think, is it worth me giving it a go or should I keep looking.... |
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BitterExpat
Raver
Joined: Feb 11, 2007
Posts: 409
Status: Offline
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Dec 28, 2008 - 10:59 PM |
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| ziccawei wrote: |
Shaz,, I think you would probably be ok in China, BUT..
Its kind of like a white man's playground if you catch my drift.
Just trying to be honest here. |
No kinda about it. Kids in a candy store, with no adults watching and zero worries about getting caught with a face full of sweets.
Oh, and the candy will occasionally leap into your mouth by itself and hope that you will chew. |
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leidelaohu
Board Royalty
Joined: June 11, 2007
Posts: 7200
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 12:47 AM |
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| BitterExpat wrote: |
| Oh, and the candy will occasionally leap into your mouth by itself and hope that you will chew. |
Most candy is better to lick than chew ... |
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Adrienne
FooJay
Joined: Mar 01, 2003
Posts: 1708
Location: Shanghai, China
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 02:28 AM |
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| underh20 wrote: |
Spain is much better than Shanghai. So is Phuket.
Still, you'll probably do ok here. |
I'd have to "ditto" underh20 comments. Unless you have talents and skills that are very special within a city of 20 million plus.
However, if you are marketing to the expat community then we are a fraction on this. So, come on down and give it a go.
Adrienne
Http://ww.shanghaiprops.com |
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PARAGUAY
Seeker
Joined: Aug 28, 2008
Posts: 42
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 08:13 AM |
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This is something you might want to consider, Cambodia, I,ll list some of the reasons why (I lived there for about 4 years) no visa hassle,get visa on arrival just make sure it,s biz. visa cost $25.00, with that in hand you can get a one year exten. for about $270.00 and that is next day service. Many expats work teaching english,no problem getting a job. Housing is cheap, local tranportation is cheap. the supermarkets beleive this or not puts Shanghai to shame and are about 50% cheaper. A meal at a decent restraunt will not cost you a arm and a leg.
Draw backs home internet connection, very expensive but internet cafe,s all over and reasonable price. Sat tv cheap about $10.00 a month. weather is good and the beach is only a few hours away.
Why did I leave you ask, wife is from Shanghai, and in my case not really important where I live, I,m not working nor am I looking for work been there done that.
Most important thing I told you was visa on arrival and make sure it,s biz visa. |
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GirlatWork
Ranter
Joined: Feb 14, 2006
Posts: 596
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 08:18 AM |
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There must be jobs for you...somewhere. You would need to network hard and keep your expectation (on salary) low. It doesn't sound like you have been sploit by high profile lifestyle and you will live ok in Shanghai as long as you get a job.
Sounds like you are an adventurous person and Shanghai will definitely be a memorable experience for you. Whether it'd be positive or negative would be totally up to you! If I were you I would come. |
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LoveBoxStorage
Raver
Joined: Sep 25, 2008
Posts: 381
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 08:26 AM |
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You would find something here. It might not be your dream job, but it sounds like you're more in this for the experience.
Most people seem to enjoy SH for at least a year (if not much longer). |
_________________
Get Self Storage Without BS - Guaranteed! www.loveboxstorage.com |
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sallywonderland
Reacher
Joined: Sep 12, 2006
Posts: 318
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 08:34 AM |
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I"m sure you could find a job, especially if you get your TEFL, I don't think that china judges on age like a lot of other places do. But I'm not sure how much you can save on an english teacher's salary, probably not much if anything, but that's probably depending on how you live.
also, ignore those posts saying 'it's a white man's playground"..evidently they're assuming everyone is here to have sex with the chinese.... |
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Shazamataz
Newbie
Joined: Dec 28, 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Perth
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 09:42 AM |
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Thanks everyone, has been very intersting reading, and now put me in a total spin ;o)
the web site link was very insightfull,
Cambodia, hadn't thought of that,
I see I'v got a whole lot more resarch to do, but might just have to jump and see as time running out in Oz..
Happy New Year and thanks again, you never know, might bump into you some time, after all, the world is getting smaller all the time |
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Yishi
Reacher
Joined: Nov 08, 2007
Posts: 232
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 11:30 AM |
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I'll second Cambodia and add that depending where you're located, bangkok is easily accessible, as are many natural scenery and beaches in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam... visa would be much easier to get and handle for entry/exit. |
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still_here
Rocker
Joined: May 29, 2007
Posts: 709
Location: XinZhuang
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 12:12 PM |
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if shangers being a boy's playpen is a con then Cambodia would be an even worse choice. |
_________________
All the desirable things in life are either illegal, banned, expensive ,fattening or in love with someone else! |
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CK1
LoopKicker
Joined: June 07, 2007
Posts: 940
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 01:39 PM |
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^ Yup, if people here think that a large group of the male expat population in Shanghai are shoddy characters, they obviously haven't had the pleasure of meeting 'English teachers' in Phnom Penh. |
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GirlatWork
Ranter
Joined: Feb 14, 2006
Posts: 596
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Dec 29, 2008 - 02:03 PM |
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| still_here wrote: |
| if shangers being a boy's playpen is a con then Cambodia would be an even worse choice. |
No they are not even worthy enough to be a con |
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underh20
Board Legend
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 12702
Location: Veggie-Free Zone
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Dec 29, 2008 - 03:28 PM |
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| CK1 wrote: |
| ^ Yup, if people here think that a large group of the male expat population in Shanghai are shoddy characters, they obviously haven't had the pleasure of meeting 'English teachers' in Phnom Penh. |
Aren't most of them fugitives from whatever other country doesn't have an extradition treaty with Cambodia? |
_________________
"If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV. A Chinese TV might explode." -- Jackie Chan |
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CK1
LoopKicker
Joined: June 07, 2007
Posts: 940
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 03:42 PM |
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^ Hah quite possibly.
Check out some of the bars in the Capital or head down the the coastal town of Sihanoukville and you will see the Cambodian chapter of Nambla (or should it be Cmbla!?!) has a healthy membership...... |
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underh20
Board Legend
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 12702
Location: Veggie-Free Zone
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Dec 29, 2008 - 03:44 PM |
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^ And some people think China is bad. For those of us here, it's always refreshing to see that it could, in fact, be worse. |
_________________
"If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV. A Chinese TV might explode." -- Jackie Chan |
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MarkDow
Ranter
Joined: Mar 05, 2008
Posts: 556
Location: Shanghai, China
Status: Offline
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Dec 29, 2008 - 04:07 PM |
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TEFL is easy to get online and most learning centers honor it as a classroom TEFL so may not be a bad option. Other than that, I agree with Adrienne about having special talents especially at 50 yrs old(no offense intended). I think Shanghai is a great place to come to if going to China. It is probably the easiest to get accustomed to out of all the great cities of this country. I also like the Cambodia reply...somewhere I hope to travel to one day. Anyway, good luck. MED |
_________________
Not your ordinary average bear! |
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Shazamataz
Newbie
Joined: Dec 28, 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Perth
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Dec 29, 2008 - 04:14 PM |
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Have thought long and hard about Thailand as it is my most favorit place in the world, (and I have a home there) but hard to work there and the visa situation can be a nightmare, changing the rules all the time, now looking at Barcelona, a bit of a cop out in one way, but I already have all the Tax/Ni type stuff from my first attempt, so thats a start and nearer to the UK which can be a bonuce some time's, still trying to make up my mind but that's option is top at the moment, but being a lady, have been known to change my mind  )
TTFN
Shaz |
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CK1
LoopKicker
Joined: June 07, 2007
Posts: 940
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Dec 29, 2008 - 04:14 PM |
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| underh20 wrote: |
| ^ And some people think China is bad. For those of us here, it's always refreshing to see that it could, in fact, be worse. |
I met an English guy who worked in a bar down by the coast, 40 year old who looked around 60, and was a dead ringer for Peter Stringfellow.
He earned 1 dollar a day (no joke, his lodging was free 'so it wasn't so bad a deal'), had the young dishwasher pregnant, and drank a bottle of whisky every night.
Class act I tell ya. |
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