Living and Working in Beijing
The 21st century is one that has been described
by many as the Asian century.
Rapid development and modernization across much
of Asia went on hold during the recent economic crisis across
the region - but China defied the odds and has continued developing
its economy which has triggered massive construction developments,
improved standards of living in the cities and a burgeoning
market economy.
The decision to grant China entry to the WTO
and hosting the upcoming 2008 Olympics sets the scene for
an even greater pace of development and change.
In Beijing, this has seen cars clogging the wide streets
instead of bicycles, Qing dynasty courtyard homes being torn
down to be replaced by high rise apartment blocks and the
stark gray streetscape being colored during the day by massive
plantings of trees and grass, and at night by the neon signs
of fast food restaurants and karaoke lounges.
Beijing is a huge and bustling city of more than 12 million
people, and home to a significant expatriate population comprising
business and embassy communities and a large population of
foreign students most of whom study Chinese at local universities.
Teachers at WAB and the five other English language
international schools in town enjoy the many opportunities
that Beijing provides including:
• Numerous historical sites and parks in and around
the city
• Readily accessible Chinese cultural experiences
• Dining out in a wide range of local Chinese,
western and Asian restaurants
• Great shopping in local markets - including bargains
in pearls, clothing and curios
• Sporting groups and artistic and cultural associations
• A bustling night life
A large part of the enjoyment of living in Beijing comes
from just being here and soaking up the daily experiences.
Whilst being surrounded by millions of people and jostling
with them on the streets, shopping centers and parks is an
essential experience - it can come with the downside of "closing
in on you". But most people manage to cope with this
quite easily - building in their own quiet spaces and time.
The cold, dry winters are offset by clear blue skies and
lots of cheap winter clothing to rug up in. Homes and school
are centrally heated from October to March. People usually
escape the winter during the three week winter vacation in
December and visit friends back home or on a beach somewhere
in Asia.
Beijing's smog is probably the hardest thing to get used
to of all - but people do - and a clear sky during the humid
summer makes a great conversation topic - as do the annual
sand storms that blow in from the Gobi Desert just before
spring!
WAB teachers enjoy a comfortable life. Housing is provided
by the school in two bedroom apartments that are on the small
side, but nicely furnished.
By the time people add their own personal touches of items
that they brought with them, and a few local items picked
up at the Sunday antique or ‘Dirt’ Market (Pan
Jia Yuan), and a Chinese rug or two, their apartment takes
on its own unique look and feels like ‘home’.
Basic supplies along with electricity, gas, and heating are
provided by WAB along with a shuttle bus to and from school
depending on choice of housing. Basic grocery shopping for
western items can be more expensive than back home, but local
produce is quite cheap.
Altogether, a teacher can enjoy a good standard of living,
including significant savings potential and holidays in destinations
around China and the rest of the world.
Most teachers put in a long day - arriving at school around
7:30am and leaving around 4:00pm to 5:00pm in the afternoon.
Many take advantage of the fitness center facilities that
are provided with the housing packages to keep in shape.
Relaxation might include shopping, meeting up with friends
for coffee or a meal, wandering around town, a trip to the
countryside, socializing at a party or going to a restaurant
or night club. WAB teachers are a pretty outgoing and social
group - and regularly enjoy getting together for drinks on
a Friday evening, and other social and sporting activities.
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