Okay, you'll swear quite often about internet troubles -- you will have Internet access, by the way. You'll encounter obnoxious personality types from time to time -- (people are people in any country). Nonetheless, teaching at P. R. China colleges and universities -- take it from a veteran, far into his ninth year here -- owns many clear advantages over teaching tertiary in the West.

Clair Lasater [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The China hiring method is clear example. In America, except for adjunct billets, the hiring process is usually an expensive and tiring three day talent show and beauty pageant ordeal. The competition is many, and multiple hoops need hopped through. As you probably already know, it's not likely, at all, you'll get the call -- even after the travel to get there, dinners, and interviews.

For P. R. China university or college teaching appointments, usually all you need do is submit your resume on the Internet. Then, after you get an Internet yes, hop on a plane, to be met at the airport, and driven to your waiting (free) apartment. (It is usually that simple, unless you have some questions to ask by Internet or telephone).

Why so smooth? China needs degree-educated native speakers to teach their college and university students spoken English, (and specialized subjects), for real-world success in every major. (By the way, a B. A. or B. S. will do it for you. Of course, a master's or doctorate is even more appreciated). You will be teaching at a legitimate Chinese college or university, complete with campus, holding student dormitories, a library, administration buildings, and faculty housing. And, you will be paid a salary.

Joy Two regarding college or university employment on the mainland is the perquisite treatment. Besides the free apartment, you may receive a meal card, an Internet hook-up with computer, and cost-free utilities. You'll surely have no office hours, and few meetings. You won't be expected to raise grant money, and there's no "publish or perish" mentality here for foreign teachers. Also, you get a plane ticket home, free.

The third joy of teaching P. R. C. college and university is the great food -- and the low cost of living. The flats are furnished. The kitchens hold a rice cooker, that not only prepares your rice to perfection every time, but also simultaneously steams vegetables and meat in a tray at the top. Almost all apartment kitchens also contain a microwave oven and a refrigerator.

At the vegetable markets you can purchase tomatoes, potatoes, hot red peppers, green peppers, turnips, onions, cabbage, carrots, and more. Noodles and the potatoes provide a change from rice.

Fresh fruits and vegetables purchased at the outdoor markets cost little. One can walk away with plenty for the RMB-equivalent of $1 to $2.

Beer is cheap. Clothes can be bought here for little money. Naturally, you can bring enough in to get you through a semester or two. Further, at a typical college or university professors, lecturers, teachers needn't dress up.

Clair Lasater has taught spoken English, writing and Western culture in China, for almost nine years. He has lectured as a professor, at Hainan University, Maoming University, Ling Ling University, and Shunde Polytechnic. He currently teaches at Shandong Jiaotong University.

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