I've definitely looked into the pollution factor - looks like no other. I had this really good offer from a school in Shanxi then watched the vice episodes on mining there - no bueno. Although that could provide the opportunity for a good photography project I imagine I'd feel quite isolated.
Is it normal for these schools in China to not actually video Skype interview you? I've had a couple ask me to be online at a certain time then we just IM. Chengdu seems like it could be cool - seems to be a lot of demand for English teachers there at the moment. Guangzhou seems to potentially be the happy medium between Beijing and Shanghai along with having the pro of being closer to Southeast Asia + Hong Kong. When Chinese people freak out about the dangers of Guangzhou I find it kind of amusing because I've definitely been to extremely fucking sketchy places - A la actually kidnapped in Mexico once.
This one school offered 12,000 CHY for 35 hours a week, apartment paid for but with 1 flatmate, in the ChangYang District of Beijing. That seems sort of far out though. Another school offered me 6000 CHY in Beijing, city center apartment, and only working 25 hours a week. Both of these offers seem a bit subpar though, however, I don't have a degree and only TEFOL with prior teaching experience. This is actually why I'm looking between China and Russia because they seem to pay the best without having the visa restriction of a degree.
Oh and I'm originally from Mississippi along with having spent plenty of time in Southeast Asia so I definitely know about the harshness of humidity.
Students age : 3-12 years old
classes sides: 1 on 1 tutoring and small group (5-8 students in one class)
Schedule : Mon. Tue. off
Wed. to Fri. 2:30-7:30pm
Weekends : 8:30am to 6:30pm
Salary : 13000---17000 monthly
House allowance or Free apartment
Medical insurance
Year end bonus
Performance bonus
Provide working visa
Paid holiday
Travel in China