We spent an exciting three days in Beijing visiting such sites as Tian An Men Square, The Forbidden City, The Palace Museum, Temple of Haven, The Great Wall, the Marble Boat and many others. Unfortunately, the weather was very cold and rain the day we visited the Great Wall so our views were limited. The guide pointed to the Bird’s Nest in the Olympic Village, but we could only see a vague image of it. Having grown weary the Chinese food, I enjoyed lunch at the Blacked Eyed Pea yesterday.
With respect to employment, I had interesting discussions with our guides. One guide had a bachelor’s degree from China and an MBA from Australia with a major in finance. I asked him why he was not seeking employment with one of the many financial institutions operating in Beijing. He simply said that he wanted to improve his English and work with people. He did not comment on his salary which I assume is augmented by tips. Because of the importance of tourism in China, I believe that being a tour guide is a very important position.
Education in China includes a mandatory six years of elementary school and three years of optional middle school. Entry in the high school requires a student to pass entrance exams. Further, entry into universities is also competitive with entrance exams. Citizens must pay a portion of the tuition for high school and universities.
Since this is my last blog on our Asian trip, I will return to providing hopefully helpful hints to job seekers.
Thanks! Glyn
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