Newcomer to Harbin

[anthon]

Hello all.

I'm a 25 year old lad who after two years esl teaching in Korea has decided to move to Harbin to study mandarin at HIT beginning 1st september this year. I have some specific questions/requests but really any advice would be much appreciated.

1. Living costs- assuming I spend fairly frugally but I still want to go out on the town one night a week/ go to the movies on sunday. How much should I expect to spend per week.

2. social stuff -does HIT provide many opportunities to meet/socialize with other students (Chinese and Foreign). Are there any social networks/ groups available that you would recommend joining. For example I like novels and I'd be interested in joining a book club.

3. lastly is there anyone else out there about be begin a Mandarin course at HIT? also I'd be very greatful if some kind lady or gentleman could spend an afternoon showing me round the city.

Thanks for your time

[kdavid]

Unless you're really going wild, a good night on the town won't run you over 200 RMB. Do that once a week, and live frugally otherwise, and you won't spend anymore than 1500 RMB/month.

I can't help with HIT events as I haven't attended any of their programs. If you visit any busy bar on Sundays, though, you're likely to meet a lot of foreign teachers.

[aljensen]

http://www.haerbinger.com is a new website for expats living in Harbin.

Where were you in Korea? I taught for two years, one in Daejeon and one in Incheon.

I will begin studying at HIT this september too.

Edit: 200 kuai in one night in Harbin would be a very nice date for two people by local standards