The International Schools Review Forum

Where would I go if I wanted to live in Asia, teach an international (secondary) curriculum, get paid decently (though it doesn't have to be a king's ransom) and most importantly, breathe clean air? Any advice greatly appreciated!

That's a tough question. For starters, you have to forget about almost any big Asian city. There are cities that aren't so bad, but still not what you would call "clean" air if, for example you were coming from New Zealand. So, for places with clean air that have at least 2 international schools my list would be Phuket, Bali, Jeju, Penang or maybe some of those others that are kind of in the middle of nowhere in Malaysia. Singapore isn't so bad and neither is Japan (anywhere outside of Tokyo and Yokohama). A few years ago I would have said Chiang Mai but not anymore.

No specific advice but the information on air quality is available for larger centers such as Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok etc. Get on-line and take a look, assess your current health and educate yourself on what the numbers mean and what level of risk you are willing to take.

Here is the AQI for major Chinese cities: http://aqicn.org/city/beijing/

Hong Kong: http://aqicn.org/city/hongkong/

Bangkok: http://aqmthai.com/

Map of Asia with air quality readings: http://aqicn.org/map/

Thank you both. I am currently in China, so using the aqi site, which is very useful.I'll look into the places mentioned and use the map on aqi, which I didn't realise existed.

Xiamen International School, Xiamen, China.

Xiamen still has great air, a 20 mile bike path along the beach, and the pay is pretty good- cost of living is LOOOOWWW!! Great public transportation so no car is ever needed.

And the admin leaves you alone to teach!

Hong Kong is the best city.Hong Kong has jumped from the fifth to the third most liveable city in Asia.

Hong Kong's air pollution is really getting terrible. I was just there last month and it reminded me of Shanghai 5 years ago. I'm sure it's coming from mainland. I am a big fan of Malaysia. The air is clean, except during the Indonesian burning season in July/August. The people are nice and don't stare, like China. The food is amazing and English is widely spoken. We live in a neighborhood with a park and the kids can ride their bikes to the park and shops like normal people. Better than living in a compound.

I also love Malaysia. Love that I can get around on just English and the shopping and food choices are great.