For specifically EF, Tangshan: Tangshan is the ugliest city I have ever seen in my life. It is apocalyptic. Hideous, even for China. There is nothing to do whatsoever. There is one very quiet Japanese bar, otherwise, nothing. Winters are very, very cold. Also, the people are basically farmers who have flocked to the city, rendering a lot of 'waiguoren,' and 'hello, hello.' Everyone points and stares. And, on top of all that, it is an industrial, coal mining city, which means the city is covered with soot, you'll never (really, never) see the sun, and each breath you take is like dragging on a cigarette. I knew a 36 year old teacher who had been there for a few years: she looked like she was in her fifties.

For EF in general: just search EF on this website, and any other website. Account after account of atrocious treatment. This place is evil. Just read, help yourself.