|
||
| Some encouragement | ||
| I have found that most people, especially students, in China are kind and tolerate to an old man with little experience and only a BSc degree. Wages are usually higher than a local teacher earns, I know this as I have a very good Chinese teacher friend, however they will not easily support a western life style. (Choosing a school away from the big centers is a way to get more money.) The cost of imported foods is very high, that is if you live in a place where they are available. But living as the locals is part of the deal. If you want a five star life come as a tourist. Teaching support is also limited, unless you have a good knowledge of Chinese, the internet has to become your prime source and it can be sooooooo slow and intermitant. If you come bring plenty of pictures and books about the world, not just your country. A picture and a five minute chat about it can be a godsend. Finally I read someone complaining that their students played with paper aeroplanes. If you are a good teacher I doubt this happens, if, like me, you are not that good, then be gratefull, in the UK and I expect the US, knives are more likely to be thrown than paper planes. Students spend up to 10 hours each day at the same desk, I'm not surprised that they behave a little less constrained when a western teacher is about, many don't see any need to waste time with English except as a means to pass an exam in order to get into a university or high school. Come to China with an open mind, not one steeped in western thoughts and expectations,China thinks it is a first world country but in reality it is still mostly in the third, be patient and calm and you will probably enjoy yourself, as insurance bring a friend. Have fun. Oh, and Qingdao, Shandong Province, is a good place to come too.Full of weserners! |