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| Teaching In China - You Get Out What You Put In! | ||
| I hope the following is informative to any present or future applicants who are considering teaching in China. Also, I wish to make it clear that while I strongly endorse certain agencies or services, these recommendations are unsolicited and are based solely upon my personal experience. Furthermore, I'm setting out my experiences in a numerical fashion. This is the easiest way, at least for me, to express my thoughts. 1. Don't base a decision on whether or not to teach in China from the E-mail posted on the internet. Much of it is negative, poorly written and the writers have an ax to grind. Your time will be better spent following the guidance of a reputable placement agency. 2. If you are coming to China to teach, do so only on a Z visa. Follow the directions of the Chinese Consulate having jurisdiction over your state/province. 3. In booking a flight, I also strongly recommend FlyChina (http://flychina.com/). They have low rates and a good visa service. You'll need such a service if you cannot personally deliver your paperwork to the Chinese Consulate. Furthermore, any questions about filing for a Chinese visa can be found on FlyChina's website. They also respond quickly to E-mail inquiries. 4. I'm not sure a medical exam is necessary in your home country. I spent over $300.00 for a physical in the States only to have it repeated in China. 5. I recommend coming with about $500.00 in travelers checks. If you can get RMB at your local bank, get half of the $500 in dollars and the other half in RMB. In flying, United Airlines allowed two 70 lb. bags plus takeon baggage. China Southern's baggage weight limit is lower and I had out-of-pocket expense of 350 RMB to fly from Beijing to Zhengzhou. 6. Look for employment with a public institution. They operate within Chinese law in hiring foreigners. In the long run, you will have less difficulties and headaches. Once you get to China and become aquainted with the culture, you can always expand and look for students to tutor and/or reputable private schools — of which both are plentiful – to teach in 6. If you have a flashdrive or U-drive for your computer, bring pictures from home. Chinese students are interested in all aspects of foreign family life and lifestyle. 7. If you're coming to China to tour, be prepared to pay for it. Everything worth seeing has an admission fee. 8. Food is cheap and plentiful in China. You can eat a good meal at a restaurant for about 24 RMB ($3). You can fix the same thing at home for about a third of that cost or less. 8. The health standards in China are lower then in the West. Drink only bottled water and try not to eat food from the street venders. 9. Depending on where you're going in China, bring at least one set of winter long underwear (or thermowear). 10. If you suffer from cultural bias or hate crowds, don't come to China. For the most part, China's cities are heavily populated and public transportation (bus and train) is insufficient for the number of people here. An option is to take one of the many taxis available in China or buy a bicycle. 11. For health reasons, shop only at the larger open markets or grocery stores. Again, avoid the small street vendors. 12. Chinese hospitality is something to be warmly embraced. Teachers – both national and foreign – are held in high esteem. Be prepared to be the center of attention. 13. If you deal with a reputable placement agency, housing should be of little concern. My apartment was recently refurbished and is completely modern. In my home State, this same apartment would rent for $600-$700/mo. 14. Whether in the classroom or out, it pays to keep a sense of humor. And stay energized . . . Chinese teachers and students admire Western vigor. 15. Depending on the individual, you can save money in China. In nine months, I have banked about $2,000. While much has been left unsaid, I do hope this will help others in their decision making process. And I wish I had time to take E-mail inquiries, but to do so would take time from my teaching responsibilities. So, I'll close and wish you well. |