Latest messages

I have to agree. I have taught in Sichuan for almost 2 years now. The spoken language here is not mandarin. When you come to China your biggest enemy could be bordom. Not all cities have access to western restaurants or English movies. Make sure you do have a computer with internet access. As for meeting other foreigners. It will be like your own country. There will be people you like and don't like. The biggest help will be establishing friendships with Chinese people in the same way you would establish a friendship with someone back home.

I understand a little of the frustration the OP has about life in China but his experience seems very extreme. Despite his poor grammar and spelling, he is entitled to his opinion. IMO, I think he had a bad case of culture shock. Almost every person who moves to China (or any foreign country) will experience this.

Is his experience the norm? No. Are some of his experiences and grievances valid? Yes. China is certainly not for the faint at heart. It takes special people to come here, take in a new culture, new language, new way of life, and still do a good job. Teaching is not the easiest profession and teaching in China can be a miserable experience if you're not prepared.

I live in Shenzhen and my experience has been a rollercoaster ride but I've had more ups than downs. Living near Hong Kong has certainly helped and I TOTALLY enjoy my day trips to HK once a month to get a dose of Western life and culture. I'm not sure how I would handle living in the interior of China, especially, a large, cold city in the north of China or western China. So I am curious to know where the OP lived and which school he worked for.

Is China a place with no human values? That is another subject entirely!

Hey guy congrats by the way.
You can use skype and even poivy to call back home by the way dont forget to add me on skype if you use and keep us posted.

Once you settle down at your dorm in the city you will teach at you can go to the nearest China Mobile shop with a Chinese speaking person. You should buy a Chinese cell phone with a chinese card. This is arguably the cheapest way unless your stay in China is less than a year. Make sure the person who speaks Chinese understands what you actually want or you will get charged for things you never heard of or don't use. China's phone system is Provincial rather than national when it comes to contracts and usage fees. Make sure you fill out and pay a deposit for the application to phone overseas. The cost to phone overseas is comparible to what you pay for long distance fees in North America. But a whole lot cheaper for other services. Skype is okay if you want to call a cell in the US or Australia but can only call a land line in Canada. There are 3 Mobile companies in China. All are the same. China Unicom has deals with many Foreign companies (Rogers in Canada) but higher LD charges.

Hello everybody again

We're furiously packing our bags for a Monday departure to Beijing. We're pretty excited and just about keeping our heads together. I think.

I wondered if anybody had any advice about phones and so on when you hit the ground in China. I've been looking into the Skypes and Magic Jacks of the world with little fruit to show for my labours. And forget about phone cards and sim cards, it's tough getting comprehensible information.

Has anybody found a cheap, reliable VoIP company that works from China? Is there such a thing as Top-Up phones in China for a mobile? Who are the good phone companies?

As ever, the sage advice of the Global TESOL graduates would be soothing stuff indeed for these weary suitcase packers...

Thanks for reading

Niko and Emilia

Thank you both for your responses, most kind! I'll try to report back for future reference.

Where to start? What can I say about the TESOL course? Nothing I can say about it will really do it justice, but it’s worth a shot. When first scoping out course, doing the exact same thing you’re doing now, I came across a post titled ‘The Best Investment I’ve Ever Made’ – I thought, ‘Surely, that’s an exaggeration. How much can a five-day course really do?’ The answer, as I found out, was ‘It’s not!’ & ‘More than you can imagine!’. Coming into the course I was suffering from a serious case of ‘post-grad crisis’ with the ‘Now what?’ mentality. The only thing I knew for certain was that I needed a change, I needed a move and I needed it now.

The TESOL course delivered on every level. I had a great privilege to be taught by Jim Pellegrini, a brilliant instructor, an inspiring motivator and an all-around amazing person. Jim’s creative approach, full of stories and discussions, has the ability to intuitively pinpoint one’s strengths & fortes. But most importantly, give you the ability to see it as well – see the power, confidence and potential we all have but let ourselves forget sometimes, for whatever reason. Despite the short amount of time, this course truly does transform! You walk out feeling so inspired, focused and motivated – like you can do anything, because you can.

So where did this all leave yours truly? I came out with a brand new perspective, new friends, new attitude & new skills that can take me where I want to go. Within a week, with no teaching background or experience, I’ve had interviews and even job offers to work abroad. In total, I’ve had more than 20 responses to my resume in the two months since I’ve finished the course. Like I said, this course delivers! I’m heading out to Shanghai in a week to start teaching – I couldn’t be more excited! And I owe it all to Global TESOL, Jim and, of course myself. Do this for yourself, no matter what happens, I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Like the great Mark Twain once said, ‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’

Hi there! I know there are some companies out there that offer online teaching to their students and was wondering if anyone has worked as an instructor for these types of opportunities? If so, who did you work for? How was your experience? How much did you get paid? Are there certain companies I should check out?

Thanks
Kendra

I found that all North American items for personal hygiene is available in all of the major shopping establishments.

Never had a problem with not finding anything.

Red envelopes are a big plus and fully welcomed commodity in China. Money is always accepted, especially USD currency.

Moutai is a cultural extravagance and is shared during a meal, along with a prime rich tea.

I am seriously thinking of going to Taiwan to Teach ESL and already have advanced certification.
In the very near future, I also planning to take another ESL course. Presently I have Teaching Computer and Medical English, along with the foundation courses as well.
Now I know that some ESL Learning institutions or schools require certain courses, just read the job descriptions, and shall guide you, that is fine.

How ever I am also wondering what would be the single most valuable course to take that will greatly benefit the experience, and help you with applied learning?