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Opiate
Joined: 10 Aug 2011
Posts: 630
Location: Qingdao
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 Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 12:12 am Post subject: |
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| Non Sequitur wrote: |
From my most recent experience of a missionary-type, I would say it was the sheer inappropriateness of their behaviour on campus. As teachers we are employed as technicians with certain skills to impart. The guy I have in mind was continually trying to get students back to his apartment. At Christmas one year he had whole classes there. Apart from everything else there was a risk if there had been an emergency - 30 students trying to make their way down a domestic scale staircase. Add to that the annoyance to other teachers whose apartments they clattered past each time, or having to open the street door to them.
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I have the same type of guy at the school where I work. But he IS the DTA. 
Frankly, I do not give a crap what anybody believes as long as they keep it to themselves. Those who are in a position of authority or power (however minor) and use it to coerce students into some bible study should be sent home with a swift kick in the balls. |
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Jeremycraig
Joined: 30 Jun 2012
Posts: 13
Location: TEXAS
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| Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 12:43 am Post subject: |
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| It really seems like there is a continual scrutiny of statements made by me, a continual search for those hidden agendas, motives, etc, and all this despite the fact that I have continually reiterated certain ideals which are in agreement with professionalism in the work place, and tact outside of that. It really is baffling. I have responded to such questioning with some measure of politeness and patience, however I am growing tired of feeling as if I have to defend myself against suspicions and the like, or even answer questions which actually are quite personal in nature. Actually in these things that others are so concerned about I am knowledgeable, such is one reason why I am able to both distance myself from them while at the same time bear some measure of mental fortitude in the conversation. No, I am not a part of what you seem to fear. And again find that some of the concern has been more than valid. If I happen to be a Christian, who happens to be associated with others that might care enough to assist me a little, what difference does that make? Incidentally it bears repeating that those matters were brought to the forefront not by myself but by some very 'concerned' individuals. |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:26 am Post subject: |
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| Jeremycraig wrote: |
Yes, I do appreciate much of the concern about professionalism, tact, etc. Theologically I am quite different than what is often the case within modern evangelicalism. As a result of the theology,I do not feel compelled to use pressure, schemes, tricks etc in order to present what I believe to be true, or get some one to 'buy into' something. As a result those activities deemed as inappropriate and obnoxious are a non issue. Again, I recognize the classroom is to be used for teaching, and using it for other means would seem to be cheating my employer. All this to say, I do not fit the bill for what the concern seems to center around.
Apartment- 1200 square feet is about 111 square meters.. Does that help? I would hope to be in an apartment with standard utilities available, as in fridge, wash, air conditioning, etc. I would think that the on campus option would provide some convenience and security which would be great regarding peace of mind as we acclimate. I understand there would be a start up cost when resettling anywhere. Incidentally, how much should one prepare for? |
Two bedroom places are standard although I have taken 1br for other reasons ie quieter floor or south facing.
Before leaving the Christian thing I would simply advise that if the school gets you they get your faith anyway without you having to be overt about it.
You will get students approaching you from time to time and confiding their Christianity to you.
I've never taken a school apartment that hasn't been lacking in some essential or other, or is just plain dirty.
The basic minimum would be a double bed and double wardrobe in the main br. Likely nothing in the second bedroom, but often the school will hustle up an extra bed from somewhere.
The living/dining area will have a TV plus couch, computer table and a study desk and chair. Bathroom/laundry will have a washer with spin cycle and a shower. Make sure there is a western-type toilet, and handbasin.
Kitchen should have frig/freezer, microwave and hotplate plus washing up sink. Pots and crockery will be substandard or missing but if you're close to the cafeteria you can bring stuff back and reheat in the microwave. I DETEST cold food!
It will appear spartan but colourful posters and wall hangings are cheap in the markets, so you can make things cheerful.
Insulation isn't a biggie with the Chinese so expect to do a bit of draught proofing in colder areas. I've found heat pump type heating inadequate in colder cities and you really need a radiant heater ie one with a coiled glowing element.
On campus is best starting out. |
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Babala
Joined: 28 Jan 2005
Posts: 1303
Location: Henan
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| Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:42 am Post subject: |
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| My concern would be your 4 year old. Are you planning on putting him/her into kindergarten here? International schools are extremely pricey. They may end up being very lonely with no playmates. |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:39 am Post subject: |
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OP
Don't be too upset by the negativity you see on Dave's and particularly on your thread.
Sure there are serial malcontents who flame anyone and anything, but most of us have had experience of working along side overt and covert missionary types and literally cringing at their antics.
That said we also cringe at the alcoholics and skirt chasers.
I often feel it is no wonder the Chinese treat us a barbarians as that is exactly as we behave.
China is hardly a country lacking in Christianity and as one poster has wisely said most of your students will have experienced the Christian 'proposition' in their lives.
The missionary types seem to feel that they are the first Christian to set foot in China and 1.4 billion people are waiting for their unique testimony.
The best type of Christianity that could be planted here is the Salvation Army as there are several lifetimes of NGO work to be done.
You only have to see the mental cases and the mutilated beggars (young boys with no arms) in the seedier parts of town to get your priorities in order. |
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