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Toast
Joined: 08 Jun 2013
Posts: 428
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 Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 11:06 am Post subject: |
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| chinatimes wrote: |
One thing I would like to know is what should someone who is used to the north prepare for when they decide to move south? I have only taken job offers in the north and I am getting a lot of south offers. I don't really want to go to the south, partly because of the heat, but also because I am very ignorant of the south.
Even though I am not new to ESL teaching, I am completely new to southern living in China. I am not asking which city to go to, just what to expect. Are there more bugs? More homeless people sleeping on the streets? More food that goes bad quicker? Is it more dangerous? Do I need to stick within certain areas of a town?
These are the type of concerns I would have if I were to make the plunge. |
That sounds like a good idea.....
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....for a new thread!!  |
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chinatimes
Joined: 27 May 2012
Posts: 478
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| Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 1:37 pm Post subject: |
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| .for a new thread!! |
First timers don't go to the south? 
I thought the original intent was to inform the newbies. If newbies never go to the south, then I'll delete the post and make a new thread. Deal? |
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GeminiTiger
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 999
Location: China, 2005--Present
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| Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 2:41 pm Post subject: |
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| North isn't any better than south, Beijing is a death sentence. Anyone foolish enough to live of their own free will isn't a very good researcher of what is going on and the effects it will have on your body. |
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chinatimes
Joined: 27 May 2012
Posts: 478
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| Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 3:09 pm Post subject: |
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| GeminiTiger wrote: |
| North isn't any better than south, Beijing is a death sentence. Anyone foolish enough to live of their own free will isn't a very good researcher of what is going on and the effects it will have on your body. |
LOL
I never made such a claim. The fact I was asking about the south might indicate I agree with you. So, how about you guys take this negative attitude you have here and look at the question as it pertains to the intent of the the thread. Forget killing the messenger (me) and try being objective.
Question: WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE NEW TO THE SOUTH PREPARE FOR?
If you are able to answer this question without attacking me in the process I would gladly hear your input. |
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Denim-Maniac
Joined: 31 Jan 2012
Posts: 1238
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| Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 3:46 pm Post subject: |
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| chinatimes wrote: |
Question: WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE NEW TO THE SOUTH PREPARE FOR?
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Nothing too different to anything they would prepare for in the north. Whilst diversity is alive and kicking in China, the difference between north and south for a newbie is probably a moot point. |
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johntpartee
Joined: 02 Mar 2010
Posts: 3258
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| Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 6:08 pm Post subject: |
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| Usually in your first week you'll get the first instance of someone trying to pass off inappropriate behavior as a "cultural difference". |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 7:49 pm Post subject: |
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| chinatimes wrote: |
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| That school or recruiter has gotten you a job - remember. |
Yea? What's the point? Because they "got" me the job, then what?
They don't work for us actually. They work for the school. If there were no recruiters, the school would be advertising.
A store got me coke, noodles, meat, and vegetables. It doesn't mean the store has to cook the meal for me when I get home. That's my responsibility.
| Quote: |
| This thread is for the majority of first timers. |
I understand the intent, and I am sure first timers might not be aware of what we are suggesting. When I talk to my family and friends back home, they don't quite realize things like we do because we have been here.
A first timer might as well get a hotel the first week, that's actually what I did in Korea. I was able to bypass all these apartment problems and find a decent school which got me a new apartment with new furnishings (I had to peel the plastic off everything).
What we are talking about is like hunters going out to get meat instead of shopping at a supermarket. It's secrets of the trade talk.
This thread might be something I would seek out after 1.5 months after going to a new city or shortly before ending a 1 year contract where I wanted to find my own apartment. I would want to know what to look out for.
Again, your heart is in the right place, I am just not sure how effective it will be for a new teacher. Sharing tips though is always good for those who are moving to a new city.
One thing I would like to know is what should someone who is used to the north prepare for when they decide to move south? I have only taken job offers in the north and I am getting a lot of south offers. I don't really want to go to the south, partly because of the heat, but also because I am very ignorant of the south.
Even though I am not new to ESL teaching, I am completely new to southern living in China. I am not asking which city to go to, just what to expect. Are there more bugs? More homeless people sleeping on the streets? More food that goes bad quicker? Is it more dangerous? Do I need to stick within certain areas of a town?
These are the type of concerns I would have if I were to make the plunge. |
Start your own thread for goodness sake.
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chinatimes
Joined: 27 May 2012
Posts: 478
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| Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 5:30 am Post subject: |
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| Denim-Maniac wrote: |
| chinatimes wrote: |
Question: WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE NEW TO THE SOUTH PREPARE FOR?
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Nothing too different to anything they would prepare for in the north. Whilst diversity is alive and kicking in China, the difference between north and south for a newbie is probably a moot point. |
I disagree. I lived in Shenyang, and I am living in Beijing now. The weather is IMMENSELY colder in Shenyang in January than Beijing.
I wore shorts in Beijing in winter, with heating, but in Shenyang if you go outside without gloves your hands will freeze. So, if you go to Shenyang, you really need gloves in January.
Can you say the same of Hangzhou? There are differences. I know. I lived in Detroit and visited my sister in California in December. I saw lemon trees, completely unheard of in Detroit.
| Quote: |
| Start your own thread for goodness sake. |
Your attack is duly noted. Foul. Didn't score any points though. |
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Mr. Leafy
Joined: 24 Apr 2012
Posts: 246
Location: North of the Wall
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| Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 5:35 am Post subject: |
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All of the above information and tips are true for most place. I want to say don't be discouraged, there are exceptions - my apartment was spotless when I moved in, including the fridge, and there was a package of new bed linens and pillows waiting.
The only glitch was that the guy meeting me had forgotten the sign with my name on it and he was playing so intently with his phone that he didn't notice me (the only foreigner in the airport) walking back and forth and back and forth the tiny arrivals area looking for someone who seemed to be looking for me. Later I learned that he does this to everyone - his own little game I guess.
The disorganised thing is that they had changed the schedule and wanted me to go to an all-day meeting shortly after I arrived from a 16-hour (with layovers) flight. That was a good introduction to how things are done here. No matter how early you arrange to come, be prepared for changes. |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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| chinatimes wrote: |
| Denim-Maniac wrote: |
| chinatimes wrote: |
Question: WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE NEW TO THE SOUTH PREPARE FOR?
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Nothing too different to anything they would prepare for in the north. Whilst diversity is alive and kicking in China, the difference between north and south for a newbie is probably a moot point. |
I disagree. I lived in Shenyang, and I am living in Beijing now. The weather is IMMENSELY colder in Shenyang in January than Beijing.
I wore shorts in Beijing in winter, with heating, but in Shenyang if you go outside without gloves your hands will freeze. So, if you go to Shenyang, you really need gloves in January.
Can you say the same of Hangzhou? There are differences. I know. I lived in Detroit and visited my sister in California in December. I saw lemon trees, completely unheard of in Detroit.
| Quote: |
| Start your own thread for goodness sake. |
Your attack is duly noted. Foul. Didn't score any points though. |
Judging by the PMs I've received about you and your aliases I think you score own goals pretty regularly. |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 7:46 pm Post subject: |
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- Check that the hot water cylinder in the bathroom is 'on'.
As your apartment has been unoccupied for the summer it is likely that the caretaker has been in and switched unnecessary items off. |
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Kysorb
Joined: 30 Jul 2010
Posts: 253
Location: Beijing
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| Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 9:46 am Post subject: |
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| GeminiTiger wrote: |
| North isn't any better than south, Beijing is a death sentence. Anyone foolish enough to live of their own free will isn't a very good researcher of what is going on and the effects it will have on your body. |
While i kinda feel like attacking you back for calling me and thousands of other teachers stupid I will just let it slide.
One thing this thread has taught me is we must be treating our new teachers way to well.. If we don't have an apartment for them from one of our out going teachers (all quite nice) we put them up in the Mercure hotel for a week. |
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teachingld2004
Joined: 17 Feb 2012
Posts: 389
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| Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 1:35 pm Post subject: what you will encounter the first week |
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This happened to me The teacher who taught the students I got told me all sorts of things, good and bad about the students. My opinions quite differed. The students that teacher said were great, certainly were not.
What one teacher thinks, another may not. And no teachers are alike. We do not teach in the same way, and students (some) react to different teachers different ways.
We teach Oral English, and we all go abut it in our own ways.
Possibly you will get information about students that you find incorrect.
You may get advice on all sorts of things Remember, another persons heaven may be another persons hell.
Expect to be thrown into the lions den. Just deal with it. Make this your heaven. |
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