Job Discussion Forums

orangiey · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 217 Location: UK

I'd agree with the pack lightly approach.
Bring reading material, puzzle books if you like them,leave CD's/DVD'd behind along with most toiletries. However bring lots of anti-perspirant/deodrant as the Chinese don't use it and I had to get some posted from home. Otherwise toothpaste etc is easily available.
Bring herbs/spices etc for cooking plus any other home comforts.

Good luck, I'm leaving for Spain 3 weeks today and I've got too much stuff!!!!!

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

shoosh · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 31

Wow that's a lot of replies in a short time! Awsome. Thanks

I can't quote things from ALL the posts but I noticed that some people had a hard time finding specific things. I'm wondering if these people are living in small towns or larger cities. personally I wouldn't mind living in a larger city just because I think it would be easier to find what you need. I could be wrong though.

It sounds like it's going to be a pain in the ass to find clothes and shoes. Im 6 feet and about 175lbs. I think my shoe size is between 11.5-12.5 depending on brand of shoe and such. You figure it would be pretty easy to find clothes in China since practically everything is made there!!! Are there no tall chinese people?? Yao Ming can't be the only one!

Some people were talking about lesson plans and here is a question I have been wondering for a while... when people go teach English is the school going to give them textbooks to teach from? Or do they put you in a class and tell you to "teach these kids English." The picture I have in my head is me being put in a classroom and just not knowing where to begin.

Keep the replies coming people... it is helping me and many others I'm sure. Thanks again.

orangiey · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 217 Location: UK

I live in Wuhan which has 10 million Chinese here and NO deodrants!! And yes they do smell........!!! Don't be fooled big cities still don't keep these items as the culture is they don't use them (this includes cooking spices etc so air on the safe side and bring these things).

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

jg · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 4:05 pm Post subject:

Shoosh,

Shoes in your size will be difficult to find anywhere, and what you may find may be in a very limited style, of poor quality, etc. I lived in Shanghai and wear a 10.5/11 and was found it very hard to find places with a decent selection of either running or casual shoes. The Nike shop I eventually went to sold me fakes. I would strongly suggest buying shoes and, if you don't want to bring them straight-away, leave them with someone responsible so they can be mailed to you as needed.

Imodium.
if you want a laptop or mp3 player, China's prices are too high.
backpacks and camping equipment can be expensive or difficult to find in some cities of China, but there is a brand called "Bigpack" thats really good, and their stuff is all over China - not sure if the company is German or Chinese, seems to be a bit of both.

brsmith15 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 1142 Location: New Hampshire USA

Good-quality cotton and wool socks. Chinese men wear these thins that look like coffee filters.

jeffinflorida · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:16 am Post subject:

I just stocked up on some OTC Ibuprofin and these packets that you can use to make your own spegghetti sauce - just add some oil and tomatoes.

And some quality size 13.5 New Balance walkers from Sports Authority.

And some good Fruit Of The Loom knit boxers.