Job Discussion Forums

[vblund]

I would love to find an opportunity to come and teach in China for a few months over the summer. (mid-april to mid-august) I have several years experience teaching college-level businesses courses. I also taught ESL courses years ago in Taiwan and have traveled to China many times.

I would need to bring my middle-school aged daughter with me. I read somewhere about summer camps or schools that allow the children of foreign teachers to participate in the programs with the local children.

Does anyone know about these kinds of opportunities? Or, has anyone else brought their kids to China? I would welcome any advice or suggestions!

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

I once considered bringing my daughter to China, but opted against it as I am in a smaller city and she'd not only be overwhelmed, but probably hate the place.

I have friends who brought their kids to larger cities and some of them have been here for years. They speak Chinese very well and have a large circle of friends who look out for them as well as a smaller circle of adults who protect them.

I'd strongly suggest Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, or maybe even Harbin. Most other places would be uncomfortable for her.

Most schools as far as I know would embrace having a foreign student participate. However, some of the content would be boring for her.

Good luck.

[Non Sequitur]

My suggestion:
Make a list of desireable cities - on the coast would be my pref - and google each with '...expat association.cn'.
You'll get hits for quite a few and then make contact and see what the expat community does with its youngsters during summer.
An international experience particularly if there was some Chinese langage component would be marvellous for her.
Hope you can make it happen!