Job Discussion Forums

WaystoGo · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 21 Location: PRD

I am headed to one in the Jiangsu Province. Besides the outdoor stuff, hiking, biking etc...do most electronic media work..ie Kindles it it useful to bring one, also for connections onliine, do you need a proxy server?

mayteach · Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 13 Location: Nanjing

Kindle works, 3G connection no problem. I have one and it's been a lifesaver, couldn't imagine living here without it. A proxy is also recommended if you want to keep in touch via Facebook and the like. I even find that some random sites (some news, some others) are blocked at random times so a proxy solves that.

Other teachers I've known have taken Chinese lessons (both private and in-class) or taken martial arts classes.

Over-all, it depends on what you are looking for. If you are for the outdoors lots to do in the surrounding areas. If you want to travel, there are plenty of opportunities as well. If you are an indoor type, a kindle and ipod and a proxy server with a a good torrent program is a must, in my opinion.

SahanRiddhi · Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Posts: 267

Massage parlors. Karaoke bars. (Learn yourself some Chinese songs. Also, "Country Roads" and "My Heart Will Go On" will go a long way.) Play basketball with the college boys. DVDs. Drink. More massage parlors -- there are several kinds, depending on which area is giving you trouble. More karaoke. More basketball. Massage again. More DVDs.

CJD · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 116

learn chinese.

Laurence · Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 401

yeah small city living is a good oppourtunity to indulge in learning something new, like one of the Chinese languages.

Lack of alternative options means it's not really a good setup for those who aren't self-motivated. In the absence of western/modern social groups to latch onto, you kind of have to make your own ways to enjoy your leisure time.

The novelty factor might keep you stimulated for a few months though -

All those crazy restaurants and massage places to explore..

Old Surrender · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 6:46 pm Post subject:

I stocked up on some Nintendo DS games before I came. It was a good way to kill an afternoon.

If you have a kitchen, you could ask someone to teach you some Chinese cooking -- especially if there's a dish that you love and want to bring back to your home country.

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

Sorry to barge in, but I'm a bit of a computer novice, when you say 'set up a proxy so you can use facebook', how would I do this?

Old Surrender · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 3:48 am Post subject:

http://www.skydur.com

This is what I use.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

"How do FTs entertain themselves in small Chinese cities?"

Most of the FT's that I have met in the small cities seem to spend much of their time drinking and gaining weight.

I spent 18 months in small cities in Anhui, and I would not want to repeat that experience.

MisterButtkins · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Posts: 1221

When I lived in a small city I did the p90x. It is a home fitness program that is really intense. You can google it if you are interested. The exercise will take about 60-90 minutes a day, but on top of that you will have to shower more, go to the gym, and cook special diet food. It will get you in great shape and give you something to do.

Lobster · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 11:34 am Post subject:

I spent a year in a small town where I was the only foreigner. What did I do?

A lot of on-line tutoring for Dave's help centre.
A lot of slow eating in restaurants because my AC/heat didn't work, and there were regular power/water outages.
Lots of trips to Nanjing to visit friends and hang out (6 hours each way).
Lots of watching DVDs of suspect origin and quality.
Lots of roaming the streets and people watching (it took 45 minutes to walk from one end to the other)
Lots of lesson planning and materials development.

That's about it. My students were great, but I was happy to get out of there.

RED

chryanvii · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 125

Hanging out and cooking with students

Playing a musical instrument

Surfing the internet

Taking photographs around campus and city

Taking trips to nearby places by bus or train

Exercising

Exploring the city/enjoying the "helllooo's" and stares

Learning chinese and "attempting" to practice with locals

Beer

Girlfriend

Internet Pornography

jibbs · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 452

Just for 2 weeks here in the smallest town I've ever been in, in Asia. Not sure how anyone could handle this for long - maybe for the language learning?

SahanRiddhi · Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Posts: 267

Anyplace to get a "massage"? Any lonely farmer's daughters?