Job Discussion Forums

Mike E · Joined: 06 Oct 2011 Posts: 132

Hello, just looking for some advice about realia that, in your experience, will be useful enough overseas -- and perhaps difficult enough to get once I'm there -- that I should bother bringing it with me.
Here are some details: I am coming from the US and going to a city in southern China. I'll be teaching large classes at a university. The school provides me with a textbook; I do not have a good feel for what other resources I'll be able to get from them (other than computer access).
In addition to realia, I'm also curious about small things that people might like or be curious about there that I might bring to give as gifts, when the occasion arises.
Thanks.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

1-2 pages of newspaper ads, especially from supermarkets and clothing stores.

LongShiKong · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 1082 Location: China

I've brought card decks from games such as Scruples, Perpetual Notion, Taboo, and other such party games. The ones that work the best are the ones with the least (entertainment) cultural referants. I bring fortune cookies to China (great tie-in for conditionals)--they don't exist here. Pennies, postage stamps, lots of family/hometown photos/videos of life back home.

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

For students, American flag pins, chocolate coins, anything small and cheap. For gifts to Chinese people, the easiest thing I've found is maple syrup. It's one of the very few things they don't make in China.

lotuseater · Joined: 08 Dec 2010 Posts: 23

Would the same principal work in the ME? (except maybe carrying the chocolate coins) Would students really enjoy American flag pins? Confused

Regards,
LE

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 4:49 pm Post subject:

Dear lotuseater,

"Would the same principal work in the ME? (except maybe carrying the chocolate coins) Would students really enjoy American flag pins?"

Good point - considering that such pins are almost certainly made of metal, they'd be very hard to burn. Very Happy

Regards,
John

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I've a Canadian friend who visited me in Europe once, carrying a load of little Canadian pins. They weren't wildly popular, to be honest....

lotuseater · Joined: 08 Dec 2010 Posts: 23

Okay,

Didn't think the pins would fly, but worth a try. The idea of Sunday paper glossy ads for speaking activities is a great idea, but would probably fold flat as a 'gift.'

Giving a small 'hello' gift appeals to me, but I don't know the temperament of ME students. Anyone actually given trinkets? What? Little kitty pencil erasers? Jelly beans?

Thanks,
LE

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I'd skip the little kitties. They seem to be popular is Asia, but I don't think they translate well to other regions (assuming your students will be adults).

Maybe a visit to Staples or some other big office-supply store? My students have enjoyed stuff like classy clips for papers and interesting pencils and pens - stuff they can use in class that is a bit nicer or more innovative than the standard. That stuff's fairly cheap as well.