Hi,
I'm an American who's been teaching esl in Europe going on 6 years now and I'm considering a move. I've only met one other teacher who taught in China (Shanghai, I think) and she didn't have many positive things to say about it. I'd like to hear about positive experiences and perhaps how to avoid swindlers. Any other practical "starter" information you can offer would also be greatly appreciated.
Looking for China advice
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Sally Olsen
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There is some good information under "Large classes" in this thread. My friend advised me to be very careful and get to know the currency well so I knew how much I was actually paying for things. Taxi drivers often tried to take advantage of my unfamiliarity with the money. I kept my money in my bra - don't know if that is appropriate for you but keep it somewhere that is hidden and only have enough ready for what you think would be the expense plus a bit more. In Ulaan Baator the kids often had razors and would split open the bottom of purses, backpacks and shopping bags without you realizing. You could put small locks on the backpack zippers too. Just do things that would keep you safe anywhere. There is good information under the jobs section of Dave's as well with a new special section on China. My friend loves it there and might never come home. She teaches at the university level.
The tai chi of teaching in China
Hiya
Large classes are the biggest problem, that and the learning styles/delivery methods.
I've been teaching in a uni in the south of China for over a year, and although some teaching aspects are incredibly frustrating, generally I've had a great experience. I was at a Summer camp in Jiangsu Province (it's north of Shanghai; capital is Nanjing) and I had a ball - we were treated very professionally, had plenty of resources (photocopying in my current position is a nightmare). I was teaching Chinese English teachers, and I could focus on some western methods, hoping they can introduce these to their students.
I've made lots of good friends here, seen some strange and delightful things, been appalled by some behaviours, but have felt relatively safe. If you're an ESL teacher then you should experience Asia at least once, just research the place you go to first and accept that China is in the process of changing; it's not quite 'there' yet.
People are so amazed I can use chopsticks, even though I've been here almost 17 months! They constantly shout "Hello" to me as I'm walking the streets and on some days I feel like a minor celebrity.
How have you found teaching in Europe? I'm from England and thinking about teaching/exploring Europe after I've finished in China.
Large classes are the biggest problem, that and the learning styles/delivery methods.
I've been teaching in a uni in the south of China for over a year, and although some teaching aspects are incredibly frustrating, generally I've had a great experience. I was at a Summer camp in Jiangsu Province (it's north of Shanghai; capital is Nanjing) and I had a ball - we were treated very professionally, had plenty of resources (photocopying in my current position is a nightmare). I was teaching Chinese English teachers, and I could focus on some western methods, hoping they can introduce these to their students.
I've made lots of good friends here, seen some strange and delightful things, been appalled by some behaviours, but have felt relatively safe. If you're an ESL teacher then you should experience Asia at least once, just research the place you go to first and accept that China is in the process of changing; it's not quite 'there' yet.
People are so amazed I can use chopsticks, even though I've been here almost 17 months! They constantly shout "Hello" to me as I'm walking the streets and on some days I feel like a minor celebrity.
How have you found teaching in Europe? I'm from England and thinking about teaching/exploring Europe after I've finished in China.
Good news
I am an Australian teaching oral English at Xiaogan University in Hubei province and have been here for nearly 9 months. Before I came here I too read so many terrible things about China but have had a really wonderful time. My advice is, go through an agent to get your job and check the contract carefully. I'll be leaving here in February (commitments back home) so you can apply for my job if you like. The people here are fair, kind and honest. I have had no trouble with passport or visa issues and they really do their best to keep us foreigners happy. Just a warning... Xiaogan is pretty small. There's not a lot in the way of weekend entertainment but Wuhan is only 2 hours away if you need a big city.
Obviously you should be careful of thieves as you should anywhere. I've heard Guangzhou has a reputation for pick pockets and thieves but here in Xiaogan I haven't had any troubles. I just keep my wallet close to my body and try to remain alert.
To be honest, I would trust the Chinese here above most Australians. I have lent money and DVDs to my students and never been concerned that they would not repay me or not return items. In Australia I would hesitate to do that.
The worst thing I can say about working in China is that the terms of the contract aren't always strictly abided by. Sometimes they will give you extra hours but they will pay you something for them. And there are plenty of extra curricular activities which they like you to attend but which aren't mentioned in the contract. It's no great issue though. And you still get treated like a star.
All in all I've had an awesome time. This has been the best year of my life. If you want to contact me for any further information let me know.
Obviously you should be careful of thieves as you should anywhere. I've heard Guangzhou has a reputation for pick pockets and thieves but here in Xiaogan I haven't had any troubles. I just keep my wallet close to my body and try to remain alert.
To be honest, I would trust the Chinese here above most Australians. I have lent money and DVDs to my students and never been concerned that they would not repay me or not return items. In Australia I would hesitate to do that.
The worst thing I can say about working in China is that the terms of the contract aren't always strictly abided by. Sometimes they will give you extra hours but they will pay you something for them. And there are plenty of extra curricular activities which they like you to attend but which aren't mentioned in the contract. It's no great issue though. And you still get treated like a star.
All in all I've had an awesome time. This has been the best year of my life. If you want to contact me for any further information let me know.