Songbird -- 25 October 2004

Hi all,

Okay, I'm exaggerating, I don't really need help with anything in particular. But I'm off to China for my very first ESL teaching experience and am a little anxious. I've done a ton of reading, both books and websites (including reading pretty much every message here!)- has anyone got any further ideas for preparation? I'll admit I don't speak a single word of Mandarin and feel pointless reading the guides because of pronounciation (I think it would be better to listen to someone).

I'm also nervous about the whole culture shock thing. I *know* I will go through this eventually, I'd be kidding myself otherwise. I read Paul's great article on this forum which helped a little. I am a very independent person who has even lived on my own in a caravan for 4 years and love trying new things and not really concerned what others think (but will only do things if I feel are right/ morally right), so I feel that this shouldn't be too much of an issue. I think I will just be screaming out for a decent conversation in English with someone once in awhile there!

Has anyone got any suggestions that might make the move or life there easier? And what do they eat for breakfast......(!?)

Songbird

Stella -- 25 October 2004

Hi,

You can buy CD Roms that teach Mandarin, I have one from Eureka. It has background music which I think masks the effectiveness of the teaching.

There are books available in America named things like "What to take to China", teaching English in China, so if I were you, I'd do lots of library searches too. I'm sure you'll get replies from this site. Take some western medicine in anticipation of a tummy bug or headache, so when you feel bad, you don't have to go looking for a drug store.
I recommend some web sites such as www.xe.com for exchange rates, www.dictionary.com, www.calculator.com,www.amazon.com, stuff like that, so you can leave a lot of stuff at home. Really check out the weather where you will be going-you may need a down jacket-or monsoon cape. Most things are available where you go depending on your size.

If you are the size of an asian, then you can take less clothes, knowing it will be easy to get them.
Otherwise check out where you can buy western sized clothes and shoes.(+mosquito repelant, plus a few passport photos for travelling). Check out from the Lonely Planet the various shots that you need. I think you could take some cough expectorant, and some menthol type inhalent for the winter months.

I hope you can talk directly with someone who has been -especially about whether to take your degree or not, but remember to keep your documents safe wherever you go-out of sight, out of mind. Don't hand over your passport, cards, degree or airticket. Keep them at all times.

Have fun
Stella.