> Hi Jack,
> No problem from my side, I perfectly understood what you meant from
> your previous posting. You weren't chiding me in anyway, it's that
> you simply love my wacky postings. Sometimes, people do misinterpret
> things and there's nothing we can do about it. Leave 'em be.

> I've been taught to read and understand contents as a whole and not
> simply one line. My foreign teachers used to tell us never jump to
> conclusions but to "read between the lines" one , two or
> even three sentences sometimes don't tell you anything at all.

> PS, I'm a wacky girl (as you know by now) I'll keep on posting and
> have as much fun as I can, without offending anyone,I hope. LOL

Thanks, Anne! It's just that I thought I ought to clear the air - not for you but for some others. You are spot on about reading right and how one must sometimes read the entire passage to make complete sense of what's written. Reading is largely a cerebral activity and while doing so, those ubiquitous emotions need to be kept somewhat in check.
So, Wacky Gurl, keep on keeping on, to use a borrowed phrase.

> Jack Kanoi and DoS. Just too bad you did not bother analyzing the
> first post of TC before shutting your mouth and chiding Anne W. and
> me. If you want to be respected in this world, think before you talk
> and respect others. TC was and he admitted way out of line. Pls at
> least acknowledge this. I agree China is not a perfect place, but
> we're working hard to make it better for everyone. Best to both of
> you and TC welcome to China anytime.

> Regards,

> Shao lin

I have no idea what you're talking about. What I said was:
"Hey Anne,
I've been reading your posts with more than just passing interest. All I can say is, despite the 'occasional' acerbic comment, you rarely fail to humour. For a fresh graduate (am I right?) you seem unlike anyone I have met or taught in China. Though there is seriousness too, it is often laced with enough wit to make your posts a pleasure. When I log on, I find myself looking for your posts.
Shall I say, 'Keep it up'?
Best wishes,"
If you call this 'shutting' (did you mean 'shooting'? my mouth or 'chiding' Anne I have nothing to say. However, I am answering your post because you wanted a response and I thought a little clarification would set matters right. To the best of my knowledge and assuredly those of others who are not quick to make unfounded assumptions, the matter must be clear as day.
Best wishes,
Jack

> OH MY GOD, I have heard so many bad stories about teaching in Asia!
> Who can you trust out there folks? Is there any way you know you can
> trust a school or recruiter? Or is it just the luck of the draw?

> I have been teaching in Mexico for the past two years and I certainly
> have some war stories tell about it. Like low pay, not getting paid
> on time or not at all. Idiots running the school etc. So I have been
> there. But maybe the fact that it is not so far from home it does'nt
> bother me so much and it is easier to deal with.

> There has to be some way of knowing before you get on that plane to
> China or wherever that when you arrive your going to get what you
> signed up for in your contract.

> A little help please.
> P.S. I have heard good stories too, but how do you choose to be sure.
> Hell I do not want to be in China fighting with some moron about
> getting paid, my hours or living conditions. Oh ya, and what's up
> with the dog eating over there?

I like that... this too shall pass!!
I shall remember that when I am on my travels!!!!
Shellie

> Mike B, I know you didn't mean it that way, but that line that
> unfortunately I have a wife and two kids to provide for might have
> been better worded. (You know I am smiling as I say this.)

Yes, I see what you mean. So much for my proof-reading skills. :(

I worked for a year as a sub-editor for Notimex, the Mexican government news agancy, and I was continually fixing things like this from the Mexican translators' work. Easier to spot other people's errors than your own, LOL.

Revised Edition:
I have a wife and two kids to support so unfortunately I have to forget China (for the moment).

> Jack Kanoi and DoS. Just too bad you did not bother analyzing the
> first post of TC before shutting your mouth and chiding Anne W. and
> me. If you want to be respected in this world, think before you talk
> and respect others. TC was and he admitted way out of line. Pls at
> least acknowledge this. I agree China is not a perfect place, but
> we're working hard to make it better for everyone. Best to both of
> you and TC welcome to China anytime.

> Regards,

> Shao lin

I totally agree with you Shao lin.
We're all humans going through life learning.

Zac

> Hi there, I am currently in Mexico, have been here four years now,
> and prior to that I was in Guatemala four years. I'm planning on
> being in Korea by mid-August.

> Reading the complaints from unhappy teachers in Korea (on other
> boards) I think it will be a breeze compared to Latin America. I
> don't speak Korean (yet) but I'm sure that after Mexico (what part
> are you in?) China will be a breeze.

> Don't know about dogs, but here we eat chapulines (a.k.a.
> grasshoppers) plus of course delicious tacos de tripas (intestines)
> and cabeza (pigs head, including the skin).

> I would have loved to work in China, but unfortunately I have a wife
> and two kids to provide for, so Korea is my destination. Initial
> investigation leaves me thinking I will also love Korea, certainly
> for a few years.

> Most important thing anywhere is keep smiling and take it all in
> stride. And when things turn really bad, repeat in a soft voice
> "And this too shall pass."

Mike B, I know you didn't mean it that way, but that line that unfortunately I have a wife and two kids to provide for might have been better worded. (You know I am smiling as I say this.)

I also question the Menu followed shortly by this,too, shall pass (LOL)

China has been my favorite of the three countries in Asia (Turkey and South Korea being the otehrs) that I have worked in, but I am not sure I would ever have called it a breeze.

But I might just be staying there- the school where I was planning on joining my wife in South Korea is backing off on her contract.

Sorry, if Iam rattling on....

> Hi there, I am currently in Mexico, have been here four years now,
> and prior to that I was in Guatemala four years. I'm planning on
> being in Korea by mid-August.

> Reading the complaints from unhappy teachers in Korea (on other
> boards) I think it will be a breeze compared to Latin America. I
> don't speak Korean (yet) but I'm sure that after Mexico (what part
> are you in?) China will be a breeze.

> Don't know about dogs, but here we eat chapulines (a.k.a.
> grasshoppers) plus of course delicious tacos de tripas (intestines)
> and cabeza (pigs head, including the skin).

> I would have loved to work in China, but unfortunately I have a wife
> and two kids to provide for, so Korea is my destination. Initial
> investigation leaves me thinking I will also love Korea, certainly
> for a few years.

> Most important thing anywhere is keep smiling and take it all in
> stride. And when things turn really bad, repeat in a soft voice
> "And this too shall pass."

Hi Mike,

I am in the beautiful city of Guadalajara. I love it here. Teaching here is great. I say teaching NOT working, there is a difference. I have taught english for over eleven years now. But teaching here in Mexico has been very rewarding because the sudents really enjoy it and they take it so seriously. It is really important for their future and they understand that. But I would like to explore more places and cultures before I grow too old.(will turn forty soon) So I hope to find the same teaching rewards in Asia.

I have tried all the dishes you mentioned. Some are very good. I have a small pet dog and she goes wherever I do. So I guess I was being a little paranoid. That was the reason for my previous comment.

Tell me about your plans in Korea. How did you choose your school and the city you are going to etc.?

> OH MY GOD, I have heard so many bad stories about teaching in Asia!
> Who can you trust out there folks? Is there any way you know you can
> trust a school or recruiter? Or is it just the luck of the draw?

> I have been teaching in Mexico for the past two years and I certainly
> have some war stories tell about it. Like low pay, not getting paid
> on time or not at all. Idiots running the school etc. So I have been
> there. But maybe the fact that it is not so far from home it does'nt
> bother me so much and it is easier to deal with.

> There has to be some way of knowing before you get on that plane to
> China or wherever that when you arrive your going to get what you
> signed up for in your contract.

> A little help please.
> P.S. I have heard good stories too, but how do you choose to be sure.
> Hell I do not want to be in China fighting with some moron about
> getting paid, my hours or living conditions. Oh ya, and what's up
> with the dog eating over there?

Thank you for not coming to Japan. Food is real bad here. Chinese food is better.

"For a fresh graduate (am I right?) you seem unlike anyone I have met or taught in China."

Hi Jack, we've millions of Anne Wangs deployed in our territories. Our secret weapons to protect our borders againts low self esteem bugs like T.C./The New Guy. btw. We also eat bugs of all kinds.

Hey Anne, instead of asking T.C./The New Guy for a chiguaga dog, ask for a tequila bottle. I am sure he knows that, don't know if he can afford to bring you one cuz the stupid bosses don't pay him where he is. I guess he is a stupid for get caught with stupids.

T.C./The New Guy, Stay where you are - no need to come to "China fighting with some moron".

That's it. Time to go back to my dinner.

Shao lin

> OH MY GOD, I have heard so many bad stories about teaching in Asia!
> Who can you trust out there folks? Is there any way you know you can
> trust a school or recruiter? Or is it just the luck of the draw?

> I have been teaching in Mexico for the past two years and I certainly
> have some war stories tell about it. Like low pay, not getting paid
> on time or not at all. Idiots running the school etc. So I have been
> there. But maybe the fact that it is not so far from home it does'nt
> bother me so much and it is easier to deal with.

> There has to be some way of knowing before you get on that plane to
> China or wherever that when you arrive your going to get what you
> signed up for in your contract.

> A little help please.
> P.S. I have heard good stories too, but how do you choose to be sure.
> Hell I do not want to be in China fighting with some moron about
> getting paid, my hours or living conditions. Oh ya, and what's up
> with the dog eating over there?

I can see how you could imagine that every school is terrible from China discussion boards, but remember people write about the bad things more than the good. If everything is going fine, people generally don't log on and say so. It sounds like China has some similarities with Mexico!

Having said that, China can be a frustrating place to work sometimes. I have three main "rules" and a couple of sub-rules that I have created from my observations here in the last two years. Here are my main ones:

1: This is China! When something strange and unexplicable happens rule number 1 applies. (This happens more than you think!!)

2: Nothing can be easy. In the west we are so used to trying to make everything efficient. Here that mentality doesn't (usually) seem to exist. I am not saying something is wrong or right here, Chinese people just do things differently. However, when you have to visit four different people in a shop just to buy a 1RMB pen...

3: Never plan ahead. THIS is my (and most westerners I think) main gripe about China. As much as I love the place and the people, Chinese *seem to* have great problems *planning*. I guarantee that if you come here, at some point, and probably repeatedly, your Chinese boss will say something along the lines of:
"Hello (name), good news, you have a new class!"
"Oh, okay. When?"
"Now, they are in that room over there"
That may seem like an exageration, but it has HAPPENED to me!! It isn't usually that bad, sometimes you get a few hours warning. :-)
Things happen on the spur of the moment here. I do the schedule at my school for the teachers, and it has taken me MONTHS, and times where I have refused to schedule a teacher for a class, for the management to get the idea that I/we want some notice. A couple of days is what I specify. Of course, some classes still get dumped on me at short notice, but they have become better.

Some schools also have the 'get paid late' problem. This is a cultural thing, Chinese people often get paid a week or so late, it isn't a big deal for them. Of course for westerners it IS a big deal. My school understands this (I made it very clear) and we have always been paid on time, but you must stress this with any new school. Understanding the Chinese way will give you insights into all of their ways, and after a while it can begin to make a kind of sense.

I have eaten dog a few times as well, I don't really see any difference between eating a dog and a cow really. I have also had a go at Donkey, horse, pigeon, silkworm (with much trepidation), frog and at some point I will get around to eating snake. Hey, life is a rich tapestry you know! I believe you only live once, so experience as much as you can!

Phew, that was a long response!

> OH MY GOD, I have heard so many bad stories about teaching in Asia!
> Who can you trust out there folks? Is there any way you know you can
> trust a school or recruiter? Or is it just the luck of the draw?

> I have been teaching in Mexico for the past two years and I certainly
> have some war stories tell about it. Like low pay, not getting paid
> on time or not at all. Idiots running the school etc. So I have been
> there. But maybe the fact that it is not so far from home it does'nt
> bother me so much and it is easier to deal with.

> There has to be some way of knowing before you get on that plane to
> China or wherever that when you arrive your going to get what you
> signed up for in your contract.

> A little help please.
> P.S. I have heard good stories too, but how do you choose to be sure.
> Hell I do not want to be in China fighting with some moron about
> getting paid, my hours or living conditions. Oh ya, and what's up
> with the dog eating over there?

> (Oh ya, and what's up with the dog eating over there?)

> When you've made up your mind about coming to China, how about
> bringing me a Mexican Chihuahua--- Yummmmmyyyyyyyyyy. I wonder what a
> Mexican chichuahua taste like. Lol.

> Some Chinese do eat dogs, that's why some dogs hardly ever make it
> through the winter. My pet dog "Xiao Hei" suffered the same
> fate, grandpa took the opportunity of my absence; butchered and
> gobbled her up.

> Welcome to China, have fun teaching over here.

> P.S
> When invited out for a banquet by a Chinese host never ask what's on
> the table.

> Do you know a song by Weird Al Yankovich? :)
> Part of the chorus goes like this

> Eat it, eat it, get yourself an "egg" (could be a
> dinosaur's) and beat it. Have some more "chicken"(could be
> some sort of exotic bird) have some more pie(with unknown fillings in
> it)
> It doesn't matter the food you don't like just EAT IT.

Hey Anne,
I've been reading your posts with more than just passing interest. All I can say is, despite the 'occasional' acerbic comment, you rarely fail to humour. For a fresh graduate (am I right?) you seem unlike anyone I have met or taught in China. Though there is seriousness too, it is often laced with enough wit to make your posts a pleasure. When I log on, I find myself looking for your posts.
Shall I say, 'Keep it up'?
Best wishes,
Jack Kanoi

There's a couple of different sites you can go to find out information about potential schools to teach at. For China, I think in general the TEFL China joblist as well as their Mentor list are pretty good.

http://teflchina.org/lists/index.htm
http://teflchina.org/jobs/mentors/index.html

I also have my own site dedicated to reviewing Chinese schools for potential teachers. It's still new, and it surely isn't perfect, but there's quite a bit of good content there.

http://www.ChinaSchoolReview.com

Hope that helps you out a bit.

Nathan Mittelstaedt
Nate's China School Review
http://www.ChinaSchoolReview.com