Teaching in China is a rewarding and life changing experience. China is demanding more and more Foregin Teachers every year and this could be your year. But before you jump into the world of teaching here are 12 tips that will get you through your first few months.
1. Westerners in China can stick out like a sour thumb and can be easy prey. When you head out each day keep your wits about you and make sure that whenever you step on the subway or a bus you keep an eye on your personal belongings.
2. Going out alone is no problem. However for the first month or so we recommend that you hook up with some other westerners and explore together. Not only does it keep you safe but it adds to the experience. You can experience things together get to know new groups of people and find new places together. Alternatively you can meet up with people along the way or ask people to suggest some places for you to head to.
3. Keep cards of all your favourite places. Especially your school and apartment. They come in handy when you’re constantly jumping in and out of taxis and can’t speak the lingo.
4. Expect to be approached by complete strangers who can speak English. Don’t be alarmed, they’re not out to hurt you but it can be alarming sometimes when a stranger on the bus asks to take a photo with you. There are times however when people who speak a high level of English will try to sell you a story about losing their wallet or being stranded and need money to pay for a taxi home. Beware these are scams and they are after an easy payday. 9 times out of 10, people just want to be friends.
5. Be ready for a battle when it comes to buying local goods. As a foreigner it’s expected that shop owners will try to over charge you, and when you are used to living in England where a bottle of coke will cost you a quid sometimes you don’t really care but when you live on that street people quickly catch wind of a foreigner that over pays and will try and rip you off. So when you’re buying goods try to follow the person before and NEVER pay what the shop owner charges. Always haggle the price down.
6. Most taxi drivers are good chaps out to make an honest living. But there is always the 1 or 2 that think you want to see the sites and will drive you all the way around town. If you feel like he’s driving around a bit too much just say ‘TING’ and he’ll come to a stop. Then you can jump in the taxi behind and carry on. There’s always a free taxi just around the corner.
7. Never carry more than the money you plan to use that day. Like most big cities there are pickpockets around every corner and you never know when one will get you. Also I’ve had my fair share of lost phones and wallets when I’ve got off the bus or out of a taxi. So always leave your rainy day fund at home or in the bank!
8. Never drink the tap water. Unlike the UK and other western countries, tap water in China is not filtered and is not clean. If you want to drink from the tap, boil it first and then refrigerate it and you’ll be fine.
9. Take it easy on the street food during your first few months in China. It can be hard for your stomach to handle the amount of oil and seasoning on the food. Once your body has had enough time to adjust go nuts. But be aware that you’ll pack on the pounds.
10. If you’re heading to the markets for the fresh produce it’s best to go early in the morning just after the fresh batch is delivered. That way you can pick and choose the best and cheapest stuff and aren’t left haggling over a potato that looks 3 days old.
11. Carry a full pack of tissues at all times. Most public toilets don’t provide toilet paper and you never know when you’ll be caught out. If you are caught short head to the closest McDonalds or KFC.
12. You don’t need to carry your passport with you at all times. It’s just too risky. If you feel the need to carry proof of your residence in China, Make some photocopies and keep the originals at home!
So hopefully if you follow these 12 tips you’ll make the most out of your time in China and can avoid anything that could potentially spoil your first few months!
For the full support program head to www.networkesl.com where you can find the latest information on teaching in China and can take a look at the latest Jobs in China on the China Job Board.
2. Going out alone is no problem. However for the first month or so we recommend that you hook up with some other westerners and explore together. Not only does it keep you safe but it adds to the experience. You can experience things together get to know new groups of people and find new places together. Alternatively you can meet up with people along the way or ask people to suggest some places for you to head to.
3. Keep cards of all your favourite places. Especially your school and apartment. They come in handy when you’re constantly jumping in and out of taxis and can’t speak the lingo.
4. Expect to be approached by complete strangers who can speak English. Don’t be alarmed, they’re not out to hurt you but it can be alarming sometimes when a stranger on the bus asks to take a photo with you. There are times however when people who speak a high level of English will try to sell you a story about losing their wallet or being stranded and need money to pay for a taxi home. Beware these are scams and they are after an easy payday. 9 times out of 10, people just want to be friends.
5. Be ready for a battle when it comes to buying local goods. As a foreigner it’s expected that shop owners will try to over charge you, and when you are used to living in England where a bottle of coke will cost you a quid sometimes you don’t really care but when you live on that street people quickly catch wind of a foreigner that over pays and will try and rip you off. So when you’re buying goods try to follow the person before and NEVER pay what the shop owner charges. Always haggle the price down.
6. Most taxi drivers are good chaps out to make an honest living. But there is always the 1 or 2 that think you want to see the sites and will drive you all the way around town. If you feel like he’s driving around a bit too much just say ‘TING’ and he’ll come to a stop. Then you can jump in the taxi behind and carry on. There’s always a free taxi just around the corner.
7. Never carry more than the money you plan to use that day. Like most big cities there are pickpockets around every corner and you never know when one will get you. Also I’ve had my fair share of lost phones and wallets when I’ve got off the bus or out of a taxi. So always leave your rainy day fund at home or in the bank!
8. Never drink the tap water. Unlike the UK and other western countries, tap water in China is not filtered and is not clean. If you want to drink from the tap, boil it first and then refrigerate it and you’ll be fine.
9. Take it easy on the street food during your first few months in China. It can be hard for your stomach to handle the amount of oil and seasoning on the food. Once your body has had enough time to adjust go nuts. But be aware that you’ll pack on the pounds.
10. If you’re heading to the markets for the fresh produce it’s best to go early in the morning just after the fresh batch is delivered. That way you can pick and choose the best and cheapest stuff and aren’t left haggling over a potato that looks 3 days old.
11. Carry a full pack of tissues at all times. Most public toilets don’t provide toilet paper and you never know when you’ll be caught out. If you are caught short head to the closest McDonalds or KFC.
12. You don’t need to carry your passport with you at all times. It’s just too risky. If you feel the need to carry proof of your residence in China, Make some photocopies and keep the originals at home!
So hopefully if you follow these 12 tips you’ll make the most out of your time in China and can avoid anything that could potentially spoil your first few months!
For the full support program head to www.networkesl.com where you can find the latest information on teaching in China and can take a look at the latest Jobs in China on the China Job Board.