I've been in China for two and a half years and I want to give some tips to those about to come here. I'm leaving to take a job in Poland.
1. Chinese kids are so cool. Little kids, ie: under 10, are still wide-eyed and wonderful. I found them the most fun to teach.
2. Chinese people (men) are incredibly rude. Not just by Western standards, by human standards. The men spit everywhere horribly, urinate and defecate in public, stare incessantly, push ahead of you in line-ups and laugh at you for nothing. Don't even think about getting in fist fight if someone wrongs you, they will immediately grab the nearest weapon and try to blind or maim you. Of course this is only the majority, there are exceptions. I live in a modern, relatively civilized city (Qingdao) and these things still rampant here. Be careful.
3. China is dirty. Wash your hands as often as you can. If you wear sandals, wash your feet as soon as you get home. Don't wear your shoes in the house, unless you want particles of phlegm and shit on your floor. Don't eat street meat on a stick unless you want violent diarrhea.
5. Chinese food in proper restaurants is great. You will never experience variety like you do in China. Just make sure you choose a restaurant with a relatively clean environment.
Though I do have negative things to say, I encourage anyone thinking about coming over to give it a try. Yes, the language is difficult and so are the people, but the positives outweigh the negatives.
There are a lot of opportunities for qualified teachers here. I've worked with English First the entire time I've been here, and I fully recommend them as a professional, friendly organization.
GOOD LUCK
Chad Pearson, Kamloops, B.C., Canada
logboysayzwhat@yahoo.ca
