jkong 0 #1 July 27, 2007 I am seriously considering this as an option for the 2008 school year, but before I do anything, I would like to hear others' stories and suggestions. Have you ever done this? If so, what was your experience like? Did you do it through a program? Where did you do it? So far I have looked at Guangzhou (where my family originated) and Shenzhen, but I am not opposed to looking anywhere else. I want to go to China because I have roots there (I'm half Chinese) and I would love the experience of teaching, living on the other side of the world and challenging myself with learning mandarin. Thanks for your anticipated suggestions/comments! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #2 July 27, 2007 I will see if I can track down my friend Dave for you. He moved to China for several years to teach. He was chinese. It sounded like it was a great experince for him, he even found his wife while working there."The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
psipike02 0 #3 July 27, 2007 Yeah I have a friend who graduated with me this year who is going over there in a month to start. I will ask her and try to get back to you...Puttin' some stank on it. ----Hellfish #707---- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jkong 0 #4 July 27, 2007 Thanks to both of you. Any contacts would be greatly appreciated Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumpervint 0 #5 July 27, 2007 Look at these two sites. There should be information and forums there where you might find some info. http://www.eslcafe.com/ www.tesol.org Good luck. Have fun. Vint. . . . . "Make it hard again." Doc Ed “A person needs a little madness, or else they never dare cut the rope and be free” Nikos Kazantzakis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frenchy68 0 #6 July 27, 2007 Quote And If anyone has first hand stories/suggestions that are here in this forum I'd love to hear them. I can't help you with feedback on teaching English here, but I have been living in China for almost 2 years and am having a fantastic time. "For once you have tasted Absinthe you will walk the earth with your eyes turned towards the gutter, for there you have been and there you will long to return." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #7 July 27, 2007 You might check with the Chinese Consulate in New York City, they may have a ministry attache there where the government will sponsor you to teach english for a year or two, in exchange you learn mandarin. Edit to add: Japan has a similar program and has been very successful with it. However, Japan has a very pro-English movement, I don't know about China. Not wanting to bring this into Speaker's Corner, you should also consider some other factors. China, despite all their economic reforms, is a communist state. The government is still very much in control. An alternative, look into Taiwan also. If you're set on mainland China, then go ahead and look into https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1089.html Enjoy. So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SBS 0 #8 July 27, 2007 I would visit the cities if at all possible before committing to one or the other (or another...Shanghai, perhaps?)... Haven't been to Shenzen, but Guangzhou a couple of times, and it's nice enough...but nothing compared to Shanghai. And if you're looking to learn Mandarin, although most speak it in the South, it's more commonly spoken in the North. -S_____________ I'm not conceited...I'm just realistic about my awesomeness... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frenchy68 0 #9 July 27, 2007 Quote China, despite all their economic reforms, is a communist state. To be honest, there is very little communism to be found in China today. More can certainly be fond in the US. But it is what one would call a form of "enlightened despotism", as it is indeed a one party rule (as was Taiwan for almost 50 years). One could debate (in Speaker's Corner) however, whether such political system isn't the best option to face China's current issues... And you are right, I hear of many government sponsored programs bringing people to China to teach English (which is compulsory in school). Americans are well liked by Chinese, dating back to the Nixon years. "For once you have tasted Absinthe you will walk the earth with your eyes turned towards the gutter, for there you have been and there you will long to return." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SBS 0 #10 July 27, 2007 What are you doing up so early??? _____________ I'm not conceited...I'm just realistic about my awesomeness... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frenchy68 0 #11 July 27, 2007 Quote What are you doing up so early??? Who said I went to bed? "For once you have tasted Absinthe you will walk the earth with your eyes turned towards the gutter, for there you have been and there you will long to return." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jkong 0 #12 July 30, 2007 I wish I had the $ to travel there before making any decisions, but unfortunately I do not. My sister did teach for a few weeks in Shanghai, and she LOVED it. I will consider any place in mainland China, but what Im really looking for is suggestions for reputable programs who I can trust will hold true to the employment contract. This is for some crazy reason the ONLY thing that my family has supported me on (besides going to college). They think skydiving is insane, but moving to the other side of the world? Go for it! hahaha. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
