From the moment I stepped off the plane onto Chinese soil, I was immediately transported into a parallel universe, where any life rules that you had previously adhered to back home, goes out the proverbial window! I have been here three months and have to say “I love China”, but it does take some getting used to, so be prepared in the first few weeks to get used to some serious culture shock moments and frustrations with the language barrier. After three months, I still can’t string a full sentence together, but thankfully Aihua kindly provide us with free Chinese lessons (I’m a slow learner). You will however, find your miming and eliciting skills will become that of a pro. I once successfully mimed and elicited to a guy at an electronics market that my memory stick, which I had bought the previous day, was not compatible with my laptop; no words just lots of hand gestures and he understood! I was pretty impressed with myself.
The first few weeks upon arrival will be a whirlwind of jetlag, training and settling in with the China way of life. But you will never feel alone, and help is always at hand. You’ll find that you will form close bonds and friendships with the other new teachers that will be arriving with you. I have made friends for life with the group of teachers that I arrived with in August, and for me it’s those friendships that have made my time in China so far so enjoyable.
Those that have concerns about teaching kids, or teaching at all for that matter need not worry. Andi and Trish (the dynamic duo) provide extensive training and cover all bases. By the end of the ten days your USB stick will be full of class materials, games and extra tricks. You’ll be armed and ready. Also when you get dispersed to work in the different centres, the foreign centre supervisors in each centre are willingly on hand to help you at your very disposal. Also take advantage when it comes to asking for any advice on teaching tips or concerns, these guys are seasoned pros, they know what they’re doing and are happy to help!
I have compiled a list of “fun facts” for you to aid you in your transition to China
- When you’re out for a stroll in the morning, and can’t see past your hand, that’s not fog, its smog! But it’s cool …
- Shoving and pushing: The Chinese like to shove and push you out of the way for some reason, don’t be surprised or offended if an eighty year old woman elbows you in the side because she’s in a mad rush somewhere. You forgive her…because she’s eighty.
- 3. Being frisked at the subway station: You’ll find that each time you decide to take the subway, you’ll go through an extensive security check like that at the airport. They’ll frisk you each time, which you’ll find annoying at first but then, that one day they forget, or don’t bother, you’ll feel mildly rejected.
- Passport: in China, be prepared to have your passport at the ready for pretty much everything, even posting a letter.
- 5. The green man at the traffic light: Be warned! Sure back home; the green man light at the traffic lights, means you can safely cross the road, not here! It’s just a decoration, so proceed with severe caution.
- Knives: Sharp knives, that you use for chopping vegetables; are considered weapons of mass destruction in China. When purchasing one, you’ll find that they are kept in a Fort Knox style cabinet and you WILL be made feel like a terrorist when you ask to buy one.
- FITTED SHEETS! For some reason, fitted sheets are not something that the Chinese consider a necessity. I personally do, and if you’d like to avoid feeling like you woke up in a squatters den every morning, I would suggest bringing a few with you to cater for a double bed.
- Squat toilets: …………. 🙁
- Vegetarians: the word “vegetarian” does not exist in China, be warned! When ordering broccoli, what looks like plain broccoli, will probably be littered with bits of pork when it gets to your table at a restaurant.
- Sugar: as with littering vegetables and green salad with bits of meat, you’ll find savoury foods such as sandwiches will be drizzled with sugar glazing, if you have diabetes be wary, if you don’t you may inadvertently develop type 2 if not careful.
These “facts” actually add to the charm of China, the Chinese people are wonderfully gracious and friendly, and you’ll find that you will quickly begin to become endeared to their idiosyncrasies.