TEACHERS DISCUSSION FORUM
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#1 Parent Experienced in Asia - 2007-03-09
Advice on China - Teachers Discussion

I must agree with a previous comment here.
I believe it would be a great mistake to re-locate the whole family to a country in Asia without any past experience of the living and working conditions over here. The advice given that one parent should come alone to begin with is sound. Burning your bridges is not something to be undertaken lightly.

Just on a point of interest, the syntax in the original sentence regarding "them things" is I'm afraid, straight from the George Dubya school of English.

"I would like to know about the toys and children's DVDs availavle in China. Would I be able to find them things to watch and play with that are in English"?

As "toys and children's DVDs" were mentioned immediately before the close of the previous sentence, they naturally became the subject of the question in the next.
Like it or not, the way that the original sentence was constructed just doesn't scam. Basic sentence structure is important to avoid confusing students of the English language.
Proof-reading is also recommended before posting.

#2 Parent Kathleen - 2007-03-08
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#3 Parent Another American Teacher - 2007-03-08
I AGREE! - Teachers Discussion

OhmaGod! Thank you, thank you, thank you English Teacher in China!

I had initially refrained from posting a shrill STAY OUT OF CHINA reply to this post. I wanted to give someone the chance to say something positive (and perhaps someone will), but I CONCUR!

I could go on and on and on listing reasons why Kathleens plans would likely yield volumes of heartache and frustration (possible mental breakdowns, divorce, etc. Hahahaha!) should she go forth to China with a husband and four children in tow (for 4000RMB per month). Forget about it!!!!

The only way I could envision this plan not being a disaster is if Kathleen were to come here first alone, and begin the job and assess the situation. Then if she determines that the conditions are conducive to bringing the rest of her family over from home, fine. But I feel almost certain that she would later decide to let them stay at home.

I respect that Kathleen has asked for comments from someone who is more similar to her and in a similar situation (I am in China, but a single, older man). However, I think someone who fits her profile is an exotic bird here indeed!

Kathleen,
Please forgive me for not elaborating my reasons to support my plea to avoid this plan. Just know that if needed, I can give you an abundance of reasons (mostly drawn from painful experience) why you should design another plan for you and your familys future together.

China is full of wonderful qualities, but it is also loaded with surprises, disappointments, and deceptions

And yes, I agree with ETinC that Chinas streets are MUCH safer than those in the U.S., but your children might attract a level (depending on your chosen location) or style of attention (gawking -- and comments/questions) they might not always enjoy.

Sincere best wishes to you, Kathleen.

#4 Parent English teacher in China - 2007-03-08
Teaching in China - Teachers Discussion

Kathleen,
This has to be a wind-up doesn't it. ?

If it is a serious post asking for advice, here is mine.
STAY WHERE YOU ARE

You can find all "them things" (sic) that you may want in the U.S. To bring 4 small children here, (who incidentally would be much safer on China's streets than those of the U.S.), is something that you should give serious thought to.
If you sell your house and then don't like it here, where are you going to go next ?.
By the way, please tell us where you can make $5000 a year on a Cert. of Deposit of $10,000. I'll buy some.!

Quote: "Would I be able to find them things to watch and play with that are in English?;"

No, this post has to be a wind-up, it can't be by an English teacher.

Kathleen - 2007-03-07
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