Re: going to China: Say cheese.

> When you go to China, take a sense of humor, an open mind, and
> whatever you absolutely cannot do without(This differs for everyone,
> of course.)

> When I was in China, I was fortunate enough to meet my wife. We have
> been together two years- married one, and we couldn't be happier(I
> say this, but each day we do become even happier.) Next, we will both
> be teaching in South Korea.

> But don't go to China looking for a wife- I didn't but am very glad
> that it happened.
> Again, the sense of humor and the open mind are required if you wish
> to enjoy the experience.

Karl:
Dalian is said to be one of the cleanest "city" in China. I enjoy my stay there for only half a year.
As you are going to teach medicine, you might be in the medical school. That's up on a hill facing one of the beautiful beach not too far away, and a huge park and exhibition ground. But the traffic is awful there. Buses and elevated cable cars are right in front. Watch yourself.
But beware of the management. I was offered a contract of a year, but by the time I arrived at the Maritime U. they had given my job to someone else. Since it was not my fault, and they lost the argument. They could only give me half. I was settled in one of the dirty carpeted hostel room without any facilities. Before the classes began, I was told to pay RMB 280 a day. I stayed there for 14 days before the classes began.
The landscaping in the "city" and the seashores are marvelous. I enjoyed hiking very much there. The beaches are free in the morning before 8:30. Some of the shorelines are toll. As I mentioned, the CITY is clean, but don't tramp to the suburbs, or swim in the sea. Garbage were dumped along the suburb roads. Waste from numerous fisheries were dumped right back to the sea. There was a pretty beach right in front of my school, but a sewer drain from the neighbourhood was also poured right beside. There were people swimming and fishing there, but I, though swimming is my hobby, never ditch in.
Basically, you may find everything. There is a Wal-Mart and many other big stores. There is also a cafe for foreigners by a foreigner. Have fun and enjoy your stay!
Alex

Re: going to China

> Have you ever seen one of these contracts? 3 days a week ... These
> numbers are based on a typical work week of 5 days per week. I have
> signed a new contract without this 3 days thing. It's absolutely 5
> days. I teach science too. If you want to meet and socilize, you do
> not need to worry about this job. I would assume you're financially
> ok-just get the visitor visa and rent a place on a month to month
> basis... prices are low. Teach in the local volunteer English
> conversation clubs for adults. Once, or twice a week. Max 2 hrs,
> night classes. Excellent opportunities to meet other people ... As a
> teacher universities are not the best place to meet people... Unless
> you're looking to meet other teachers. Doesn't look good for a
> teacher to date students. Its a small world after all. Yes, no did
> mentioned the heavy workload of a university in China.

> Happy life. Just trust your melody,

> Paez

Paez,
I truly appreciate your reply. I checked the contract and I was wrong. I also spoke with someone who is a professor there and he agree with your comments 100%. I am going as a tourist. Planning to learn some popular Chinese culture and Mandarin. I post more later.

Thanks alot,

Karl

Re: going to China

> I think of going to China in October. Dalian, probaly. What should i
> bring beside my passport. info welcome, not a complete list.

> K.

Karl,

It does sound as you are looking for a horse. Not a Woman.

Re: going to China

Maybe you should take your son to the beach, to see if he'll still think you can make with a truck to Australia.

Good luck with your Korea plan, hope it works well for you.

Re: going to China

Karl,

Are you driving *to* China?! ;-)

To drive here you need a Chinese licene. I have one that my boss at my last school arranged. Driving here is...exciting!

Good luck to you!

> Thanks everyone for your advice! Great forum!

> This would be my 1st experience teaching English anywhere. My job
> will be 3 days per week, teaching medicine.

> Ron E.

> You got it right. I would like to meet new people. I am sick of being
> lonely. Better a broken heart, than nothing. I'll take my chances.
> While in China let's meet sometime. I'm planning on driving.
> Dinner/drinks on me.

> Well I guess it's time for me to start packing. I am excited to be
> heading your way.

> Karl

Re: going to China: Say cheese.

> Yes, you can get pretty much everything here that you can at home,
> including lots of DVDs at low low prices!! ;-)

> One thing that is missed by all the FTs here is cheese though! You
> can get the sliced processed stuff, but a good lump of cheddar is
> worth it's weight.. (The bigger cities it is available, but
> relatively expensive).
> Underarm spray doesn't happen here either, though you can get the
> rollon type. Dalian is pretty modern by all accounts, though I
> haven't been there myself.

> Make sure your school has the correct licenses to employ foreigners.
> You can tell if they haven't because they will keep messing you
> around and putting you off and off. If you need any help or advice
> please feel free to e-mail me. I have a Q&A sheet I send to my
> potential new teachers.

> Good luck!

> Mmmm. Cheese.

When you go to China, take a sense of humor, an open mind, and whatever you absolutely cannot do without(This differs for everyone, of course.)

When I was in China, I was fortunate enough to meet my wife. We have been together two years- married one, and we couldn't be happier(I say this, but each day we do become even happier.) Next, we will both be teaching in South Korea.

But don't go to China looking for a wife- I didn't but am very glad that it happened.
Again, the sense of humor and the open mind are required if you wish to enjoy the experience.

Re: going to China: Say cheese.

Yes, you can get pretty much everything here that you can at home, including lots of DVDs at low low prices!! ;-)

One thing that is missed by all the FTs here is cheese though! You can get the sliced processed stuff, but a good lump of cheddar is worth it's weight.. (The bigger cities it is available, but relatively expensive).
Underarm spray doesn't happen here either, though you can get the rollon type. Dalian is pretty modern by all accounts, though I haven't been there myself.

Make sure your school has the correct licenses to employ foreigners. You can tell if they haven't because they will keep messing you around and putting you off and off. If you need any help or advice please feel free to e-mail me. I have a Q&A sheet I send to my potential new teachers.

Good luck!

Mmmm. Cheese.

> No comb no toothbrush, just a pocket full of dreams a heart full of
> love and they weigh nothing at all.

going to China

I think of going to China in October. Dalian, probaly. What should i bring beside my passport. info welcome, not a complete list.

K.