my view of Chinese students and teacher self-preservation, I stand by. Mind you, I wouldn't get away with it in Training Centres, but wouldn't work in one anyway.

No flies on you then? "Tom" was compromised by a student, an evil school, i don't know, other than, definitely a trouble-maker. Tom is my middle name as it happens. When I have time I'll add an e-mail address to save my time, if, i get a reply, which is rarely the case- i just provide a few peasant gruntings which make your astute remarks seem even more remarkable. Never mind, it amuses me; however, your drinking of chilled chemicals does not- can't you buy British beer in The Fatherland, i can in China.

You are just posting to antagonize now!! Why I can't understand, I pity your poor wife and students with your condescending views to anyone "lesser" than you....

Chilled chemicals, what rubbish are you talking about, pilsner, reinheitsgebot, and no, you can't buy british beer in China, at least, not for expensive prices, and I won't pay 30-40 rmb for a boddingtons in China, when a perfectly good bottle of Tsingtao is 3....

Engage Chinese students? Are you mad? Probably not, you're just new to the game.

Let me tell you, young fellow, me lad, the only engagements you'll want to have with the little brats will be a resounding slosh aroung the lug-hole, but unfortunately you won't get away with it. Therefore, lots of scowling, sarcasm, removals from the class will suffice.

Engagement with the students, is the language of your bosses, recruitment agents and shoddy training centres who seem to do everything in their stupidity to allow your students to disrespect you.

You must teach your class in the best way possible to make life easier for yourself.

To respond, did five years in China and was more than enough...currently working in Germany now, so no, in answer to your question, not new to the game, but not yet a veteran either...which are you? Are you Tom...you certainly sound like him?!:)

But surely a teacher is meant to engage students, yes?

Engage students! Engage Chinese students? Are you mad? Probably not, you're just new to the game.

Let me tell you, young fellow, me lad, the only engagements you'll want to have with the little brats will be a resounding slosh aroung the lug-hole, but unfortunately you won't get away with it. Therefore, lots of scowling, sarcasm, removals from the class will suffice.

Engagement with the students, is the language of your bosses, recruitment agents and shoddy training centres who seem to do everything in their stupidity to allow your students to disrespect you.

You must teach your class in the best way possible to make life easier for yourself.

Never work more than 17 hours because you are in China to enjoy yourself. If you teach University students, you just might be able to engage with a sultry young student in your free time. Help her with he3r English.