YIKES!
Heading to China at the end of January 2010! What in the world am I thinking?! No, actually I'm anticipating an exciting life-changing adventure! A Once-in-a-Blue-Moon experience. (This New Years Eve was the last with a Blue Moon till 2028!)
I graduated August 2009 from National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago) with my Masters of Science degree in Acupuncture (MSAc). So I'm headed to the birthplace of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to further hone my art and practice of this awesome medicine. It is truly amazing!
While there, of course, I'll be teaching English as a second language to the university students at Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine in Xianyang. They have an excellent medical reputation and appear to have a strong international program.
Though I've traveled some outside the United States (Egypt, Israel, Thailand, Belize, Canada, Mexico) this will be my first actually living abroad. I have no idea what's in store for me. I've read a bit and spoken with international friends, but feel that until I actually get there I'll have no idea how to prepare.
My TEFL contract is for 12 months. I've taken care of most of the state-side logistical stuff (I think). I have my USA Passport. I have my Chinese Work Permit from the school. I have my single-entry Z-Visa from the Chinese Consulate here in Chicago (& will apply for temp residency w/in 30 days of arrival). I'll be flying Asiana Air from Chicago O'Hare to Xianyang International via Seoul and Beijing.
I hear the weather can be bitterly cold in Winter and swelteringly hot and humid in Summer, and that heating and cooling may not be what I've come to expect at home. My airline luggage limit is only 70 pounds, so this could be a challenge. (I'm sure I have at least 70 pounds of books I'd like to take!) I'm used to torn jeans and T-shirts, and I know that won't fly in China. As a teacher I'll be expected to maintain "face" for myself and for those with whom I interact at work and school.
Enough from me for now. If any of you recent or more experienced travelers or ex-pats have any advice or suggestions please don't hesitate to share with me here.
With great anticipation and a little trepidation I am about to become An American in China.
- Earnest
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Hi Earnest, awesome story, I hope all your uncertainties have been vindicated and your hopes fulfilled. I spotted your profile from the 'Where are you in China' Forum because of your mention of Xian. A friend of mine who's just visited China tagged Xian as one of the desirable cities (along with Wuhan), so I'd be interested to hear your impressions now that you've been there for some time. Best wishes, Geoff
Congratulations Earnest!
You'll have a great time - I taught English to university students in Beijing and it was an amazing experience. In terms of advice, I'd say that most uni students have very good written English and can read it very well, but when it comes to speaking are incredibly shy (and not v. fluent at all). Make sure you give them as much time as possible to practice speaking with one another - but I wouldn't pick out people to demonstrate to the class - your students (if they're anything like mine were) will HATE it! (most stuff in Chinese schools is learnt by drills etc, so standing up by yourself and doing it seems awful). I'd certainly wait until you get out there to plan lessons, as your uni might have a very particular way of doing things.
I wouldn't worry too much about the luggage thing - just take out some basics and you can buy extras out there as clothes are incredibly cheap. Only problem is if you're incredibly tall or (sorry!) a bit fat... In which case you might struggle to find clothes to fit.
Make sure you keep us updated about your adventures on Chalkboard - will be looking forward to hearing all about how you get on.
Honor
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