Hello all!

Just to let you know I've set up a group on facebook - "China Internship August 2011." Would be great to get in contact before we go, share stories, tips, ideas etc so come along and join :)

x

Hey!

Great idea - I will join tonight - at work and can't get on fb! x

whoo!  i've put in a request on FB. 

its hard not to get excited, i hope i get to go.  this'll be my first time travelling.  any info on anything will be a great help to me. 

nx

Hey guys :-),

Im hoping to go on this Internship too (fingers crossed). If i don't go on this one I will definitely be aiming for the feb 2012 one; so either way it would be fab to share my excitment with other people :-)

Can't wait to experience life in China x x

Hey guys,

I am hoping to head off in August too although there currently seems to be a bit I can not figure out!  I will join that Facebook group later on anyway and hopefully that will help.

The online course sure takes a while doesn't it?  Am also very uncertain when the application for the August internship begins.

I also can not help but wonder is going through i-to-i/TTC the best route to go?!  Any reassuance people can offer would be greatfully accpeted!

Thanks!

EmmetW (Dublin)

Hey there, I was on the China internship Feb 2010 and had a wicked time! Whilst it does have it ups and downs (check my blog for details) its reassuring to have people to call if there is ever a problem. I was placed in North Eastern China with ten other interns so there were a lot of people around to hang out with and we could support each other. Travelling alone for the first time I would definately recommend the internship, there will be highs and lows of any travelling experience but when you are with a company you don't feel so alone or in the dark. However, those who are independant or who have travelling experience; you can get more for your money if you go it alone. I'm now teaching in South Korea, but would not have got here without going on the internship first!

Hi gaby, good idea of yours, reckon I will be seeking support and advice from your Facebook group quite alot!!, just about to start it online, quite daunting as not that academic, and pressure to pass and get through it, or i will miss out on the internship. How are you finding it?

I've just asked to join the group on facebook. I had my skype interview this morning and now have the dreaded wait. These discussion boards have been a massive help, it's a comforting having people in similar situations to be able to talk to.

To Marty, it wasn't until starting checkpoint 3 yesterday and my interview this morning that it suddenly daunted on me...I could be accepted and not pass the course. Lots of people have been struggling with checkpoint 3 though it seems so hopefully i will get through it and reinstall my faith that i can get my TEFL qualification. How long after the interview has it taken people to hear back?

Hi Kerry - good to see you've joined our facebook group, everyone chats on there loads and helps each other. Most of us heard back about a week later, some a bit longer.

Alright guys?

I'm one of the guys who went in Feb 2011 (still here and loving it!). You're going to have a fantastic time, really you are. Regarding the interview, really don't worry about it. The TTC people are really lovely, they'll be calling you just to check you're not a complete nutter and that you can speak proper english, that's about it so don't worry. When Jess called me I think we were done in 5 minutes

About the course, it's not really that hard, you just have to put the hours in. Don't expect to be able to rush it (although someone did complete it in 17 days!) I found printing off the pdf summaries and reading them instead of going through the online materials a lot easier, you don't have to cane your eyes looking at a screen you can quickly flick to the page you want if you're stuck on an answer.

When you get to the lesson planning lessons, have a look at the examples that are given (they will be links from the pdf documents) and copy the format whilst changing it around your ideas.

If anyone has any questions, get in contact.

Good luck, Dave

oh yeah, you will be told deodorant is hard to get hold of here. They aren't kidding and when you do find it, it's REALLY expensive. Bring lots!

Guys, I am considering this for August... I will be pouring literally all my funds into it and it will be a completely new experience to me having never taught before. I wonder, is two months enough to complete a 140hr TEFL course?

Anyone else going head-first into this?

Hello all!

I am currently on the Feb '11 internship with Dave (Hi Dave!). I have posted a journal entry of my time so far and if anyone has any questions etc I would be happy to help!

Good luck and enjoy China!

Hi,

I have just joined the group as i am hoping to be on this internship, i'm very scared as i haven't travelled before and not sure what i need to do, i have been reading through everything on here and i have signed up for August Internship..........help me please, i only have a short time to do the TEFL and looking for some support that i will do it lol.....

and yes Megafayce head-first too.....!!!!

just me again.....

Does anyone know which is the best flights to book? where to fly from? and when is best to book them...etc.....?

Hey Sarah,

Congratulations on booking the internship! For flights, you'll need to be flying into Beijing. Sites like Skycanner.net will help you find the cheapest flights from wherever you're coming from.

How's your course going? There's loads of support in the 'Help, I'm Stuck on My TEFL Course' group. Check it out if you get stuck: http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/groups/19-Help-I-m-Stuck-on-my-TEFL-Course-

Hope that all helps - if you want an idea of what to expect, have a chat with these girls who are currently out in China: 

http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/peters21

http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/jess82

http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/jensloan

Good luck!

Hello,

Thanks for all your support, i am having problems accessing the course but hoping to get cracking and today and try my best to get it all crammed in, i am really worried that i won't complete everything in time!! :(

I am from the North East of England anywhere in the north i will be hopefully flying from if i get accepted.