Hi everyone

My heart sank when someone asked if 25 was 'too old' to do the internship. lol :-)  I'm 31, and like Geraldine above, have decided to stop letting things get in the way and go for it!  The only person I can let down is myself and I'd rather try and fail than not try at all (please someone remind me of that when I'm pulling my hair out with frustration trying to plan a lesson!).

If anyone has sorted out their insurance and can recommend a good policy then please let me know. There's so many things to consider I hadn't even thought about sorting that out yet.  I also received an e-mail from my programme advisor to say the invitation letters won't be sent out until mid November at the earliest, has anyone else had the same?  The flight prices keep going up, so I'm tempted to go ahead and book anyway. I don't want to leave it much longer, especially with Christmas (sorry to use the C word in October!) is around the corner.

Anyway, I look forward to meeting you and good luck with your TEFLing.

Shelley

hi everyone,

Ive just signed up to i to i and I'm really interested in the China internship. But I was wondering whether its realistic to get everything sorted (Tefl qualification, Visa, Flights etc.) in time for the January internship and also how much money will be needed to live on for when we get over there because Ive read that it takes a couple of months to get paid for the first time.

Also, will there definitely be an August 2012 internship???

Thanks,

Dom x

Hi Dom

It's taken me seven months to complete the course!  But, I haven't rushed it all and have only worked weekends when I've had the time.

I think the deadline to complete the TEFL for China Jan 2012 is approx 15th December.  If you could work solidly on it for a couple of months then I think you'd probably be fine.  I don't think it takes too long to arrange a visa (when I last looked on the Embassy website I think it said 5-10 working days), and TTC has already advised the invitation letters won't be sent until mid November at the earliest, so I don't think the visa thing would cause too many problems.

With regards to money, the cost of living is much lower than UK, but I'm planning to make sure I have a few hundred pounds to get me by the first month or two.  But perhaps someone who's is there at the moment will be able to advise better, another chalkboard user gave me the details of Denise who is on http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/i-to-i/posts/6501-send-us-your-questions-about-the-china-internship.  I have contacted her already about this so if I hear anything I’ll add it to this discussion group, she's the go-to girl about internship questions so I'm sure she'll advise if you have any queries.

Good luck and all the best with your TEFLing!

Shelley

Hi All

For some reason I thought Chinese new year was in Feb but I've just noticed it's on 23rd Jan.  Is anyone flying out early for new year?  I was planning to fly on 27th rather than spending money on extra accommodation, but if anyone else is going for new year and doesn't mind extra company let me know.

Cheers

Shelley

Hi Shelley,

There's a group of about 8 of us going out early (some on 21st, some on 22nd). I have booked us beds in a hostel in Beijing called the Candy Inn (www.candyinn.com) . If you want to join us, let me know and I'll add you onto the booking. We don't have to pay anything until we get there :) x

Hey

Thanks so much.  I haven't booked my flight yet, hoping to do that this weekend.  It seems a shame to miss out on the New Year with it being so close to the Internship, but as soon as I've definitely decided I'll let you know.

Cheers

Shelley

Hiya

Flight booked!  I arrive on 22nd Jan.  I'll send you message regarding the hostel, meeting with the group etc.  Can't wait!

Cheers

Shelley x

hey Shelly,

Its great dat u have it booked! Me and another girl called shauna will be arrivin on the 22nd aswel! Wat time is ur flight landin? We mite b able meet at the airport if its around de same time!!!!

Gina

Hi Gina

Yeah that'll be  great. I think I land around 10:30am?  I'll check my booking and send you a message with my details.

Can't wait!!

Shelley

I just made my first call to the program and figured this was the best option for me since I did not get a batchelors degree in my short 22 years of life. I am interested in this trip to China but was woundering what advice others had for me... I am from Seattle and grew up in Los Angeles. I have traveled a lot but I am always forking up tons of money to go on trips.

I wanted to go somewhere like China but never knew how.. Now I find this and its crazy how simple it sounds. I am just woundering if its too good to be true?! .... It just sounds too easy.. and what about the money? You pretty much have to pay around 1500$ but get that back in the 5 months your there for food...? So you work for 5 months for free? I like that you can be around other americas/uk people during the trip.. Hmm... Why wouldnt you take the course on line then go abroad and accually make money while doing it? The experiance, right? I dont know... I guess I am confused on what to do and since there isnt tons of time to make a choice... I may make a desicion I may regret later..  ekkkkkkk

Hi everyone. ^^

I am just wondering if anyone knows how many spots they have left for this program? I don't want to apply only to get rejected because there is another program I am looking at. This one however, is my top choice but I don't want to go through the hassle of getting a refund, partial refund, etc if there's not enough spaces. 

And for those who are meeting up before the program starts, I'm interested too. ^^ As long as I get in.

I've booked and halfway through 60 hours so need to get my butt in gear! So excited. Anyone got any hints on the hand written essay? I haven't done one since beginning of university which was about 4 years ago so a bit worried about making the right impression.

Hi all, I'm 18 and just started the course and got loads to do before Dec. 16th! Just wondering if anyone was around my age and doing this, feel free to add me cause I'd love to get to know people before :)

hei, I wanna ask how we can know all the things for this intern...because I wanna join this internship. please tell me

Hi Everyone

So is anyone freaking out yet?

I'm looking forward to it, but not being able to plan anything for classes is making me a bit nervous. That and not being able to speak a lot of Chinese. :D