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Yes, Heathrow on the 23rd for me too... 2 weeks!!!!

I was told by the doctor to take malaria precautions. But my sister has some malaria tablets left from her time in vietnam in november, so I'll be taking a small stash just in case it turns out I need them for a while... It's useful to know you can get hold of some there too if necessary.

Looks like im flying from manchester on the 22nd, hope i can get a direct flight, dont wanna get stuck in Dubai. hope the flights are cheaper getting back. Am I the only northerner?

Hiya :)

Me and my boyfriend are looking to enrol in the China internship starting August 23rd. Just wondering is there any hidden costs? I know you have to have 195 euros on top of the initial fee when you land for your visa, but is there anything else?

Thanks in advance :)

Did anyone receive that email with "important information" they said they'd send "1-2 weeks prior to departure" yet? 

No, I haven't recieved the e-mail yet. They always seem to be quite late with sending stuff. Are we supposed to tell them what flight we're on?

yeh, they need to know the flight number, airline and the time of arrival. Hopefully they'll send some information soon, as it's getting so close now!!! :D 

haha yeh, it still doesn't seem real yet, and probs wont untill im sitting on the plane lol

Hi everyone

just thought I'd join and say Hello as its only about a week and a half to go, exciting stuff, looking forawrd to meeting you all!

Yo Team,

I'm flying over on the 23rd. Sounds like i may spot some of you lurking around Heathrow, probably at the bar. If not, I shall see you all in the Beijing!

My lonely planet China guide and 700 activities book have just arrived in the post.  They're huge!!  Not so good at packing light. :)

Ni Hao everyone. I'm flying out of Heathrow at 11:30 on 22nd for a Hong Kong- Beijing connect flight with Cathay Airways. Anyone on it as well?

Hello All,

Just wondering of those arriving late in Beijing on 24th, are they taking a taxi to the hotel or getting a i to i pick up??

E35 euro seems a bit steep?

Thanks,

D

Yeah glad i'm not the only one arriving 'fashionably late' or as some may argue 'being a cheapskate'. I've worked as a sports coach in schools with the young'uns but never as a teacher. Can't be that hard though can it?!?! :-*!!

Us late arrivals are planning on finding our own way there!

And yes, I may have taught before - but then it's kinda different when it is in your OWN language!!! And it was not easy...I'm still very VERY nervous about the idea...the teaching part is by far the scariest part of this going away malarky!!! (I am really hoping it is nothing like teaching in the UK!)

nah...the teaching part is a certainty, whereas malaria is not.

I offer any help I can to those seeking it from a well-seasoned teacher of over 25 years (yeah, the ol' lady of the group!), tho never had foreign experience.  Classroom management makes all the difference!  Glad we'll have the chance to spend a bit of time together in Beijing.  -Sue from Colorado

Here's an excellent website for classroom management tips:  http://teachers.net/gazette/wong.html

Finally got flights and insurance sorted, that was such a headache. Just wondering how we are expected to bring material when we know nothing about who or what we are teaching. Are people just bringing general things as realia or going for full blown teaching plans etc? Not sure my positive attitude and bubbly personality alone will count as 'good teaching methods'.

Not taking any plans, just have a book for ideas and some bits n pieces that might be useful. I think if we were expected to bring stuff we would have had guidance on it. But seeing as we don't know anything, it's pretty impossible to plan anything in advance! I think the general advice is to take pictures/music etc stored on a usb, so that you can access it there but don't need to carry loads. And maybe some small things from where you live to show the students - but to be honest all I hear from people is that you can get hold of anything you might need over there. As I am (hoping to) teach children, I've brought my stash of stickers to use as rewards. But again, I expect this kind of stuff will be available there. There are some links on the teaching resources discussion that are worth saving for resources. Hope that helps!

Just got off the phone to Air China... note of caution if any of you are flying with them, it's £34 for each extra 1kg over the free baggage allowance!!!!!!!!!   Time to UNPACK and RE-PACK me thinks... hmmm, tricky one.  I also asked if you can take a handbag aswell as the 'carry on', yes, that's no problem.  The biggest handbag in the world is about to make an appearance from my wardrobe!  I'm flying out on Sunday 21st, looks like most of you are 22nd'rs, anyone for 21st ?  Look forward to seeing you all.

I haven't started packing yet, probably won't until last minute! 6 days to go :)

same i hate packing so it's def going to be all last minute. Sunday will be soooo hectic! :p only 6 sleeps now!! 

Heyy, Im flying out on the 21st too, are you plannin on payin a bit extra for pick-up and the hotel?? Ive contacted them about the early arrival but they seem to be ignoring me! :s

HI, just thought i ould introduce meself before tuesday, looking forward to meeting everyone. :)

Great my spelling gone to pot already, god help me! lmao