China Internship August 2010

Ok so we couldn’t let this momentous day go by without giving a little shout out on Chalkboard. Although it’s not strictly TEFL related it’s never a bad thing to spread a little L-O-V-E- Whether you’re loved up and loving it or you think it’s a load of old rubbish, maybe you’re waiting for cupid to ping an arrow your way... however you’re spending Valentine’s Day let’s take a look back over TEFL couples past...

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Check out this great book for info on China, lots of recommendations on the content: http://www.amazon.co.uk/This-China-Guidebook-Teachers-Backpackers/dp/0557081181/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311755957&sr=8-1

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Check out Gareth as he gets ready for an Aug departure! http://www.teflireland.com/2011/06/29/mayo-native-prepares-for-adventure-to-teach-english-in-china/ 

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http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMjUyNDg0Mzk2.html

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A lot of people decide to teach abroad because they want to really experience another culture: something totally different, something that will awaken your senses… Well, if that’s what you’re after, I’ve got just one suggestion: China. It is unbelievable. Incredible. Possibly life-changing. Here’s why: Psst, if you want to experience China for yourself, check out i-to-i’s Teach in China Internship – you’ll spend five months teaching will 24/7 support, as well as free food...

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The countdown is on until my last class… no, hang on just a minute - the countdown is over! I got a text Wednesday morning, just as I was snoozing the alarm (again), to say that class is over and not to come in, so I finished my stint as a TEFL teacher two days early! I’d said goodbye to everyone at Kindergarten 1 on Tuesday, so at least I got one set of goodbyes...

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I can’t believe I’ve only got two weeks left of being an intern; there’s so much I haven’t told you about! Let me start with pomello, since I’m eating some as I type and everyone should know about pomello. It’s a citrus fruit we first had at Andy’s house back in the day when his fiancée made hotpot for us. I think it’s known as Chinese melon, but I can only ever sing the name...

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I've been teaching here for four months now and am aware of how competitive the school system is and the academic level required to make it into one of the top universities. I'm teaching Senior High School so my students are 15-18yo, they attend school 6 1/2 days a week plus studytime of an evening - essentially from 0700 - 2230 - they have their heads down trying to cram every last morsel of knowledge...

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Sometimes, I hate my job. I was heading up the stairs to my last kindergarten class, and as I rounded the corner I saw, on the emerging landing, a small boy gleefully weeing on his friend’s shoes rather than the bucket so placed for the purpose. OH MY LADY GAGA. I’m developing strategic tunnel vision and deafness and can ignore the stares and phlegm hacking of adults and kids using the toilet pots in the...

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The leaves have fallen, the heating’s on, and it’s getting dark. It’s been a week for change. Our Canadian big brother Andy has properly moved away from Handan to the south of China to be closer to his fiancée Nancy. Great for him, I’m sure they’re going to be really happy, but sad for us. At least we’ve got our other big brothers, Charlie and Kan, and our disreputable uncle Dan. As a Lilac Education...

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