Thinking about heading on the China Internship (Yeah!) but don’t know what to expect? (Erm kinda) We caught up with six interns who have been there, done it and bought the t-shirt!
There Ain’t No Party Like An Intern Party!
You’re not alone! The first 2 or 4 weeks (depending on which internship you sign up for) will be spent in Beijing on your TTC orientation programme – to get you prepared with all your trusty TEFL knowledge, to meet other interns and to get used to life in China.
Eliza Egan (pictured below!) who taught at Sichuan Normal University Affiliated High School said:
"The absolute highlight of my time on the Teach and Travel China Program was the first month, which found me living and studying in Beijing. At this time, 80-odd bright-eyed people from around the globe were put in accommodation and classes at a university in Beijing. It was a great chance to get to know people from foreign countries, and an even greater way to adapt to China and the fact we were going to be living here for another 5-6 months. The lessons were entertaining and the TTC staffs were always helpful. Socialising with other interns was unbelievably fun and judging by how frequently other interns reminisce on that month, it is undeniable that the first month really is monumentally fun!"
Check out the photo below of Johannes Jeub who taught at the National Institute of Technology,
Beijing- "Overall it is a great experience and you see so many new things"
Throw Yourself In At The Deep End
If you’re the type of person that’s always waiting for the next adventure, open-minded and eager to learn you’re already half way there!
Selma Kleivane did just that! She embraced her new life in Changsha, Hunan to the max!
"I have done everything from eating scorpions, travelling all over China, dancing in front of more than 1000 people, walking around in a bunny costume all day, seeing the most amazing nature, being to Chinese weddings, seeing Mao’s home to getting blindfolded and undressed by my co -workers and ending up in the nicest restaurant in Changsha wearing only ugly Chinese pyjamas and horrible green rubber boots! And yes, I had the time of my life that day!"
Check out her hilarious photo below, Selma is one very brave girl.
Like any country, your experience is what you make of it. Don’t be frightened to do something just because it is out of your comfort zone. So pick up those chopsticks and your Mandarin textbook and get cracking!
Newness!
Jimena Olivera, who taught in Shenyang, tells us about how being absorbed into a new culture was one of the best things about the China internship.
Photo of Jimena’s new gang
"The training month in Beijing was amazing. Everything and everyone was new to me, but in a little time I got used to it. I met new people and made lots of friends and had a great, great time. Working in such a nice environment, being friends with Chinese people, learning Mandarin and immersing myself in Chinese culture are the things I like best!!! China has taught me to keep an open mind and keep a positive attitude with every situation I have to face!"
Support
There will be times when being away from home gets a bit tough but what is great about the China Internship is that the TTC team are there to support you every step of the way.
Katie Samoluk tells us how she felt before she embarked on her journey!
"I was nervous at the prospect of arriving alone in a strange country but after being greeted by all the fantastic TTC staff these feelings soon disappeared. The support they offer is a great resource for anyone wishing to teach English abroad for the first time."
The China internship programme is designed to help smooth over any tricky parts for you to make your adventure hassle-free (accommodation, visa assistance, spending money, food etc!) Of course there are plenty of jobs in China if you wanted to find work independently, BUT, if you want everything arranged beforehand then that’s where this option can help. :)
Memories (And Friends!) To Last A Lifetime
It’s getting towards the end of your time in China and the inevitable happens: you start reminiscing. So when the day comes when you have to say bye to your China life the odds are that you won’t want to come back! With all the friends, the experiences, memories, stories to tell that will make those back home green with envy, your China internship will be something to remember forever!
Lai Nga Lam, pictured with a pal above, taught at the National Institute of Technology, Beijing and she summed up her experience by saying:
"If it was possible I would do this all again, the people you meet on this programme, some will be friends for life and others will teach you something new and definitely valuable."
If you’re thinking about taking part in the next China Internship, make sure you read our free guide!
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