Memoirs of a China Internship...

Ni Hao!

As the January 2012 China Internship rolls closer, and those jetting in January dust off their rucksacks... we take a step back and linger over the experiences from past China interns...trust us, it'll bring tears to your eyes.

Ladies and gentlemen...may we introduce...the Class of 2011.

Jimena Olivera, Shenyang, 2011

"Since the moment I landed in China, I knew that living and teaching in this country would be a wonderful experience. Now, after 4 months in China I can say that my opinion hasn't changed and I'm thinking about staying one more semester! 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! Thank you to TTC, this experience wouldn't have been possible without you!"

 

Kevin Moore, Global language school, Zhangdian number 3 middle school and Zichuan number 1 middle school, Zibo

"I think this program is a fantastic way to get involved in teaching in China. The first 2 weeks were awesome and TTC really helped to ease me into the culture, so not to be so culture shocked when I actually went to my placement.

The placements are great and were really helpful with everything I could have possibly needed. I'm sure it differs from place to place but I think they really pick the best places to send interns. Also the staff were always willing and able to help with anything that you needed and someone was always available for any questions I had.

I would recommend this program to anyone who would like to get experience teaching, to start a teaching career or would just like to travel and see such an amazing country as China.
Although I don't think that the pay is enough to survive though. So extra lessons are a necessity!! TTC ROCKS!!"

 

Manuel Blank – Placed in Changsha, Hunan Province, 2011

"Every weekend here is an adventure.

Being a foreigner in a city where not many tourists come gives you a kind of celebrity status. However, there is one thing I will probably never forget.

We went to a mountain in Changsha. As it was quite a warm day and many people where there, we sat down in the grass and played cards... and never finished our game...

After about 5 minutes a girl approached us and wanted us to take part in a survey she was doing. As we hardly understood anything, I'm pretty convinced that it was just a pretext. A couple of minutes later a few more people came by and decided it to be a good idea to talk to the 'foreigners'. They all turned out to be music students and we ended up singing with them on this mountain. I wouldn't be surprised to find a video of us at the Chinese version of youtube!

Remember, China is completely different, it works in a way totally different from any 'western' country. My one tip to anyone coming is leave your shame at home and don't be picky! Try it for yourself!"

 

Matt Wooliscroft, Meicun Senior High School, Wuxi

"The time in Beijing was great. Two weeks seemed like the perfect amount of time to adjust and still keep everything exciting. I think the TTC staff has done a great job.

I haven't had any transportation, visa, or placement issues. I had one question about meal allowances which was immediately cleared up by Niles. It would've been nice to be with a larger group (I'm with one other person in a town where we're the only westerners), but TTC was upfront about this possibility, so no complaints.

Overall, the opportunity to see China from something other than a tourist's perspective has been really eye-opening and definitely worth the time."

 

Eliza Egan: Sichuan Normal University Affiliated High School, 2011

“If I could explain China in one sentence it is that China is an overwhelmingly amazing, different, sometimes adorable but sometimes annoying country!

Make sure you go to China with an open mind, ready to experience everything that's thrown at you. At some points you'll absolutely love being here, at other points you'll want to leave. But the important thing is to appreciate just how much of a challenge and so developmental time this is. There's no doubt that the effects of living and teaching in China will be long-lasting and significant.

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 youths 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!”

Want to be part of the next China Internship in January 2012? The application deadline is 30th November...so there's still time, but you'll have to hurry! Download your free guide today

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