katieloudreaming

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  • Member since: 02/03/10
  • katieloudreaming has written 36 Journal entries.
  • katieloudreaming has uploaded 64 photos.
  • katieloudreaming has left 36 comments.
  • katieloudreaming has 108 friends.

About Me

I am a so called "middle aged" Australian who has decided to make a major life change and get out of the senior government service and teach English. I have travelled extensively through SE Asia and simply LOVE the people, places and cultures. I have a particular fondness for Vietnam but have decided to take my first teaching placement in China which offers more support etc. Looking forward to this new, exciting phase in my life.

My Friends (108)




eddydebont
eddydebont

HI, my name is Eddy and i'm from Belgium, I...

JaneLloyd
JaneLloyd

Hi, I'm Jane and at the grand old age of...

emmafoers
emmafoers

*I've now left the i-to-i UK office for other exciting...

sandsy68
sandsy68

I would love to teach in Thailand and China.  I...

snowfallrain
snowfallrain

I am a city college student that is working my...

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My recent comments

katieloudreaming
katieloudreaming said: “My original intention was to do 6 months in China...”
about Almost there! (Post)
katieloudreaming
katieloudreaming said: “Hi Bethany Good on you for being proactive. I also...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
katieloudreaming
katieloudreaming said: “Hi Sammy A most interesting and informative post. One which...”
about The Truth about the Thailand Internship 2011..... (Post)
katieloudreaming
katieloudreaming said: “Good luck..but I doubt you will need it. China is...”
about Almost there! (Post)
katieloudreaming
katieloudreaming said: “Hi Alix Chinese New Year is on the 23 January...”
about Business as usual...... (Post)

Comments on my stuff

wangqiuying
wangqiuying said: “Hi Katie!   I recently saw a post of yours...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
mahalath
mahalath said: “Lol, we have TIK for Korea, and it basically means...”
about Semester break..... (Post)
Bethanyjoy
Bethanyjoy said: “Hi Katie, Thank you for accepting my friend request... I...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “won't you have a big party to look forward to...”
about Business as usual...... (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “That is an incredible view! How fantastic! :)”
about Tibet adventure (Photo)
emilyhiles15
emilyhiles15 said: “I am soooooo jealous it's almost too much for words....”
about 7 Days in Tibet (Post)
arun123
arun123 said: “Awesome...Envy you..lol. Keep us posted on your travels. Cheers”
about 7 Days in Tibet (Post)
LouiseC
LouiseC said: “Hi Katie! I just wanted to say that I came...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Aileen246
Aileen246 said: “Great Photos Katie, looks like you had an amazing 7...”
about 7 Days in Tibet (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Wow I've just had a quick look through your photos...”
about 7 Days in Tibet (Post)
Aileen246
Aileen246 said: “Thanks for your reply Katie!  I am sure I am...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Aileen246
Aileen246 said: “Hi Katie, I have recently received my acceptance letter for...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
laura_mc
laura_mc said: “Wow that seems to have gone so quick! Good luck...”
about REFLECTIONS- Over a year already...... (Post)
Kim
Kim said: “I am considering completing an intensive four week CELTA course in...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Kim
Kim said: “Hi Katie, first of all thank you for posting your...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Liu542
Liu542 said: “nice picture”
about student question time (Photo)
Liu542
Liu542 said: “Hi You look like one of my friend who come...”
about Xi'an (Photo)
Liu542
Liu542 said: “Hi Katie: It`s glad to heard that you are teaching...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Well done for only going 4kg over your allowance! I'm...”
about China Bound again..... (Post)
Michi40
Michi40 said: “Love your blog - you have such a positive outlook...”
about On a Summer Holiday..... (Post)
plumsropey
plumsropey said: “This photo is class! Love it!”
about Empress Kate- take 2 (Photo)
Zules
Zules said: “Hi Katie!   I am really enjoying reading your posts...”
about It just gets more interesting..... (Post)
laura_mc
laura_mc said: “Love it!! From TEFL teacher to TV star! Hope your...”
about It just gets more interesting..... (Post)
libra2012
libra2012 said: “hi  beautiful lady ,                        i want to take some...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
fiftyandnifty
fiftyandnifty said: “Hi Katie, I wondered if you might be interested in...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
vikusya
vikusya said: “That sounds so great :) Did you do a degree...”
about NEVER in my Wildest Dreams... (Post)
Elkist
Elkist said: “Congratulations! Your blogs are some amongst several that are continuously...”
about NEVER in my Wildest Dreams... (Post)
laura_mc
laura_mc said: “Hey Kate, Chalkboard is getting a re-vamp in the next...”
about Chalkboard Groups - too many??? (Post)
Elkist
Elkist said: “Fantastic! Sounds great :)”
about Turning Chinese.....I think so!!! (Post)
Timeflies
Timeflies said: “Katie, Love the photo. You look radiant. Enjoyed reading your...”
about Turning Chinese.....I think so!!! (Post)
Johals
Johals said: “Hi, I have recently finished the full 145 Hour i-to-i...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Timeflies
Timeflies said: “Amazing gown Katie. You look stunning.”
about Empress Kate (Photo)
Elkist
Elkist said: “Really good reading makes me excited to get my adventures...”
about Oh I do love a winter holiday!!! (Post)
Motshidishi18
Motshidishi18 said: “hey kate i tried looking for you on msn but...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Amberlovely
Amberlovely said: “That's awesome! I hope to go there soon!”
about Great Wall of China (Photo)
DitaAdityaPutri
DitaAdityaPutri said: “I wish I could go there and get a gold...”
about Great Wall of China (Photo)
nanami
nanami said: “I've been bouncing around the site. You look lovely ^_^”
about Empress Kate (Photo)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Katie, I agree with you about the people of...”
about And the dream run continues (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Wow! So awesome! :)”
about Empress Kate (Photo)
Kevint
Kevint said: “I can appreciate your comments, my two Christmases in China...”
about First Chinese Christmas (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Sounds great Katie! I often go to Nanjing, hopefully we...”
about Eagerly Anticipated Return to China (Post)
honor
honor said: “My god, that is organized for China! Your job sounds...”
about Eagerly Anticipated Return to China (Post)
PDixon
PDixon said: “Strangely enough...im going to a snow festival in japan this...”
about Oh I do love a winter holiday!!! (Post)
honor
honor said: “Fantastic Katie - congratulations on your new job and enjoy...”
about Another Adventure Beckons (Post)
tallcat
tallcat said: “Thanks for your reply Katie :) Great to hear about...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
CescaB
CescaB said: “Aw! How lovely! :D”
about China time.....anytime???? (Post)
tallcat
tallcat said: “Hi Kate - your blog inspired me to write to...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
honor
honor said: “Happy (belated!) birthday Katie... sounds like you had some great...”
about Oh No Hawaii 50..??!!! (Post)
MoYo
MoYo said: “Hi, I found your blog and pictures and just want...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Awesome! I want a Santa hat with pigtails!!”
about First Chinese Christmas (Post)
FilterAngel
FilterAngel said: “Sounds awesome, I look forward to it next year!”
about First Chinese Christmas (Post)
PaulJeffery
PaulJeffery said: “Sounds magic Kate, now start looking at the plans for...”
about First Chinese Christmas (Post)
laura_mc
laura_mc said: “Hey Kate, Sounds like you had an amazing Christmas!”
about First Chinese Christmas (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “It's not too bad here, generally around 6-10 degrees. It's...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey Katie, Handan is the Southern most city in Hebei...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Ooh, Nanjing! Nice. Check out the museum they have there....”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Katie, Just noticed you have signed another contract! Cool....”
about katieloudreaming (User)
helenhelen6898
helenhelen6898 said: “Hi, Katie: So nice to hear from you! I am...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Rin
Rin said: “So glad you are having a good time! :)”
about WOW how time flies (Post)
Cheekyface
Cheekyface said: “Wow, thanks for the update Kate....sounds like you are really...”
about WOW how time flies (Post)
sandrajane
sandrajane said: “Hi Katie Thanks for your message, would like to speak...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
lbertram
lbertram said: “Hey Katie, Thinking of teaching english abroad for the first...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
bweedin
bweedin said: “A lot of Chinese people will make invitations and never...”
about China time.....anytime???? (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “I had 11 days holiday for national day! Bargain! =]”
about Gotta love Chinese celebrations (Post)
Easternwind
Easternwind said: “I agree with Cazsheps, Holidays in China are indeed great...”
about Gotta love Chinese celebrations (Post)
cazsheps
cazsheps said: “I had a 10 day holiday for national day. i...”
about Gotta love Chinese celebrations (Post)
lintse07
lintse07 said: “5 day holiday!  WOW!  I picked the wrong country.  I'll...”
about Gotta love Chinese celebrations (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Nice. We have been invited to a Chinese wedding. Our...”
about Never a dull moment in China (Post)
kliang
kliang said: “Hi Katie, I just returned to UK from a month...”
about Gotta love Chinese celebrations (Post)
kliang
kliang said: “Hi Katie, I only just returned to my home in...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
kliang
kliang said: “Aren't moon-cakes wonderful!”
about Gotta love Chinese celebrations (Post)
Rimi
Rimi said: “Hey Katie, I cant believe you get a 5 day...”
about Gotta love Chinese celebrations (Post)
Cheekyface
Cheekyface said: “Wow...that is beautiful....how talented are those kids!”
about National Day artwork (Photo)
Cheekyface
Cheekyface said: “Ooooooo thanks for that Katie, I guess that would make...”
about Happy Teachers Day (Photo)
robynlong
robynlong said: “2500! OMG, that is amazing. I have a bit of...”
about National Day artwork (Photo)
robynlong
robynlong said: “Excellent. It's amazing what kids can do with a blackboard...”
about National day (Photo)
robynlong
robynlong said: “Fantastic photos and great artwork. Where are you teaching?  What...”
about National Day artwork (Photo)
Cheekyface
Cheekyface said: “I have heard others say similar things about China as...”
about Happy Teachers Day (Photo)
Cheekyface
Cheekyface said: “O wow Katie, you are very respected there I see....”
about Happy Teachers Day (Photo)
Rin
Rin said: “Party on! Next weeks National day ( which lasts for...”
about China time.....anytime???? (Post)
Cheekyface
Cheekyface said: “Hey wow Katie, my son went to China last year...”
about Yangshuo (Photo)
Rin
Rin said: “Sorry to hear about you being mugged!! I can't beleive...”
about CHINA.......AT LAST (Post)
Jessica145
Jessica145 said: “hey katie :) re: your comment on my blog, unfortunately...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Cheekyface
Cheekyface said: “O well done Katielou....kudos for you too. How wonderful to...”
about CHINA.......AT LAST (Post)
JaneLloyd
JaneLloyd said: “Oh Katie, what a scary start to your experience.  Well...”
about CHINA.......AT LAST (Post)
Cheekyface
Cheekyface said: “OMG you poor thing...not a nice welcome to China. I...”
about CHINA.......AT LAST (Post)
honor
honor said: “Oh no, so sorry to hear about you being mugged...”
about CHINA.......AT LAST (Post)
robertclarke
robertclarke said: “Hi, Are you looking to work in China? Do you...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Citore
Citore said: “Same as you - suitcase is open and I have...”
about Almost Time to be China Bound (Post)
Zoeholl111
Zoeholl111 said: “Hi Katie! Good to hear it is all going well for you...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
DEREK09
DEREK09 said: “i admire yr courage and drive like alot of others...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Citore
Citore said: “Hey, ya I already have my bag open and throwing...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
honor
honor said: “Hey Katie, Glad you found it useful! Have you got...”
about Business English (Post)
Spiwak432
Spiwak432 said: “I found that module informative also!  I'm an International Business...”
about Business English (Post)
Borrix24
Borrix24 said: “We'll find out where we'll be teaching on our first...”
about Countdown to China (Post)
Spiwak432
Spiwak432 said: “Check your email!  Might be able to help a little.”
about Language lessons- Beware of Chinese Voice (Post)
honor
honor said: “Hey,   Best of luck with your Madarin lessons -...”
about Language lessons- Beware of Chinese Voice (Post)
JaneLloyd
JaneLloyd said: “katie, you're so right about joining in.  How often do...”
about Delightful Balinese children & a lesson in cultural experiences (Post)
rochieinchina
rochieinchina said: “I'm glad to help if I can. I will be...”
about Countdown to China (Post)
Borrix24
Borrix24 said: “Thanks. I've been reading on travel health and it seems...”
about Countdown to China (Post)
Borrix24
Borrix24 said: “Hi,   I finished my TEFL course with i-to-i and...”
about Countdown to China (Post)
rochieinchina
rochieinchina said: “G'day, Where are you going in China? When do you...”
about Countdown to China (Post)
kbumanglag
kbumanglag said: “If you haven't already had a look at FlightCentre's Travel...”
about Travel & Health Insurance (Post)
kbumanglag
kbumanglag said: “Hi Katie If your dream is to teach in Vietnam...”
about Dream detour (Post)
Zoeholl111
Zoeholl111 said: “Hi Katie, Sorry it's taken ages to reply to your...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
bootneck
bootneck said: “Kate Vietnam was great very cheap bit busy in Hanoi...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
michaelflynn61
michaelflynn61 said: “Oh, I forgot to mention I am the one in...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
michaelflynn61
michaelflynn61 said: “Hey there! Thanks for the message. Alot of people have...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
loulu6
loulu6 said: “Hi Kate Thanks for the message and the advice.I am...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
JaneLloyd
JaneLloyd said: “Great to hear that you've found yourself a placement but...”
about Dream detour (Post)
honor
honor said: “Hey,   Congratulations on getting a job in China -...”
about Dream detour (Post)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “That's horrendous Jane! I know tons of people who are...”
about Travel & Health Insurance (Post)
JaneLloyd
JaneLloyd said: “Hi Kate, Thanks for the link to worldnomads - I'll...”
about Travel & Health Insurance (Post)
JaneLloyd
JaneLloyd said: “Hi Kate,   I think it must be something to...”
about Travel & Health Insurance (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Hey,   We do have an insurance package in place...”
about Travel & Health Insurance (Post)
madlee
madlee said: “I'm surprised that i-to-i haven't though about providing an insurance...”
about Travel & Health Insurance (Post)
madlee
madlee said: “Erika insurance http://www.erikainsurance.com/index_eng.asp”
about Travel & Health Insurance (Post)
madlee
madlee said: “In 2007 EF provided medical insurance as part of their contracts....”
about Travel & Health Insurance (Post)
jadealexis
jadealexis said: “hi there  Ive seen that you are on the China...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Ohh a sensible traveller I like it!  I honestly don't...”
about Travel & Health Insurance (Post)
katefielder
katefielder said: “Hi Kate, Yes there are a few groups I think about...”
about Back on line- hoorah (Post)
Bini123
Bini123 said: “Hiya Katie thanks for the friend request when are you...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
Toots
Toots said: “Hi there, thanks for contacting me. I have yet to...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
katefielder
katefielder said: “Hi Katie, thanks for finding me on here, I have...”
about katieloudreaming (User)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Ohhh I feel like a holiday coming along!  Ive never...”
about School children in Sapa (Photo)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Awww how cute!!  Vietnam is top of my wish list...”
about School children in Sapa (Photo)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Excellent! Yup, they're based in Australia (Melbourne) and work standard...”
about School children in Sapa (Photo)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Definitely other options - that's great that you're already half...”
about School children in Sapa (Photo)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Sounds amazing! It's moments like that that really stick with...”
about School children in Sapa (Photo)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “This photo's great! Where was it taken?”
about School children in Sapa (Photo)
JaneLloyd
JaneLloyd said: “Hi Katie, Welcome to Chalkboard.  I too am a middle...”
about katieloudreaming (User)

Recent Blog Posts

Semester break.....

Well exams are done, marking completed, results submitted and ready for a holiday. That was until i was informed that the students who failed will have to sit another exam which I will have to prepare!!!! Who is being punished here I ask?!? Not only that, i have also been informed if they dont pass the second exam they get a third chance....guess who will all be passing the second one....not ricket science to work...
read more

Business as usual......

Hope everyone has had a good Christmas Day.....all quiet here in China - very much business as usual. It still seems strange to see students sitting in class on Xmas day!!! Spent Xmas eve as a guest foreign teacher at a very small private primary school and was made very welocme by all the students. Thety do not have a regular Engllish teacher so were more than happy to try out their english speaking skills...
read more
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Recent Discussion in katieloudreaming’s Groups

Group Topic Activity Posts
Teach in China Internship August 2012 china February 02 82
Mature-aged TEFLers How old is too old? February 01 10
China Hong Kong or Guangdong January 31 1
China EF Tangshan, Hebei Province January 17 14
Teach in China Internship January 2012 China Internship January 12 140
View my Groups

Profile Comments

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Hi Katie!


 


I recently saw a post of yours saying that you didn't go through the China internship on here. As I didn't apply in time for the internship that starts this month, I was just wondering what company/group you went through? I'm still a current student in Uni but I'm taking some time off to think things through and thought this would be a great oppurtunity for me to learn and experience something different. Plus, teaching English abroad was always my goal after Uni.


 


Hope to hear from you! :)


~Ellarina

Hi Bethany


Good on you for being proactive. I also did this alone but find that you soon make new friends wherever you go. If you have any specific questions feel free to contact me at any time. I am more than happy to help out. I can honestly say this has been the BEST thing I've done and it has renewed my spirit and zest for life.


Tibet was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget so I'm glad you enjoyed reading my tale.


Cheers, Katie. x

Hi Katie,


Thank you for accepting my friend request... I stumbled across your blog and found it fascinating and really informative as China is one of the places I want to go.   You are inspiring, you've giving me some confidence to do something rather then talk about it. So thank you...I'm just doing lots of research at the minute, saving up some money and hoping to be there before September. So if you could help with this I would be truly grateful. It's my first time travelling and doing it alone has always put me off but the nomal mundane, monotonous humdrum of everyday life is slowly killing my spirit and I need to break free before it breaks me.


Really enjoyed your blog about Tibet, it's a place that's always intrigued me, I've read the Tibetan book of the dead, the culture seems enchanting. Definitely a place of I want to visit.


Thank you


Bethany.x

Hi Louise, sorry about the delay in replying but somehow I missed your post :(


Glad that you are enjoying my blog and I hope that I have inspired you to follow your dreams. In response to your question - I don't find it lonely at all. The Chinese students are very friendly and are always wanting to help you do things (sometimes a bit too often!) and I do meet other foreigners/expats. I think if you are friendly and outgoing you will find that you will be inundated with offers and never have time to be lonely. I have just started to learn Chinese and ALL my students want to help me!!


Cheers, Katie.

Hi Katie!


I just wanted to say that I came across your blog and I'm really enjoying it! I'm very interested in teaching in China when I finish at university and you are giving me a real insight into what can be expected. I just have one question-do you find it lonely at all being the only foreign person in your area?


Louise :D

Thanks for your reply Katie!  I am sure I am going to enjoy the experience.  Will be in touch if I have any other questions for you.


Cheers Aileen

Hi Aileen, great that you are enjoying my blog. It is always good to hear that people are actually interested enough to read about this wonderful life! I am sure you will have no regrets about taking on this new role and will have so many opportunities to experience as you explore this fantastic country.


As to what you can't get easily here......good skin care products without whitening agents in them. nearly everything here has whitening in it as the Chinese ladies want nice, white skin! Heavens only knows what is used so I suggest you bring your own. also if you want tanning products bring those - you wont find them in China. Another item is tampons if you use them - its very much the big pad brigade here!! Perfume is another item that tends to be more expensive here than Aus - i usually stock up with specials or duty free before I head back. Not sure what else......


It often depends where you are living. Some smaller cities have very little choice and few, if any western products. Larger cities tend to be OK. If you thunk of specific items you like let me know and I can advise you of their availability here.


Any other questions that arise as you prepare for your journey, please feel free to contact me. I am more than happy to help a fellow Aussie!!!


Cheers, Katie.

Hi Katie, I have recently received my acceptance letter for the China Internship 2012 and I have just spent some time today looking around Chalkboard and am probably only half way through reading your blog (which I am really finding interesting).  I am from Australia (Adelaide) and wonder exactly what you refer to when you mention "the many necessities you can't get in China"


Like you, I nursed for a number of years, and am now leaving my role as a Project Manager with Department of Health to teach English and basically spend the next few years travelling the world.  Any information you can provide re items I should bring with me would be appreciated.


Cheers Aileen

I am considering completing an intensive four week CELTA course in Ireland as opposed to an online course.  I have a Master's Degree and have progressed to the level of Fellowship.  Therefore, I am hoping that I will be able to obtain Foreign Expert status.  


I have been carrying out a lot of research and note that there are a lot of different corporate bodies, agencies, etc. out there, which recruit and/or assist with placement teaching positions.  From my search it seems that a lot of these are misleading as to hours of work, rate of pay, accomodation, etc. - there seems to be a lot of horror stories out there.  I would be very grateful to hear from you in this regard.  Did you use an agency? Any agencies, etc., which you would recommend?  I note that this is your second year teaching Chinese and I would be very grateful to hear how you secured your first and especially your new job, if you applied to the University yourself?


In relation to obtaining your Z visa, did the process take long?  I am presuming you had to secure your teaching position first?  I have been working and living in Bermuda for the past three years and therefore am familiar with the bureaucracy of obtaining permits (and also living away from "home").  I would ideally like to complete the CELTA course in November and secure a teaching position in China for the New Year.  Therefore any advice would be most welcomed!


I must admit you are an inspiration to me, taking the bull by the horns - career change and advancement, living in a foreign country with such a positive attitude and sense of light heartedness.


I look forward to hearing from you and I thank you in advance for any advice, words of wisdom, which you may have.


All the best,


Kim

Hi Katie, first of all thank you for posting your blogs - very informative and positive!  I am considering a career change away from the corporate/legal practice area after thirteen years.  My goal is to teach English in China and learn conversational Mandarin.  I am Irish and look Chinese, as my Mother is Irish and my father Chinese.  I wonder if you have come across any teachers who look Chinese but are in fact like myself, and if so, if their experience has differed greatly from yours i.e. if their fellow teachers, students, etc. have treated them differently. 

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