Contest Extended - Make Sure You Film/Write About a Day in Your Life to Win!

Give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life as a TEFL teacher and you could win an amazing two-week holiday! Write a blog post or shoot a video about what your day-to-day life is all about and you could win! We’re not looking for cinematic or literary masterpieces, just a taste of what your life as a TEFL teacher is like!

Enter Now! or Click Here to Check out Current Entries!

Closing date: 23rd September

Close this message Close this message

Dashboard

Accept View robertclarke’s:

Stats

  • Member since: 12/07/09
  • robertclarke has written 25 Journal entries.
  • robertclarke has uploaded 35 photos.
  • robertclarke has left 25 comments.
  • robertclarke has 38 friends.

About Me

Ni Hao, I am a second year teacher at EF. My first year I was working in Jakarta and now I am in tropical China if you can call it such a thing, I am living in a city called Dongguan which is about 1.5hrs overland to Hong Kong. I originally come from Derbyshire in England but have lived in other places such as London and Prague. I have travelled a little around Spain, mostly in the south but would love to do more travelling around the world. I am engaged to a beautiful Indonesian girl who is also a teacher. I met her in my first school. We plan to teach together in China and travel and see the big wide world.
 
Favourite quote: Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't. Pete Seeger.
 
Remember to keep up to date with my blog that is regularly updated once a week.
 
Check out my interview with i-to-i at http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-freedom/teaching-in-indonesia.html

My Friends (38)




i-to-i
i-to-i

Your source of all TEFL-related information...   If you're thinking...

ecsnell
ecsnell

shanshan
shanshan

Im 22 years old and from London. I love travelling...

ChelseaB
ChelseaB

ClaireLucy
ClaireLucy

I work for i-to-i TEFL Australia (i'm the one with...

SEE ALL

My recent comments

robertclarke
robertclarke said: “Hi, Thanks for contacting me!   I found it very...”
about gtfelix (User)
robertclarke
robertclarke said: “I Melinda,   Sorry for taking so long to get...”
about Melinda154 (User)
robertclarke
robertclarke said: “Alix: Hmm I've tried a Vodka+Red Bull, Maybe I should try it...”
about Farewell Indonesia (Post)
robertclarke
robertclarke said: “Yeah the visa process can be confusing but the basis...”
about Rin (User)
robertclarke
robertclarke said: “I know, But this is Asia where there are 4...”
about Plans changed (Post)

Comments on my stuff

gtfelix
gtfelix said: “hi rob my name is gary or gtfelix, honor pointed...”
about robertclarke (User)
Spiwak432
Spiwak432 said: “Impressive list of locations!  I'm jealous.  And congratulations on the...”
about robertclarke (User)
Melinda154
Melinda154 said: “hi Rob thank you for the heads up on things....”
about robertclarke (User)
Melinda154
Melinda154 said: “Hi Rob, Hope you dont mine me contacting you i...”
about robertclarke (User)
Rin
Rin said: “:D Love it. Do you miss all your teacher friends...”
about My Friends (Video)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Robert :) How are things going in Dongguan? I...”
about robertclarke (User)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Hey Robert hows things? Is life in China suiting you...”
about robertclarke (User)
msmitusa
msmitusa said: “@Jane, that is not UK! Ive been to Indonesia and...”
about Plans changed (Post)
stphcon
stphcon said: “Hi Robert, I am considering applying for a job in...”
about robertclarke (User)
roberts121
roberts121 said: “Hello Robert Clarke. I see you spent a year teaching...”
about robertclarke (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hey Robert :) Can't believe how quick that has come...”
about Welcome to China (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Hiya Robert :) Time sure goes fast doesn't it! We...”
about Farewell Indonesia (Post)
AlixM09
AlixM09 said: “Have you tried energy drinks with vodka?  Loads of fun....”
about Farewell Indonesia (Post)
honor
honor said: “Make sure you head to Stanley Market while you're in...”
about Farewell Indonesia (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Thanks for the link, looks interesting! I have been to...”
about robertclarke (User)
JaneLloyd
JaneLloyd said: “Standing on chairs and throwing balls?!  Health and safety wouldn't...”
about Plans changed (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Robert, How are you? Hope your doing okay :)...”
about robertclarke (User)
sandychow17
sandychow17 said: “Hey Robert! Just came back from a week with Pueblo...”
about robertclarke (User)
honor
honor said: “Am so jealous of you right now...   Enjoy the...”
about Could I have done any less this week? (Post)
JaneLloyd
JaneLloyd said: “Looks like sheer pergatory . . . honestly, I don't...”
about The hotel (Photo)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Hi Robert, How are you? How are things in Indonesia?...”
about robertclarke (User)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Oh, that sounds like a good system....but what if some...”
about Shortest time ever in Jakarta? (Post)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Aww I hate giving letters home too!  I had to...”
about Shortest time ever in Jakarta? (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “I just checked on the map. Dongguan is fairly close...”
about Shortest time ever in Jakarta? (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Ooh, near Hong Kong! Sounds nice. :) I'm looking at...”
about Shortest time ever in Jakarta? (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Great post! :) Yes, i think i would have done...”
about Shortest time ever in Jakarta? (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Aaaah! Monkeys are great! I love them. He's soooo cute!...”
about Monkey mania (Photo)
ibnusulhan
ibnusulhan said: “Thank you for the tips. Greatly appreciated!”
about robertclarke (User)
ibnusulhan
ibnusulhan said: “Thanks for your reply. So it's possible to start teaching...”
about robertclarke (User)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Robert :) I have just started to read your...”
about You are cordially invited to the life of a TEFL teacher abroad… (Post)
ibnusulhan
ibnusulhan said: “Hi Robert. I see you're currently teaching in Indonesia, I...”
about robertclarke (User)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Umm...I don't think you ever said what was really wrong...”
about Shortest time ever in Jakarta? (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “In regards to the forgetful kid, you could have deducted...”
about Shortest time ever in Jakarta? (Post)
honor
honor said: “Eek - hope your leg mends soon! At least with...”
about Shortest time ever in Jakarta? (Post)
dean
dean said: “Hi Robert. Would be fun to meet up, Dongguan however...”
about robertclarke (User)
katieloudreaming
katieloudreaming said: “Congratulations Robert......what a beautiful story to  tell your future children....”
about Gong Xi Fa Cai (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Good activity, man! It seemed that the students enjoyed it ...”
about Making Rain (Video)
plumsropey
plumsropey said: “Way to go Robert!!! Congrats!”
about Gong Xi Fa Cai (Post)
Rin
Rin said: “Hi Robert, My name's Denise and me and my boyfriend...”
about robertclarke (User)
sandychow17
sandychow17 said: “Congratulations to the both of you.”
about Gong Xi Fa Cai (Post)
lindee
lindee said: “Congratulations to you both!”
about Gong Xi Fa Cai (Post)
SKENT
SKENT said: “Congratulations to you both! I really wish you abundant happiness and...”
about Gong Xi Fa Cai (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “Congratulations. Best wishes to you and Astrid.”
about Gong Xi Fa Cai (Post)
nojohnso
nojohnso said: “Congratulations, Robert!”
about Gong Xi Fa Cai (Post)
JaneLloyd
JaneLloyd said: “Congratulations Robert & Astrid, wishing you many many blissful years...”
about Gong Xi Fa Cai (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Congratulations Robert!   Glad it went well - you'll have...”
about Gong Xi Fa Cai (Post)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Congratulations! I'm very happy for you! I bet you're really...”
about Gong Xi Fa Cai (Post)
kallenfranchise
kallenfranchise said: “I hope you feel better man. I know you love...”
about Taman Safari and the hospital (Post)
nojohnso
nojohnso said: “Sorry to hear about your leg, man. I hope it's...”
about Taman Safari and the hospital (Post)
SKENT
SKENT said: “Glad to hear you're getting treatment, thank goodness you took prompt...”
about Taman Safari and the hospital (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Hope you feel better soon Robert!”
about Taman Safari and the hospital (Post)
cbc77
cbc77 said: “Heres some advice if anyone is planning on going to...”
about I'm dying! I'm dying (Post)
snowfallrain
snowfallrain said: “feel better soon!”
about I'm dying! I'm dying (Post)
honor
honor said: “aw, hope you feel better soon Robert!   Great blog...”
about I'm dying! I'm dying (Post)
GML5
GML5 said: “Hi.Just started reading your blogs.Thanks for giving us an idea...”
about You are cordially invited to the life of a TEFL teacher abroad… (Post)
sandychow17
sandychow17 said: “Hey buddy, Am off to Coto del Valle on 4th...”
about robertclarke (User)
honor
honor said: “Ahhh - priceless. If only you'd been able to record...”
about Why do that? (Post)
Anto
Anto said: “Hey Robert, Hope you are well. I read some of...”
about Batiks (Photo)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Haha I miss shisha!  I've never tried a double apple...”
about Welcome, Welcome, Welcome All! (Post)
ianred
ianred said: “Hey Rob Not sure what school my mate will be...”
about robertclarke (User)
ianred
ianred said: “Hey Rob Cheers mate, yeah I'm nervous and looking forward...”
about robertclarke (User)
sandychow17
sandychow17 said: “Hey Robert! Hope you are well buddy! Just want to...”
about robertclarke (User)
ianred
ianred said: “Hey Robert I see your from my end of the...”
about robertclarke (User)
honor
honor said: “That guy on the bus sounds super-weird... Great post though...”
about Welcome, Welcome, Welcome All! (Post)
cat777
cat777 said: “Hey Robert I teach at a school in Northampton uk...”
about robertclarke (User)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Ah yes, I love group marking too!  I also like...”
about Getting back in the GROOVE (Post)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Haha I usually tell children they will get no break,...”
about Getting back in the GROOVE (Post)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “I fall for the Copy and Paste trick everytime! Good...”
about Getting back in the GROOVE (Post)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Haha!  Yeah and if you say "Ohhh I haven't ever...”
about Getting back in the GROOVE (Post)
emmafoers
emmafoers said: “Aw I miss teaching conversation classes - a great chance...”
about Getting back in the GROOVE (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Haha - I can imagine the temptation of copying and...”
about Getting back in the GROOVE (Post)
rorsm
rorsm said: “Hi, I would not recommend teaching for IEC in Medan,...”
about robertclarke (User)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “It sounds really beautiful there! im very jealous. Do you...”
about The Beach (Post)
honor
honor said: “Glad you got your Sunday roast in the end! Surfing...”
about The Beach (Post)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “Hehehehehe brilliant ^_^”
about Where is Santa? Where is Santa? (Post)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Enjoy Bali! I've heard it is relly beautiful so make...”
about Where is Santa? Where is Santa? (Post)
honor
honor said: “Haha - love the idea that you almost blew your...”
about Where is Santa? Where is Santa? (Post)
Wdespins
Wdespins said: “BALI in 2 days for me, 3 days for you!...”
about robertclarke (User)
shanshan
shanshan said: “Hi Robert, Just found out I'll be in Cengkareng. Do...”
about robertclarke (User)
TeeNickle
TeeNickle said: “Hi Robert,  I am not sure if we will be...”
about robertclarke (User)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Ooh! That's interesting to see all the different people you...”
about My Friends (Video)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “You wont regret it! Let me know how you find...”
about Jakarta (Post)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “I would have never thought to put an apple on...”
about Jakarta (Post)
honor
honor said: “Eek! The sunburn doesn't sound like fun! Never tried apple...”
about Jakarta (Post)
shanshan
shanshan said: “Thanks. I was getting a bit scared because of everything...”
about robertclarke (User)
CandiceMyb
CandiceMyb said: “I'm so excited!!! Thank you so much for putting up...”
about Walking to the mall after work (Video)
shanshan
shanshan said: “Hi Robert. Gusti has said that when I arrive in...”
about robertclarke (User)
Wdespins
Wdespins said: “Bali Ojeck driver-"Ojek Ojeck, Mr. you want Ojek. Dimana Mr."...”
about Counting the days... (Post)
Wdespins
Wdespins said: “I suggest options 4 and 5. 4. Hire ojeks all...”
about Counting the days... (Post)
CandiceMyb
CandiceMyb said: “Hi Robert I start teaching in Indonesia in March so...”
about robertclarke (User)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “No champagne in Bali!!?? You poor thing!”
about Counting the days... (Post)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “This will be my first Christmas away from home too, but...”
about Counting the days... (Post)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “Hahahaha!! Will you be teaching your classes with the Santa...”
about Father Christmas (Photo)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “2 hour lessons with a 5 min break? Sounds hectic....”
about At work (Post)
honor
honor said: “Love it! Very many wise words indeed!”
about My Friends (Video)
honor
honor said: “Aaaa... that explains it - I was wondering what the...”
about Making Rain (Video)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “Well, there were 4 lessons in total, 3 lessons in...”
about At work (Post)
AndrewJack
AndrewJack said: “Do you have whiskers painted on your face?”
about Making Rain (Video)
AndrewJack
AndrewJack said: “I've always wanted to travel to Indonesia, but never managed...”
about My recent birthday (Post)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “Hahaha, yes, I too have the occaisional freudian slip ;)...”
about At work (Post)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “Pets! (forgot to mention pets in my last comment) .....”
about At work (Post)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “..China? I'm in Italy ;) Actually, I did consider China...”
about At work (Post)
Whereverimayroam
Whereverimayroam said: “Sounds like you're going to have a great time in Bali!...”
about Counting the days... (Post)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Haha that sounds really good! ill have to remember to...”
about Preparing Bubur Ayam (Chicken Porridge) (Video)
nojohnso
nojohnso said: “I love your videos! Keep'm comin'! :D”
about Walking to the mall after work (Video)
SamLennie
SamLennie said: “Ooh that looks delicious!”
about Preparing Bubur Ayam (Chicken Porridge) (Video)
honor
honor said: “Wow! Quite jealous about your Christmas break - surfing and...”
about Counting the days... (Post)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “Aha!! I knew it was hot and rainy, hehe :)...”
about At work (Post)
Cherogoth
Cherogoth said: “Wow, EF English First in Jakarta? I was offered a...”
about At work (Post)
kelmorrison39
kelmorrison39 said: “Hi Robert, I've just been reading your blogs and checking...”
about robertclarke (User)
Lena_Smith
Lena_Smith said: “Me too) Still ... I am not sure if not...”
about You are cordially invited to the life of a TEFL teacher abroad… (Post)
nessgell
nessgell said: “Cheers, you've been a big help”
about First of the normal blogs (Post)
nessgell
nessgell said: “Thanks for the info. What do you think on a...”
about First of the normal blogs (Post)
nessgell
nessgell said: “Hi Robert, I've just signed up to this site and...”
about First of the normal blogs (Post)
clemrobin
clemrobin said: “Looking forward to reading all of your updates Robert!”
about You are cordially invited to the life of a TEFL teacher abroad… (Post)
antonia
antonia said: “hi robert, I've just signed in and read your writing....”
about You are cordially invited to the life of a TEFL teacher abroad… (Post)
shawnthenelson
shawnthenelson said: “Sorry, if the pic doesn't show up here you can...”
about My recent birthday (Post)
shawnthenelson
shawnthenelson said: “So what's the food like in Bandung?  Is there anything...”
about My recent birthday (Post)
shanshan
shanshan said: “I'll be working with EF Swara as well. I applied...”
about First of the normal blogs (Post)
ecsnell
ecsnell said: “Hi Robert, i'm hoping to teach in Japan next summer,...”
about robertclarke (User)
shanshan
shanshan said: “Hi Robert. Its finally nice to know someone who is...”
about First of the normal blogs (Post)
i-to-i
i-to-i said: “Awesome! Looking forward to hearing all about it!”
about You are cordially invited to the life of a TEFL teacher abroad… (Post)

Recent Blog Posts

Busy boy

  Well it’s been a busy week, I haven’t been teaching too much but I have been getting to know Dongguan! The city has so much to offer, from local 4 kuai ($0.35) food to expensive western restaurants. From Places to go shopping, to places to go and relax and all for a reasonable price. I have spent more money than I imagined in the week I have been here but I have made some...
read more

Welcome to China

I arrived in China at around 9:30pm, this was when my visa was stamped and I set foot on Chinese soil.   The timing of my arrival was perfect; I got through Hong Kong immigration and looked at the screen for where my baggage was. Walking to it I was looking with the hope my baggage would be coming although I doubted it then what do I see? That’s right it was my bag, I...
read more
View my blog

Recent Discussion in robertclarke’s Groups

Group Topic Activity Posts
Japan ECC Melbourne interviews - Who else is going? hours ago 1
Indonesia Indonesia OCT 2010 8:29AM 4
Japan NEED HELP!!! 2:35AM 1
Teach in China Internship So, who's going? 10:19PM 123
Teach in China Internship floods and jabs 9:54PM 1
View my Groups

Profile Comments

Add Your Comment!

Log in to leave a comment or Create an account

hi rob my name is gary or gtfelix, honor pointed me in your direction (love the pic by the way) i am doing the 60 hour online course at the moment but only have very basic gcse's from school, honor tell me that you never went to uni (but not what you got from school or collage) i want to ask you of any difficulties you might of had finding a job in china hope to hear from you soon

Impressive list of locations!  I'm jealous.  And congratulations on the engagement (if you aren't married already). Just stopping by to say though!  So... hi!

hi Rob thank you for the heads up on things. i'm all new to this. if you have any other tips or views on the best places to go let me know. :-)


Have a great day.


 

Hi Rob,


Hope you dont mine me contacting you i was advise that you have worked in Indonesia. I'm looking to work there but dont know where to start looking. Can you give me any tips?


Kind regards


Melinda


 

Hi Robert :)


How are things going in Dongguan? I will be flying into Beijing on 31st May, so am very excited!! Haven't seen you post for a while. Hope all is well with you!

Hey Robert hows things?


Is life in China suiting you well?


Looking forward to hearing about your new classes!


Sam

Hi Robert, I am considering applying for a job in indonesia, can you fill me in on what happens etc.  I have never been away from home for more than 5 months and am finding it nerve wrecking thinking about it. I just need to know the basics like visa application and what its like living there ya know the usual.  I also know 2 lads who I have done the course with and they are heading to China to teach.  They have asked me to go there with them but Im unsure of what to do.  Can you help me out with your experience pls.  Thanks. Stephanie.

Hello Robert Clarke. I see you spent a year teaching in Indonesia - I am seriously considering this option after China. What is Jakarta like? Because after being in the hustle and bustle of a city for 5 months I'm looking to live somewhere quite pretty and perhaps a little calmer/laid back. Did you apply for your placement through i-to-i/another organsiation/yourself? I'm thinking Bali might be a good option but I'm not sure if there will be much work there? Ahhhh I'm so stuck with what to do next! Please help!


Sophie

Thanks for the link, looks interesting! I have been to the site but i can't really work out what it is? As long as i can get the diploma thats all that matters!  :)


I've been thinking about going on Peublo Ingles as well. It looks fun! I've been told to try and get as many certificates as possible as China is very big on documents. Basically, the more i have the better.


Regarding the Z Visa, don't the school need to apply for the Foreign Expert Permit for  you, so they can do the invitations? Its all very confusing! I thought that once the school have given you the invites, you then go to the embassy to get the Z Visa. But in order to be able to supply you with an invitation i thought you had to be a foreign Expert??


Why is it so complicated!


So what EF were you at in Indonesia, and what EF are you going to in China? Thanks for letting me use you for a name drop if i need to. Much appreciated! :)


Well, maybe i'll see you this spring in China! :)

Hi Robert,


How are you? Hope your doing okay :)


Just had a question or two really..


When you got your visa for China, did they ask for a degree certificate or was your TEFL and experience enough for the Foreign Experts Permit? I have been reading a lot lately that some provinces won't even think about giving out an FEP without a minimum of a 4 year BA. This is kinda scary!! Have you heard anyything like this?


Also i have just had an interview at EF in Weihai, Shandong province. what a great company, and school! The contract looks spot on! Would you mind if i mentioned that i knew someone that works for EF (you)? I've been told name dropping always helps with the Chinese schools!


Depending on where i end up in China, maybe we could all meet up! Would be cool!


Take care :)

» All comments
» Comments RSS