What they don't tell you in advance! Well, here it is. The real life of China from a foreigner’s point of view (well just mine really). We are embarking on our second contract in China and it has been a real eye opening experience. Most of it good, great and fantastic… some of it..well make up your own mind.... 1- China time While we rush around getting ‘things done’ everyone else works on China time. If you’re told it will be ready tomorrow, expect it to be ready next week and still only half ready… takes some getting used to but you soon grow accustomed. Don't lose your temper if you have to wait, the Chinese see this as a sign of weakness and they will think less of you for doing so. Just be straight to the point and explain your not happy. 2- Spitting Spitting is a norm on the streets of china and no one bats an eye to it. My advice, watch where you walk and try not to go ewwwwwwwwwww every five minutes. It still freaks me out a bit when you see some gorgeous 21 year old dressed up the nines, hacking up and spitting on the street but hey ho, it’s just the way it is. Most big cities in China are trying to eradicate spitting in public and you do see people spit into tissues. In the schools I work in Children spit into the bin or tissues as they are very well educated on the HN17 virus and how it spreads. 3-Smoking Smoking, everyone smokes in China and everyone expects you to smoke too so if you don’t and you don’t have a spare gas mask be prepared to wake up like you have smoked 20 fags on your first few nights.. You soon get used to sitting near the window or door… People smoke everywhere, supermarkets, pubs, clubs, restaurants and even hospitals…. People will offer you cigarettes on the street and will see it as rude if you do not accept the gift. 4- Dogs While not all Chinese eat dogs, some do and don’t be surprised if they are on the menu.I have seen it on the menu and being prepared. In the city I lived in though dogs are spoiled and one of the family. Most of them are poodle type and they are dressed up in dungarees and with their fur dyed pink…. it’s all very strange. I still have a giggle when I see a poodle wearing the same dress as its owner complete with matching pumps Expect to see dogs in the supermarkets too and I wouldn't buy anything that’s too near the floor, leave that to your imagination… 5- Medical Bring paracetamol… you can’t get anything in my city or anywhere I have visited that is nearly as effective and also mosquito spray, it seems much stronger back home than here. Some bigger cities like Hong Kong will have the right kind of western medicine but not smaller cities. another issue (for ladies) is buying tampons, these are unheard of in the smaller ares and very expensive in big cities too, bring a supply or use towels which come in a mind boggling variety of sizes... ha ha 6- Kids trousers The first time I experienced this was in Yangshao. Babies/Toddlers wearing trousers with holes in the back of them for easy exit… hmm very odd! Little bits all over the place mums holding the baby/toddler up for a wee or a poop right there on the street, another thing to dodge while walking! Its a good thing for non use of disposable nappies :) 7- Staring People stare… oh my goodness do they stare! They scream at you or shout WOW or just stop dead in front of you so you nearly fall over them… drives you crazy. They also want to take your picture and sneaky pic taking when they think you’re not looking… wouldn’t mind but it always happens when you look a mess.. 8- Shop assistants This is a real bug bear for me; shop assistants follow you around the shop like you’re going to steal something! They occasionally have a giggle with their friend and point at you still giggling and follow you some more….arrrgghhhhhhh. The problem is they are like personal shoppers and as soon as you chose something, they have it off the hanger and at the till before you have chance to change your mind…lol They really are only trying to help you chose but it does get annoying, even just buying shampoo can be a nightmare! 9- Queuing Whoever gets to the front first gets served first. This is the norm in China. If you’re standing in a queue and there is another queue next to you, the person in the next queue is in front of you they just walk right in front of you to the till. You find yourself becoming very protective of your personal queue space and guarding it like you own it . your trolly becomes a super weapon in the fight for your personal space... 10- Food Eating is a big social event in China. People sit around a table with lots of different dishes that get turned around on a lazy Susan. You have to be fast with your chopsticks or miss out. Once the food is finished, they leave… simple as that. No shooting the breeze or having a few beers… eat and go. 11- Alcohol Be prepared to Gānbēi everyone at the table, it’s seen as rude if you don’t. This is fine if you’re drinking beer but when its wine or bijou (rice wine) be prepared for a major hangover… 12- Workmanship If it doesn't fit, make it fit…. The approach is definitely not the same as UK standards and you often see things that look half finished but are in fact completed. 13- Slang Even when you learn some of the language, each area has its own slang (bit like England north and south) so when using a translation website be aware that the locals will look at you and start laughing if you have pronounced it wrong. Don’t let this put you off trying though as they will always correct you and still laugh at you like you’re a loon when you try…. It’s all good fun. I remember my husband proudly telling a lady at our regular haunt that her food was 'delicious' and wondering why she looked disgusted at him and walked off. Later we found out he had said, 'your food was dick'.... hey ho... slip of the tone. 14- Hierarchy Don’t be offended if you’re sat at a table with a load of people and some don’t talk to you. I have experienced this on many occasions. They will, however stare at you intently while you’re talking to someone but if you look and smile they will look away. This is usually hierarchy and not meant to be rude. My headmaster (male one) has never spoken to me but it’s because he doesn't socialise with the teachers. I think also it’s because his English isn’t so great and he doesn’t want to lose face. 15- Health and safety Anything goes and I do mean ANYTHING! Wires hanging out, overloaded Lorries and buses and 5+ people on a taxi bike…including shopping. Oh wow! Watch where you’re walking (again) they don’t close off the paths or roads if they are digging it up and it takes ages for broken drain covers to be fixed. In China if you fall down or over something, then it’s your own stupid fault for not looking where you’re going… no blame and claim here! 16- Clothes sizing If you’re any size over a UK 10 you will have problems finding clothes. If your tall you will have problems finding clothes and if you have feet larger than a size 7 mens you will have problems finding shoes! A size 14 is XXXL over here..So everything you try on or next to you makes you look like a heifer! Don’t be surprised if shop assistants laugh when you’re looking at the clothing, they are nervous and not taking the mick out of you….well not all the time anyway. Most ladies trousers go up to a 27 inch waist and the most I have seen is a 30…. Tiny! It’s a nightmare trying to find anything to fit so far in 9 months I have found 1 skirt, 2 pairs of trousers and 3 t-shirts despite dropping 4 stone! You get very used to hearing the shop assistants say ‘Mayo’ which means no more. 17- Haggling This is a sport in China and most shops and stalls relish in making a few quid out of a foreigner so don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price. If you do haggle be aware that if a price is agreed you will have to buy it. It’s very rude if you don’t. Usually if it has a price on it it can't be haggled so dont try... 18- Transport There are 4 main forms of public transport. Motorbike taxi, Car taxi,Tuk tuk and bus. Motorbikes will carry as many as 5 people, if you can get on you can travel… including baggage. I have seen a bike taxi 3 up with driver and the passengers scoffing noodles as they zip up the main high street, dodging cars and buses. Car taxi’s are pretty strict on how many they carry but if it’s a short distance pile in! Tuk Tuks are cheap but small and always feel like they will tip over going round a corner. Buses carry as many as can squeeze in… they are hanging out of the doors windows and I’m sure if they could get on the roof they would… its crazy. 19- Personal space This is unheard of, there is no such thing as distance. If I take a picture, a stranger is hanging over my shoulder to look at it. If I’m standing in a queue someone is touching me. It makes you very defensive about your personal space. Nothing is sacred, if your phone goes off they will pick it up and look at it…. They think nothing of flicking through your pictures on your phone if you show them one, they will whip it away and flick to their hearts content so filter any you may not want seen by half of China. 20-Toilets CARRY TOILET ROLL! One of the very first experiences I had with a chinese squat hole was a very steep learning curve for me. I passed a lady on my way to the toilet who had orange peel shoved up her nose, I tried very hard not to laugh but I think she had the last laugh. Oh my Goodness.... you seriously don't need signs telling you where the toilets are... just follow your nose... Its gross! I have to say not all toilets are the same and some are immensely clean.... this one however WAS NOT! Walking through the door trying to see through watering eyes I passed a man, I looked back at the door to check it was ladies and it was.... The chinese also have unisex toilets and they are quite happy to use the same area. Most of the toilets don't have doors which I found very strange, this usually happens in same sex toilets Thank god! Another strange experience was nipping to the loo in a school we were visiting and one of the primary students walking past me saying "Hello Teacher" I never used a school loo again! After a while of living in China you become less bothered about situations and you pop in do your stuff and out... hardly blinking an eye at what's happening next door to you...lol your thigh muscles can crack walnuts after a few months of squatting... 21-Etiquette The guest of honor is always placed at the head of the room, facing the door. Present a gift with both hands. Gifts are generally not opened upon receiving. Chinese women rarely smoke or drink. However, it is acceptable for Western women to do so moderately. Don't stab at your food during a meal, if you haven't mastered the chopsticks ask for a fork, if you persevere and use the sticks as a scoop it wont be frowned upon but you might have the person next to you putting food into your bowl so you don't starve. Don't put a business card in your back pocket. Do not put your feet on a desk or table, its considered rude to show the soles of the feet. Don't give gifts in denominations of 4, this signifies death and is very unlucky. By Melanie Newman. |
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Hostel recommendation
While in HKG we stayed in the Tai Wan hostel. The hostel was right in the heart of Kowloon and a street away from the harbour and Hong Kong island. It really is as central as it gets on a budget! Double room cost For a double room with private shower/bathroom we paid $480 HKD for 2 of us for 2 nights. Be aware though, the prices rocket during the weekend ($580 for Friday night) but in the week they are cheap Facilities and staff Staff are helpful but you have to ask for a towel, they don't leave one in your room. There is fresh water supplies at reception and free wifi. This coupled with it's central location makes it a really inexpensive way to see HKG. Downside There are some pitfalls to this place (Chungking Mansions) the many sellers outside the front door trying to sell you suits, trips and other illegal stuff gets pretty annoying but on a positive side you can get a mean curry from their shops.... We booked through http://www.hostels.com/hostels/hong-kong/twh-tai-wan-hotel-hong-kong/17642 Taking the train Tongzi to Hong Kong
TongZi to Guiyang 5 Hours (Seat) Guiyang to Guangzhou 11 hours (Sleeper) Guangzhou to Shenzhen 2 Hours (Seat) Shenzen to Kowloon Hung Hom station 1 Hour (Seat) Border crossing Hong Kong to Tongzi (High speed train) Hung Hom (Kowloon) to Guangzhou (High speed) 5 Hours (Seat) Guangzhou to TongZi 14 Hours (Sleeper) Other Guilin to Yangshuo (Bus) 1 Hour (Seat) Yangshuo to Liuzhou (Bus) 5 Hours (Seat) Guilin to Shaoyang (Bus) 6 Hours (Seat) Travel and Visa costs Home - TongZi train station TukTuk 5RMB TongZi - Guiyang train 86.5RMB each Guiyang - Guangzhou train 322.5RMB each Guangzhao - Shenzen train 79.5RMB each Shenzen - Kowloon train Metro $40HKG (30RMB) Kowloon - Visa office taxi 60$HKG (50RMB) (546.5RMB) Return HungHom (Kowloon) Guangzhou high speed train $190HKG (170RMB) Guangzhou - Tongzi 255RMB TukTuk - home 5RMB (430) 976.5RMB return each. What you need for teaching English in China 2014 Speak English The requirements for teaching English in China are quite clear however there is some room for variation. This is mainly based upon the company you are applying to and the location. The key requirement is to be able to speak English. This does not mean to say you must be a native English speaker although, of course, this is much preferred. English, American ,Canadian South African and Australian are typically the most common nationalities but if you have an English oral proficiency as a second language that can be accepted. Some companies favour English natives and others Americans and dialects are not usually an issue unless perhaps it is a particularly harsh one. Degree A degree. This can be in any subject and therefore pretty much just confirms the holders level of professionalism. It was possible to have a graduate qualification equivalent however to get the expert certificate required to teach a degree is the key. I do know of people who have had a certificate issued to them with a HNC however this was during 2013 and has now stopped. Some companies are willing to forge qualifications however this should raise alarm bells in your head if this is mentioned, after all how reputable can a company be if they suggest it? Contract A job contract is ideal as you will definitely need a letter of invitation from a company and if a company is inviting you to work for them then you are likely to have a contract! Not many people are going to fly half way around the world on a say so and not have one! A Invitation letter will be issued by your employer and sent to your postal address. This must be an original and not a photocopy so expect either a four week delay or a 200RMB DHL charge. Contract copies are usually done via email and not required for your visa application. You will be expected to forward your qualifications in advance so electronic copies are a good idea. TEFL/CELTA/DELTA/TESOL A TEFL certificate (Use code Buddy 360021311 for discount) or equivalent is also a must. Some people choose online courses that issue qualifications based upon the amount of study hours invested whilst others do CELTA/DELTA or TESOL diplomas. If you decide upon an online TEFL then do a minimum of 120 hours. This is considered an advanced level and therefore more worthy. Any additional practical courses are usually welcomed. Some companies offer TEFL training however most will almost certainly offer induction training. This is especially useful if you have never done this before. Experience There is some discussions regarding the requirement of mandatory prior experience. I have not seen any evidence of this as yet and therefore consider this a subjective matter. Once again a lot depends upon your employer, whether it be an agency or directly with a school and the location. Either or, this will not effect your Visa application. This is discussed above and therefore does not need repeating. Z Visa Your Z visa is a working permit that expires upon arrival. It allows you thirty days to enter China and must immediately be exchanged for a residency permit. This will involve having probably two interviews with the local authorities that your FAO (Foreign Affairs Officer) will arrange. The topic is mostly why you are here and what you will be doing to which your FAO will/may answer for you. Sometimes you will not even be expected to speak, just show your face! The expert certificate is also something your FAO will arrange once you have your visa and in the country. Travel Insurance You must have travel insurance and provide a copy of your policy. There are many online companies that cover this and some specialise in just China. These are usually cheaper. Get it before you leave although you can get covered directly online and only takes a few minutes to complete an application. A clean CRB check is required so if you have any convictions you had better fess up in advance. I wouldn't worry about three points on your licence for speeding this will not matter. It may actually go in your favour in this country (Joke). Medical Health Medical. This can be fun! China is very strict about your general health and condition when entering the country and you may/will get temperature checked at the border. This is NOT invasive but just either a hand held scanner or a full body scan. This is a bit like a standing CT/MRI type scan. A full medical will then be required and involves the following. Urine and blood samples, chest Xray, ECG, abdomen squeeze, eye sight and hearing check, weight and height measurements, blood pressure, boob feel (Girls) and reflex check. The Chinese are quite efficient at doing this and you can expect to take about half a day for it. Note: be prepared for a potentially upsetting set of results if you find out something you didn't know before! It has happened. The last and final thing you are definitely going to need is a large set of balls! It takes courage and a sense of adventure to do it but it does work and the rewards are many. A number of personal things have not been covered here such as money and clothing etc but this should give you a fair insight into what to plan and what to expect upon arrival. |
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November 2014
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