Any of you live or ever lived in China?

[tikibirds]

When I started this, I originally wanted to go to Japan. It's still my top choice but I would have to save ALL my money from my job and since I only work in the summer..I am not even sure I would be able to get the recommennded 5 grand PLUS expensive ass airfare...
Sooo...I am going to teach in China instead. I start in September but I won't know my location till sometime this summer because they won't know what locations will be avalible right now.

I want to know what other people's experienes were while in China...

[meskhetyw]

Why not Korea?

I don't know much about life in China, except that it's not a good place for people who hate insects. Also if you don't want to accidentally eat a dog (or a cat), learn various names of local cuisine based on these ingredients and check pics of them, just in case. For example in Korea, there are 2 or 3 different names for the same dog dish. Also if a place sells that kind of stuff, it's not safe to order other things. Might happen that they'll run out of chicken broth, and instead you'll get a doggie one.

[Honeycomb]

I do!

[kaoskat]

Sounds exciting! I wish you luck! And I hope you share pictures!

[xeevee]

I have. I wasn't expecting to think much of it, but I really loved it.  If you are North you won't need to worry about the dog or cat issue mentioned above.  But definitely in the south.  One thing to keep in mind is unlike many countries, no one really speaks any English at all.  So if you are traveling alone and you don't speak Chinese it can be pretty isolating.

But like I said I really loved it.  There is such a sense of community there that I miss so much.   The food is so cheap and fresh and delicious.  And there is so much to see.  If you end up in Beijing you need to go to the fake Disneyland it is so crappy it's hilarious.

[melodys_angel]

Not me--but it sounds like it will ne quite the trip

Let us know how it goes^^

[tikibirds]

Xeevee and Honeycomb - what city were you guys in?
Is there anything I need to watch out for?

[xeevee]

I was in Beijing.  As for things to look out for, tourist places and the western parts of the city can be a bit dodgy.  Just be on your gaurd for scams when you visit them (same as any other country).  And people will probably want to take photos of you.  Otherwise you should be right as far as that kind of thing.  Beijing is a very safe city as a rule.  China isn't really a barter city you only get that in tourist places because westerners expect it. 

Catching taxis is scary.  They drive like maniacs and don't have seat belts so avoid them if you can.  In Beijing the subways are amazing and only cost 25cents to ride.  But if you do catch cabs, make sure you have addresses written down in Chinese.

[Honeycomb]

Send me a pm, there are 1000000000000 things to talk about!
I have been living in the south (Guangdong province) for 5 years now.
My main advice is, watch out for these teachers agencies. If you can, don't rely on them at all. It's pretty much that you are easy game to be cheated out of salaries or to be placed into horrible schools or cities you might not want to live in. I have never worked with any, but that's what I have heard from co-workers being new in China.

[Sebby6]

Myfriend and her husband both taught English in China. I can ask if you can email her

[tikibirds]

Thanks Sebby
Xeevee - I have heard about some scams to be wary of, and that the drivers are crazy!
Honeycomb - I shall email you now.