**Teaching Abroad in China: What to Expect**

The job itself: 1. The type of school you will be working at: Public or private? To what degree do you find the kids' respect and discipline satisfactory? Do you plan to teach other topics or English as a foreign language (TEFL)? 2. Curriculum and teaching style: Will you be able to design your own classes or will you have to adhere to a predetermined schedule? 3. The workload and work schedule: Will your calendar be busy or will you be required to work lengthy hours? B: The location: 1. The cost of living: Is it truly within your means to live comfortably? 2. Will your loved ones on the other side of the world be too far away? 3. The cultural differences: Will you be able to adapt to the vastly different cultural norms and customs? C: The contract and benefits: 1. The salary: Will you be paid a competitive wage? 2. The accommodation: Will you be provided with a comfortable place to live? 3. The legal and visa requirements: Will you receive sponsorship for the required paperwork, including a work visa?

I felt hopeless as I sat in my small English apartment surrounded by piles of unanswered emails and rejection letters. My desire had always been to teach abroad, but it didn't seem feasible.