After a year in China I am now much more knowledgeable about how things work here and can give good advice if someone wants it.
You must also remember that when moving abroad there is always going to be cultural shock and adjustment required.
A job offer should not only excite you, but also scare the wits out of you - if so then take a chance. Don't let fear stand in your way though.
If you are really interested in learning about Chinese culture on its own terms, live there.
The most important thing to consider for me is location:
When I moved to Tianjin from England it was tough getting used to the crowds and noise but now I feel that my quality of life has improved since making a big city smaller.
You have many options to choose from with over 160 cities in China having populations above one million, so pick wisely!
Tianjin is located at least an hour train journey away from both Beijing (north) and Qinhuangdao (south).
The city lies about half way between the two major metropolises. Tianjin also offers its own attractions with the Italian area offering a mix of Chinese-Italian architecture, making it a popular tourist destination.
You should have realistic expectations of where you want to go - urban or rural areas both offer unique advantages and challenges.
If you are interested in visiting big cities all the time then consider that. Tianjin is not one but could be classed as such due to its population size
I was contacted by a recruitment agency from Tianjin when I sent my CV out looking for jobs
They said they liked me because of my experience and qualifications, which were more than their usual candidates
After talking about the position further we arranged an interview with the school on Skype. It went well but in hindsight there wasn't enough information given.
The second thing to consider is understanding your job description:
Before moving I didn’t do a lot of research into the city or my new role which was somewhat reckless.
If you're considering moving to Tianjin check out the great range of "Tianjin Jobs" - https://www.tianjinfutures.com/available-jobs
These include teaching roles and others that may be relevant if interested in other sectors.
There is much to consider such as the type of institution, work hours/days per week and age group.
Salary varies dramatically from job-to-job so have clear expectations about this too
My current role differs quite a lot compared with my first school - 2 days are used for preparation instead of one
A major consideration was how many students I would be teaching on average each week, which increased by nearly half.
Research is the key here and should form most of your decision-making process.
If possible find someone who knows about the place and can give you a more realistic view
The last but not least thing to consider for me are school/city research:
After moving I found it difficult adjusting partly due to how different my life was compared with back home
I soon learned that this wasn't so unusual as most of us expats face similar challenges in terms of cultural shock and loneliness.
When you arrive there will be people from various countries - America, Australia etc.
You should research the type of students at your school or if teaching English online then check where these are located
For me I really struggled with feeling isolated initially
It can take months to make any real friends as some may not speak good enough english for conversation.
By doing your homework you'll be better prepared and potentially avoid disappointment in the future.
As well, think about how easy it is to travel - if this is important consider flight times from major cities
If travelling often then China has a great range of destinations easily accessible. Here are some: The Great Wall; Forbidden City (Beijing); Terracotta Army (Shaanxi).
All these historical places give you an opportunity to understand Chinese history more, while there are plenty others as well for nature lovers
The Summer Palace in Beijing is good if looking for something beautiful and peaceful
You should think about your lifestyle requirements such as access to amenities or public transport links.
Consider what’s important before committing yourself - everyone has different preferences.
While it's true you may face some challenges, many of them can be overcome by proper preparation. Don't rush into things!
It doesn't matter whether a school offers good pay and benefits if living in the city is terrible
This information isn't to put people off moving here or deter from taking teaching jobs - there are great opportunities for those who want this lifestyle.
There were several occasions where I questioned why I moved but now it seems silly
I know of many teachers that have settled into their new lives well and love living in China, especially Tianjin
You need to understand that while some aspects may
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