There is never a lack of English speakers around you. As every person in China is attempting to become proficient in English, everyone will be attempting to practice on you.  Obviously, the ability of some of these people (students and adults) ranges from poor to good; the ability to convey your message however is quite easy.

Coupled with this is the fact that every foreign teacher has a school appointed Foreign Director whose job it is to assist you with your requirements in regards to your employment and living at the school and in the city; your Foreign Director can speak English. Remember also that we are not too far away if you require our assistance with any matter whatsoever.

There are forms of social interaction between foreigners every week, mostly on the weekend. Once you arrive, we will inform you of these activities and venues. Socialization with the Chinese will start from the moment you disembark from the plane.

Purchasing most every day items in China is as easy as it is in the west. Most products have Chinese and English labels from food to toilet paper.   Prices and descriptions of items such as buses, trains, highway buses, mamus, motorbike and the price for meat, vegetables and all household items will be given to you by your school's Foreign Director. Until you gain your “shopping skills” in China, there will always be someone from your contracted school to assist you in any way they can

There are many places to meet people, Chinese or foreign, from restaurants to coffee bars to discos to city parks and English corners and the like. In regard to the perception of Chinese socializing with 'Westerners’, it is generally acceptable as long as both parties socialize with each other in a respectable and courteous manner. The old adage “treat others how you would like to be treated” applies.

Most teachers can eat at their schools cafeteria, through the provision of a food card, at a heavily discounted rate. Most meals are quite sizeable and extremely nutritious and are priced at between 1-3RMB per meal, approximately $0.24USD per meal. As most institutions in China take boarders, there are cafeterias at most schools. Generally you must eat when the students eat, at 7.00am for breakfast, 12.00 for lunch and 6.00pm for dinner.

I most instances you will be able to use your mobile phone in China , thus it is for this reason we advise teachers to bring their phone with them.

You can buy prepaid SIM cards for use locally and for international calls. International Roaming can become prohibitively expensive.

During the National Holidays, the school authority will normally organize various celebration activities and visits to many of the significant and historical sites within the province, often providing you with free accommodation, transportation and meals.

Mainland Chinese are extremely friendly, generous, hospitable and kind people. During your entire stay in China , you shall be treated as one of China 's most respected guests by your host organization, local government authority, and local communities and by all your students. You shall be invited to many dinners and banquets for various occasions, which have been known to number over 20 a year. This is why most teachers say their living and working in China is one of the most exciting, impressive and unforgettable experiences of their lives.

Certainly! Chinese universities, colleges and High Schools will be delighted to welcome your family to China during your teaching period in China . We encourage this, and actively support those couples and families where both partners wish to work. We provide work in the same institution and if a child accompanies you, your school and we seek to organize your teaching schedule around the provision of supervision of your child.

Chinese schools however will not be responsible for your spouse's expenses (air ticket, health insurance, holidays expenses, etc.) unless your spouse can also to teach English at the Chinese school.

At all of the Chinese schools, you may be afforded the privilege of taking free Chinese lessons.  Also, it is often easy to exchange English lessons for Chinese lessons with students and teachers alike.  China has many television channels, but only one in English, CCTV 9, and only a couple of English language newspapers; so for those who feel compelled to keep abreast with current affairs other than via the Internet, learning Chinese can be a distinct advantage.

As with any large group of people, and China has the biggest, there are differing opinions and attitudes; however, almost invariably teachers have the most wonderful and exciting experience during their time in China . The Han Chinese are the most hospitable, warmest, most generous of people, equal to the friendliest people in the world, and generally demonstrate a great deal of respect for foreigners; remember, also, that teachers in China are some of the most respected people in the society.

Power Voltage in China is 220volt / 50 hertz and plugs and sockets are mostly 2-pin round plug, otherwise western 3-pin or, occasionally, universal. Power is supplied continuously 24 hours per day except in some very remote areas. Being without electricity is unlikely to affect you unless traveling.

You are allowed to leave the campus whenever you like; your movements are not restricted. If you choose to leave the city then the School may ask you to inform them; this is only a precautionary measure as the school will merely be concerned for your safety. Usually, once you have familiarized yourself with the transport systems and the like, which we will assist you with, the school is more at ease with the notion of you traveling.