Pandas & Pens.: CHINA: A first-time field guide to teaching English.

A systematic method for navigating the logistics of China …
So you want to try teaching English in China? Don’t know where to begin? Which schools to apply to? What visa to obtain? How much you should be paid? Then this book is for you…

If you’ve been considering the merits of heading off to China to teach English, but are a little daunted by whether you should teach at a private language school or a government university this book shows you how to make those choices. There is also the conflict between opting to teach in a big city or a smaller town and there is the language barrier. None of these are insurmountable as countless teachers before you can testify, many of whom are still teaching in China today. If any of these issues are holding you back from taking up this exciting challenge then this book will set you straight, pointing out the pitfalls. It is your roadmap to navigating a potentially rocky road into a foreign and exotic country. Look no further.
This companion field-guide need not be read sequentially – rather use the TOC to locate info on subjects you want clarification on, and dip into the book as and when needs arise. Several appendices are provided with:

• Clothes size comparisons (American, European and Chinese)
• A checklist for essential items (personal hygiene and other) you should consider bringing with you.

All your questions and more are answered within these pages. It will be your guide and companion before you leave home, assisting you:

• to locate the right job in the right place, in a conducive environment for you
• To prep for the interview with a series of questions you need to ask to ensure everything measures up
• In packing the clothes you’ll require & inform you whether your electronics are compatible;
• With visa requirements & how much local currency you should have on hand until you settle in;
• What to expect from the school – contracts, remuneration, vacations and accommodation.

This book shares insights gained from numerous teachers who have not only survived but thrived in China, and explains how to adapt to the cultural quirks and curiosities you will encounter. You’ll learn about:

• Confucian values and traditional festivals
• Recognising culture shock and how to cope
• Travel recommendations,
• Practical advice for visiting banks, doctors, dentists and pharmacies and much more.

The better prepared you are, the more positive your experiences will be and the richer you will be for them (figuratively speaking). This guide is written with you in mind, to empower you to make decisions that will ensure your time teaching English in China is fulfilling, just as my own continues to be.
There is something here for every day, from classroom management to a host of websites to assist you with lesson planning.