Tips from ESL Teacher for Living and Teaching in China!

Edited by Yolanda@WIEChina

Initially, moving to a new country may seem daunting at first. However, believe it or not, this feeling does subside!

Moreover, I have found the following tips have made my transition less overwhelming. 

Firstly, I will suggest that you download The Baidu Translate App (or whichever App you are most comfortable with using). If possible before you arrive, try and learn a few Mandarin words that will make communicating much easier.

Secondly, I recommend downloading Didi (taxi/cab service) and once you are familiar with the varies transport routes i.e. bus routes, metro(subway) it will definitely prove to be a more cost effective mode of transport.

Thirdly, make sure you have a Chinese SIM card and have activated your Wechat account. This will allow you access to receive payments, make payments(transfers) once your bank account is connected to your Wechat. This will also allow you to access payment facilities when doing grocery shopping or when dining at a restaurant.

Fourthly, definitely make sure you have a few goodies that remind you of home that have positive memories for you, to get you through the first three months (photographs of loved ones, novels, movies on your hard drive).

Fifthly, be open to new things in the form of meeting new people, new perspectives, cultures, cuisine, languages and generally a new way of living (and doing life together with others-a new lifestyle if you will-.

Lastly, with this being said have an open mind and keep in mind that life is an adventure, remain positive and I guarantee you, you will be all the better for it. We continue to be lifelong learners, living and working in China will absolutely teach you a few new things.