There are several questions that almost everyone asks me about my decision and China so to save lots of time I thought this would be a great solution.
Why China?
Having never even considered China as a holiday destination, its economic rise and sheer size in the global arena does make me curious. This is an opportunity to live there, see how they operate and possibly learn Mandarin (although I know this will be tough.)
Where abouts in China am I going?
A city called Xiaoshan, over the river from Hangzhou, in the Zhejiang province, just south of Shanghai. Ok, maybe I should have just gone with a map.
How long am I going for?
The teaching contract is for 12 months, so barring any grievous student complaints I’ll be there for a year.
When do I leave?
I am due to start on the 20th September so I will be leaving SA on about the 18th September or earlier.
What is the deal with the photo in the header?
The photo is of Hangzhou, which is the major city of which Xiaoshan (where I’m going) is a part. So it gives you an idea of my new surrounds.
Wow Rors!! It looks amazing!! 🙂 GOOD LUCK with everything!
Sounds awesome! Am sure it will be a great adventure indeed 🙂
DISCO!
Hey Rordog
My word!! looks like you have been up to lots this year. Where is the link to the blog awards website??
When you coming back? Well best of luck. Hope you been enjoying it. Come home safe:)
[…] FAQs […]
Hey Rory,
I’m headed to China for a year to study at Tsinghua. I was wondering if you’ve had a problem with the Great Firewall of China and accessing this site. And if you have, how do you get around it?
Best,
Rory (my name as well!)
Hi Rory,
Cool, I hope you enjoy it. The short answer is yes. The Firewall is very frustrating.
When I first moved here I couldn’t access WordPress so I posted via email, then for a while I was able to access it. Then it was blocked again but for the last 6 months I have been able to access WordPress.com without any problems. However Blogspot, Youtube, Facebook, Picasa and Twitter are a no go.
To get around it in the beginning I used proxy sites but those give limited functionality and have been closed down as well. Now I use a VPN program I got from a friend of a friend. (Us foreigners stick together and try to help each other out) Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t and speed is a little slower.
There are a quite a few VPN sites that offer subscriptions for 6-12 months like VPNexpress etc. I have never tried them but if their websites are to be believed then they should work if you get stuck.
Hope that helps and good luck.
Hi Rory,
Are you still teach English in Hangzhou now? It is so amazing to know you are in Xiaoshan, Hangzhou.
I’ve also done a TESL/TEFL course, in hopes I can teach in the UAE or Saudi… but I think I have to finish my degree first before they’ll consider me… Can’t wait, counting down the days! 🙂
Cool, it was a great experience for me. I’m not sure about UAE/Saudi but I did have to have a degree to get the working visa for China.
Hi, Rory, I have sent you an email in the Contact column. I’m very interested in your blog, we want to build a partnership with you. I don’t know whether my message was been send successfully. Please let me know.
Marry Christmas!
Hi Rebecca, I didn’t receive your email but I have sent you one and if you reply then we can start a discussion on what you have planned. Look forward to hearing from you. Merry Christmas, Rory