It’s no secret that in China is a bit of a police state.More than 2 million people monitor online activity and block all mention of sensitive topics and forbidden language. People who speak out against the government are silenced, and foreigners are warned to not discuss “the three T’s.” (Tibet,
How do my Chinese Students See Themselves?
Like most things in China, getting your schedule and class list is a last minute thing. Despite it being prepared months ago, I didn’t get my schedule until three days before class started. And I only got it that early because I bugged as many people as I could. (If
I Feel a Bit Guilty About Yesterday’s Post
So after I totally dissed my students in yesterday’s post, I had my last class with one group of kids. We had a christmas party (I do it every year) and when class was almost over one student stood up and said they had a special gift for me. He
Sad Realizations at Final Exams
The semester is almost over and it’s final exams week. I really wracked my brain this semester, because teaching non-majors is much more of a challenge. I needed the same final exam that would be appropriate for students with a vastly different level, as well as something that wouldn’t bore
Funny English Names of my Chinese Students
One of my very first posts in China was about students picking hilarious English names. It just cracked me up that a boy would call themselves “Cookies” or a girl “Super.” But like all things, you get immune to it. I’ve had plenty of none traditional names over the years,
Trying for a Work/Life Balance While Living on Campus
Almost exactly five years ago I went to my first dinner with students. I was so excited, and honored back then that the students wanted to spend time with me. That even though they didn’t know me very well, and their English level was a little low, they were willing
Starting Over Again
As my plane was landing into Xiamen Gaoqi International airport, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a similar situation that happened exactly 5 years prior. Me, a backpack and a suitcase arriving in a place I had never been, ready to start a new life. But this time was
Farewell Tour of Zhejiang–The Final Phase
So I’m home now. Jet-laggy and culture shocked. I’ll write about that in a bit, but I first want to write about my last few days in Lin’an. With just six days left after my Hangzhou bash, I had finally reached the center of my onion. I had been peeling the
How to (Successfully) Find a School to Teach in China—and Announcing my Next Destination!
I have the signed contract and visa paperwork in hand so I think it is only fitting to finally announce where I’m going next year. (I wanted to wait till it was legal before I jinxed anything.) Next September I’ll be teaching in the beautiful seaside city of….Xiamen. I know,
Student Gifts Over the Years
Since I need to box my crap up and ship it down south (“to where Becky?” I hear you ask. I’ll announce my new China home soon I just want to wait till I have a contract in hand till I consider it official.) I’ve been cleaning up and throwing