Introductions

Yer gonna love Spring Festival.  

At least I'll be expecting it!

Much like bonfire night in England!  

Just in case anyone cares, I'm SilverMay's other half!

Thanks SpV. I was curious, but wasn't sure if I should ask.

Be the day warm or cold, few things compliment a good meal like a slice of decent pie with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream on top. It don't even have to be apple pie. Cherry pie and vanilla ice cream are a great combo. Heck, even a scoop on top of some fresh peach cobbler will do.

I'm a Yank. No real job. Teach English on occasion, but I'm picky about who I take on as a pupil. Plus after a couple of sessions I usually end up telling them that their problem aint their ability to speak in English, it's their lack of confidence and worrying about making mistakes when speaking in English.

China is a nice enough place to park your carcass -aside from the chronic lack of decent pie.

Psst: 300/hour is the new 150/hour. Pass it on!

G'day GZPF and welcome from an Aussie. Which state do you call home? Are you teaching in China? I'm not trying to be nosey, but I like to hear how you new folk are going.

Welcome the The Saloon Mr GZPF!   

All the best,

Sam

Greetings, GZPF

Howdy,

I'm 26 from New York and have the feeling that I would like to teach English. I am interested in China because...
-I have never been to Asia
-They have a huge demand for teachers (can't argue with an easy job market)
-I would like to learn Mandarin
-I would like to re-learn English.

So far I have spent some time as a constuction worker, military personnel, pizza delivery driver and novice slacker.

I am looking for new skills and experience as well as some exploration and possibly some fun.

My preferred location for all this doin would be down South in the Guangdong area. I am interested in the coastal area -- Macao, Hong Kong, Guangzhou. My only knowledge of China is from History classes and a friend who was born south of Shanghai. My research is ongoing. I am glad to find this forum, and hope to learn more about what it is I think I may be trying to get myself into.

Owen

G'day and welcome scotto858. How I envy you and I'm really interested in how things turn out for you. There are some really helpful, trustworthy folk here who are willing to go that extra mile to help folk in your situation. The guys can also help you with any guy situations.    

Welcome to the Saloon scotto858!   

I am a "newbie" too and not yet in China --- you will find a wealth of information (and honest info, to boot!) on this site.

All the best,

Sam

Thanks!  Sam Smith --- We seem to be a similar distance from the same boat. What are you looking for in China?

I am a class shy of a BA degree (never took that final class), so I am trying to work something out without sacrificing too much. Basically just scouting around to put myself in a flexible position (extra time to explore and do side work). 

I am pretty durable, so I just want to get there while also covering my     as best as possible.

Welcome, guys!

Scotto, definitely do finish that degree and get your diploma. You'll need it to get a Residence Permit and thus able to work legally in China.

Welcome, scotto

Scotto --- take Raoul's advice and get that degree --- that last class might be a pain in the ass but will be well worth it.

It took me 17 years (no laughing you guys!) to finish my B.S. --- like lots of people, had to work my way through school and, often times, career came fist so I put finishing my degree on the back burner.

I plan on heading to China next Fall and hope to be teaching at a university --- I have my sights on some of the "off the beatean path" places like Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang.

Take your time going through the posts here on the Saloon --- a wealth of information (the good, bad and the ugly) on everything you can imagine.  You will find the people here are civil and, for the most part, act like grown-ups.    

Seriously --- if you can't find an answer to a question on here --- ask it.

All the best and keep all of us posted as to where you eventually land.

Sam

Scotto --- take Raoul's advice and get that degree --- that last class might be a pain in the ass but will be well worth it.

It took me 17 years (no laughing you guys!) to finish my B.S. --- like lots of people, had to work my way through school and, often times, career came fist so I put finishing my degree on the back burner.

I plan on heading to China next Fall and hope to be teaching at a university --- I have my sights on some of the "off the beatean path" places like Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang.

Take your time going through the posts here on the Saloon --- a wealth of information (the good, bad and the ugly) on everything you can imagine.  You will find the people here are civil and, for the most part, act like grown-ups.    

Seriously --- if you can't find an answer to a question on here --- ask it.

All the best and keep all of us posted as to where you eventually land.

Sam

Let me second that.  A college degree may not seem that big a deal in the US, but over hear it is GOLD.  You are considered an expert and in high demand.  You just need to be dcareful as to where you choose to work.  take your time, do your researh and talk and don't be afraid to ask any of us old "China Hands" a question.  We will never steer you wrong but give you the straight skinny with no scuttlebutt.

Howdy

My name is Maverick and I'm from New Zealand (Not Australia haha). I'm fresh out of University and I'll be heading over to China next year as an English teacher in Shaoxing.

What a wicked forum. Looking forward to contributing heaps