News & Announcements

Sam’s Club in Guangzhou, China

In summary, and with few exceptions, you won’t find merchandise or prices at the Sam’s Club in Guangzhou …

Guangzhou To Require Standardized Teaching Certificate

According to a brief report posted on the website Life of Guangzhou, the city of …

SAFEA Releases New Foreign Teacher Salary Guidelines

In what was an unprecedented move for the State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs (SAFEA), new salary guidelines …

Teacher Reports Successful Z-visa Run to Hong Kong

This is the first report we have received since the Summer Olympic Games of a successful “visa run” …

China News

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How Hard Do Foreign English Teachers in China Actually Work?

How Hard Do Foreign English Teachers in China Actually Work?

While foreign teachers employed by Chinese colleges and universities do work the fewest number of hours, the average number of base contract hours was reported as 17.33, SD = 5.2, suggesting that the days of receiving university contracts requiring only 12 to 14 class periods per week of work are rapidly coming to an end. Related, teachers working at private English language schools reported working an average of 26.91 hours per week, SD = 9.93, which is also in excess of what used to commonly be …

October 19, 2009 | 1 Comment | Read More »

Friendships in China

Friendships in China

For the most part, and there are exceptions, the doctrine of quid pro quo does not apply in regard to foreign teachers who are seen as “just passing through.” You were simply an “iron” that was “struck” while the opportunity was hot, i.e., you were simply exploited.

October 5, 2008 | Comments Off | Read More »

Teaching English in China for Non-White, Non-Native Speakers

Teaching English in China for Non-White, Non-Native Speakers

My best advice is that if you are a highly qualified English teacher who also happens to be a non-native speaker and/or not white, do not waste your time even thinking about teaching oral English in China—unless you have some strong personal reason for doing so, like the Chinese-American woman I mentioned above.

December 19, 2008 | 23 Comments | Read More »

Opening Your Own School – Part Four

Opening Your Own School - Part Four

Your competition will send countless “spies” to check out your school. They’re not hard to spot—just look for the “parent” carrying a video recorder and a notebook, asking “Can you show me your school licenses, your teachers’ diplomas, and provide me with a copy of your curricula and lesson plans?”

October 7, 2008 | 6 Comments | Read More »

Op-Ed & Other Topics

Do You Speak English?

Do You Speak English?

It’s a question I find myself asking every time I need to call the Bank of China about my secured “international” …

Jan 25, 2010 | 1 Comment | Read More »
Analysis of the Statistical Differences between StatCounter and Google Analytics

Analysis of the Statistical Differences between StatCounter and Google Analytics

This article examines the quantitative differences between StatCounter and Google Analytics across two statistics, page views and visits, for one website …

Oct 15, 2009 | Comments Off | Read More »
What a Difference a Train Ride Makes in China

What a Difference a Train Ride Makes in China

The train ride to Hong Kong from Guangzhou is quite a pleasant one: just about two hours from the east train …

Feb 19, 2009 | 3 Comments | Read More »

Reader Submitted Articles

Pros and Cons of Being Married to a Chinese Woman

Pros and Cons of Being Married to a Chinese Woman

Although my wife is an associate professor of English in a vocational school and her English is far …

Oct 16, 2009 | 10 Comments | Read More »
Western Woman Dating a Chinese Man

Western Woman Dating a Chinese Man

The main difference is the way we open our relationship to others. For example, as soon as …

Oct 13, 2009 | 2 Comments | Read More »
Enough

Enough

I have a good friend back home who occasionally sends me spiritually-uplifting e-mails usually containing inspirational photos, PowerPoint …

May 5, 2009 | 1 Comment | Read More »
How China Saved My Life

How China Saved My Life

The language barrier was the worst part but not the only thing that tormented me. I hated …

Dec 30, 2008 | 8 Comments | Read More »
On Being Jewish in China During Christmas

On Being Jewish in China During Christmas

… in China, Christmas is nothing more than a day for gift giving and shopping. The holiday here …

Dec 30, 2008 | 3 Comments | Read More »
Six Years in China: Teacher, Student, Entrepreneur

Six Years in China: Teacher, Student, Entrepreneur

What a fascinating country China is and being a part of the fervor and progress is what makes …

Sep 29, 2008 | Comments Off | Read More »