Hello from Shijiazhuang,China

hi semie,
you know- teaching is not always easy.
i like it very much and i see it as a challenge, but you must know that to be admired is something that can be achioved only after a big effort.
this is my opinion.
anyway- i didn't have the test today- but i did move to the college, and it seems really nice.
i'm very happy and excited.
tomorrow is supposed to be my first teaching day.
all the best-
talita.

Talita,

So glad you're there. I worked in Shijiazhuang in 1997 for a little over a year as an English teacher after graduate school. For months I thought I was the only English speaker there. One day I ran into a brit at a department store and nearly dropped dead. Through him I learned of another American and a couple of Italians, Koreans, Ukranians and Australians. Made the time much better and we were a great group together. They all worked at the Teachers University. Forget the street name but it was well known. If you haven't found anyone yet, try there. Once through the front gates you walk about 150 feet then turn right. There should be two dormatory style buildings. That's where most of them stayed. I worked on the complete other side of town on Hong Qi Da Jia. I have to say, I met a lot of good people there, most of them Chinese. I know some of them who speak pretty good English and would most certainly want to help you out. Let me know. I'll stop here since I'm unsure if you're even checking the message board anymore. Good luck. I had a blast.

Jim

Rachel,

Not sure if Tatia is still looking at this site. I only stumbeld upon it myself during a rainy day at home. She probably found some folks and is having a great time. I wouldn't wory, though over a million easily, you'll find her/him easy enough. There's not that many foreigners there period but its a quick train ride to Beijing for weekends (though the bus is much, much better and cleaner).

The city isn't too bad. I've been back a number of times when I happened to be in China for business. Its quite more developed than it was in '97, thats for sure. Easy to get around, the buses aren't too bad, and taxi rides, we'll they're dirt cheap. There is a good shopping district, and more and more bars around. There was a great one there called Williams Pub a few years ago. It was the only one and every English speaking foreigner was there. Though its closed now, others have taken its place.

As for Mandarin, I didn't know much, just a few words when I went. You can get by without it, but why. I made the mistake of relying on English too much. I gave up too easily on my Chinese and wish I hadn't. This will be the best opportunity for you to learn it. Force yourself to, you'll appreciate it latter.

jim

Hello Rachel

Are you in Shijizahuang yet? Are you still going? I am considering an offer of a position there, starting September. If we both go to this city to work, perhaps we should catch up. What school are you going to? I am Australian. What is your nationality?

Meagan

hello there
it's me- talita
(i forgot my pass word)
i'm already back home
i don't look at this cite so often now
so sorry for not replying
china wasn't easy for me but it was a real adventure
i met some wonderful people-
chinese and foreighners
i will never forget it
good luck to you all
talita- israel
p.s if u reply, reply to the other message, then i can get a note to my personal mail
cheers