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Teaching, Travelling, Having Fun!
We spent almost 2 years in this small city in rural China teaching at the East China Institute of Technology.
The Teaching
China is proving to be a wonderful experience for both of us. I'm into my 3rd term of teaching (Vern's 2nd term) and time is flying by.
Based in a small city in Jiangxi (one of the poorest provinces) we feel a real sense of community. Exhibitionists at heart, we enjoy the constant stream of attention and play up to the calls of "laowei, laowei". We've even been called the "Posh and Becks" of Fuzhou.
Our flamboyant natures flavour our teaching styles. Not sure what OFSTED in the UK would make of some of our methods, but we get the required end results and have fun in the process.
Our close relationships with our students have enabled us to discuss topics such as AIDs/ HIV, drugs, sex, capital punishment, and other subjects which many might consider 'taboo'.
Teaching is a two way process and we're discovering many things about ourselves and each other. Perhaps for me the biggest challenge is teaching 300 students each week. I've come to see the truth in the saying "you can't please all the people all the time". There will always be some students who don't want to participate. All I can do is encourage and motivate to the best of my ability.
Teaching in China is a very rewarding job and I recommend it to anyone, especially those who enjoy the lime-light.
The Travelling
I wouldn't class myself as a 'Hardcore Worldwide International Traveller', but there's something exciting about travelling on a budget. Good value, with the option of a little luxury now and then, is my idea of heaven.
Check out the travel pages for some tips on Jiangxi, Hainan and Beijing.
Having Fun
After all, it's what it's all about! We've enjoyed luxurious beaches and 5 star hotels in Hainan, to visiting a poor family in a village in Guangdong.
In the past year we've sampled some unpleasant experiences too. Vern got run over and knackered his knee, I had my appendix removed, I had a intruder in my flat, burnt my leg on a motorbike. And that's just for starters! But it's the positive experiences which stick in my mind.
We've met so many good people on our travels and it's good to stay in touch because you never know when you might need a friend.
