It seems like a long time ago now that I was apprehensively departing the customs hall at Beijing Airport, hoping that there would be someone waiting for me on the other side of the doors. Indeed it was just over 2 months ago now – time does fly! Of course there was someone waiting for me, indeed there were three men standing there with a sign with my name on it, and they were happy to see me too! What a relief! We then got into a very flash car and headed east to the Qinhuangdao Foreign Language Professional College, and my new appointment as arranged through Teach In China. I must say, thankfully (I was imagining the worst!), that the accommodation far exceeded my expectations, this term I have a three bedroom apartment with a great outlook to myself. I had arrived well before classes started, so it was lovely to be in such a pleasant apartment. I also managed to arrive in the middle of Spring Festival, so I got a good dose of Chinese culture too.
The college is actually located at Nandaihe, which is a seaside resort south of Qinhuangdao city. It is only 600m to the beach – roll on Summer! The environment is lovely, so close to the sea, and there is a great view across fields to hills from all of the Foreign Teachers apartments. The teaching itself is lots of fun. The students here are (on the whole!) keen to learn, and are also glad to have the opportunity to speak with foreigners. Although I had been concerned about what to teach my classes I have found the actual teaching much better than anticipated, which is a great relief!
I had no idea how much of a novelty I would be when walking around the streets here. Be ready for lots of “Helloâ€â€™s from people who don’t actually want to stop and talk, and a lot of stares and head turns, especially if you happen to have blonde hair and blue eyes – definitely not the usual here in China.
I have enjoyed my time here, and am sure that I will continue to do so. I am pleased that this position was found for me by www.TeachinChina.cn. They were not only of great assistance before I arrived in this country, but were also able to help me in my preparations in Australia. So I strongly recommend anyone who wants to come to teach in China, the best and trustful agent is Mr Dou Songlin at Teachinchina.cn.
Mary Jordan From:  Australia January 2004