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I got a job teaching in Qingdao

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dermotandweiwei
  6/6/2009 10:59 EST

Hey everyone.

I have just signed a contract to work as an English teacher at Qingdao Binhai University, in Qingdao.

I am currently living in London but will move to Qingdao in August.

I'm anxious and really excited to know what to expect when I arrive.

Are there any expats on here currently living there, or even locals of Qingdao on here I could speak to? Has anyone ever taught at this university or been there?

If so, let me know!

Thanks

Dermot

nharu
  6/17/2009 11:01 EST

I am also moving to Qingdao in August 2009. I will be working at Yew Chung International School. I too, know VERY little about the city and the opportunity to meet expats. I have lived many years abroad in several countries, and have always had a great group of friends. I hope that Qingdao will be a similar experience, and the opportunity to meet a good group of English speaking expats.
All the best to us, and if anything it is nice that we are in the same boat:) Hope someone writes on this forum with some helpful information:)

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dermotandweiwei
  6/29/2009 17:15 EST

Hey there! It definitely sounds like we're in the same boat, but you have much more experience than me, this is my first big move!
I'm just awaiting my work permit at the moment, but I should be arriving
August 15th with my Chinese girlfriend! So I will have SOME insider information as to the customs etc -) but absolutely no idea what the expat life will be like in Qingdao itself! But I am really excited because it looks like a beautiful place!
So where are you from if you don't mind me asking?

lorrainezehr
  7/1/2009 09:53 EST

I was in China 2 summers ago and it is beyond belief! The drivers are crazy, worse than New York. Watch out for the beggars at monuments etc they can be VERY aggressive.
I am seeking teaching employment in China. Any tips?

leotjohnson
  7/1/2009 17:47 EST

lorrainezehr make sure you research where you are teaching. Also that you get everything in writing before you get here.

Students like to know more about their teachers, so you might bring some photos of you growing up. Also if you like to play games with students, bring them as it is harder to find them here. Also if you are tall, big, or have big feet, make sure you have plenty of clothing, because you will either have to have it sent or made, as it's very hard to find larger size clothing here.

Nightfish
  8/5/2009 03:58 EST

Hello Dermot and nharu,

I just came across your post. You must be getting very excited now, only a few more days to go. Wish you good luck and enjoy your last days in London.
I'm from Germany and been living in Qingdao for 5 years now. It's a very nice place and I'm sure you will enjoy your time here.
Qingdao has many normal supermarkets and you'll be able to buy most stuff here. No need to bring anything from home. Finding an apartment is also not so difficult (if your school doesn't give you one).
The expat community here is of course not as big as Shanghai but still active and friendly. Check out www.qingdaoexpat.com.
If you have any specific questions then feel free to reply here or send me a message.
Best wishes from Qingdao,
Nightfish

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Nightfish
  8/5/2009 03:59 EST

Hello Dermot,

I just came across your post. You must be getting very excited now, only a few more days to go. Wish you good luck and enjoy your last days in London.
I'm from Germany and been living in Qingdao for 5 years now. It's a very nice place and I'm sure you will enjoy your time here.
Qingdao has many normal supermarkets and you'll be able to buy most stuff here. No need to bring anything from home. Finding an apartment is also not so difficult (if your school doesn't give you one).
The expat community here is of course not as big as Shanghai but still active and friendly. Check out www.qingdaoexpat.com.
If you have any specific questions then feel free to reply here or send me a message.
Best wishes from Qingdao,
Nightfish

dermotandweiwei
  8/7/2009 18:16 EST

Hello Nightfish!

Thank you for your reply.

I am definently getting excited now, although I did have wait quite a long time to recieve my visa and that was a worry, (it finally came two days ago) I'm all ready to go now on the 14th of this month!

Qingdao looks like a beautiful and intriguing city and I can't wait to get started. --))

Great news about the supermarkets, because I will definently need to have atleast a half-western-half-oriental diet I think, otherwise my stomach wouldn't cope!

Also, that website seems very useful. I checked out a few of the magazines on there and there seems to be a lot to do!

Perhaps we could keep in contact? My email address/msn is [email protected]

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