"I have been very content to work for EMW since Sept 2002 as both teacher and Lead Teacher in Yichang and Tianjin ...for a total change (different texts, older students) I chose to do BCIT teaching from this semester. Living in China - you must come without prejudice and be open-minded. I've never had a problem beyond small stuff like spitting in the street - the Chinese embrace us, as they know we are here to educate their children...it is quite important to make an effort to understand and respect their culture's in any foreign land.

You may be surprised at how Westernised China is, with many bars/restaurants having bilingual menus, brands like Nescafe, Maxwell House, Pantene, Pringles and more in the supermarkets; street names in Pin Yin, maps with bus routes marked (here in Nanjing eg). Loads of bars, clubs, gorgeous girls everywhere (some of us meet ladies at English Corner which is a feature of most cities, ie, crowds come to a park during set times to better their English). Really cheap booze and food.

Beijing office? Sensational. Why I have worked for them for five years. Complete welfare and academic support from Cliff Yeats and Alan Boyce respectively, along with their incredibly switched-on secretaries. Pay is promptly deposited into a Bank of China a/c 30th every month. Beijing sets up your a/c and sends you your ATM card. I have NEVER had a problem over pay. Every three months, you have the option of remitting funds o/seas via Beijing - I've done this a few times : they get best poss exchange rate and low commission.

Accomm. varies, in that some is on campus, others downtown. Schools usually provide all the basics like bed linen, sofa, washing machine, fridge, microwave, TV but you need to buy your own DVD player in most cases.

Feel free to ask other questions - you can have a fantastic time here...oh and yes the Chinese staff will always treat you well - a smile goes a long way..."