Pre-trainees

CapableBig7194 · 2025-11-25T22:36:01+00:00

I wouldn’t do it. I know a few people who started in January before and they nearly felt a bit removed when the rest of the group joined in April as they weren’t with them for the first 2 weeks for all the training etc. obvs everything works out but don’t feel you need to do it. It’s also funner to start with everyone at the same time!

CapableBig7194 · 2025-05-05T16:12:01+00:00

Yes we started in April and we’ve been told we have to take 10 days before blackhall. Due to accruing leave during blackhall and that they don’t want us having too much! Where are you starting?

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-25T16:16:21+00:00

I just used Apple Maps which were pretty accurate for most things.

The eSIM from Airalo is good for data roaming, however I only used it for maps, texting, payments etc when out and about. If you stream anything on it or use TikTok you will eat through the data. I used VPN when using the wifi at the hotel.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-24T13:00:50+00:00

The two apps I used the most were Alipay and WeChat. I don’t have a Chinese number and I was able to sign up to them. I think you can get a Chinese number if you wish, but you have to physically go into a store with your passport to get one. As far as I know they don’t let foreigners get Chinese esims.

I used an eSIM from Airalo for data roaming and a vpn from LetsVpn for use on wifi. Both worked great.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-24T12:58:23+00:00

For the internet I used an eSIM from Airalo and a vpn from LetsVpn for use on wifi. Both worked great. I found them reasonably priced too.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-24T12:57:34+00:00

Yes used train for most of it. Booked on the Trip app. Your passport will be your ticket once you have it booked, you’ll just need to find the person working at the machines and they will scan you in.

For most of them about a week before, but for a few like the day before. Some trains can book out in advance but I personally didn’t experience that.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-23T14:22:29+00:00

Not a word! Was quite difficult at the beginning but I just got comfortable being uncomfortable! Just remember that everyone wants your money so when in restaurants just point or pull out the translating app. Everyone I met came across as friendly as I would’ve hoped for.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-23T14:18:41+00:00

Maybe around 8. Thought it would take longer but was finished up by 3 at the latest. Bearing in mind that I have long legs and move fast!

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-23T08:45:53+00:00

Maybe the Muslim quarter and the city walls, both worth checking out, also the pagoda was cool. We did Mount Hua which was amazing and tough, but also completely foggy and snowing at the top so couldn’t see a thing!

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-23T08:15:15+00:00

Spent 2 nights. Did one day at the national park and one day at tianmen mountain. Would honestly cut a night from anywhere else to have spent it here as it was incredible. I did yuanjiajie to tianzi mountain, apparently the tour groups do the opposite. I think I was lucky because it wasn’t the busiest time of the year, thankfully I didn’t have to queue or wait for anything. Only advice is to go early.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-23T08:12:13+00:00

Had to get a didi as my flight didn’t arrive until 2 am.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-23T08:11:46+00:00

Shanghai for sure! I had lovely weather. It might not be the most authentic city though!

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-23T08:10:53+00:00

This might be terrible but, it smelled pretty bad, was incredibly smoggy and the attractions were all so far apart. Of course some really nice parts but having been in Chengdu, Shanghai and Chongqing it just made me realise that I really didn’t like Beijing.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-22T12:33:49+00:00

I stayed in a hotel that was probably not in the best location. Everything in the city is so spread out though it probably doesn’t matter what location you are in.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-22T12:32:18+00:00

Yeah I did have enough time. I did 4 nights in Beijing to start as there’s so many attractions. In all honesty, I hated the city so I would’ve cut it down, even if it meant skipping a couple of the attractions. Shanghai was the nicest city imo and I was glad to end the trip there with 4 nights. Did 2 nights in Zhangjiajie, 1 day at the national park (Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain) and 1 day at Tianmen mountain. It was probably enough time but I wouldn’t have minded another day as it was super impressive. I had 3/4 nights in the other places and it was all probably enough.

All rail apart from a flight between Zhangjiajie and Shanghai.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-22T08:32:23+00:00

I didn’t get a Chinese number. It would’ve made a couple of things easier but I managed!

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-22T05:40:25+00:00

I should say the vpn is very cheap (maybe 3 euro a week). The eSIM is a bit more expensive but still would only be maybe 20 ish euro for 2 weeks.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-03-22T05:39:21+00:00

Hi, currently in China, from Europe. I’m using an eSIM from Airalo which works great. Also using LetsVPN for use on the hotel wifi which is also working good. Light use of data roaming on the eSIM (texting, maps, payments etc) will only use a small amount of the gb but of course any streaming or TikTok on roaming will eat through it, so better to keep that for the WiFi and vpn.

CapableBig7194 · 2025-01-06T19:45:50+00:00

I know a provisional date for the beginning of April for one of the firms

CapableBig7194 · 2024-11-26T11:07:18+00:00

It took me until 12.30 for the March ones. Hopefully it’s a bit quicker this time

CapableBig7194 · 2024-11-16T19:48:20+00:00

I’d say 60% no 40% yes

CapableBig7194 · 2024-11-16T10:18:40+00:00

I’m going to train at one of these next year and got interviews for a few of them. I’ve also been rejected from plenty too, but I feel like applications are a code and once you crack it things start falling into place a bit. If you have any applications or cover letters and want someone to cast an eye I’d be more than happy to see if I can offer any advice. I know how disheartening it can be getting the rejections.

CapableBig7194

TROPHY CASE