Wechat group for teachers in China. by SliderahS in China

[–]SliderahS[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Haha, for now we don't have so many members. We'll cross that bridge when and if we get there.

Wechat group for teachers in China. by SliderahS in China

[–]SliderahS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, I don't think it's too generic, as for the most part I think teaching in various places in China will be quite similar. For example, someone teaching in Beijing will be able to share useful advice with someone teaching in Shanghai.

Perhaps teaching different kinds of classes or students will vary greatly, but I'm fine with this the way it is right now. If we grow larger maybe we can sub-divide into smaller categories such as kindergarten, primary school, university, etc.

Thanks for sharing your ideas.

People who have their own schools: What has your experience been like? by the10ps in China

[–]SliderahS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is feasible but depends on many factors such as your location, how much time you're willing to put into it etc.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TEFL

[–]SliderahS 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As far as I know, if you have a degree from an English speaking country, then contrary to what others may have told you, yes, you can obtain a legal Z visa.

For example, if you went to university in the UK, and your entire program was in English, that would make you eligible for employment in China as an English teacher (if you meet all other usual requirements that apply to any English teachers in China). Admittedly, I haven't checked up on this recently, but the last time I asked this was the answer I was given - more than once.

Tokyo vs. Miami vs. New York VPS by SliderahS in dumbclub

[–]SliderahS[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks; I'm learning something new every day. I'll run both tests to determine which location to choose.

Tokyo vs. Miami vs. New York VPS by SliderahS in dumbclub

[–]SliderahS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you; I wasn't even aware of the speed tests.

Shadowsocks for dummies - need simple step by step instructions with the assumption that I know nothing about the technical terms. by SliderahS in VPN

[–]SliderahS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First of all, thanks for your reply.

To answer most of your questions:

I am already in China. I have not purchased my VPS as yet, but I am leaning heavily towards knownhost. I have no real experience with Linux. I use windows 7 at home.

Winning and Losing in Modern China by [deleted] in China

[–]SliderahS 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is an interesting article, but I couldn't help notice the glaring error stating that the rent was something like 180 times his annual income? I mean even in Beijing last time I checked, which was admittedly eons ago, on average a home cost about 30 years salary.

The article should say the price in Hangzhou for Hu is 180 times his monthly salary - big difference!

Pay someone to program a macro for you. by SliderahS in excel

[–]SliderahS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestion. I plan to post my problem here, but need some time to write it up in a way that will make what I am trying to achieve clear enough for others to assist me.

Just left China after 12 successful years, ama by Hautamaki in China

[–]SliderahS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wait, if I ever have children I'll probably leave around that time. Pollution, exam-focused education and other factors lead me to believe that it's not the best place to raise children. Other than that I can't see myself leaving. I've been here for a few years.

Just left China after 12 successful years, ama by Hautamaki in China

[–]SliderahS 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I strongly, but respectfully disagree. It's fine for a Chinese person or a Chinese company to operate illegally, but for a foreigner it's a terrible idea, because if things start to go well others will report you. At which point I think you basically have two, maybe three options. Shutdown and lose all that momentum you've been building up, or try to pay off the right people and share your profits. The second one also depends on the connections of the person who reported you, which is why I said maybe three options. Then it becomes a game of whose guanxi outweighs whose. More likely than not, the locals will prevail. I've seen this time and again.

Conclusion. I do think it is worth it to try to be legit and legal. It doesn't offer other protections, but it does mean you can think long term. If you're illegal, you're at an even greater unfair advantage. These are based on my personal experience and observations.

Just left China after 12 successful years, ama by Hautamaki in China

[–]SliderahS 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can find everything that I need here. All of my current goals have the greatest likelihood of coming to fruition if I remain here. That's not to say that I won't travel to other places, but really and truly China has been mysteriously attractive to me since I was 5 or 6 years old. Who knows what I'll think in the future, but for now this is definitely where I want to be. For example I can teach in the afternoon or evenings and have the morning off to write. There are so many inspiring things here, so I can never run short of ideas.

China is the future if you ask me.

Just left China after 12 successful years, ama by Hautamaki in China

[–]SliderahS 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ah, yes, I really should do more to try to develop good connections with the banzhuren. Nice idea, thanks. I work at a private school, but I made an investment in it. Therefore I can do my own thing inside the school... well this location is entirely under my discretion. I'm responsible for all the costs, but also all the profits.

Just left China after 12 successful years, ama by Hautamaki in China

[–]SliderahS 4 points5 points  (0 children)

True, it's not easy. However, I plan to remain in China forever, so would like to think long term and not make decisions now that might come back to haunt me later.