I recommend checking it out if you haven't already. There are also 2 sequels which are worth a look as well.
Why should you watch Infernal Affairs?
It seems that Brad Pitt liked it so much that he bought the rights to the film, and has just remade it for release in the States. Leo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, and Mark Walberg. Directed by Scorcese. This one looks like it could be big. Check out the trailer:
Tags: China, The Departed Trailer, Brad Pitt, Scorcese, Infernal Affairs Remake
In the West, stem-cell research is highly regulated and it's often very difficult for researchers to have access to fetal tissues. As a result, this specific medical technology is progressing much slower in the west in comparison with (yeah, you guessed it) China.
China seems to have surveyed the international playing field, and identified this situation as an opportunity for medical prestige. Or maybe you could call it "International Face?" No mainland China scientist has ever been awarded the Nobel Prize, and this just might be their chance.
Whatever the case, it seems that many people from America and other western countries (where stem-cell treament is governed by heavy restrictions) are coming to China, because the treatment they require is available here now. Take this British girl from Boston, for example. When did Boston join the UK, anyway?
Tags: China, stem-cell treatment, stem cell research, Stem-cell research in China, pandapassport
ESL for Dumbasses
(I can't say "dummies" can I? That's taken.)
Contents:
1. Is China right for me?
2. ESL Teaching Certification: Do I really need it?
3. Understand the different types of Chinese Visas.
4. Understand the contract.
5. What do I need to bring with me?
6. Do I need to study any Chinese?
7. How can I be sure my school isn't dodgy and run by mafia thugs?
8. Other "Rules of the Game"
1. Is China right for you? This is a crucial question that you must look into.
Maybe Korea or Japan, or even Taiwan "Province," is a better fit? China is a cool country to see, and it probably is easier to travel around during your holidays as the trains are cheap and convenient. But the wages are relatively low in comparison with other places. But as living costs are low inside China, you'll find that it's more than enough to get by.
If you do not have a flexible, adjust-to-adversity type personality, be wary about coming here. There are a lot of pissed-off foreigners in China, who bitch and complain on a daily basis. Ask yourself, do you possess the understanding to live in a place where thoughts and opinions often differ greatly from your own? China is still third world, with countless injustices. Ask yourself how you will react to that.
2. ESL Teaching Certification: Do you really need it?
If teaching is not in your future career plans, I would advise against it. While certain qualifications may be required to teach in other Asian countries, China is not nearly as picky when it comes to the English Teaching Industry, and this is especially true of private schools (as opposed to public schools or universities. If your purpose in China is to mostly travel, and see the world, and all that jazz - I'd recommend skipping on the certification. If you look like you speak English (i.e. if you look different from the local population) it's often enough.
It's not uncommon for a person whose first language is not English (maybe someone from France, Spain, or Italy for example) to be employed at a school, despite not having great English themselves. But they look the part. On the other hand there are often teachers (such as Chinese Americans or Canadians, or teachers from English speaking African countries for example) who have trouble finding work in China - simply because they are not what many Chinese stereotypically perceive as a Native English Speaker. This is unfortunate, but it happens sometimes.
3. Understand the different types of Chinese Visas.
I'm gonna defer to another source on this one. Also, do some research into the "Foreign Experts Card" which you might have if you are employed by a more credible (usually) institution.
Do some reading on the internet about the different types of Chinese Visas, and be wary of schools that don't seem to follow these rules. Yes, there are some schools that will bring teachers here to teach on only a tourist visa - this is illegal, and should be avoided.
Please make sure that when you research this topic, that your information is up-to-date. Here are some links:
Introduction to types of Chinese Visas
Dave's ESL Cafe Visa Discussion
Hong Kong Visa Shopping
State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs
Personally, I would not sign a contract before arrival. While some schools may demand that you sign a faxed copy, I would not sign a contract in this manner unless you are fully confident that this particular school can meet your standards.
It's common that you might be told one thing before you arrive, and then see that things are not as they should be when you get here.
If you arrive at your school, and for some reason are surprised and/or shocked by your situation, don't hesitate to hit the streets in seach of a better situation.
Get in touch with the ex-pat community in whatever city you choose to work in, and ask for advice from those who have done it all before. Read weblogs and forums, and organize the information you've gathered. I started a discussion on Dave's ESL Cafe where teachers rate their China Teaching Experience on a 1 to 5 scale. I have to say, I'm finding the results very informatitive, and also somewhat surprising!
5. What do I need to take with me?
If you're in one of the more developed cities, you likely won't need to bring too much. Generally speaking, you can buy pretty much everything you need in big shopping centers like Wal-mart or Carrefour, which are all over China and still spreading.
Consider taking a laptop computer, if you have one. Especially if it has a DVD player (you can build a pretty hefty DVD collection here. Many schools will accomodate you with an internet conection, or help set one up in your apartment. I'm really glad I brought mine (on ebay). I can watch Canadian news or Meet the Press whenever I want, and keep in touch with friends and family very easily. When I first arrived I unnecessarily spent a lot of money on IP cards to phone home, but now I just use voice chat on a MSN messenger. It's free! Some of my friends use Skype as well. Also, if you do take your computer, back up all your important information and programs on a CD, just in case you need them later (I'm glad I did!). Other handy items: mp3 players.
If you are dependant on any medication, then you should probably stock up if you cannot find it in China. If you wear contact lenses, bring enough to last your trip, unless you're ok with a trip to Mr. Chinese Optomitrist. Do your research as to what you can and cannot bring into the country.
Everyone seems to have a cell phone here, but it may not be necessary to bring one as they're pretty cheap here anyway. Second hand phones are readily available. If you take a phone from home, check to see if it's China compatible.
Under-arm Deodorant used to be a rarity here, but now certain brands (Adidas Sport, for example) beginning to pop up in department stores. You can bring a few sticks of your own and bring them along if you're nervous.
6. Do I need to study any Chinese?
While learning Chinese is not necessary for an English teacher by any means, it does help things go much more smoothly. Some teachers arrive and speak English at work, spend time outside the school with ex-pat friends, and don't really have much contact with people who don't speak English (which is a sizable portion of the population!). I think if you want to maximize the value of your trip to China, you should have some basic knowledge of the language.
First of all, you can get more done in your day to day life without having to rely on your school or friends for translation help all the time. It's nice to be independant. Secondly, it also helps when you are teaching English, believe it or not! If you understand some basic Chinese grammar, it can help you understand some common mistakes that Chinese people make when speaking English. for example: "I very like apples" or "I tomorrow with my father will play ping-pong ball."
I recommend taking a course at your local university, or hook up with a language exchange partner before you leave (and maybe after you arrive as well). Many of the private English schools in China have class mostly in the evenings and weekends. While most universities will offer Chinese language classes Monday to Friday, mornings and afternoons - sometimes, just mornings! English teaching in China is not too demanding, at about 20 to 25 hours a week, and there are some who do both work and study.
There are also many resources on the net for Chinese study. The best of which is chinesepod.com. I also recommend the Pimsleur Mandarin Lessons (mp3 format), which you can track down pretty easily. I discovered them only recently, and I wish I had known about them before I came here. Or you can also try languageguide.org, which has some useful beginner level Chinese.
7. How can I be sure my school isn't dodgy and run by mafia thugs?
You can't. Especially when you're dealing with private schools. They are businesses, and unfortunately, Chinese business practices often involve underhanded tactics such as bribery, and the like. When dealing with most Chinese schools, I would advise taking a somewhat defensive posture, and stick up for yourself if you feel you're being shafted.
The best remedy is to fully research a school before-hand, by getting in touch with the ex-pat community, and explore School Blacklist sites such as TEFL Watch (see their forum too), and Buxiban.com.
Update: Buxiban now requires paid membership. BOOERNS Buxiban!
The English Teaching industry in China is in a constant state of flux, and the rules are never the same - from time to time, from place to place, from school to school. That said, it would be wise to do as much research as you can into the rules and regulations regarding working in China. Buxiban.com provides some reading material on the Labor Laws of the PRC and Regulations for the Employment of Foreigners.
Hope that helps! Happy teaching!
Tags: China, ESL, English Teaching, Teach in China, TEFL, TESOL, Teach and Travel, English Teaching in China, pandapassport
And yet, if it's just a rumor, it does tell us some inherent truths about those who spread it (including me, I guess!) But first, some background info:
As many people know, the Japanese Army once occupied Dalian - specifically from 1905 when Japan won the Russo-Japanese War until Japan's WW2 defeat in 1945, when it was jointly controlled by Russia and China. China regained full control over Dalian in 1955.
At one point during Japanese rule (as this rumor/story goes) there was a joint attack launched by China and Russia. Japanese troops were located in the Labor Park area, and it's said that Russia attacked from the north, while Chinese troops attacked from the south. The result was pretty a bad one for Japanese troops, with many casualties. Or so I hear...
Anyway, it seems that some Japanese people (possibly even the Japanese government) intended to build some memorial to those lost in this battle. You can imagine that that would be difficult to pull off here in China. But, as the story/rumor goes, one Japanese businessman found a way around it.
He was apparently instrumental in the building of the Swissotel (that's a franchise by the way) which towers over labor park. Anyone ever noticed the shape of this hotel? Notice anything weird?
Well, the people who told me this story, tell me that the hotel was intentionally designed to look like a tombstone. It is pretty much an unusually flat vertical slab.
Well, how about it? Truth or Rumor? If anyone has some solid facts to either confirm or disprove this story, I'd love to hear them!
Update: Another friend told me another version today. But she said this is also possibly just a rumor.
This version is about the founder of the hotel, whose father's dying wish was to be buried in Labor Park. When the local goverment didn't agree, the man buried his father just across the street and built the hotel on top of it.
No shortage of urban legends in Dalian, it seems!
Tags: China, Chinese, Japanese occupation of China, Dalian, Chinese history, Japan, newfie, Swissotel, pandapassport
A squatter is - more or less - a porcelin hole in the ground. And many Chinese people actually prefer them, due to the fact that there is 0% ass-to-porcelin contact, thus making them more hygenic. In theory that may be true... as long as you have 100% poop-to-porcelin contact. That is, you gotta have good aim. It seems that many people do not, and that results in some pretty dirty bathrooms. I have some foreign friends who have claimed to have hit "nothing but backboard" on many occasions.
But having seen this video from Japan, I'm inclined to think that no matter how dirty Chinese bathrooms are, I'd still prefer them to this (see video below). Best part is at the end!
Tags: China, Chinese, Chinese Bathrooms, Dalian, Newfoundland, Japanese bathrooms, newfie, Funny Japanese Tv, pandapassport
My Chinese friends will often warn me, never give money to beggars - because they're often richer than you are. One friend told me he watched a begger at Victory Square pack up his things at the end of his work day and hop into a cab to go home. Hardly the cheapest mode of Chinese transportation...
Some Chinese friends tell me that some beggars are part of an organized gang who - rather than keep the money for themselves - have to report back to their boss and hand it over to them. There are the crippled beggars with a deformed leg wrapped twice around their head who shuffle along on their hands. I've been told that some people do this to them intentionally so they look more pitiful, and thus earn more cash. There are the small child beggars, who I'm told are often kidnapped from the countryside so they can work the streets in the city.
And then there are the mothers with a child in their arms. I was approached by one such mother-child combo today as I was standing waiting for a friend at an intersection. I couldn't really walk away, because as I said, I was waiting for someone.
So, I talked with her a bit:
Her: Please, please, money, please! (This part was in English, and was accompanied by assorted finger-pointing-to-mouth gestures --- read "hungry").
Me: Sorry. I don't have much. I'm a student.
Her: Please, my baby is sick. (He was far from a baby, but actually looked like he'll be ready for kindergarden next year)
Me: My Chinese friends tell me I should not give money to beggars, because they only hand it over to their boss. How do I know you will buy medicine?
Her: No. My baby is sick. Really. We need to buy medicine. (She showed me a medicine box as well)
Me: If your baby is sick, why did you bring him out with you at night. Shouldn't you bring him somewhere to rest?
Her: I have to bring him out with me. He needs to eat. (At this point she opened her shirt to show that the kid needed breast-feeding.)
Me: **staring at sky for a few seconds, to avoid making eye contact with afore-mentioned boob**
Her: We're from Anhui Province. We want to go home. We need to buy a train ticket, can you help us?
Me: How much is your train ticket? A few hundred kuai? I'm from Canada. I also want to go home.
In the end I did give her a few kuai. She did after all, flash a boob... (My god, I'm going straight to hell for that one, aren't I?) She stuck around and asked for even more money, but when my friend arrived we made a speedy getaway. Anyway, even though I've been told that I shouldn't give to beggars, there's still the possibility that she was telling the truth, and that always weighs heavy on me.
Any thoughts on this one? I'd like to hear some feedback. Was I stupid to give cash to them? Was I an asshole for not giving more? Are my Chinese friends right in their assessment of beggars? It's tough to just ignore them. Especially ones like this lady.
What do you think?
Tags: China, Chinese, beggars, Dalian, Newfoundland, Chinese beggars, newfie, homeless, pandapassport
I'm studying Chinese here. That said, I like the fact that when I go out, I'm fully immersed in a Chinese-speaking environnment.
I still like to go to Walmart for groceries though, as it's the closest and most convenient place in my neighbourhood. But here's what pisses me off about Walmart. Sometimes, when I ring in my purchase at the checkout, it's as if I've stepped back into the Silent Era of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and other such voiceless wonders. Some of the cashiers don't bother to say the price in Chinese (example: Wushi san kuai liu mao) but merely rotate the display screen of the cash register so I can read it myself. Thus they make our pleasant transaction completely free of spoken words.
"Shuo ba" I say. "Speak."
"Wo yiwei ni tingbudong" is the cashier's reply. "I didn't think you'd understand."
Ya, ya, ya. Now, I know what you're thinking. He's only trying to help. Maybe so. But the principles behind such an action are about just as fucked as... (searching for appropriate simile...) Mu zimei. Now that's fucked...
This assumes that all laowai are "fresh off the boat" so to speak, and that no non-Chinese looking person has the ability to understand spoken Chinese.
Here's my new sentence for responding to this kind of treatment:
Cashier: "I didn't think you'd understand."
Me: "That's because there a Great Wall in your mind."
Tags: China, Chinese, Walmart, Dalian, Newfoundland, Wal-mart, newfie, Muzimei, pandapassport, chinese language study
