If you were a single white female would you go to China?

Question

To teach English? or just stay in the US?

NE body been there?

Thankis !!

Answer 1

I'm Eurasian. Chinese and American. I am acquainted with the western and the Chinese culture. I'd like you to know that it would be just fine for you to go to China. You'd have more trouble walking downtown in New York, than you would in China. Chinese men don't necessarily see the western woman as an object of desire, so you wouldn't have trouble with men gawking at you/ hitting on you, if that's what you are concerned about. I assure you that you would have a bunch of trouble in places like Jamaica, The Philippines, Indonesia, when concerning being a white female walking around. You would get shouted at and men would become sexually aroused with you just because you are white. I know this for a fact, because I live in the Philippines now. Chinese men are mostly very disciplined when it comes to the way they view themselves, and women. You'd definitely encounter more trouble as a white woman walking around a sleezy neighborhood in the U.S., than a white woman shopping at a mall in Shanghai. I know this for a fact because I was born and grew up in the U.S.

Answer 2

Two years ago I did just that. I decided that I wanted to learn Chinese and teach English, so I took an intro Chinese class, signed up for classes at Beijing Language and Culture Uni, and moved to China. I *did not* go through a program. I applied directly to the school which has an English translation of their website. When I got to China, people were asking me left and right to teach English. I worked at two different schools a few hours per week and tutored businessmen on the side. At first I lived on campus but then I moved into an apartment after a few months.

When applying at schools, try to be paid weekly. Many schools try to pay monthly but then rip you off at the end of the month. Also, make sure you're paid on time. They like to pay people slowly so they forget how much they are owed. Also, demand your entire paycheck at each pay period. Make up some lie about needing it for rent, otherwise you'll have to leave the school and return to America. If you don't do this then they will withhold some money from you and refuse to give it to you if you leave before they want you to. Not to say that Chinese people cannot be trusted, but there is little government regulation on small businesses and since you technically will not have a work visa (probably) you cannot complain about it.

Speaking of visas, unless you arrange to work for a company in advance, you will probably have a tourist visa. I do not recommend arranging a company in advance because they will take advantage of you. Just get a tourist visa and go to China. This is what everyone does. The visa is only good for a month but you can get extensions at local offices. Technically you are breaking the law, but that's how things roll in China. I've never met anyone teaching English in China that had a work visa. If you apply for school (like BLCU) then they will give you a work/study visa.

As long as you have gumption, don't let being a female deter you from anything. For the most part, foreigners in China are safer than other people, since the government doesn't want a PR scandal before the Olympics. People won't hurt you because their afraid of their governments backlash. I had a great time while I lived in China.

Answer 3

Yes, I've been to China twice, would definitely love to return. The best parts were when I got to go to rural areas--even there, I was struck by how much satellite TV plays a part in people's lives. In other words--foreigners just don't seem so foreign any more.

Its a great opportunity if you do go. In fact there was a book that came out recently about an American woman who went to China to teach, and then ended up becoming some kind of TV soap opera star while she was there. Wish I could remember the name, its supposedly a true story.

Also read Iron & Silk. Its the memoir of a single white male teaching in China--I'd definitely read that on the flight over. In fact, pack lots of English reading material, and stuff like pens and pencils that you can give out. The English books are for your own sanity, if there aren't any other English speakers around for you to converse with. (The first time I travelled alone) The other thing you should make sure to pack are plenty of toiletries, including TP and tampons/pads--I remember those were rather hard to get, especially in the rural areas.

Answer 4

I was a single White female when I came to teach in China. I'm still White and still female, but I'm no longer single.

China is very safe and offers many good opportunities. If you are young (I'm not) there are lots of places to party. However, though I did meet my husband here (he's African), most of my single female friends don't find there are many dating options in China if that is going to be important to you.

I don't think you'll regret it if you come to China to teach, just be sure you are coming over to work for a legitimate outfit. I teach at an international school, and those are usually very reliable, but I've heard some horror stories about some placement agencies in China.

Answer 5

China is perfectly safe for single women, white or otherwise..particularly in the big cities. At worst, you have to be on guard for petty thieves but nothing more. The earlier post about Chinese men not looking at white women in a 'particular' way is true.

Answer 6

I am American and grew up in China and I have to say it was the best experience of my life! The chinese are the most wonderful hospitable people and treat you like royalty. The guys will gawk at you especially if you are light skinned...you know what it's like to be a celebrity, that's for sure! No, but it's wonderful.....please go for it -- you'll never regret it.

Answer 7

i am a single female (23yo), and i have been to china 3 times...and have lived there twice. i loved it, and would love to go back soon! it is an amazing country. i actually felt much safer in china than i do in the united states as far as crime goes...but as in any place that one travels, you should always be aware of your surroundings. i have a lot of friends that returned to china to teach, and they loved it as well. it's an amazing opportunity that you shouldnt pass up...and the party life in the big cities is pretty damn amazing as well. :) good luck

Answer 8

sure...chinese men are not very aggressive..as long as you're about as careful as you would be in the US..mind you there is a lot of petty crime...but the type of people who want to learn english are student types..wonderfully bright and energetic people...what an education you will get....I've been to china many,many times and have learned a good deal of the language..but I am a gay white male...not that that makes any difference...enjoy your adventure

Answer 9

It is a great opportunity. You want be the only one there. Goggle contacts before you go. Talk to exchange students and tourists where you are.Create the space for safety and support. I have been there as a tourist only as have quite a few of my friends.I and they enjoyed our time there.What is the best option for you?Peace

Answer 10

Sure.
I have an ex girlfriend who lives there now.
And a friend from church who went there to teach English.