David Burchmore
@Burchy
English expat in China
Forum posts
59
Contacts
1
About me
English
Lives in Shanghai
Speaks English
Registration: 26 May 2015
Covid-19 vaccine by JoeSZ
I was told the Chinese Government and USA Government are going to allow travel between the countries starting possibly in May. Does anyone know where I could get the vaccine. I hold a USA passport.
I have to wait until the age limit of 65 is lifted :( Read More
Be very careful when applying for a teaching job in China! by Anthony001
If you want to work in China as a teacher or, in a school environment, and if you are a foreigner pls read this! Be cautious! There are a lot of bad schools and BS recruiters in China. I was surprised to see this! Some examples: You sign a ...
Hi James, If you have been teaching since "before I was born" it will make you a VERY old person, because I passed formal retirement age 13 years ago ;) but I "retired" just 3 years ago. I loved my work even though, or because, ... Read More
Be very careful when applying for a teaching job in China! by Anthony001
If you want to work in China as a teacher or, in a school environment, and if you are a foreigner pls read this! Be cautious! There are a lot of bad schools and BS recruiters in China. I was surprised to see this! Some examples: You sign a ...
Hi Anthony, When looking for a new job ALWAYS do your research, or you finish up with a bum rap like above. And if it is bad, go to the local Bureau of Education as well as talk to your local Embassy - especially if you feel it is so bad they (the ... Read More
How do I know for sure if an English job is good in China? by Deanb1995
Hi everyone, Nice to meet you all! I’ve recently graduated from the University of Limerick in Ireland with a BA in English and History and love the idea of teaching in China for a year, or possibly longer! I’ve done tons of research ...
Hi Dean, Straight answer to your question is "You can never be sure" but most 'schoolies' are okay although I have heard even a Uni is not above pulling a fast one. We are looking for an native-English teacher (to teach oral ... Read More
Shanghai assignment for three years by MartinFFM
Hi everyone. I just got asked by my employer, to go to Shanghai for three years. (ok, never done something like that before, I only have a half-assed idea, for what I'm getting involved with and I'm literally shi.... my pants here, but ...
Xujiahui is served by 3 metro Lines. I recommend you find accommodation to give you a direct ride without changing Lines - unless one hour, probably standing, during the Metro crush is not a problem! And some Line change stations are not simply a ... Read More
Shanghai assignment for three years by MartinFFM
Hi everyone. I just got asked by my employer, to go to Shanghai for three years. (ok, never done something like that before, I only have a half-assed idea, for what I'm getting involved with and I'm literally shi.... my pants here, but ...
Man, have you got some research to do! What do you even know about Shanghai? It's a hell of a big city - will you be in town or on the outskirts? Bottom line: Where you are is 'Home' - and don't forget it. Your roots may be ... Read More
Transferring jobs in China
Something amiss here. My understanding is:- Your Chinese Residence Permit is applied for by your potential employer - THEY are your sponsor in China for your employment with them. If you leave their employment , they can not be held responsible ... Read More
How are fellow expats celebrating Christmas?
My wife bought the 6kg turkey, Brussel sprouts, baby carrot's, new potatoes from an online store. I cooked, together with roast spuds (local market spuds), stuffing of sausage meat, sage & onion and gravy (from turkey juices). And even the ... Read More
Adult homesickness advice needed by dackall
Hi all, Realise very few people will read this, yet alone reply. But I need to get it out there to people with experience. I am Dackall, I'm from the south of England. I am a university graduate teaching English in China for 10 months (or ...
You cannot Google in China - unless you have a working VPN. Or have you found another way - please do tell. Read More
Adult homesickness advice needed by dackall
Hi all, Realise very few people will read this, yet alone reply. But I need to get it out there to people with experience. I am Dackall, I'm from the south of England. I am a university graduate teaching English in China for 10 months (or ...
Put the boot on the other foot - so to speak. Imagine how a Chinese guy or gal manages when they go overseas to Australia, Canada, UK, etc to study in a Uni. They have the advantage that they're in a class with students about their own age. But ... Read More
Adult homesickness advice needed by dackall
Hi all, Realise very few people will read this, yet alone reply. But I need to get it out there to people with experience. I am Dackall, I'm from the south of England. I am a university graduate teaching English in China for 10 months (or ...
Me again You say "now I feel like I can be part of some sort of community at least, even If it isn't in person!" You are 'home'. All around you IS your community. The internet isn't a community. It (can be) just a ... Read More
Adult homesickness advice needed by dackall
Hi all, Realise very few people will read this, yet alone reply. But I need to get it out there to people with experience. I am Dackall, I'm from the south of England. I am a university graduate teaching English in China for 10 months (or ...
HI, again, You say "I completely lack the confidence to head out on public transport without reading or speaking the lingo." How do you get any shopping? and pay for it? On the bus - You only need to know the name of the place you are ... Read More
Adult homesickness advice needed by dackall
Hi all, Realise very few people will read this, yet alone reply. But I need to get it out there to people with experience. I am Dackall, I'm from the south of England. I am a university graduate teaching English in China for 10 months (or ...
You are thinking it all wrong! Home sickness is a misnomer. 'Home' is were you are. so how can you get 'home sickness'? It's all in the mind. Where you were born (your roots) may be elsewhere BUT if you don't think where ... Read More
homelessness in china by megh500
Hi I am phd student in guangzhou and foreigner here i miss home. if you know china, it is not easy to make friends and relax. please tell me your suggestions.
"HOME is where you are" irrespective of where your roots are. Remember that and you will never be homesick! Read More
work permit (Foreign Experts Certificate)
Discussed with my Missus. It looks like you will be applying for a Business Visa, Not a Z-Visa (because the Z-Visa document is for one month only - as I mentioned}. BUT. My wife says you cannot legally teach (I think as a lecturer is okay - but ... Read More
work permit (Foreign Experts Certificate)
Hi Don, Your comment noted. I will follow up with my wife, just to check the process has not changed again. Under my wife's present process, her Expat teachers must have a local (in China) medical check within the first month of arrival. This is ... Read More
work permit (Foreign Experts Certificate)
Interesting. My wife (Chinese) is CEO of a Chinese Training School in Shanghai. When she needs an Expat English teacher, she sends them the FEC - which is valid for only one month. With the FEC they obtain a Visit Visa. On arrival in China, she ... Read More
Dealing with homesickness in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being an expat in China can turn out to be a wonderful human, social or professional adventure... with potential moments of nostalgia and homesickness along the way. What are your personal tips to prevent homesickness? How ...
Personal brain-washing! Where you are is 'home' - don't matter where in the world you are. Worked for me working in 8 countries over 25 years. "This is my home" - doesn't matter where your roots are - 'home' is home. Read More
How to access your Gmail *without* VPN by GuestPoster176
I just found out about this amazing app called "Mail Master", or the Chinese name "网易邮箱大师". It lets you access your Gmail accounts without any need for VPN. Here's an Android link for ...
I got to a page all in Chinese. Is that correct or I did something wrong? I cannot read Chinese and I'm concerned the download will also be in Chinese. Thank you Read More
Income tax in shandong. by Craig_M
Hello, Was wondering if someone could help me, I am in process of moving to Qingdoa for a new job, I am a uk citizen. I will be living out there the job is permanent The company I work for is uk based and they have a Chinese office. They have ...
Hi, I've been an Expat for over 30 years. It is of utmost importance for YOU to check out your contract conditions. For Chine-UK income tax agreement, did you internet-check "UK-China reciprocal income tax agreement" => ... Read More
Jobs in China - Can one teach only with TEFL certification? by Audjoc
Hi, I am from Ocala, FL and my husband and I with our two teenagers are hoping to move overseas sometime in the later part of the summer for at least one year. I have a BA with my TEFL certification, however, my husband only holds his TEFL ...
My understanding is: if you do any paid work in China, without the appropriate Visa, it is illegal. That said, you can find work - but your 'employer' will know it is wrong and you could very well get cheated by non payment of salary near ... Read More
Booking Flights, need help please.
For ctrip, Google - ctrip english. I also Google - cheep flight A to B. Where A is departure airport and B is destination. Read More
Booking Flights, need help please.
I use ctrip for internal flights & for UK. More than 5 years already. Read More
Every day life
Not an easy one to answer! I find the cost of living in Shanghai to be a little bit more expensive than just outside London, UK Read More
Any school fexible in hiring teachers with -4year degree ? by Austinscott
HELP PLEASE My name is Austin Scott, I am a 22 year old, native English speaking American. I am very interested in the possibility of teaching english as a second language to students in China. Currently I am taking TEFL courses to help my chances ...
Hello Tanya, Thank you for you kind response to our advert. Unfortunately, we are seeking native English speakers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA or UK. I thank you again for your interest and wish you success in your search. Kind regards Read More
American mom trying to plan meals in China by EmilyDee
Hi! I've lived in China before, but recently came back with my husband and two boys, one two years old and the other two months old. They're getting really sick of instant noodles and rice with egg and tomato! So I'm looking for ...
Oh! Another http://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/collections/basic-recipes A mix of recipes dinners to cakes. But I didn't check any out. Hope it helps. Read More
American mom trying to plan meals in China by EmilyDee
Hi! I've lived in China before, but recently came back with my husband and two boys, one two years old and the other two months old. They're getting really sick of instant noodles and rice with egg and tomato! So I'm looking for ...
I can understand your frustration. I'm a Brit, so find it difficult to get all the ingredients I want. Anyway, a bit biased with my suggested starter site for you to explore: - http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes ... Read More
Help with Shanghai schools for British family by Ally pally
We are moving to Shanghai in January and trying to work out which is the best school to send 3 kids too? So far it's down to Dulwich College and YCIS as I know of two people who have children there. Please can anyone advise or share their ...
Shanghai is one huge city! What sub-dictrict will you be in? It will help others who want to respond. Read More
American mom trying to plan meals in China by EmilyDee
Hi! I've lived in China before, but recently came back with my husband and two boys, one two years old and the other two months old. They're getting really sick of instant noodles and rice with egg and tomato! So I'm looking for ...
Blimey love, where have you been living? All the answers are on the internet! ENjoy your second term in China - a great place Read More
break contract visa implications by huizhouexpat
Hi everyone! I'm looking for some advice about visa implications of breaking your contract. I've got a contract with a language centre in a small (c 4m people) city in guangdong province, but long story short it's turned in to a ...
My understanding is that an employer sponsors an Expat visa with an invitation letter that is submitted with the visa application. The initial visa is changed to a Resident Visa within 3 months of arrival in China. If you leave the employer before ... Read More
Working and Teaching in China, experiences of a long-time expat by goldenjack
Working and Teaching in China My name is Jack Wallace; I have been an expatriate teacher in China for the last eight years. For the most part I have enjoyed the experience, although the last two year have been sheer hell on earth. I write this to ...
Hi Jack, I feel your higher level of teaching at Uni' would not suit Kindergarten level. And yes, my wife considers her Expat teachers as an asset, not a commodity. Wishing you well in your search David Read More
Work Related
A follow on, on Kevin136. I (English expat) worked with many Chinese engineer in various remote areas in China and their oral English is, as a minimum, good enough for communication. Don't expect 100% fluency AND if someone does not ... Read More
Scam or not. Need help!! by Emerald2000
Hi, One of my friend's will be flying to China next month. She is a teacher and she has some concerns. The story is, she started searching for jobs 5 months ago and she found a job add with a recruitment agency. They wanted her scanned ...
The original passport is required by the bank in order to open a bank account. Read More
Returning a deposit
According to my (Chinese) wife, what you experience is very, very common, even for Chinese renters. The only recourse seems to be to give the required notice to leave the property (in accordance with the terms of hire) and NOT pay the final months ... Read More
Working and Teaching in China, experiences of a long-time expat by goldenjack
Working and Teaching in China My name is Jack Wallace; I have been an expatriate teacher in China for the last eight years. For the most part I have enjoyed the experience, although the last two year have been sheer hell on earth. I write this to ...
A very interesting story. I think it could have been summaries to have more impact. However, your advice is wrongly biased to your university experience. My wife runs a successful business supplying native English teachers for oral English at her ... Read More
Can a student with a X1 visa get a part time job?
Did you read the conditions of you visa? If "yes", you will know the answer. If "no", you will find the answer. Either way, rephrasing your question may get better response(s). Read More
Scam or not. Need help!! by Emerald2000
Hi, One of my friend's will be flying to China next month. She is a teacher and she has some concerns. The story is, she started searching for jobs 5 months ago and she found a job add with a recruitment agency. They wanted her scanned ...
It is, to the best of my knowledge, for recruiters to ask for copy of Degree, data page of passport & cv. This helps to confirm applicant. If you have had Government letter of invite, the next step is you apply for Z visa. There is a Web page ... Read More
American in Shanghai - looking for safe grocery stores. by alexandras1
Hello, My boyfriend has relocated to China for about 9 months. He will spend about 9 months of out the year in China, and the other three months in Miami for the next several years. I'm his girlfriend and will go to visit him in the fall. ...
where ever you go, chicken is chicken, pork is pork, &etc, etc, It is just served up differently - hence the beauty of international travel. Read More
American in Shanghai - looking for safe grocery stores. by alexandras1
Hello, My boyfriend has relocated to China for about 9 months. He will spend about 9 months of out the year in China, and the other three months in Miami for the next several years. I'm his girlfriend and will go to visit him in the fall. ...
Nan Qiao Town - Think - Lotus supermarket. Oooops, maybe meant Tesco not Safeway. Sorry Read More
which website can look for job in china by kianababy
hey everyone !can you please tell me which website can can job in china for english teacher or non teaching job .thanks
have you looked in the jobs section? Read More
Safety in China by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in China? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there is ...
I fully endorse intimedics comments. Brit Expat in Shanghai suburb China since 2003 Read More
American in Shanghai - looking for safe grocery stores. by alexandras1
Hello, My boyfriend has relocated to China for about 9 months. He will spend about 9 months of out the year in China, and the other three months in Miami for the next several years. I'm his girlfriend and will go to visit him in the fall. ...
I don't know where you got your information from! But..... Local fresh produce in China is as good as most anywhere else in the world - just make sure you wash everything, unless it is peel removable. If you are really concerned - wash in ... Read More
Maternity hospital in Dalian
Have you checked with your Embassy / Consulate in China? The UK Consular lists medical services Quote "This list of hospitals has been prepared for the convenience of British Nationals who may require medical services in China".Unquote ... Read More
Moving back to Vancouver, Canada from Shanghai by Piwacket
Hi Canadians and All, I am moving back to Vancouver, Canada from Shanghai. Can anyone recommend a safe & affordable company to move personal goods back to Canada? This is not a whole-house move, but just a few extra boxes over my airline ...
Hi Kenjee, Already put advert as advised. Just looking to expand my market area if possible. Thanks for help. David Read More
Moving back to Vancouver, Canada from Shanghai by Piwacket
Hi Canadians and All, I am moving back to Vancouver, Canada from Shanghai. Can anyone recommend a safe & affordable company to move personal goods back to Canada? This is not a whole-house move, but just a few extra boxes over my airline ...
By the way. If you know or meet any native English speakers back home - who would like to teach oral English to Chinese pupils - I have a vacancy for one teacher starting this month. I can give full details if they contact me - So I do hope you ... Read More
Moving back to Vancouver, Canada from Shanghai by Piwacket
Hi Canadians and All, I am moving back to Vancouver, Canada from Shanghai. Can anyone recommend a safe & affordable company to move personal goods back to Canada? This is not a whole-house move, but just a few extra boxes over my airline ...
I used Asia Tigers before - about 5+ years ago. They did 'door-to-door' - home packaging, no breakages - Customs clearance. You can also 'google' "Movers, Shanghai" if you need more names. - get quotes - door-to-door is ... Read More
going back home with too much bagage
It is worth checking the airlines. One offers economy with 2 x 23kg. One (or two) offer 2nd case at lower rate. So check your best price offer for the flight and then check baggage allowance. You may find a higher flight ticket offers overall best ... Read More
12 years in China and still cannot speak Chinese! by Burchy
Hi, I'm a British Expat out of London. I have had the pleasure of working various (approx. 14) LNG storage tank construction projects mainly around N / E & W of Shanghai, China over the last 12 years, [Prior too China was 20 years moving ...
Hi, I can't help in that quarter, but I did 'Bing' "free chinese lessons" (without quotes) and the first 3 sites looked interesting: 1). http://www.freechineselessons.com/ 2). ... Read More
looking for work . i have no experience . by jmrenz15
its so difficult to find job here in china if you dont have diploma from college and cant speak chinese . how about us ? huhu i need a job . i wish someone who can help me .
Hi, teaching English in Chinese schools does not (normally) require you to have a knowledge of Chinese language. During my years on Chinese construction sites, the Chinese engineers I worked with took it on as a 'good faith' challenge and ... Read More
12 years in China and still cannot speak Chinese! by Burchy
Hi, I'm a British Expat out of London. I have had the pleasure of working various (approx. 14) LNG storage tank construction projects mainly around N / E & W of Shanghai, China over the last 12 years, [Prior too China was 20 years moving ...
Hi Aris, "Where my heart is, where my home is". That's very much different to "Where you are is your HOME". One's (Expat) heart can be where their roots are; but to 'fit in' where you are, where you are must be ... Read More
looking for work . i have no experience . by jmrenz15
its so difficult to find job here in china if you dont have diploma from college and cant speak chinese . how about us ? huhu i need a job . i wish someone who can help me .
I gotta ask "How old are you and what qualifications do you have?". Some jobs in China do not require to know Chinese language. Read More
British Female teaching English. by claud93
Hello all, I am going Jeddah to teach at the end of August. I am really interested to know what life is like over in there, and was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers and information as to what it's like.
Yes (I think). When preparing to travel - outside of Europe: Do not 'assume' anything. Plan ahead. "dot the "i's" and cross the "t's" in your plan. Travel schedule? Medical requirements? Visa? Religion ... Read More
British Female teaching English. by claud93
Hello all, I am going Jeddah to teach at the end of August. I am really interested to know what life is like over in there, and was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers and information as to what it's like.
Hi Fred, Thanks for the welcome. "Everyone knows"? Did you read the Daily Mail online Sunday 31st May'15? [Funny it should come up right just now!] Quote; with edit "Victoria Sutcliffe decided to leave Sanaa (Yemen), the city ... Read More
British Female teaching English. by claud93
Hello all, I am going Jeddah to teach at the end of August. I am really interested to know what life is like over in there, and was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers and information as to what it's like.
This is / was a real funny blog! NO-ONE has mentioned Saudi Arabia is a strict Muslim country! Male or Female you have got to abide by the rules of the Country or you will end up in Jail. For instance - don't take night photo's of ... Read More
12 years in China and still cannot speak Chinese!
Hi, I'm a British Expat out of London. I have had the pleasure of working various (approx. 14) LNG storage tank construction projects mainly around N / E & W of Shanghai, China over the last 12 years, [Prior too China was 20 years moving ... Read More