I see it as the result of rampart nationalism rather than laziness. Kids are being brainwashed into believing that China is the centre of the world and all things Western (including English) is unneccessary and evil. When I came to China, public kindergartens were able to teach English and celebrate Western holidays ... Full Comment>>

To be honest, I don't think it would make a lot of difference. I've spent a lot of time teaching in public schools and with the exception of some, both teachers and students tolerate rather than enjoy English class.Why constantly force something on them that they really don't want? Let the specialised schools and ... Full Comment>>

What seems to be overlooked is that the 'special treatment' here is nothing out of the ordinary in Western countries who, honestly speaking, are much more developed than most of China. No one from the US, UK or Australia in their right mind would take a difficult exam just to go to a Chinese university where they ... Full Comment>>

There would be a lot less teachers working illegally if it didn't take so long to get a visa. Even if you're changing jobs while already in China, there's still a 2-3 month wait until the new work visa is ready. In the meantime, you have bills to pay, rent due and in some cases, kids to raise and your new employer ... Full Comment>>

The lack of PPEs when the virus broke, plus the initial denial and cover-ups proves that China learned absolutely nothing from the SARS virus. There was clearly no plan in place to prevent something like that from ever happening again. It seems they just went right back to their old habits and crossed their fingers, ... Full Comment>>

Um, how about by not starting any more pandemics/epidemics? In this century alone, we've had SARS, bird flu and now COVID-19, all originating in China. With this sort of record, I don't really blame anyone for being angry at them. What I would like to see happen is for China NOT to go back to their old habits. There ... Full Comment>>

If China insists of labeling foreigners as guests, they surely have a responsibility to make them comfortable and treat them with basic courtesy. For example, when people visit your home, you won't insult them, refuse them food or drink or make special house rules designed to embarrass them, would you? Yelling ... Full Comment>>

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the schools in Guangdong open again very soon. Full Comment>>

I'm sure they have access to all the first and even second-tier cities. But we only seem to get reports on BJ and SH, because news outlets just (seem to) assume that most foreigners live there. I live in GZ and it can be frustrating trying to get reliable news and updates for my area. Full Comment>>

People working from home has been common knowledge for a while now. And why focus only on people in Beijing or Shanghai? Full Comment>>

Very useful article. I've also been wondering how new arrivals in China register at police stations while they're closed. Are foreigners even able to take up new positions in provinces on lockdown? A follow-up article addressing this would be very useful. Full Comment>>

Thank God none of this applied to me when I met my wife's family for the first time. And what sort of person brags to other families about how much money their kids give them? Forget proud, relying on my kids for financial support is something I'd be too embarrassed to talk about with others. What pathetic people. Full Comment>>

Well, that was boring. Giving some real-life examples of housemates from hell would have made the article much more interesting. Full Comment>>

6) Constantly slamming this site and its rubbish articles - yet coming back regularly to read and comment on every article. Full Comment>>

RE: being laid off. According to labor laws, how long do you need to work for a company to be entitled to severance pay? If a teacher has been there for six months or less, some companies will give the 'you were on probation' excuse to avoid paying anything. Full Comment>>

For me, simply being a Westerner and breathing is usually more than enough to attract head hunters. Full Comment>>

Memorandum of human relations? Application form for cancellation of foreign work permit? Huh? I'm near the end of the transfer process myself and never had to worry about those. The visa officer from my company at the time took care of that, as well as transferring my existing work permit to the PSB. All I had to do ... Full Comment>>

Interesting articles with some good advice. Any chance you could post some links to good sites about studying HSK? Full Comment>>

What, no 'are you from America/are you American?' I get asked this at least three times a week. Full Comment>>

I disagree with point 4. Hygiene and cleanliness standards in China are so bad, it's no wonder so many people get sick. Even with two major flu epidemics this century, people still eat in filthy restaurants, almost never wash their hands, spit everywhere, let their kids relieve themselves on the street (even if a ... Full Comment>>

Geez, that's a pretty rough start to life. I hope that mum and baby are safe and well. Full Comment>>

The numbers that always got me were 4 and 10 because the pronunciation for both sounded very similar. They had to use hand signals to help me understand. Full Comment>>

1) The article does not say that PizzaHut is a fantastic experience. It simply says it has better food, atmosphere and value than McDonald's. 2) I personally know a lot of people who still watch DVDs. 3)I can easily increase or decrease the weights on my dumbbells. 4)I am not, and do not encourage anyone to work ... Full Comment>>

I don't think most Americans would have much love for China, either. Maybe a more accurate title would be 'Americans fear China a little less than Russia' Full Comment>>

It's funny, you're right. Three weeks now and no one has said a thing. And I know for sure that I haven't missed any important announcements, either. Full Comment>>