• Glimpses of normal at #SiasUniversity We may have gotten a *little* excited about the Bridge Cafe reopening in the Peter Hall lobby today. We have so many favorites on the menu that we had to spread them over 2 meals and a midmorning coffee break. Paninis, sandwiches, chicken pasta, lattes and cookies... It reminded me so much of last semester. My husband and I didn't teach on Mondays, so it became our main lesson-planning and grading day. We decided early on that we would not cook on Mondays. We'd just sit in the Bridge and eat burgers and salads while we worked. We loved that members of the community would stop and chat with us, and our students would visit to ask questions or look at their grades. We'd sit in the sunny skylit lobby and be blissfully productive together. Oh, how I miss those BC times! (BC—Before Covid, naturally.) But now we live in "After Covid" times and each of us has to adjust to unexpected changes as we emerge from our cocoons. Personally, I'm so grateful to have the Bridge Café's coffee and food to give me #glimpsesofnormal in the meantime! What are the comforts that remind you of normalcy right now? • • • • • • • #covid19 #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #lunchtime #foodgram #foodstagram #socialdistancing #backtonormal #newnormal #newnormal2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #chinatrip #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl #coffeefixeseverything #coffeetime #favoritecafe
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    Glimpses of normal at #SiasUniversity We may have gotten a *little* excited about the Bridge Cafe reopening in the Peter Hall lobby today. We have so many favorites on the menu that we had to spread them over 2 meals and a midmorning coffee break. Paninis, sandwiches, chicken pasta, lattes and cookies... It reminded me so much of last semester. My husband and I didn't teach on Mondays, so it became our main lesson-planning and grading day. We decided early on that we would not cook on Mondays. We'd just sit in the Bridge and eat burgers and salads while we worked. We loved that members of the community would stop and chat with us, and our students would visit to ask questions or look at their grades. We'd sit in the sunny skylit lobby and be blissfully productive together. Oh, how I miss those BC times! (BC—Before Covid, naturally.) But now we live in "After Covid" times and each of us has to adjust to unexpected changes as we emerge from our cocoons. Personally, I'm so grateful to have the Bridge Café's coffee and food to give me #glimpsesofnormal in the meantime! What are the comforts that remind you of normalcy right now? • • • • • • • #covid19 #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #lunchtime #foodgram #foodstagram #socialdistancing #backtonormal #newnormal #newnormal2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #chinatrip #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl #coffeefixeseverything #coffeetime #favoritecafe
  • 🔊 Sound on! This student sent a little rendition of "Take Me Home, County Roads" for his Oral English teacher, @julianavalencia__ . Before we talk about how incredibly cute this is, let's talk about how awesome Juliana is as engaging and connecting with her students. Its obvious you're doing something very right, Juli! Glad to have you on the team! We miss our students so much it hurts. 💔 Thankfully, there's a tentative plan to get them all back on campus for the last part of the semester. Crossing our fingers that the virus stays under control so #SiasUniversity can have a month of "normal" classes. The coronavirus has taken so much from so many. Right now we're feeling the loss of the student-teacher relationships that make this job so rewarding. What has been your biggest loss in this season? Whatever your personal loss looks like, you're in our hearts. Stay strong and look for ways to help others. Jia You! 加油! #chinajiayou #americajiayou #jiayou #weloveourstudents #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #socialdistance #socialdistancing2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #chinatrip #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl #newnormal #bestrong #lookforthehelpers #bethelight
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    🔊 Sound on! This student sent a little rendition of "Take Me Home, County Roads" for his Oral English teacher, @julianavalencia__ . Before we talk about how incredibly cute this is, let's talk about how awesome Juliana is as engaging and connecting with her students. Its obvious you're doing something very right, Juli! Glad to have you on the team! We miss our students so much it hurts. 💔 Thankfully, there's a tentative plan to get them all back on campus for the last part of the semester. Crossing our fingers that the virus stays under control so #SiasUniversity can have a month of "normal" classes. The coronavirus has taken so much from so many. Right now we're feeling the loss of the student-teacher relationships that make this job so rewarding. What has been your biggest loss in this season? Whatever your personal loss looks like, you're in our hearts. Stay strong and look for ways to help others. Jia You! 加油! #chinajiayou #americajiayou #jiayou #weloveourstudents #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #socialdistance #socialdistancing2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #chinatrip #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl #newnormal #bestrong #lookforthehelpers #bethelight
  • 🇨🇳 Glimpses of normal at #SiasUniversity After many weeks of isolation in their dormitory due to the #coronavirus, the international students enjoyed a game of frisbee at the Sias "colosseum" (the main sports field on campus). • Coincidentally, this week was supposed to mark the annual Sports Days at the college. The yearly tradition is scheduled intentionally to help students relax before midterm exam week. But this year, it's just one of many "normals" that students and teachers have had to live without. • So in lieu of the festivities, we'll pass along some snapshots of Sports Days over the past 20 years. • Sias faculty and Alumni, tell us your favorite sports day memory! Can you find your friends, students—or even yourself—in these photos? • Video reposted from Lauren Gathman, one of our #oralenglish teachers. (@waterraven_benderclaw) • #sportsday #covid19 #newnormal #hanginthere #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #socialdistancing #socialdistancing2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #chinatrip #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatadventures #expatcommunity #bethelight #lovepeople #tefljobs #lovemystudents
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    🇨🇳 Glimpses of normal at #SiasUniversity After many weeks of isolation in their dormitory due to the #coronavirus, the international students enjoyed a game of frisbee at the Sias "colosseum" (the main sports field on campus). • Coincidentally, this week was supposed to mark the annual Sports Days at the college. The yearly tradition is scheduled intentionally to help students relax before midterm exam week. But this year, it's just one of many "normals" that students and teachers have had to live without. • So in lieu of the festivities, we'll pass along some snapshots of Sports Days over the past 20 years. • Sias faculty and Alumni, tell us your favorite sports day memory! Can you find your friends, students—or even yourself—in these photos? • Video reposted from Lauren Gathman, one of our #oralenglish teachers. (@waterraven_benderclaw) • #sportsday #covid19 #newnormal #hanginthere #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #socialdistancing #socialdistancing2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #chinatrip #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatadventures #expatcommunity #bethelight #lovepeople #tefljobs #lovemystudents
  • Mental health tips during the Covid-19 crisis. #1—Take care of your body. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, give your mind a fighting chance by eating balanced meals and staying active. Go outside for a walk or run, if you're able to do so safely. Find something active to do indoors. Learn to dance like no one is watching. (Because no one is!) Make a recipe book with trusty favorites, or experiment with new recipes. Make something with that dusty box of quinoa in the back of your cupboard. #2—Give your body a break. I know I'm not the only one who uses food as a coping mechanism. During the first part of my #quarantine, I set vague and unrealistic expectations for my weight loss. Looking back, I find it humorous that I expected myself to cut out snacks and sweets cold turkey, let alone during an unending season of stress and uncertainty. A bag of Doritos went a long way for my #mentalhealth on some of those tough days. Take care of yourself, but don't guilt yourself. Overall, focus on finding a healthy balance. Go for a run around the block... then sink into your couch and demolish a box of cookies. Design your own floor exercise routine and reward yourself with homemade pizza. Oh, and take it from me, air-popped popcorn has endless flavor possibilities. See what you can create with an air popper, butter, and a cabinet full of spices. Try rosemary... you'll thank me. Have you been learning what kind of balance your mind and body needs right now? What's your tendency? Pushing yourself too much or not pushing yourself enough? #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #flattenthecurve #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #socialdistancing #socialdistance #chinalife #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl #findyourhappyplace #balance #findbalance
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    Mental health tips during the Covid-19 crisis. #1—Take care of your body. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, give your mind a fighting chance by eating balanced meals and staying active. Go outside for a walk or run, if you're able to do so safely. Find something active to do indoors. Learn to dance like no one is watching. (Because no one is!) Make a recipe book with trusty favorites, or experiment with new recipes. Make something with that dusty box of quinoa in the back of your cupboard. #2—Give your body a break. I know I'm not the only one who uses food as a coping mechanism. During the first part of my #quarantine, I set vague and unrealistic expectations for my weight loss. Looking back, I find it humorous that I expected myself to cut out snacks and sweets cold turkey, let alone during an unending season of stress and uncertainty. A bag of Doritos went a long way for my #mentalhealth on some of those tough days. Take care of yourself, but don't guilt yourself. Overall, focus on finding a healthy balance. Go for a run around the block... then sink into your couch and demolish a box of cookies. Design your own floor exercise routine and reward yourself with homemade pizza. Oh, and take it from me, air-popped popcorn has endless flavor possibilities. See what you can create with an air popper, butter, and a cabinet full of spices. Try rosemary... you'll thank me. Have you been learning what kind of balance your mind and body needs right now? What's your tendency? Pushing yourself too much or not pushing yourself enough? #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #flattenthecurve #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #socialdistancing #socialdistance #chinalife #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl #findyourhappyplace #balance #findbalance
  • Glimpses of normal in Zhengzhou Today, we took a step forward. Some of the teachers who are still in China (and will return in the fall) traveled to Zhengzhou for our yearly physical. It's required in order to keep our residence permits/visas current. The process isn't exciting or particularly fun, but it represented another step in our slow return to normal. It was also my first time riding in a vehicle or leaving our campus (let alone our city) in over 2 months. While stopped at an intersection in Zhengzhou, we marveled at a small crowd of people crossing the street in close proximity. A refreshing sight after so many weeks of #socialdistancing. Many things are still different and strange. Every face we saw was covered by a mask, and of course the clinic staff had additional protection. Upon re-entering campus, our temperatures were taken and our hands sprayed with rubbing alcohol. But while we waited outside the clinic, a man rode by on a bicycle and saw our foreign faces. He yelled "hello!" with friendly excitement. Being confined to an empty campus for so long, I'd forgotten how much I missed hearing a surprised Chinese person yelling "hello." Sometimes I can tell they're proud of themselves for remembering how to say it. There's so much sweet innocence and genuine emotion in that moment. I can't wait until I can ride a scooter around Xinzheng and experience that moment 12 times in an hour. But till then I'll just be thankful for my #glimpsesofnormal. The epidemic has taught me to take notice of little moments. What has it been teaching you? #jiayou #加油 #glimpsesofnormal #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronaviruschina #sharepositivity #happinessiscontagious #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #flattenthecurve #socialdistancing #socialdistancing2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl
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    Glimpses of normal in Zhengzhou Today, we took a step forward. Some of the teachers who are still in China (and will return in the fall) traveled to Zhengzhou for our yearly physical. It's required in order to keep our residence permits/visas current. The process isn't exciting or particularly fun, but it represented another step in our slow return to normal. It was also my first time riding in a vehicle or leaving our campus (let alone our city) in over 2 months. While stopped at an intersection in Zhengzhou, we marveled at a small crowd of people crossing the street in close proximity. A refreshing sight after so many weeks of #socialdistancing. Many things are still different and strange. Every face we saw was covered by a mask, and of course the clinic staff had additional protection. Upon re-entering campus, our temperatures were taken and our hands sprayed with rubbing alcohol. But while we waited outside the clinic, a man rode by on a bicycle and saw our foreign faces. He yelled "hello!" with friendly excitement. Being confined to an empty campus for so long, I'd forgotten how much I missed hearing a surprised Chinese person yelling "hello." Sometimes I can tell they're proud of themselves for remembering how to say it. There's so much sweet innocence and genuine emotion in that moment. I can't wait until I can ride a scooter around Xinzheng and experience that moment 12 times in an hour. But till then I'll just be thankful for my #glimpsesofnormal. The epidemic has taught me to take notice of little moments. What has it been teaching you? #jiayou #加油 #glimpsesofnormal #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronaviruschina #sharepositivity #happinessiscontagious #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #flattenthecurve #socialdistancing #socialdistancing2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl
  • Glimpses of Normal We're still far from resuming normal daily activities. In many ways, life at #SiasUniversity still revolves around the Covid-19 outbreak. But the number of new cases in our province has gone down drastically. That means that our precautionary restrictions are gradually being relaxed. For many weeks, our ability to leave campus was limited for our own safety. The university organized some group trips to the supermarket, but we weren't permitted to leave campus individually. The university wisely wanted to limit our chances of catching or spreading the virus. Just recently, we were notified that individual trips off campus would be allowed on a limited basis. Each person can take a trip off campus for 2 hours (once a week) by getting a lanyard at the front desk and scanning a QR code when leaving and returning. Two of our teachers, Tara and Katren (@tara.marie_yeahthatsme and @katren.hep ), took advantage of this new opportunity today. They ordered milk tea and went to a local restaurant, two favorite "normal" activities that we all took for granted last semester. It's been a long haul, being cooped up in Peter Hall with many of our friends scattered across the world. Our hearts ache for the whole Sias family to be together again. We hope that seeing progress in our part of the world will help you see "the light at the end of the tunnel" in your part of the world. As always, jia you!! 加油!! #jiayou #加油 #glimpsesofnormal #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronaviruschina #sharepositivity #happinessiscontagious #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #flattenthecurve #socialdistancing #socialdistancing2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl
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    Glimpses of Normal We're still far from resuming normal daily activities. In many ways, life at #SiasUniversity still revolves around the Covid-19 outbreak. But the number of new cases in our province has gone down drastically. That means that our precautionary restrictions are gradually being relaxed. For many weeks, our ability to leave campus was limited for our own safety. The university organized some group trips to the supermarket, but we weren't permitted to leave campus individually. The university wisely wanted to limit our chances of catching or spreading the virus. Just recently, we were notified that individual trips off campus would be allowed on a limited basis. Each person can take a trip off campus for 2 hours (once a week) by getting a lanyard at the front desk and scanning a QR code when leaving and returning. Two of our teachers, Tara and Katren (@tara.marie_yeahthatsme and @katren.hep ), took advantage of this new opportunity today. They ordered milk tea and went to a local restaurant, two favorite "normal" activities that we all took for granted last semester. It's been a long haul, being cooped up in Peter Hall with many of our friends scattered across the world. Our hearts ache for the whole Sias family to be together again. We hope that seeing progress in our part of the world will help you see "the light at the end of the tunnel" in your part of the world. As always, jia you!! 加油!! #jiayou #加油 #glimpsesofnormal #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronaviruschina #sharepositivity #happinessiscontagious #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #flattenthecurve #socialdistancing #socialdistancing2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl
  • "This isn't easy, it's not a 'break' - it's just an extended period of mourning." Timely words for all the teachers separated from their beloved students. 👩🏼‍🏫 ♥️ 🇨🇳 • "While the whole world is stuck inside, all we can do is spend time thinking of what we wish could have been, of things we took for granted, of times where we failed to live in the moment and put things off to 'tomorrow'. Tomorrow came, but time ran out. • Last semester, after I'd been out with my 9,000th case of strep for the better part of a week, I took the time to take pictures and goof off with my students. We didn't have much of a class that day, I needed a slower introduction to working again, and my students needed to know they weren't abandoned. Now that we are all stuck in our respective locations, I'm so thankful that I did that. But imagine how much greater that day will be when I see them again. This was taken after a week apart - this time, I've not seen them since December. • I will get to teach my littles again someday soon, but many teachers aren't so blessed. My heart aches at the thought that so many teachers weren't finished sharing, educating, loving - yet their plans were dashed. This isn't easy, it's not a 'break' - it's just an extended period of mourning. It's still a sacrifice. No pretty words can change that. • For the lives lost, the dreams dashed, the plans cancelled, and the outlooks changed - we cry. But in that togetherness, there is hope. May this bring us together, instead of apart. Take advantage of TODAY. Don't put it off until tomorrow. You may regret it." • Reposted from @katren.hep, a kindergarten teacher at #SiasUniversity • #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronavirususa #flattenthecurve #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #socialdistancing #chinatravel #chinalife #chinatrip #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #tesol #tefl #teachersmakeadifference #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teacherappreciation #kindergartenclass
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    "This isn't easy, it's not a 'break' - it's just an extended period of mourning." Timely words for all the teachers separated from their beloved students. 👩🏼‍🏫 ♥️ 🇨🇳 • "While the whole world is stuck inside, all we can do is spend time thinking of what we wish could have been, of things we took for granted, of times where we failed to live in the moment and put things off to 'tomorrow'. Tomorrow came, but time ran out. • Last semester, after I'd been out with my 9,000th case of strep for the better part of a week, I took the time to take pictures and goof off with my students. We didn't have much of a class that day, I needed a slower introduction to working again, and my students needed to know they weren't abandoned. Now that we are all stuck in our respective locations, I'm so thankful that I did that. But imagine how much greater that day will be when I see them again. This was taken after a week apart - this time, I've not seen them since December. • I will get to teach my littles again someday soon, but many teachers aren't so blessed. My heart aches at the thought that so many teachers weren't finished sharing, educating, loving - yet their plans were dashed. This isn't easy, it's not a 'break' - it's just an extended period of mourning. It's still a sacrifice. No pretty words can change that. • For the lives lost, the dreams dashed, the plans cancelled, and the outlooks changed - we cry. But in that togetherness, there is hope. May this bring us together, instead of apart. Take advantage of TODAY. Don't put it off until tomorrow. You may regret it." • Reposted from @katren.hep, a kindergarten teacher at #SiasUniversity • #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronavirususa #flattenthecurve #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #socialdistancing #chinatravel #chinalife #chinatrip #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #tesol #tefl #teachersmakeadifference #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teacherappreciation #kindergartenclass
  • Mental health tips during the Covid-19 crisis. #1—Do something childish. There's never been a better opportunity to let go and act like your younger self, even if just for a morning. Pour a bowl of cereal and watch some cartoons on a Saturday morning. Get some silly putty or play dough. Build something out of legos. During this time of #selfisolation, you have a unique freedom from the social expectations of being a "grown up." Make the most of it! #2—Create weekly milestones. Rhythms are very important for #mentalhealth. But when your normal routine is cancelled, every day starts to feel exactly the same. Days will pass without any meaningful way to mark the time. After a couple weeks of not knowing what day it was, I was struggling to have a positive attitude about the future. So my husband and I implemented a weekly milestone. We now look forward to our special Saturday Morning Cartoons. We don't eat our special off brand fruit loops or watch #gravityfalls on any other day of the week. (We highly recommend Gravity Falls by the way.) We have other markers as well. Terrance goes on a walk on Mon, Wed, and Fri. I water my plants on Sundays and Wednesdays. What kind of weekly milestones could you set? What are some rhythms that you want to maintain during this unique season of isolation? #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #flattenthecurve #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #socialdistancing #socialdistance #chinalife #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl
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    Mental health tips during the Covid-19 crisis. #1—Do something childish. There's never been a better opportunity to let go and act like your younger self, even if just for a morning. Pour a bowl of cereal and watch some cartoons on a Saturday morning. Get some silly putty or play dough. Build something out of legos. During this time of #selfisolation, you have a unique freedom from the social expectations of being a "grown up." Make the most of it! #2—Create weekly milestones. Rhythms are very important for #mentalhealth. But when your normal routine is cancelled, every day starts to feel exactly the same. Days will pass without any meaningful way to mark the time. After a couple weeks of not knowing what day it was, I was struggling to have a positive attitude about the future. So my husband and I implemented a weekly milestone. We now look forward to our special Saturday Morning Cartoons. We don't eat our special off brand fruit loops or watch #gravityfalls on any other day of the week. (We highly recommend Gravity Falls by the way.) We have other markers as well. Terrance goes on a walk on Mon, Wed, and Fri. I water my plants on Sundays and Wednesdays. What kind of weekly milestones could you set? What are some rhythms that you want to maintain during this unique season of isolation? #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #flattenthecurve #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #socialdistancing #socialdistance #chinalife #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl
  • 🇨🇳 Glimpses of normal at #SiasUniversity Things look brighter in China every day now. As a result, a few restaurants in "The Castle" have opened for limited hours. Favorites like "Turkish rice" taste even better after going without it for months. Precaution still requires that we practice #socialdistancing. Take out meals are still your safest bet. If you're permitted to eat inside, you'll find the arrangements are a little different. One chair at each table, and no two chairs facing each other. We're aware that while our tension and precautions are decreasing, many of our followers are experiencing the opposite. We know how you feel. Two months ago we were in your shoes, having our "normal" life ripped from us without warning. Sitting at home with anxiety about the future. We wish we could tell you when the crisis will fade away in your part of the world. Unfortunately, no one can predict when it will end. But be assured, it will end. Through our posts over the coming days, we'd like to shoe you a glimpse into your future. To give you confidence that you can hunker down and make it through to the other side. We also have a lot of experience with #selfisolation. We've learned how to keep ourselves productive and distracted from the panic. We have no medical advice to give. But please reach out to us if you want practical tips for approaching this time with a positive attitude. You cheered for us, now we cheer for you. Jia You!! 加油!! • #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #socialdistancing #socialdistance #socialdistancing2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #chinatrip #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl
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    🇨🇳 Glimpses of normal at #SiasUniversity Things look brighter in China every day now. As a result, a few restaurants in "The Castle" have opened for limited hours. Favorites like "Turkish rice" taste even better after going without it for months. Precaution still requires that we practice #socialdistancing. Take out meals are still your safest bet. If you're permitted to eat inside, you'll find the arrangements are a little different. One chair at each table, and no two chairs facing each other. We're aware that while our tension and precautions are decreasing, many of our followers are experiencing the opposite. We know how you feel. Two months ago we were in your shoes, having our "normal" life ripped from us without warning. Sitting at home with anxiety about the future. We wish we could tell you when the crisis will fade away in your part of the world. Unfortunately, no one can predict when it will end. But be assured, it will end. Through our posts over the coming days, we'd like to shoe you a glimpse into your future. To give you confidence that you can hunker down and make it through to the other side. We also have a lot of experience with #selfisolation. We've learned how to keep ourselves productive and distracted from the panic. We have no medical advice to give. But please reach out to us if you want practical tips for approaching this time with a positive attitude. You cheered for us, now we cheer for you. Jia You!! 加油!! • #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #quarantined2020 #socialdistancing #socialdistance #socialdistancing2020 #chinatravel #chinalife #chinatrip #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl
  • 🍀 Saint Patrick's Day is un-cancelled! 🍀 Much of China is still closed and recovering from Covid-19. But there's a small community of foreigners still living in Peter Hall at #SiasUniversity. So far the spring semester has been a bittersweet time of quietness and uncertainty. When will face-to-face classes resume? Uncertain. When will our colleagues return to Sias? Uncertain. Does Peter Hall still have a sense of community? Absolutely. Saint Patrick's Day has been a time of sweet gift-giving. Literally. Homemade shamrock shakes and golden nuggets of Ferrero Roche chocolates were distributed by members of the community last night. And just a few minutes ago, a neighbor stopped by our house with "millionaire shortbread" and a Saint Patrick's Day greeting. We hope that you find yourself surrounded by community on Saint Patrick's Day this year, even if your loved ones' presence is virtual instead of physical. • "May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam." Irish proverb • 🍀 Happy Saint Patrick's Day! 🍀 #happysaintpatricksday #saintpatricksday #stpatricksday #shamrockshake #covid_19 #teachabroad #teachoverseas #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #socialdistancing #chinalife #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl
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    🍀 Saint Patrick's Day is un-cancelled! 🍀 Much of China is still closed and recovering from Covid-19. But there's a small community of foreigners still living in Peter Hall at #SiasUniversity. So far the spring semester has been a bittersweet time of quietness and uncertainty. When will face-to-face classes resume? Uncertain. When will our colleagues return to Sias? Uncertain. Does Peter Hall still have a sense of community? Absolutely. Saint Patrick's Day has been a time of sweet gift-giving. Literally. Homemade shamrock shakes and golden nuggets of Ferrero Roche chocolates were distributed by members of the community last night. And just a few minutes ago, a neighbor stopped by our house with "millionaire shortbread" and a Saint Patrick's Day greeting. We hope that you find yourself surrounded by community on Saint Patrick's Day this year, even if your loved ones' presence is virtual instead of physical. • "May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam." Irish proverb • 🍀 Happy Saint Patrick's Day! 🍀 #happysaintpatricksday #saintpatricksday #stpatricksday #shamrockshake #covid_19 #teachabroad #teachoverseas #coronavirus #coronaviruspandemic #coronaviruschina #virus #hope #hopeishere #quarantineandchill #quarantinelife #quarantine2020 #quarantinestories #socialdistancing #chinalife #expatchina #expatliving #expatlife #expatfamily #expatwomen #expatadventures #expatcommunity #community #tefljobs #tefl
  • Happy Lunar New Year! 🐲 🇨🇳 • If you're interested in a #jobchange this year, check out the link in our bio to find out if you're qualified to teach Oral English (or other classes) at #SiasUniversity. • Teachers receive housing, health insurance, meal plan (or stipend), a lengthy paid winter vacation, and more! Come join a community of 100+ foreigners in Xinzheng, Henan Province. Openings available for Fall 2020! • #lunarnewyear #chinesenewyear #newyearnewjob #teachingabroad #teachoverseas #teachersmakeadifference #teachtoreach #tefl #tesol #teachenglish #getpaidtogo #paidtotravel #travelchina #whynotchina #chinaexpats #travelblog #expatcommunity #expatblogger #expatliving #expatlife #expatteacher #expatadventures #expatinchina
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    Happy Lunar New Year! 🐲 🇨🇳 • If you're interested in a #jobchange this year, check out the link in our bio to find out if you're qualified to teach Oral English (or other classes) at #SiasUniversity. • Teachers receive housing, health insurance, meal plan (or stipend), a lengthy paid winter vacation, and more! Come join a community of 100+ foreigners in Xinzheng, Henan Province. Openings available for Fall 2020! • #lunarnewyear #chinesenewyear #newyearnewjob #teachingabroad #teachoverseas #teachersmakeadifference #teachtoreach #tefl #tesol #teachenglish #getpaidtogo #paidtotravel #travelchina #whynotchina #chinaexpats #travelblog #expatcommunity #expatblogger #expatliving #expatlife #expatteacher #expatadventures #expatinchina
  • Every year is full of highs and lows to learn from. Each fall, the Sias community welcomes new teachers who are eager to get involved in the classroom and the community. But each spring we say goodbye to some of those new teachers, as well as core members of the community. It's difficult to see them go, but we're glad to watch them take their teaching experience at #SiasUniversity and use it to propel them toward their goals. • What were your highs and lows in 2019? What changes are you looking forward to (or dreading) in the new decade? • 🌟🇨🇳🌟 Each semester there are new openings for teachers at Sias University. Click the link in our bio to find out if a #newjob overseas could be part of your 2020! #teachingexperience #lifeinChina #tefl #tesol #teachabroad #expatcommunity #2019reflections #happynewyear #topnine #bestnine #topnine2019 #bestnine2019 #newyear2020 #newyearnewjob #newyeargoals #travelblogger #travelphoto #travelgram #expatlife #expatliving #expatblogger #expatfamily #expatwoman #expatlifestyle #expatinchina #expatadventures #expatteacher #expatblog
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    Every year is full of highs and lows to learn from. Each fall, the Sias community welcomes new teachers who are eager to get involved in the classroom and the community. But each spring we say goodbye to some of those new teachers, as well as core members of the community. It's difficult to see them go, but we're glad to watch them take their teaching experience at #SiasUniversity and use it to propel them toward their goals. • What were your highs and lows in 2019? What changes are you looking forward to (or dreading) in the new decade? • 🌟🇨🇳🌟 Each semester there are new openings for teachers at Sias University. Click the link in our bio to find out if a #newjob overseas could be part of your 2020! #teachingexperience #lifeinChina #tefl #tesol #teachabroad #expatcommunity #2019reflections #happynewyear #topnine #bestnine #topnine2019 #bestnine2019 #newyear2020 #newyearnewjob #newyeargoals #travelblogger #travelphoto #travelgram #expatlife #expatliving #expatblogger #expatfamily #expatwoman #expatlifestyle #expatinchina #expatadventures #expatteacher #expatblog
  • 🏆📸 Winner, Real China Category⠀ ⠀ Traveling alone takes a lot of courage especially if you're a woman and you're not fluent with the language. However, you need to get out of your comfort zone to explore places and enjoy the adventure. ⠀ ⠀ Thanks for sharing, A.M.! Glad you had a good #solotrip to Xi'an!⠀ ⠀ #whynotchina #photocontest #realchina #travelgirl #girlswhotravel #travelblog #siasuniversity #lifeinchina #expatlife #worldcitizen #outofmycomfortzone
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    🏆📸 Winner, Real China Category⠀ ⠀ Traveling alone takes a lot of courage especially if you're a woman and you're not fluent with the language. However, you need to get out of your comfort zone to explore places and enjoy the adventure. ⠀ ⠀ Thanks for sharing, A.M.! Glad you had a good #solotrip to Xi'an!⠀ ⠀ #whynotchina #photocontest #realchina #travelgirl #girlswhotravel #travelblog #siasuniversity #lifeinchina #expatlife #worldcitizen #outofmycomfortzone
  • 🏆📷 Winner, Our Community Category⠀ ⠀ The daughter of one of our teachers grated cheese for our community Thanksgiving meal. We're thankful for the opportunity to celebrate traditions together.⠀ ⠀ If you've never lived in China, you might not understand to significance of this "cheesy" pic. Dairy products, especially our beloved cheddar, are not so common here. But the kitchen staff go out of their way to provide Western favorites for us, especially during the holidays. ⠀ ⠀ Congratulations Gary Todd! Thanks for contributing to the contest this month!⠀ ⠀ #whynotchina #whynotyou #expatlife #expatholidays #chinalife #teachabroad #teachoverseas #travelchina #holidaysabroad #expatexperience #worldcitizen #lifearoundtheworld #expatblog
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    🏆📷 Winner, Our Community Category⠀ ⠀ The daughter of one of our teachers grated cheese for our community Thanksgiving meal. We're thankful for the opportunity to celebrate traditions together.⠀ ⠀ If you've never lived in China, you might not understand to significance of this "cheesy" pic. Dairy products, especially our beloved cheddar, are not so common here. But the kitchen staff go out of their way to provide Western favorites for us, especially during the holidays. ⠀ ⠀ Congratulations Gary Todd! Thanks for contributing to the contest this month!⠀ ⠀ #whynotchina #whynotyou #expatlife #expatholidays #chinalife #teachabroad #teachoverseas #travelchina #holidaysabroad #expatexperience #worldcitizen #lifearoundtheworld #expatblog
  • Congratulations to our November #photocontest finalists! This month's theme was "Out of My Comfort Zone" Keep an eye on the feed this week! We'll be announcing the winners over the next few days! • ⭐ Gary Todd ⭐ Juliana Valencia (@julianavalencia__ ) ⭐ Brian Funke ⭐ A.M. Cadiang (@bluscribe) ⭐ Annabelle Lim (@lima_belle) ⭐ JaNae Haggard (@hagniae, @my_adventures_with_food) ⭐ Lauren Walker (@laurenwalker1965) #whynotchina #siasuniversity #teachoverseas #chinaexpats #chinaphotography #expatlife #outofmycomfortzone #tefl #teachabroad #tesol #myexpatlife
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    Congratulations to our November #photocontest finalists! This month's theme was "Out of My Comfort Zone" Keep an eye on the feed this week! We'll be announcing the winners over the next few days! • ⭐ Gary Todd ⭐ Juliana Valencia (@julianavalencia__ ) ⭐ Brian Funke ⭐ A.M. Cadiang (@bluscribe) ⭐ Annabelle Lim (@lima_belle) ⭐ JaNae Haggard (@hagniae, @my_adventures_with_food) ⭐ Lauren Walker (@laurenwalker1965) #whynotchina #siasuniversity #teachoverseas #chinaexpats #chinaphotography #expatlife #outofmycomfortzone #tefl #teachabroad #tesol #myexpatlife
  • We're thankful that the Chinese consider their English-speaking guests when creating their signage. But we know all too well that translation apps don't always get the message across. On the bright side, translation fails can be some of the most entertaining (and humbling) aspects of living in China. ⠀ ⠀ A little over a year ago, during our first semester in China, my husband and I (@izbiss) were trying to ask for the price of an item with the handful of words we knew. Standing in line, my husband asked a nearby clerk, "kuài ma" (kuài "money" + ma "question word"). We didn't yet know the phrase "duō shao qián" (How much money?). To our confusion, instead of telling us the price, the clerk and the other customers shuffled us to the register. Later we found out that kuài also means "fast." So instead of asking for the price, my husband had asked if we could be served faster, by going to the front of the line. Oops. Thank goodness the Chinese people are gracious with us.⠀ ⠀ How about you? What your favorite #translationfail story?⠀ ⠀ #lifeinchina #lifeoverseas #teachabroad #chinglish #chinglishsigns #lostintranslation #expatlife #whynotchina #siasuniversity #tefl #tesol #teachenglish #englishteachers #teachenglishoverseas
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    We're thankful that the Chinese consider their English-speaking guests when creating their signage. But we know all too well that translation apps don't always get the message across. On the bright side, translation fails can be some of the most entertaining (and humbling) aspects of living in China. ⠀ ⠀ A little over a year ago, during our first semester in China, my husband and I (@izbiss) were trying to ask for the price of an item with the handful of words we knew. Standing in line, my husband asked a nearby clerk, "kuài ma" (kuài "money" + ma "question word"). We didn't yet know the phrase "duō shao qián" (How much money?). To our confusion, instead of telling us the price, the clerk and the other customers shuffled us to the register. Later we found out that kuài also means "fast." So instead of asking for the price, my husband had asked if we could be served faster, by going to the front of the line. Oops. Thank goodness the Chinese people are gracious with us.⠀ ⠀ How about you? What your favorite #translationfail story?⠀ ⠀ #lifeinchina #lifeoverseas #teachabroad #chinglish #chinglishsigns #lostintranslation #expatlife #whynotchina #siasuniversity #tefl #tesol #teachenglish #englishteachers #teachenglishoverseas
  • Free culture trips are one of the many non-monetary benefits of working at #SiasUniversity. And free really does mean free. Meals, hotels, transportation, and admission tickets are all provided. The administration offers these overnight trips each semester to help foreign teachers learn about the history and culture of Henan province. It's a great opportunity to bond with fellow teachers, as well as an easy way to get comfortable with travelling in China. 🇨🇳🧳📸 Some people travel for the history, others for the sights, and others for the food. What kind of traveller are you? #whynotchina #roadtrip #travelabroad #travelgirl #friendswhoarefamily #chinaexpat #livetotravel #streetfoid #expatlife #travelbuddies #travelgram
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    Free culture trips are one of the many non-monetary benefits of working at #SiasUniversity. And free really does mean free. Meals, hotels, transportation, and admission tickets are all provided. The administration offers these overnight trips each semester to help foreign teachers learn about the history and culture of Henan province. It's a great opportunity to bond with fellow teachers, as well as an easy way to get comfortable with travelling in China. 🇨🇳🧳📸 Some people travel for the history, others for the sights, and others for the food. What kind of traveller are you? #whynotchina #roadtrip #travelabroad #travelgirl #friendswhoarefamily #chinaexpat #livetotravel #streetfoid #expatlife #travelbuddies #travelgram
  • #fridayintroduction from @laurenwalker1965 Moving to China had never once crossed my mind until about a year ago. I had returned to the US in August after traveling to 11 countries in 11 months with @theworldrace. By November, I was looking for a new opportunity to go back overseas. I wanted another adventure, while doing something that I thought was meaningful and purposeful. But I had no clue exactly where I wanted to go or what I would do, so I hit up internet job boards to look for some opportunities that might interest me. After a little searching, I happened upon a website called Academics in Asia. And for whatever reason, I had never thought about teaching English abroad until that very moment. The opportunity to see someplace new, be paid for working a real job, but still have enough time to explore and invest in the people that live here seemed too good to be true! BUT it isn’t—that’s exactly what I’ve found here at Sias! And I’m thrilled to be here and so thankful for all of the things that come with joining this unique community.⠀ ⠀ #fridayintroductions #toogoodtobetrue #theworldrace #SiasUniversity #whynotchina #whynotyou #travelgirl #socialgood #dogood #adventureseeker #wanderlust #teachabroad #teachoverseas #iteachtoo #academicsinasia #lifeinchina #expatlife #bestofbothworlds
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    #fridayintroduction from @laurenwalker1965 Moving to China had never once crossed my mind until about a year ago. I had returned to the US in August after traveling to 11 countries in 11 months with @theworldrace. By November, I was looking for a new opportunity to go back overseas. I wanted another adventure, while doing something that I thought was meaningful and purposeful. But I had no clue exactly where I wanted to go or what I would do, so I hit up internet job boards to look for some opportunities that might interest me. After a little searching, I happened upon a website called Academics in Asia. And for whatever reason, I had never thought about teaching English abroad until that very moment. The opportunity to see someplace new, be paid for working a real job, but still have enough time to explore and invest in the people that live here seemed too good to be true! BUT it isn’t—that’s exactly what I’ve found here at Sias! And I’m thrilled to be here and so thankful for all of the things that come with joining this unique community.⠀ ⠀ #fridayintroductions #toogoodtobetrue #theworldrace #SiasUniversity #whynotchina #whynotyou #travelgirl #socialgood #dogood #adventureseeker #wanderlust #teachabroad #teachoverseas #iteachtoo #academicsinasia #lifeinchina #expatlife #bestofbothworlds
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families of Sias Families are an integral part of Sias culture. Many of our teachers either started a family in China or came to Sias with young children. With Sias' relaxed workload, many parents say they enjoy significantly more time with their children while living here in China than they could in their home country. The foreign teacher apartment building (Peter Hall) offers apartments of various sizes to accommodate different families. The children enjoy playing together in communal areas such as the lobby or back garden of Peter Hall. Children can even attend the primary school at Sias with Chinese children their own age! The third-culture-kid (TCK) experience can foster cultural understanding, communication skills, and empathy. For myself (@izbiss), being born in South Korea gave me the confidence to move to China in my mid-twenties. What about you? Did you grow up as a TCK? Did your parents hold a passport in one country and an address in another? What challenges and benefits helped to shape you in your adult life? #tck #thirdculturekid #whynotchina #expatkids #lifeoverseas #expatlife #lifeinchina #SiasUniversity
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    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families of Sias Families are an integral part of Sias culture. Many of our teachers either started a family in China or came to Sias with young children. With Sias' relaxed workload, many parents say they enjoy significantly more time with their children while living here in China than they could in their home country. The foreign teacher apartment building (Peter Hall) offers apartments of various sizes to accommodate different families. The children enjoy playing together in communal areas such as the lobby or back garden of Peter Hall. Children can even attend the primary school at Sias with Chinese children their own age! The third-culture-kid (TCK) experience can foster cultural understanding, communication skills, and empathy. For myself (@izbiss), being born in South Korea gave me the confidence to move to China in my mid-twenties. What about you? Did you grow up as a TCK? Did your parents hold a passport in one country and an address in another? What challenges and benefits helped to shape you in your adult life? #tck #thirdculturekid #whynotchina #expatkids #lifeoverseas #expatlife #lifeinchina #SiasUniversity
  • Twas’ #culture week here at Sias. Discovering the traditional #Chinese games, #Kungfu and #handicraft arts. The perks of working #abroad #whynotchina #teachabroad @academicsinasia Reposted from @gwilickers_ Thanks for sharing highlights from #chinaday Grant! #SiasUniversity #cultureweek2019 #lifeoverseas #expatlife #lifeinchina #workingabroad
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    Twas’ #culture week here at Sias. Discovering the traditional #Chinese games, #Kungfu and #handicraft arts. The perks of working #abroad #whynotchina #teachabroad @academicsinasia Reposted from @gwilickers_ Thanks for sharing highlights from #chinaday Grant! #SiasUniversity #cultureweek2019 #lifeoverseas #expatlife #lifeinchina #workingabroad
  • 📷🏆Photo Contest Winner—Our Community category⠀ ⠀ "I am so thankful for the great community of teachers and students that we have here at #siasuniversity. Being at a hospital in China was never in my 'To Experience in China' list, but I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received during my exposure to hospital life in China."⠀ ⠀ Congratulations Hanzel! We wish you a speedy recovery! @hanzel_eve⠀ #whynotchina #ourcommunity #friendswhoarefamily #community #expatcommunity #teachabroad #tefl #tesol #teachinchina #teachabroad
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    📷🏆Photo Contest Winner—Our Community category⠀ ⠀ "I am so thankful for the great community of teachers and students that we have here at #siasuniversity. Being at a hospital in China was never in my 'To Experience in China' list, but I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received during my exposure to hospital life in China."⠀ ⠀ Congratulations Hanzel! We wish you a speedy recovery! @hanzel_eve⠀ #whynotchina #ourcommunity #friendswhoarefamily #community #expatcommunity #teachabroad #tefl #tesol #teachinchina #teachabroad
  • #fridayintroduction from @madelainepeters "Since the beginning of my first year of college, I knew I wanted to eventually teach and live overseas. Throughout my degree, I would hear graduates from my program talk about the wonderful adventures they had while teaching overseas. I mostly pictured myself working in Europe or taking a year to work in Canada after I graduated. I honestly never thought I would move to China, but it has proven to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.⠀ ⠀ During my last year of college, I began seriously thinking about where I should teach after graduation. I was open to just about anything. I met with my professor and he informed me about Sias University. The opportunity almost seemed too good to be true and it checked all my boxes: teaching adults, room and board, a built-in community, and of course, gaining valuable work experience in an academic setting. It was the perfect fit for me and I applied for the position and didn’t look back!⠀ ⠀ I’ve been living in China for almost two months now and I couldn’t be happier. Every day is a new experience and something to look forward to. I have enjoyed connecting with my students as that is a very important part of teaching for me! There are also many lovely people who work here and I’m so thankful for the friends I have made. I’m excited to see where this year takes me!"⠀ ⠀ #teachoverseas #liveoverseas #siasuniversity #movetochina #toogoodtobetrue #workexperience #whynotchina #whynotyou #getpaidtogo #teachabroad #expatlife #lifeinchina #expatlife #expatcommunity #friendswhoarefamily #teachersmakeadifference #efl #tesol #tefl #englishteacher #fridayintroductions #proudtobeateacher #teachersofig #Iteachtoo #educator #edmajor #youcandohardthings #gofarther
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    #fridayintroduction from @madelainepeters "Since the beginning of my first year of college, I knew I wanted to eventually teach and live overseas. Throughout my degree, I would hear graduates from my program talk about the wonderful adventures they had while teaching overseas. I mostly pictured myself working in Europe or taking a year to work in Canada after I graduated. I honestly never thought I would move to China, but it has proven to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.⠀ ⠀ During my last year of college, I began seriously thinking about where I should teach after graduation. I was open to just about anything. I met with my professor and he informed me about Sias University. The opportunity almost seemed too good to be true and it checked all my boxes: teaching adults, room and board, a built-in community, and of course, gaining valuable work experience in an academic setting. It was the perfect fit for me and I applied for the position and didn’t look back!⠀ ⠀ I’ve been living in China for almost two months now and I couldn’t be happier. Every day is a new experience and something to look forward to. I have enjoyed connecting with my students as that is a very important part of teaching for me! There are also many lovely people who work here and I’m so thankful for the friends I have made. I’m excited to see where this year takes me!"⠀ ⠀ #teachoverseas #liveoverseas #siasuniversity #movetochina #toogoodtobetrue #workexperience #whynotchina #whynotyou #getpaidtogo #teachabroad #expatlife #lifeinchina #expatlife #expatcommunity #friendswhoarefamily #teachersmakeadifference #efl #tesol #tefl #englishteacher #fridayintroductions #proudtobeateacher #teachersofig #Iteachtoo #educator #edmajor #youcandohardthings #gofarther
  • "Those pictures were all taken in Zhengzhou before and after my surgery. I am so thankful for the great community of teachers and students that we have here at #SiasUniversity. Being at a hospital in China was never in my "TO EXPERIENCE IN CHINA" list, but I’m grateful for all the the support I’ve received (including the ones I’ve received from other people not in the photos) during my exposure to hospital life in China 😁" Thanks for sharing your experience @hanzel_eve! Feel better soon! #whynotchina #liveoverseas #ourcommunity #community #communitysupport #aia #lifeinchina #friendswhoarefamily #expatdiaries #youcangofar
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    "Those pictures were all taken in Zhengzhou before and after my surgery. I am so thankful for the great community of teachers and students that we have here at #SiasUniversity. Being at a hospital in China was never in my "TO EXPERIENCE IN CHINA" list, but I’m grateful for all the the support I’ve received (including the ones I’ve received from other people not in the photos) during my exposure to hospital life in China 😁" Thanks for sharing your experience @hanzel_eve! Feel better soon! #whynotchina #liveoverseas #ourcommunity #community #communitysupport #aia #lifeinchina #friendswhoarefamily #expatdiaries #youcangofar
  • #aia #fridayintroductions 🇨🇳👩‍🏫 ⠀ ⠀ Hello everyone! I'm JaNae, a first-year teacher at #SiasUniversity in Henan, China.⠀ ⠀ China was not in my plan a year ago. However, I was contacted by Academics in Asia and was given an offer to come teach in China. So I accepted and am now teaching Oral English to college sophomores. It’s been two weeks since I arrived in China and I’m still learning so many crucial survival skills. My first week of teaching was a little rocky. I had to balance teaching and #cultureshock at the same time. From finding where to buy toilet paper to figuring out how to use a VPN, there are many things that I learn every day on this beautiful campus that I never thought I’d have to learn. Despite the differences, I have loved every one and every moment that has crossed my rocky road. Slowly but surely I will be able to pave a few rocks and get a handle of how China does things. ⠀ ⠀ I've already learned that living in China is always a "Trust but Verify" kinda thing. Or at least that’s the phrase that’s used. It means to trust what they say but always verify or follow-up as time passes. Things change quickly here so we always have to confirm that something will happen the way it was agreed it would happen. China is a fast-developing country and things today might change a bit tomorrow.⠀ ⠀ How is your Friday? Have you been making some unexpected adjustments this week?⠀ ⠀ —Contributed by @hagniae⠀ ⠀ #trustbutverify #livingabroad #lifeoverseas #teachinchina #englishteacher #thriveinchina #whynotchina #culturedifferences #crosscultural #teachersmakeadifference #liveonpurpose #fridayintroduction #chinalife #ilovesias #ilovechina #survivalskills #community #reallife # learnasyougo
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    #aia #fridayintroductions 🇨🇳👩‍🏫 ⠀ ⠀ Hello everyone! I'm JaNae, a first-year teacher at #SiasUniversity in Henan, China.⠀ ⠀ China was not in my plan a year ago. However, I was contacted by Academics in Asia and was given an offer to come teach in China. So I accepted and am now teaching Oral English to college sophomores. It’s been two weeks since I arrived in China and I’m still learning so many crucial survival skills. My first week of teaching was a little rocky. I had to balance teaching and #cultureshock at the same time. From finding where to buy toilet paper to figuring out how to use a VPN, there are many things that I learn every day on this beautiful campus that I never thought I’d have to learn. Despite the differences, I have loved every one and every moment that has crossed my rocky road. Slowly but surely I will be able to pave a few rocks and get a handle of how China does things. ⠀ ⠀ I've already learned that living in China is always a "Trust but Verify" kinda thing. Or at least that’s the phrase that’s used. It means to trust what they say but always verify or follow-up as time passes. Things change quickly here so we always have to confirm that something will happen the way it was agreed it would happen. China is a fast-developing country and things today might change a bit tomorrow.⠀ ⠀ How is your Friday? Have you been making some unexpected adjustments this week?⠀ ⠀ —Contributed by @hagniae⠀ ⠀ #trustbutverify #livingabroad #lifeoverseas #teachinchina #englishteacher #thriveinchina #whynotchina #culturedifferences #crosscultural #teachersmakeadifference #liveonpurpose #fridayintroduction #chinalife #ilovesias #ilovechina #survivalskills #community #reallife # learnasyougo
  • It's Friday night in China, which means two things. 1) the first week of classes are over! 🎉and 2) It's time for a #fridayintroduction! 👋🏻⠀ ⠀ Please welcome @cj.swartz.7, one of our newest additions to the foreign community at Sias. This isn't CJ's first time in China, however. Recently he taught at different school elsewhere in China, but he had an unpleasant experience with the administration and returned to the States after six months. ⠀ ⠀ But China has a strong pull, even for those who lived here and left. When a former college buddy told CJ about the great support system and community that Sias offers, CJ quickly applied and was offered a position—teaching an academic class to college sophomores. We're grateful that CJ gave #chinalife another chance and joined our #community here. We asked CJ to share the difference between Sias and his first #chinaexperience.⠀ ⠀ "My first trip to China was MUCH less organized, and I was in culture shock very quickly because I had to rely on the experience of people who had only been there a year or two longer than me (besides the Chinese staff I worked with). Misinterpretations between Chinese staff and American volunteers were very common. Also, having to pay for your own utilities and all your food was a challenge, especially since I was paid less there than I am here (at Sias). Overall my time [there] was a ton of fun. I got out several times and saw some cool stuff. But the resources available to me there were limited in comparison to here where there is a whole welcome team and people to help each step of the way. When you're not feeling on your own with everything, you feel more confident."⠀ ⠀ #confidence #sias #whynotchina #teachoverseas #livingabroad #expatlife #lifeinchina #teachinchina #eflteacher #efl #englishteacher #teachersmakeadifference #supportsystem #community #lifeonpurpose #getpaidtogo
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    It's Friday night in China, which means two things. 1) the first week of classes are over! 🎉and 2) It's time for a #fridayintroduction! 👋🏻⠀ ⠀ Please welcome @cj.swartz.7, one of our newest additions to the foreign community at Sias. This isn't CJ's first time in China, however. Recently he taught at different school elsewhere in China, but he had an unpleasant experience with the administration and returned to the States after six months. ⠀ ⠀ But China has a strong pull, even for those who lived here and left. When a former college buddy told CJ about the great support system and community that Sias offers, CJ quickly applied and was offered a position—teaching an academic class to college sophomores. We're grateful that CJ gave #chinalife another chance and joined our #community here. We asked CJ to share the difference between Sias and his first #chinaexperience.⠀ ⠀ "My first trip to China was MUCH less organized, and I was in culture shock very quickly because I had to rely on the experience of people who had only been there a year or two longer than me (besides the Chinese staff I worked with). Misinterpretations between Chinese staff and American volunteers were very common. Also, having to pay for your own utilities and all your food was a challenge, especially since I was paid less there than I am here (at Sias). Overall my time [there] was a ton of fun. I got out several times and saw some cool stuff. But the resources available to me there were limited in comparison to here where there is a whole welcome team and people to help each step of the way. When you're not feeling on your own with everything, you feel more confident."⠀ ⠀ #confidence #sias #whynotchina #teachoverseas #livingabroad #expatlife #lifeinchina #teachinchina #eflteacher #efl #englishteacher #teachersmakeadifference #supportsystem #community #lifeonpurpose #getpaidtogo