Moving to China:
Helpful Pointers & Tips
Items to Consider Bringing
The following items are difficult to find in China and you may wish to bring them with you:
- Basic medications – Examples include tylenol, cold, flu, diarrhea, minor wounds ointment, insect repellant, contraceptives, yeast infection kit, children’s medications, advil, vitamins, gravol, Claritin and benedryl. Any specific prescription needs or specific brands of preference should be brought to China with you.*
- Some personal hygiene items – e.g. deodorant, tampons and any specific creams, gels, etc. or specific brands of preference should be brought along.*
- Some food cooking supplies are difficult to find in China – e.g. sauces, lentils, baking powder and syrup. NOTE: If you are a vegetarian, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and tofu are available, but no “vegetarian” products, e.g. no protein powder or bars, etc.*
- English-Mandarin dictionary or phrase book.
- Teaching materials, resources, etc. NOTE: Keep in mind, that specific teaching assignment may change based on final student enrolment and staff experience/preference.
- Teacher plan book (student type agenda supplied).
- Underwear for men and women.
- Recreational reading materials – books, magazines, etc.
[*NOTE: These items may not be shipped. If needed, bring these with you when traveling to China.]
All Maple Leaf Schools are located in large cities that provide shopping malls and supermarkets, as well as an increasing number of western chain restaurants and stores.
Purchasing Apartment Supplies
Please note that “furnished apartments” in China means that furniture (and only furniture) is provided. “Furnished” does not include such items as sheets, pillows, blankets, dishes, cutlery, etc. Maple Leaf will provide some fruit, drink and basic snacks in your apartment for the first evening/overnight and organize a shopping trip for you the next day to enable you to purchase the items you need.
A group shopping trip to local shopping areas will be scheduled for new teachers on their second day with a guide/translator to purchase additional items.
A pre-arrival orientation will be provided in Vancouver.
An orientation meeting is provided in late July in Vancouver for newly hired teachers who wish to attend. This meeting provides opportunity to meet other new teachers, have questions answered, and receive helpful information. Information is provided regarding such items as:
- Moving to China pointers.
- Clothing instructions – hot and humid (September-October) and cold (December-February).
- Tie-Care health information.
- It is recommended to have approximately 2500 RMB (about $450 CAD) in cash with you when you arrive at your School, as a shopping trip is planned for the next day and some banks in China do not accept international bank, visa or master cards. Also note that your first salary payment is September 15.
- Small amount of US and Japanese currency for overnight stay in Tokyo/Narita.
- Explanations how banking, internet access, phoning, campus restaurants, etc. will work.
- Taxation information – China and Canada.
- Teachers’ Handbook.
Travel for teachers in Dalian Schools is provided on Japan Airlines via an overnight stay in Tokyo (Narita) at the Nikko Narita Hotel. Click here for Narita Airport and Hotel Instructions.
In-China First Days Orientations
After arriving in China, orientation sessions are provided at each Maple Leaf School. These first days’ orientations address such items as:
- Shopping trip.
- Background of school.
- Governance structure.
- Who to see for what.
- Contact list with office/apartment phone numbers and e-mails.
- Do’s and don’ts culturally.
- Information regarding dress code, flag-raising, etc.
- Walk through Teachers’ Handbook.
- Daily, weekly time tables and yearly school calendar.
- English and Chinese instruction for taxis indicating several areas of interest – e.g. shopping areas, restaurants and attractions.
- Physical examination (Chinese goverment requirement).
- Group tour of the area.
- Distribution of keys and orientation for use of mailboxes, photocopying, etc.
Note: See also specific Maple Leaf School’s Teacher Handbook and New Teacher Orientation Information.