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Moving away from home, even for an experience as exciting as becoming an English teacher in China, is bound to cause a mixture of feelings—from wanting to do a “happy dance” to wanting to run back home to Mom. Don’t worry, these feeling are all totally normal.
You have chosen to teach in a China because you have an adventuresome spirit and a mind that is open to new cultures. You might miss the familiarity of Monday Night Football or Lost on television, but your new home will offer a wealth of other activities to fill your days and nights.
There are lots of things to do in China, including a vibrant and young nightlife and a plethora of amusement parks. You can always replace watching Monday Night Football with participating in a wide range of outdoor and indoor sports. If you prefer being a spectator, you can enjoy popular sporting activities including professional soccer, basketball, and ping-pong.
In many large- and medium-sized cities in China, spending money in the pursuit of good health has become trendy. Some sports that are relatively new in China, including rock climbing, bowling, tae kwon do, and golf, have become particularly popular among young people.
Of course, you can't forget that your primary responsibility is teaching English. You will, however, still have plenty of opportunities to cycle through town, hike through the countryside, and spend time with the new friends you have made. It won’t always be easy, but if you embrace an “adapt and adjust” philosophy, the little things you miss about home will be long forgotten and replaced by the wonderful memories you make.
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