As part of my studies I have the opportunity to move to Russia or China for a year as an English teacher. It's great life experience, and would let me experience another culture, and maybe pick up another language.
I was just wondering which one you would pick. Russia, or China?
I will also be spending a month in England this summer. In Oxford.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
I envy you. I'd pick China. The cost of living is very cheap there. It's close to Japan too. But Russia would be interesting in terms of history. Both places have wonderful folk music.
Posted by Philosofickle (Member # 10993) on :
Well, this would also help me to forward my career goals. I'm looking into a career that requires foreign travel for it's applicants. So with my month in England and year in Russia or China, plus my mission, and any other study abroads that I do, hopefully that will fit the bill.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
There was some article that said learning Chinese is advantageous for future jobs. Maybe China is the way to go.
But I continue to be envious.... Because I'd really like to travel the world one of these days.
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
Russia is a nice place, although my russo friends look at me oddly when I say I'ld like to live in Moscow.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I'd go with Russia, but that's because my ancestors lived there for a hundred years and I'd love to see what it's like. But, really, either one ought to be interesting.
Have fun. Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
I'd go with China, if you're looking on learning a language for employment prospects in the future. Also, Chinese food is tasty.
Posted by Orincoro (Member # 8854) on :
ARe you doing the oxford house tefl?? I want to do that program!
Posted by Mucus (Member # 9735) on :
Go with Russia. It would make me less jealous Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jhai: I'd go with China, if you're looking on learning a language for employment prospects in the future.
The people I knew who did this in the past picked up very little Chinese (or Korean). After all, the idea is to teach the students English.
If someone wanted to learn the language while there, I'm sure it's quite possible. But it's not a given.
Posted by JonHecht (Member # 9712) on :
Are you doing the OSAP study abroad program at Oxford, from July 7th to August 24th? If so, then I'll see you there.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:Originally posted by Blayne Bradley: Russia is a nice place, although my russo friends look at me oddly when I say I'ld like to live in Moscow.
*falls over dead from shock*
Posted by Philosofickle (Member # 10993) on :
I've been leaning towards China because I think it would be more beneficial towards my career, plus I don't handle being cold all that well.
As far as England, I'll be going through Southern Virginia University. We'll be spending a month in England, and my mind is blanking as far as exactly when I'll be there.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
A good friend of mine is going to Oxford for the summer too. He's a grad student in public policy, though, so I don't think he'll be in either of your programs.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Plenty of cold in China...
Posted by Mucus (Member # 9735) on :
Not the good parts Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen:
quote:Originally posted by Blayne Bradley: Russia is a nice place, although my russo friends look at me oddly when I say I'ld like to live in Moscow.
*falls over dead from shock*
??
Posted by Dark as night (Member # 9577) on :
Blayne, I don't think you're crazy. I myself am from Southern Russia, but moved to the US 10 years ago. If I were to go back to Russia to live though, it would have to be either Moscow or St. Petersburg. Moscow is really a great city, but VERY expensive.
Philosofickle, if I had to make that choice, it would be China. Mainly because I've already lived in Russia once. As for the cold weather, there are also plenty of places in Russia that are warm -- my hometown for example. Your experience in the country will largely depend on where you are placed. Do you know the location options yet? As I said above, Moscow and St. Petersburg are amazing (although it does get really cold there, especially in St.Pete) so if you get a chance to live there, it would be great fun.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
I am surprised I am the first one to ask this, but where exactly would you be in each of these countries? Both are huge. Would you be in a big city or in a rural area. That would be a big factor in my decision. Both are so rich in culture. I really do envy you.
[ February 10, 2008, 11:49 PM: Message edited by: Valentine014 ]
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
I would love to teach C++ in either country.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
You'll need to learn C++ first. Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
Actually I think i do know the syntax for C++, its just learning how to program in true Object Oriented Programming that I am still learning.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
Knowing a language is vastly different from knowing the syntax of a language.
And I bet you don't know most of the syntax. C++ allows for some very strange things, particularly when one gets into complicated template metaprogramming.
Posted by JonHecht (Member # 9712) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jhai: A good friend of mine is going to Oxford for the summer too. He's a grad student in public policy, though, so I don't think he'll be in either of your programs.
My program is international politics, so don't be so sure. And there are alot of grad students in it.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
I'd go for Russia but thats because I love the northern wild lands and Russia still has a lot of them.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
quote:Originally posted by JonHecht:
quote:Originally posted by Jhai: A good friend of mine is going to Oxford for the summer too. He's a grad student in public policy, though, so I don't think he'll be in either of your programs.
My program is international politics, so don't be so sure. And there are alot of grad students in it.
Apparently he's in the Oxford Summer Program, but it's only for Public Policy students from Georgetown. But if you happen to meet a tallish Indian dude who responds to KB, tell him I say hi.
Posted by JonHecht (Member # 9712) on :
What's your real name?
Posted by Philosofickle (Member # 10993) on :
Brayden Cluff,
I feel fairly safe givning out my name on this forum.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Big surprise, I suggest you go to China. There is no more fascinating time to visit China as it's in the process of becoming a huge power, and yet right now it's still in that almost innocent transition phase.
Are you going anywhere in China or do you have a selection of the different provinces?
Posted by Philosofickle (Member # 10993) on :
I'm not sure what the options are in China. I had a friend who spent their time in Beijing, and they said that it was great.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
quote:Originally posted by Philosofickle: I'm not sure what the options are in China. I had a friend who spent their time in Beijing, and they said that it was great.
Might want to find out. There is a world of difference between Shanghai and say Lhasa.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
quote:Originally posted by JonHecht: What's your real name?
If this is directed towards me, it's Jaclyn. But if you say "there's this girl, who posts on this forum...", he'd probably figure it out.
Posted by esl (Member # 3143) on :
I think China would be a more exciting place to be with so much going on there. Demand is higher for English teachers in China too, I believe.
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