Here is a list of the questions we've been asked most frequently the past six months.
Do you speak chinese?
No. As of the end of July we don't know much more than "hi".
Do you like chinese food?
Yes, we both enjoy chinese food in America. We are expecting the food to be much different in Shanghai and are excited to try it.
How long will you be gone?
We signed a two year contract with the school but we'll be traveling back to the states during Christmas and summer vacations.
Are you teaching english?
No. Bri will continue working in Special Education as a Student Support Service Specialist. Matt is teaching IB Physics to 11th and 12 grades as well as General Science to 10th grade.
Do you have a place to stay yet?
The school supplies apartments for teachers their first two years.
How much stuff can you take with you?
We've been told that shipping is expensive and that after long delays in customs our packages may or may not be allowed to enter the country. Instead we'll be taking everything with us on our flight. If we need to check an extra bag we will but even with that we'll have to be careful about what we decide to take.
How did you find these jobs?
We used a recruiting agency for international schools and attended an overseas teaching fair in San Francisco in February 2011.
Why China?
We thought living Shanghai, one of the globe's largest and fastest growing cities would be exciting experience. The chance to be in China as it grows and prospers as other countries struggle economically and to live in a communist country were also factors.
Why?
We wanted to experience a culture the only true way you can and that is by living in it for an extended period of time.
