Blog

What To Pack For China

July 15, 2019 By Kwadwo

What on earth do you pack to go to China?

I’m Kwadwo, creator here at Elementary Chinese and I’ve lived in China for 11 years. I’ve made the long-haul international trip back to the US at least 15 times — since 2009 — so I’m going to share with you the things that you should definitely include in your luggage for a smooth arrival and to minimize culture shock.

From cold and flu medicine to wireless hair trimmers, I give you an incredibly detailed list of all the things I can’t live without in China.

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Noisy Chinese Neighbors?

July 8, 2019 By Kwadwo

LEARN CHINESE

Chinese neighbors are the worst. Well, they are the best when they bring you leftover food or Chinese New Year gifts, but usually, they are banging around at 5 am or making a racket unnecessarily. If they are driving you crazy, learn the following phrases.

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How To Ask If A Dish Is Enough Food!

July 1, 2019 By Kwadwo

BEGINNER CHINESE

Communicating with waiters in China is no easy task. Sometimes the rice takes too long to arrive. Sometimes dishes that you ordered never appear. Other times extra dishes are added to your bill that you didn’t order.

I have a tried and tested unit on my online course that is dedicated to teaching you restaurant best practice and all the basic language you need to communicate effectively. Do you want to know how to ask if this food is enough for two people? Or if it’s too much? Let me show you right now.

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What To Bring To China For Teaching English! 🙌🏾

June 24, 2019 By Kwadwo

TEACHING IN CHINA

Teaching Supplies

Do you want to know what teaching supplies you need to bring from your home country to China to aid your students learning?

I’ve been in China for 11 years and every time I go back to the US I bring something useful back for my classes. Now, I’ve got an array of trusted games and exercises to use with my students.

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Chinese For Dummies — Book Review

June 17, 2019 By Kwadwo

BOOK REVIEWS

Is Chinese For Dummies Any Good?

I know your mamma didn’t raise no fool. Is this book any good?

I’m reviewing the second edition of Chinese for Dummies. One of the first things I noticed when opening this book was the sheer quantity of content inside.

If you’d like to listen to this book on Amazon Audible they offer a free 30-Day trial with no commitment to purchase. Cancel anytime.

What do you get with Amazon Audible?

30 days of membership free, plus 2 audiobooks and 2 Audible Originals to get you started.
After trial, you’ll get 3 titles each month: 1 audiobook and 2 Audible Originals of your choice.
Easy exchanges. Don’t like your audiobook? Swap it for free.
Cancel anytime, your audiobooks are yours to keep forever.

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Astrill VPN — The Good And The Bad

June 10, 2019 By Kwadwo

LIFE IN CHINA

Is Astrill Any Good Anyway?

I’ve been using Astrill VPN since September 2018.

I would say I’m a pro user. Not pro as in I know every nuance of the VPN and could list the servers in alphabetical order kinda pro. Just the I use Astrill every single day, have done for months, will continue to because it makes running my life and business a heck of a lot easier.

Each week I use Astrill to upload five pieces of content to Instagram, live stream twice, and upload a video to YouTube. I also watch Netflix on occasion and download stuff from iTunes.

My business in China is the only way I make income. Most people teach in China to get their visa, but my visa is linked to my business. If I can’t run my business, I can’t eat. Sad times.

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