China has been the single biggest step I have ever taken in my life, or at least that’s what others seem to think. My family and friends often speak of how proud they are that I am here in China doing what I am doing, actually I feel like I’m cheating them a little. In the UK, and at a guess the rest of the Western world, we see China as some strange alien world where no one speaks English and everyone eats bizarre food (I am generalising of course). As you can imagine, I was shocked when I got here to find that this really isn’t the case, people are friendly, the food is delicious, and a surprising number of people speak fantastic English. As a result I have had no problems fitting into China; I feel I could spend a lot of time here. This isn’t to say that I don’t miss some things from home, my family of course, but to be honest what I am missing the most is some good bread and real cheese! I am renowned for thinking with my stomach, being in China has not changed this.
        I really felt coming to China was the best decision I could have made. I’ve only just graduated from university and so the decision was either to start my career back home, or, do something crazy – like teach English in China! Seriously though, I love what I am doing here, and whilst there are days when you feel the kids don’t care or they’re not listening, there are also those that make me smile and I come away from lessons feeling great. I didn’t feel like I was ready to go straight into a full time career at home, I am still young and I think this is the best time in my life to try and experience something new and explore the world. This was another reason for coming to China; it has helped become a gateway to explore an area of the world I would otherwise have not seen. 
      I think a massive help in my adjustment to a Chinese lifestyle has been the school, with such friendly and helping staff I think I am made to feel welcome and at home and so I thank them for that. The kids here are nice, there are of course those that don’t seem to care and that make life difficult, but I think they’re getting better over time. I hope and plan to stay in China longer, who knows where I will end up but for now I will continue to enjoy myself and give my teaching 100% .