March 8, 2014
by Kevin Cook
3 Comments
I’ve adjusted to the culture shock of being a white guy in China well enough, but one aspect of living here will never sink in: Chinese bromance with foreigners. Sometimes living in the PRC makes me feel like a smoking hot girl because Chinese dudes ask for my phone number way too often. Continue Reading →
March 5, 2014
by Kevin Cook
4 Comments
Boasting the world’s largest population, China—a country undergoing the grandest developmental makeover in recent history—is becoming an increasingly popular destination for ESL teachers and backpackers alike. Traveling to China for the first time can be intimidating, but it shouldn’t be if you come prepared with a few travel tips. Continue Reading →
February 28, 2014
by Kevin Cook
2 Comments
Americans snack on beef jerky. Chinese people snack on chicken feet. After months of living in China and seeing—but never touching—pre-packaged chicken feet on the shelves of every supermarket here, the time has come to sample this oddly popular Chinese snack. Weak stomaches beware. Continue Reading →
February 24, 2014
by Kevin Cook
3 Comments
College ESL is my favorite level to teach because most of the students have already established a firm grasp on the language. The first day of teaching college ESL is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the semester. Check out this short guide to surviving your first day of teaching college ESL and start the semester off on the right foot. Continue Reading →
February 21, 2014
by Kevin Cook
6 Comments
Today, I eat freshly prepared tanghulu (糖葫芦), a traditional Chinese street snack made of candied fruit on a stick. Watch this video to see how the street vendor prepares fresh tanghulu, then watch me sample this sweet Chinese treat. Continue Reading →
February 17, 2014
by Kevin Cook
2 Comments
Let’s be honest. As a westerner, living in China vs. Thailand is an unfair fight. Thailand will win any day of the week because it’s geared toward outsiders and China is geared toward the Chinese. But before you totally discount China as a viable living alternative, you should consider a few things. Continue Reading →
February 14, 2014
by Kevin Cook
5 Comments
Whether you’re a recent college graduate or a 40-something looking to escape from the 9 to 5 life, teaching ESL overseas is a perfect way to travel, experience a new lifestyle and make money all at once. Follow this 7-step guide and you’ll be living and teaching abroad in no time. Continue Reading →
February 9, 2014
by Kevin Cook
1 Comment
The 2014 Winter Olympics have relocated from Sochi, Russia to Rizhao, China. Today’s events feature Colombia versus the United States competing in an exciting new winter event you’ve probably never heard of. Continue Reading →
February 8, 2014
by Kevin Cook
7 Comments
If you follow the blog, you know that my trip to Beijing wasn’t all I’d hoped it would be. To add insult to injury, on my last day in the cold grey capital city of China, I was scammed by two crafty little Chinese gypsies in the Forbidden City. Continue Reading →