Attend orientation and get involved with the community!

Orientation was organized into 2 parts: First, we went over topics ranging from learning/teaching styles to logistics of working/living in China. Then, we worked in pairs and co-taught in an English summer camp. Many moments were tiring and stressful but overall, it's still a helpful experience because you learn a lot and the summer camp experience gives you an example of what your teaching experience could be like during your contract. Within the first month, I slowly started integrating myself more with the school and initiating conversation with Chinese teachers. Now, I play in the teacher's badminton club, I'm invited to weekend hiking/sightseeing trips with other teachers, I join for-fun competitions between teaching departments, and more. Whenever I have asked the primary school Chinese teachers for help, they have always tried to help with ideas, classroom management suggestions, and even sharing their coursebook to help me have lesson plan ideas.