Disney English

Hello lil princes and princesses,

So I have currently been living in China for four months teaching for Disney English. It has been such an experience. I have never traveled over seas before so a chance to live in China, teach children, AND work for Disney was an opportunity I could not pass up.    

If you are planning on accepting a role for Disney English here's a few things you should know.

• The visa process is LONG. About six months to be exact. There is lots of paperwork that needs to be sent to China and the Chinese Embassy in the states, medical checks, and online classes that you will need to take. Get them done as soon as possible.
• Be patient. This process is long but Disney is with you every step of the way. They will also reimburse you for everything. So keep your receipts safe and bring them with you.
• Save money! Disney gives you an advance when you get to China but they slowly take it out of your paychecks while you're working. This means you need to have money for three months rent on your own plus money for the first two months before you get a paycheck. They advice you come with $2500-$3000. Now I know for some that is a lot and I will say I did not have that much when I got here and it caused me to be on a tight budget these passed four months. It's doable but I suggest trying to save as much as possible.
• Pack lots of medicines, deodorant, and feminine product (if you're a female). China does not have the same medicines we do. So if you have a certain type of midol or Advil that works for you bring LOTS of it. Also feminine products are small here. So if you use bigger pads or tampons you're going to want to bring it. However, their feminine product are sponsored by Hello Kitty.
  
• Leaving home is hard. It was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I cried for two hours on the plane. Make sure you have a way to talk to your family and loved ones. Talking to them everyday helps you with the homesickness. 
• With that in mind download Wechat and have your family and friends do the same. It is how you can connect with anyone in China and around the world. It does not cost money and for the time I have been here I have been able to talk to my loved ones with little to no interruptions. The connection is really good with internet and the stickers you can download for free are adorable. Also, when you get to China you will connect your bank card to it and use it to pay for EVERYTHING! Wechat = life.
• Try to figure out if you want to live alone or with roommates. When you get to China, Disney will give you contacts for realtors who will help you find an apartment. If you don't want to use a realtor they will also give you other resources to find a place such as the Bejinger. Try to have in mind if you want roommates or live alone. 
• If you do want roommates my honest opinion is to NOT live with coworkers. In my experience living with coworkers have not worked out. You end up seeing the person everyday and tension could build up. Now for some people it has worked out. If you live with a coworker who works at a different center and do not see them every day it could be a better experience. However, realtors can help you find foreigner roommates. You would be renting the room, so if they leave it will in no way effect what you pay. Just tell your realtor you want to have roommates. If not finding a studio is possible. I live in a studio and I love it. It's really just finding what's best for you. 

• Get a VPN for your computer and phone. Google, Facebook, Instagram, snapchat, Netflix and many other social media outlets are no allowed in China. In order to get them you will need to get a VPN. You can get a free VPN for your phone that works great but for your computer I suggest getting one you pay for. I have Astrill and they had a great deal; $20 for a year. Search around and research before deciding. Just make sure you get it BEFORE you leave. 
• Find something to keep you busy in your free time. If you like to run keep running. If you want to learn Chinese take classes. Join a gym. Write a blog. Bring your camera and take pictures. Find something to make you happy. Go see new things. You're in a new city. Do not waste this opportunity. Yes work is important but make the most of this experience. Try Everything.

If you have any more questions leave a comment. I'm so excited to share this adventure with everyone.