How to get to Da Mei Sha and Xiao Mei Sha Beaches in Shenzhen

Option 1

Go to "bai zhi jou" metro station. Then wait at the bus stop for the "#1 double deck bus"
Enjoy the ride for 1 hour. Last station is Xiao Mei Sha.

Option 2

bus 103 around 45 mins

Option 3

taxi depends 100 to 150

ISNS Shenzhen Teacher's Review

I taught at ISNS International School in Shenzhen as an MYP music teacher for 2 years, from 2013-2015. My 2nd year there was quite miserable. During that one year, we completed 5 years of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Cramming 5 years of unit planning and training into one year is stressful, to say the least. Not only that, but I was promised a signing bonus at the end of the year, which I never received. Granted, I think this was a miscommunication from the finance department. However, it's a significant miscommunication, as I was obviously counting on the promised bonus.

Three teachers were fired this year, and an additional 11 teachers moved on to new schools after completing the year, myself included. Most of us cited stress as the major reason for moving on. A lot of additional teachers wanted to move on, but couldn't, because of 2 year contract agreements. Personally speaking, I got along with most of the teachers pretty well. Also, the students were incredible. But in the end, I'm happy to be moving out of such a high pressure situation!

Directions to Xichong, Donchong, Da Meisha, XiaoMeiSha Beaches Shenzhen

How to get to Da Mei Sha and Xiao Mei Sha Beaches in Shenzhen

Option 1

Go to "bai zhi jou" metro station. Then wait at the bus stop for the "#1 double deck bus"

Enjoy the ride for 1 hour. Last station is Xiao Mei Sha. 

Option 2

bus 103 around 45 mins

Option 3

Cuizhou metro. E11 bus. 

Directions to Xichong Beach and Donchong Beach, nice DaPeng Beach, Shenzhen

1) Get on the green Luobao line and take it to Zhuzilin stop

2) Get off the train at Zhuzilin and walk to the bus stop. Exit C. 

3) Take the H92 bus to DaPeng.

4) Once in Dapeng, catch the small orange M231 bus to Dongchong, OR the small orange M232 bus to Xichong (the bus stop is across the street from KFC). Or, if you want a beach in DaPeng, take taxi short way to 大棚较场尾. 

For directions to Da Mei Sha and Xiao Mei Sha click here!

eBike in a Tropical Storm

Tonight I rode my electric bike to an English lesson about a mile away, and it started pouring on my way there. Even though I had an umbrella, I arrived drenched. On my way home, the wind and rain became insane. My umbrella was bending from strong gusts of wind and buckets of water. I had my computer in my backpack, which I was worried about. However, this wasn't the worst...

As I was riding, I noticed the water in the street was getting deeper. Soon, I noticed cars and buses stalled around me, and suddenly the rushing water was literally up to my knees. I became frightened of course, not sure if the water was going to get deeper. I was sure my tiny electric bike was going to die, but somehow, miraculously, it pushed me through about 75 yards of water that stalled cars and buses. It must have been a funny picture...

When I made it to higher ground I couldn't help but laugh, amazed at my electric bike. Thank God I made it home safely with my computer and my electric bike both fine. It's nice to be clean and dry again!

How Much Should I Charge for Private English Language Tutoring / Lessons in China

After having lived in Shenzhen, China for about 4 years, I've learned a lot about how much to charge for lessons. In China, I've taught private English, guitar and even some basketball lessons. Regarding tutoring prices, it varies among English teachers. However, you should not be afraid to charge a fair price.

I have a good American friend whose price is 250 RMB per hour (about $41 per hour) for private English lessons. He keeps very busy, though his market is definitely wealthier Chinese families. When I first started teaching English and guitar, I was content with 150 RMB per hour ($25). This is OK if you need to find students fast. And at that price, your schedule will likely fill up very quickly. However, once you become busy, you will likely want to increase your rate to 200-300 per hour. After increasing my rate to 200 (about $33 per hour), I didn't lose any students. Since I am no longer "desperate", I am now asking between 200-250 per hour for new students, depending on travel time, etc.

I have met some people who think 200-300 RMB is too expensive. Chinese English teachers often charge 100 RMB per hour, for example.  However, native English speakers in China are in completely different situations than local Chinese English teachers. For example, I am sacrificing time with family and friends in America. I also have to purchase a Visa and plane tickets every year. This can be expensive.

Also remember that, as a native English speaker, you offer something unique in China. Your accent, knowledge of culture and knowledge of grammar are generally seen as optimal for those who want to learn proper English.  If you have any college education, this should also be reflected in your price. For these reasons, your price should be higher than a non-native English teacher.

For group lessons, I feel a good price is 300-500 RMB per hour, depending on the size of the class. I have a friend who teaches in his apartment, and he always charges 400 RMB per class, no matter what the size of the class. This gives incentive for his students to find more people to bring to his class. Plus, he is making good money no matter what.

LONEi Club Address

LONEi Club 泷爱

No.8 Baishi Road East, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China

深圳市南山区白石路东8号欢乐海岸