My journey. Teaching in China and exploring the world. |
  In order to get your working visa approved in China, as well as having your medical in the UK, you have to have certain elements re done by Chinese doctors at their discretion. Now, we had read that they could re-do all your medical tests you've had done in the UK, even if you have paid in excess of £400 to have the whole shaabang at specialised clinics. Therefore, we went for the option of a medical test through the GP surgery (around £100) and that did the trick - well for Matt, he only had to have bloods taken, chest x-ray and temperature taken. Now, my form was exactly the same. HOWEVER, the doctor had not stapled the visa photo in the correct place and had not stamped the medical centre name OVER the photo...so I became a human guinea pig in the production line of medical examinations. So, do make sure these little things are done correctly to help get through this process with only a few tests. So, I mentioned a production line, because it is. There are 2 floors with lots of treatment rooms and you carry your checklist/medical sheet around with you to each door and are examined! There are no airs or graces, you are summoned in, poked, prodded and sent on your way. No bedside manner BUT my word was it efficient!!! I had: a blood test (3 of you sat at a time at a reception desk, 3 nurses behind and your blood is taken in front of the waiting room full of people!!); chest x-ray; ultrasound; ENT check; height; weight; temperature; urine sample (interesting experience in a long drop toilet....); an ECG and a sight test. I think that was all and it took about an hour, rather than a day perhaps on the NHS!! Setting up a mobile phone contract... This would normally be an easy process in the UK. Prepare yourself for a 30-40minute consultation!! They need to have your passport details registered to your phone SIM and your contract for the school, they take pictures of you...and then the phone is yours! Again, thankfully HR were with us all and could translate and help!! China IKEA experience!Furniture...the same, follow the arrows, pick up your things. BUT the Chinese like to have a day out there! We saw sleeping babies, toddlers and adults in various places, people working from heir laptops just quite literally a 'try before you buy' scene! Certainly an experience and I enjoyed the fact that this was totally normal, so thought you would appreciate some photos!
In China though we have been told it is very normal to see people sleeping after lunch, even businessmen at their desks can have a sleep to revitalise and gear them up for the rest of the working day! I think Matt will enjoy this ethos... but unfortunately this is not allowed in our jobs!
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