Being Prepared is Overrated - Six Weeks Out

After about two weeks of headaches and wallet-aches, I have my flights to and from China booked. Due to an unexpected stop in Beijing--taking the third Praxis exam that is only offered while I am abroad or late in the summer--I will not be traveling through Shanghai like I had originally planned. I am a little bummed about it because that means I won't make it there while I am in China (unless I can work something out with my family), but being a certified teacher is my #1 goal and priority now, so I have to sacrifice a little. I mean, I am still getting to go to China... let's not forget that.

So far, the itinerary is to fly into Beijing on March 8 from Chicago, take the Praxis exam at the Beijing Foreign Language Institute, hang around Beijing for a few days until I fly to Xi'an on March 12, then meet my host family. The first leg of the trip should consist of many panic attacks, but I will get through it. I am extremely excited to get to do this. I think I will visit the Forbidden City that first weekend and see some of the city.

The next big things on the agenda are to find someone to sublet my apartment while I am in China and book a hotel for my first weekend in Beijing. While these are two big tasks, they aren't nearly as nerve racking as all of the little stuff I have to figure out. Like what essentials do I need to pack? Medicine? Comfort things? Number of pants/shirts/ties/shoes? And pretty much anything else you can think you would need in a foreign country for two months.

So far in the planning process, the major tips/suggestions I would have for anyone preparing for something like this would be:

• Pick up little things as you go. The list gets pretty long if you don't.
• Make a list EARLY! You will inevitably forget what you thought of two weeks ago and will kick yourself for it.
• Be conscious of baggage restrictions on overseas airlines. Air China, and others, only allow for 20 kg (44 lbs) before they start charging extra.
• STUDENT TEACHERS: Take ALL of your content Praxis exams in the Fall semester before you leave. Don't believe whoever wants to tell you that you have plenty of time, because Praxis is a business that doesn't care about you.
• Develop a good relationship with the people coordinating the trip and going with you. You will need the help planning and when you are there... I promise.

Well, that is all I have for this post. Let the planning continue..........