About life in Harbin

Because we generally work less then 20 hours a week, we have a lot of free time. It can be a challenge to find ways to fill this time. Options are eating, drinking, shopping, sightseeing or just generally creating hobbies. You might join a gym or go swimming. Some of us have pets. Photography is very popular here too.

You can learn Chinese through Joy's free weekly class or even attend college to learn Chinese. You can even do distance learning over the Internet to further your education. Some people have taken up an instrument. We live one block from what's called music street. You can buy an instrument and even take lessons.
Others enjoy spending time down at the beer gardens on walking street savoring Harbin's famous beer and sleeping in.
Joy also arranges monthly events for the foreign teachers. Some examples of past monthly events are: a vineyard tour, bowling, roller skating, a tour of a Confucian Temple, a golf driving range.
What ever your pleasures or fancy you have the time to do it.

Food

If you were expecting Chinese Food from back home you will be getting a surprise when you arrive. Although there are some dishes that remind you a bit of  the Western versions of Chinese Food, food here in Northern China is much different. There are incredible varieties of Chinese and other cuisine in the city. Many of the teachers here enjoy finding new and interesting dishes to try.
If you're not one for experimenting with new food, well there are some Western Style restaurants in town. And of course there is always the local supermarket with everything you need to make a meal just like home.