Well in all fairness to i to i they have been intouch with Sebrina and would appear to be sorting the problems out, we shall see, if they do then credit to them, however i feel the problems should not have occured in the first place.

Not only is my daughter living in a dump, with two people, who may be very nice, but do not speak a word of English, making her feel very isolated having no one to talk to, but whem she returned to the said dump, she is locked out. very pleasant, must make her feel very welcome dont you think, what a total shambles. the sooner i get her home the better, clearly the people have no interest or duty of care to the young poeple they have promised so much to.

i am horrified about the lack of support for my daughter Sebrina, she is very unhappy and it would appear that nothing is being done about it, She has been told to speak to Solaro, so it would seem the attitude is once you are there "sort it yourself because no one else will. Looks like i may be booking her a flight home soon. I t seemed so exciting for her before she left. what at total dissapointment.

Great stuff - and please don't be shy about getting in touch with TTC direct - they're all really nice and eager to make sure you have the best time in China possible. Just let them know what the problems are (if you're still having any) and they'll do their best to help! Alternatively you're always welcome to get in touch with us in the UK on courses.teamuk@i-to-i.com, but please be aware that becuase of time differences you'll always get a speedier response from TTC.

Glad things are starting to look up - keep us posted with how you get on!

Hi i-to-i thanks for getting in touch with them, I think they must have contacted the school direct because I suddenly have the beginnings of a timetable and the school has paired me up with one of their Chinese English teachers and we're practising our lessons on each other.

I really wouln't have known what to say to TTC if I had contacted them myself.

Hi Sebrina,

We're so sorry that you're considering going home - we've had a few issues with the start of the internship, but TTC and i-to-i are working as hard as possible to get them fixed. The confusion about placements has been caused by schools dropping out at the last minute and TTC are working round the clock to get people moved to suitable alternatives - if you're not happy with your placement (which sounds like the case) we can always try to move you (much better than the last resort of going home!)

I've passed your comments on to our jobs team who'll be in touch (if they're not already). Always, if you have any issues with what's happening in China get in touch with i-to-i or TTC direct in the first instance and they'll be able to help.

Certainly also follow Kate's advice of logging onto Chalkboard. The China Internship group is here: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/groups/3-Teach-in-China-Internship

Thanks Katie. I am trying to stay positive, I keep meaning to have a look at chalkboard and forgetting.

How horrible for you but you are certainly not alone. Have you joined the i-to-i Chalkboard as there are many posts on there from other interns who are experiencing much the same as you?? Maybe you might find out where others are placed and also get some advice on how to get things fixed up. From what I've been reading its been a nightmare for several in your group.......needless to say those of us who are heading to China later this year are following your ventures closely and hoping to learn from you.
All I can do is send you some "virtual" support and say stick it out as things can and will get better. You will certainly have some tales to dine on once these "bumps" in the road are ironed out!!!
Many of my friends who have been doing this for years tell me it takes several weeks at least before you start to feel any level of comfort but then suddenly everything takes shape...best of luck. Kate.