Life Update: I Left China! Why? What’s Next? I Got Into Some Trouble With The Chinese Authorities

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02:02 Why I left China
00:23 Greetings
01:43 Where am I?
09:36 My Job hunting went quiet...
10:59 Job hunting in China is Not easy! It's different compared to a year ago
15:08 Got into trouble with the Chinese authorities at the airport
21:14 What I have been up to
24:42 Will I be returning to China?
24:48 Closing off the video
China job hunting sites:
www.eslcafe.com
www.echinacities.com
totallyteach.com
pandateachers.com
www.teachaway.com
www.teachanywhere.com
www.teacherhorizons.com
www.foreignhr.com
www.sa-recruitment.com
teast.co/teach-english-china
www.chinateachjobs.com/jobs/
www.speexx.com/careers/
teacherrecord.com
www.glassdoor.com/Job/index.htm
www.laowaicareer.com
Join the facebook group South Africans in China!
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xoxo
Annah

[@wandilewawa]

I’m so glad it’s going well with your PGCE. 👏

[@britneyjade2576]

Loved the edits. All the best with the rest of the practicals and enjoy home ❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you Britney ❤️

[@busishauntelle]

I really enjoyed this video ❤ you shared so much & thank you for that . I’m so glad you didn’t get fined omg my anxiety would’ve been up the roof 😮. All the best with your pgce . Looking g forward to your new journey ❤❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you Busi ❤️❤️ yoh the anxiety!! And it didn’t help they kept me waiting there for so long!

[@candicenguluvhe3750]

Oh my bebe😢 you have been through a lot😢 I thank God for being with you all the steps of the way❤ I hope all will be sorted in due time🥰

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thanks Candice ❤️❤️ praying for that too

[@TayoMay]

Thanxx for the life update Annah!! I’d love to see student teaching vlogs!! They’d be so fun💗

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you for watching! 😋 student teaching vlog 🤓 thank you for the video request!

[@clementinejessica2154]

Good to see you home and safe🙏 Looking beautiful as always❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you! 🤗lovely to see you here! ❤️❤️

[@Khay_unfiltered]

Hey Annah, I find such courage in your story. Big ups to you for going after what you want and all the best on your practicals!

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thanks Khay!!! ❤️

[@user-zz4em7mv5v]

Hey Annah thank you for sharing with us, you such an inspirational to us❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you 🥰

[@jesustransformsher]

Hey Annah, thank you so much for the update. Enjoyed every minute of it. Would love to see your student teaching vlogs as well❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

The way this current school is showing me flames!! Not sure what or how to vlog lol 😂 would have loved to

[@TeeMqoco]

Hi sis thank you so so much for sharing your journey with us siyabulela loved every bit of it and I must say that this is not the end of you. There's plenty that God has in store for you..focus on pushing you PGCE and you will be amazed at the opportunities God has kept safe for ...I love you and I appreciate everything about you. Thank you and remember that there's bigger things waiting for you..❤❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

You are so welcome Tee! ❤️ thank you for your kind words and encouragement! Means a lot!!!

[@iloveafrica222]

Hey Anne thankyou for sharing. Proud of you!!! All the best with your PGCE

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you 💋

[@Reggiemod8]

Thoroughly enjoyed this vlog and you look gorgeous ❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you so much!! ❤️❤️

[@wandilewawa]

Hey Anna. I love the update 🎉 let me indulge.

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thanks for always watching and commenting ❤️❤️

[@makgabomahopo]

Mam, your hair? the editing ? the camera work? all that content creation is definitely a skill that you'll keep using! I am so proud of you! I'm so inspired by you.

[@AnnahPokubye]

So true, definitely helped me improve my craft as frustrating as it was sometimes lol ☺️ thank you Makgabo ❤️❤️

[@jadevanwyk2512]

Hey Annah, super happy for that!! Currently teaching gr. 4 learners too and they can be so cute!!! Any chances that you'll be returning to S. Korea👀

[@AnnahPokubye]

Awww grade 4!! My favourite grade currently! How has working and living in Korea been for you so far ? I’m thinking about returning to Korea 😋

[@zodumomncwango3076]

Hey Anah 😊 it’s good to see you and hearing about your new page in life. We are certainly never meant to stay in the same environment for too long or else there wont be growth. And life is all about growth. Wishing you all the best currently and I the future. I am interested in knowing which institution you enrolled in to study PGCE. Plug a girl up please. ❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you Zodumo!! All the best to you too! I’m studying through cornerstone institute 😋

[@nkululekomabaso1629]

All the best Sis❤❤❤❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you Nkululeko ❤️

[@sanemt6465]

Hi Annah 😊 all the best with your journey 🤗

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you Sane! ☺️❤️

[@olwethu_mxhalisa]

Wow Anna I enjoyed this life update ❤❤I am glad you are safe and well...God surely has a plan. I also prioritized my PGCE above anything and it paid off

[@AnnahPokubye]

When did you complete yours ? Can’t wait to say the words I’m glad I did it 🤓

[@olwethu_mxhalisa]

@@AnnahPokubye I completed it all last year and finished it December 2023...Now with the certificate at hand I have a pool of opportunities that the Lord has opened...the day will come when you will see why it was all worth it❤️Im praying for you🙏🏼❤️

[@AnnahPokubye]

@@olwethu_mxhalisa oh my gosh!!! I’m sooooo happy for you!!! 🥳🥳🥳 God is good!!!! That’s the very reason I also decided to get this thing done sooner rather than later!

[@olwethu_mxhalisa]

@@AnnahPokubye Thank you❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼

[@kwenamahlachane1866]

Ke thabetše go go bona! Welcome back 🎉.

[@AnnahPokubye]

Ke ya leboha!!!! ❤️❤️ ke leboha le support!

[@ingridramoloto5084]

Hey Annah. Thank you for the life update. I have been stressed 😂😅asking myself what happened. Why are you back in SA... But I'm glad to hear that you are well. So how long will the practicals take and why do you need to them at different schools???

[@AnnahPokubye]

Hi Ingrid, now that im back in the classroom I’m doing 10 times better! Practicals are for 9 weeks. My institution requires me to go to 3 schools to get more exposure and to learn from different types of schools/teachers

[@TheFancyfeeks]

Annah I need to sleep thle 😂😂but have to watch this ❤❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

😂😂 I was about to say it’s still early! 😉 awww 🥰 thanks for running in ❤️

[@mzitheni_]

Hawemah! I can’t believe how saturated the ESL market is now. Absolutely hate the disrespect towards South African teachers. The same is starting to happen here in Taiwan as well. I’m just glad you’re okay. Super excited for what you’ll get up to. I know it’s gonna be great🥳🤍

[@AnnahPokubye]

You joking!!!! 🤔🥺 here I’m thinking it’s just China 😒😟here I thought I could do a switch to your side of the world

[@mzitheni_]

@@AnnahPokubye it’s not as bad here and when you work for the government the salary is all the same. But I can see it’s slowly starting to be like that

[@AnnahPokubye]

@@mzitheni_ aye! There’s no where to run 🥺

[@MaleboeaMahlasela]

​@@AnnahPokubye8

[@rachelmajodini1636]

Good to see you 🥹☺️

[@AnnahPokubye]

You too! ❤️

[@puleng_mphahlele]

Hey it’s great to see you back on the app😃. Yhooo midnight flights and Immigration will give you a young panic attack. All the best of luck with your studies 💐😍.

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you Puleng!!! Yeah the panic attacks coming home caused 🫣

[@moledwaba2797]

Thank you for the transparency 🥹❤️stay blessed ❤️ I'd love to hear a comparison video of your experiences between SK and China

[@AnnahPokubye]

You got it! 🤓 Thanks for watching!

[@Simone-wg2mz]

Hey Annah. Thank you for assuring your well being. God is truly faithful and I am so grateful that you are now back home. I trust that being a teacher in our own country is a great fulfilment. There is a joy that you have that these kids need and this joy can only come from the Lord. Whatever your purpose in life is you can be sure that you are in the hands of the One that has control over all and in God's hand you are where you suppose to be. I want to encourage you on your journey. God be with you and His peace He leaves with you! "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path" Proverbs 3 5-6

[@AnnahPokubye]

🥺❤️Thank you Simone! I must say the time while I was job hunting before leaving China it was extremely disheartening and stressful! But I do believe God has a plan. Not sure if it’s to remain here at home or to go elsewhere. For now I’m glad to be back in the classroom 😁

[@pulanathulare9550]

Oh mama. We thank God you are home safely🤍🤍

[@AnnahPokubye]

You and me both! ❤️

[@victorjosesaaii2412]

Stiff wig soft life...all my Nigeria girlies be saying this And you Madam have amazing skills for editing, incorporating the best lighting and sound...good info here

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you!!! ☺️ I appreciate the feedback 🤓

[@TeaBagandTales]

Hey love, thank you for the update I won't lie when I saw your Instagram stories I was a little bit curious. Do you think you will go back to S. Korea or go elsewhere like maybe Taiwan or the UAE?

[@AnnahPokubye]

Currently I think that I may return to teaching abroad, however being home, teaching here is growing on me ☺️

[@TheFancyfeeks]

Yhooo the visa thing I would have been extremely scared as well.

[@AnnahPokubye]

Yoh wena! Didn’t think leaving the following morning would be such an issue!!!

[@jackytheexplorer6]

I commend you for leaving for that kind of environment. No one should have to put up with that. You did well 🙌.

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thanks Jacky! ❤️ just saw you have a channel as well! Will check out your videos! Even moreso since I’m home now not working 🫣

[@jackytheexplorer6]

@@AnnahPokubye Thank you my darling 🙏❤️💃😊

[@LifewithtshegoM]

New subbie 🎉🎉❤

[@AnnahPokubye]

Welcome!! 💋 and thank you for subscribing!!

[@wandilewawa]

Inhliziyo yami cishe yama 😂😂😂😂yho I’m glad that visa story had a happy ending. I was so stressed yho one thing in Asia they don’t play when it comes to visas 🙆‍♂️ I was having a chat with my dad about this. He was comparing with how people “do as they please” here in SA ?

[@AnnahPokubye]

Aye ya! Coming home I’m reminded of how lawless we are here and just anything goes! If things were stricter service delivery in SA wouldn’t be such a pain.

[@ntaolenglebitsa5829]

The same has been happening to me, I thought my CV and intro video wasn’t good enough

[@AnnahPokubye]

Nope!!! If only it was that easy for us - small edit and update. But noooo ma China!!!! 😒

[@Sillytillyx]

Some of the most informative ESL creators on here are the SA girlies so it’s such a shame the market is biased towards best of luck with finishing your studies

[@AnnahPokubye]

Thank you 🙏🏿 I really appreciate it!

[@Mokgadiramalepe]

Hey sis ❤ , Oh wow I'm in the same predicament In Korea 😅I have to go back to do practicals, but they can't even give me 2 months break though they " want me to staayy" , and for that, I'm leaving 😂😂I clearly understand its business and our journey ends here

[@AnnahPokubye]

Hi Mokgadi, I didn’t even think twice about leaving for the PGCE. Just as they wouldn’t think twice about not renewing my contract or letting me go. And since we have no idea what tomorrow holds we will definitely be in a better position with a PGCE in hand! Good luck as you complete your practicals and your qualification! 🤓 who are you doing yours through

[@Mokgadiramalepe]

UNISA 😅, I'm almost done because I did it in 3 years .

[@wandilewawa]

I’m also glad you didn’t renew with that school. I remember it all. 😂

[@AnnahPokubye]

Hearing what my replacement is going through I definitely made the right decision!

[@dimphorasogo13]

Hi mama, what are your specialisation for PGCE and where are you doing it?

[@AnnahPokubye]

I’m at Cornerstone Institute. I choose to specialise in intermediate phase

[@nomondemondhlane8721]

The ghosting part is not even funny, I thought I was the only one and because maybe I’m still in SA but ke why ghost someone who’s already in China 😫😫🙇🏽‍♂️🙇🏽‍♂️🙇🏽‍♂️🙇🏽‍♂️ shook! Awesome video ✨✨✨♥️

[@AnnahPokubye]

I know it’s not their fault it’s the schools. They merely send our info to the schools and if they don’t choose us. Recruiters don’t come back to us 😮‍💨 thanks for watching Nomonde ❤️

[@gaositoemohane978]

Hi Annah just discovered your channel i need assistance from you do you know if i can apply for an ESL teaching post using my three years national diploma obtained from a Technikon plus TEFL certificate. Thanks Darling, love your presentations

[@AnnahPokubye]

Hi, you can to countries which have a diploma as their minimum requirement like Cambodia. So what you can do is search teach English abroad with a Diploma on google and KZbin to find out other countries as I know Cambodia isn’t the only one 😋 hopes this answers your question

[@TshegoMonnakgathi]

Omontle ❤️

[@AnnahPokubye]

Ke ya leboha 🥰❤️

[@user-wn3bf7kk6u]

I'm confused the visa that expired is it the one you did in SA?

[@AnnahPokubye]

When I left SA for Korea, I got. Korean visa for the 12 month contract I had then. After my 12 months in Korea I went to China. While I was in Korea I applied for a Chinese visa so I can work 12 months in China. Since my work contract in china ended (12 months was up) my visa also expired. Hope this makes sense 😋

[@nontombitamia7633]

Oh my word you taught babies babies for real😭I teach 5 year olds and that’s still a lot

[@AnnahPokubye]

I feel like any age under grade 1 are babies 🤣 the fact that you still there going I Everyday, doing what you’re hired to do 🙌🏾 ❤️

[@kayliving61]

Heiii wena, o sa bolela. Nna ebile kere ke tla no dula le skolo sa ka cz the streets of China are showing me flames. It’s time ko dira PGCE keye elsewhere or back to Thailand

[@AnnahPokubye]

Yoh gal! Apart of me has regrets but on the other side these practicals needed to be done. Seeing what’s happening in China having the PGCE, future will be extremely grateful for this decision. How’s your current school treating you ?

[@kayliving61]

@@AnnahPokubye my schools has crazy hours for a kindergarten, but that is about it. PGCE is the future, you won’t regret.

[@Johann_in_China]

I am a South African in China, and you are right, I decided to move for the first time in 13 years. I teach at an International school and I started looking earlier because we have to tell our school in October if we are staying or going. It took longer than I thought it would take. Recruiters have told me that schools are looking for native speakers from America or Europe. But also don’t use the word black, because I am a white teacher and is going through the same as you. I have to tell you that if you are a qualified teacher you won’t have trouble finding a job, you just need to be patient. And I can tell you the offer o got as a South African was the same as any teacher from any other counties. That is the difference if you are working for a language school, bilingual school and or an international school. Finish your PGCE and apply at an international school. And a lot of schools have been closed including international bilingual schools. And everybody wants to come back to China because our salaries are still higher than most Asian counties.

[@AnnahPokubye]

Hi Johann, that’s true I’ve been getting those responses too - that they want Europeans or Americans. But sadly I’ve also been getting responses saying they don’t want black people. My video was purely based on my experience and the feedback back I and other black South Africans that inbox me were getting. I am starting to pick that the reality is that it’s not only an issue that black South Africans are facing but all South Africans with job hunting in China (depending on the school). I hear you, one’s chances of landing a job will require patience, being intentional which type of schools you apply at and one’s qualifications. For these reasons I’ll def be patient and complete my studies as planned. 🤓 Thank for your advice as well as sharing your experience! 🤍

[@momonkie5958]

Thanks for the information ❤

[@SiphiwePatrickTshabalala-hs7zj]

Thank God Korea gives us that extra Month 😭😭😭because bathong???

[@AnnahPokubye]

Right!!! We need some time to figure out our lives! They couldn’t even manage 72 hours 😒

[@joy_to]

Ungrateful lot. Screw them. You’ll get something better, Annah.

[@AnnahPokubye]

Awww thanks Joy!!! 🙏🏿❤️

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

You should watch videos of Black people working in Mainland China right now . There are several of them sharing their experiences and expertise. 👍👍

[@leemo3583]

Sad reality in these Asia streets is that South Africans will be overworked and underpaid, and we usually deliver. While the palm-coloured peeps will give bare minimum and still be paid higher wages.

[@AnnahPokubye]

It’s sad and frustrating!!! 😒😩

[@babongileludude2449]

Would you advise someone to leave a permanent job in government to teach English abroad?

[@AnnahPokubye]

Hi Babongile, I would never tell you guys to leave your job and move abroad or tell you to keep your job and not move as it’s not my decision to make. The only thing I do is give you the information you need to make the decision for yourself based on your personal circumstances. So let’s start with why are you considering to teach abroad? What’s your why for considering it? Is it financial reasons or travel purposes for example. Let’s say its for financial reasons. I would then ask you - look at your current financial situation then go research what your potential financial situation would be abroad. After comparing the two let this guide you in making your decision. Do also remember the big move is costly, involves leaving behind everything you know, to live in a country you have never been to before. You will face many challenges along the way but also gain a lot in the process 😋 draw up a pros and cons list. Decide if the cost of moving, being away from family, facing daily challenges as a foreigner is worth what you hope to gain ❤️I hope this helps. And always remember you can come back home 🏠

[@babongileludude2449]

You answered me so well. Thank you ❤

[@CheesecakeOnTheMoon]

Yoh the content creation can get crazy 😂 cameras in my face during class, filming marketing videos after class, editing and having to refilm cause the supervisor wants to change something insignificant 😂 I'm also definitely NOT renewing with my kindergarten. Of course not all kindergartens are like this. Of all my friends, i had it the worst. They were always surprised by how much content id have to pumo out for the school wechat channel. I used to be camera shy before i came to China, but not anymore lol

[@AnnahPokubye]

Finally someone who gets it!!! 😮‍💨 it’s a lot right! More than what you signed up for! I guess the upside is you’ve learnt the skill of content creation and are comfortable in front of the camera! Definitely skills you use in future 😋 all the best as you finish off your contract and if you are looking for a new school may you find one that meets your expectations or at least most of them since there’s no perfect school or employer out there ❤️

[@CheesecakeOnTheMoon]

@AnnahPokubye the camera confidence was forced out of me, felt like I was shooting an episode of YoTV 😂 Glad I did it, but I'm okay with being a host for the time being shem

[@AnnahPokubye]

@@CheesecakeOnTheMoon 😂😂😂

[@girliGuess]

I learned from South Korea that Kindy ain't for me. I thought the RMB would be a nice little incentive but no ways...2 year olds? Issa no from me. Also, nothing impresses the Asians - no amount of hard work ever suffices hai. I see the only jobs offered ko China at the moment ke tsa Kindy and as a B. Ed graddie, with a SACE and 5+ years experience, ke shup ka China and their kindy offers. I came back to SA from SK hoping to go to China but yhu I guess God will provide but if its kindy, ke shup! Also, I don't think it's the recruiters ghosting - they're just the middleman so I guess it's the schools that don't want us.

[@AnnahPokubye]

Yip!! That’s what this past year taught me! No amount of work is ever enough! You work for every single sent and then some! Yeah I’m not found of kindy myself 🥺them high school and university.

[@AnnahPokubye]

Yeah I guess you are right they waiting on schools not necessarily ghosting some of them. The others that already know the schools they recruit for don’t want a South African or don’t want a person of colour or want somone with specific qualifications or experience. They should be getting back to people or being up front - although I know Asians are like us where we’d be up front and honest you are not what we are looking for. Wishing you the best as you decide what the next chapter looks like for you ❤️❤️

[@ongezwasisilana-lc8co]

For true they are now gosting us South Africans 😢...I have my bachelor's degree in education with experience but it's hard only got an offer for 8k RMB they my documents are now expiring

[@AnnahPokubye]

😵 yoh! I don’t even know what to say 🥺 so what are thinking of doing ?

[@ongezwasisilana-lc8co]

@@AnnahPokubye now I wanna try Thailand and Vietnam

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

​@@ongezwasisilana-lc8co Have you apply in different top tier cities ? Have you seek assistance from fellow Blacks working in Mainland China ?

[@AnnahPokubye]

Is your experience in SA alone or abroad as well ? But do consider @peekaboo’s comment. Post in the Facebook group your years of experience, qualifications- so ppl can connect with recruiters. Do also contact other recruiters and apply on websites like Teaching Nomad, Nord Anglican schools, Harrow schools, Teacher Horizons

[@Pheladi_K]

Everytime koloi e feta you look defeated😂 Them not giving you 5 weeks they are not loyal shame😖 True the job market in China now is crazy! i failed and my documents expired TWICE😢

[@nondumisokheswa7977]

Tjoooo😢 that money njee