Teach in China
location
China is in the midst of a slow explosion. Five
thousand years into its history and not yet anywhere near
past its prime, China today is very much a nation under
construction. Chinese history is a staggeringly long tale
of civilization, conquest, and expansion. Everywhere, old
buildings, roads, traditions, and ideas are being torn
down as new frameworks are erected, some making careful
use of the past, others branching out in new directions
altogether. China is dynamic and exciting, with sprawling,
sophisticated cities. It is diverse, with dozens of minority
nationalities, cuisines, and cultures. It is a place of
tremendous natural beauty, with vast, fertile plains and
expansive mountain panoramas. Don't let the world's most
populous country intimidate you. Get to know the people,
places, and pleasures of the real China, as it will be
an experience that will surpass all of your expectations.
From temple-hopping to bar-hopping, there is a great
deal to see and do in China. Those with specialized interests can
indulge to their hearts' content, and those without will find no
better opportunity to develop them. China's neon-lit cities, fascinating
age-old customs, incredible sense of history, and gorgeous sights
will quench the soul of even the most travel-thirsty explorer.
For centuries, "Zhongguo" or the Middle Kingdom was
an enigma to most of the outside world. Hiding behind a culture
with over 5,000 years of history, the Chinese seemed content
to remain this way. Images of China such as emperors ruling with
a mandate from heaven, imperial courts, Tang dynasty poetry,
Ming dynasty vases, calligraphy, Confucianism, Taoism, martial
arts, dragons, jade, temples, and the Great Wall to more contemporary
events such as the fall of the last emperor, the Republican move
to Taiwan, the rise of the Communist Party, use of traditional versus
simplified characters, the current debate of reunification,
as well as the modern figures in Chinese history, Sun Yatsen,
Zhou Enlai, Chiang Kaishek, Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Lee Tenghui,
and Jiang Zemin all contribute to the fascinating history and legacy
of the world's most populated country.
For more information on China, pick up a copy of Let's
Go China or visit www.letsgo.com.
Content provided courtesy of Let's Go, Inc.
teaching assignments
Placements for Teach in China participants are available at an elementary,
middle or high school, college or university in a wide
range of urban and rural locations. Placements are driven
by the demand for English-speaking teachers and the requirements
of each host institution, so CIEE cannot guarantee to honor
your placement requests.
Most assignments will be for English language teachers. Those wishing to teach more specialized courses must have relevant experience. A Master's degree in the subject field is usually required. CIEE cannot guarantee placement in any subject other than English.
A typical teaching load is 16 classes per week, depending
on the school. In addition to actual time spent in the classroom,
participants are expected to devote time to class planning, presentations, faculty
meetings, and a modicum of extra-curricular activities. Participants
should assume a 35-40 work week. In return, you will receive:
- A minimum local salary of 3,000 RMB per month
- A free flight home from China (one-way) provided by
the host institution if you successfully complete an academic year or two-semester contract
orientation
All Teach in China participants receive a week-long orientation in Shanghai upon arrival. Conducted by CIEE staff and local experts, the orientation program will provide you with important cultural and practical information to help you adapt to life in China. Some local sightseeing, housing, and meals are included. The training course will give you the resources you need to be an effective teacher and will help you develop essential skills for teaching, including a study of the theories and practical applications of teaching English as a Foreign Language in China.
academic calendar
The Chinese academic school year beings in late August or early September. The first semester ends a couple of weeks prior to the Chinese New Year, which changes each year. The second semester generally begins 2 weeks after the New Year and continues until June or July, depending on the school.
Various teaching contract durations are available in China:
- Academic year, starting in August - Chinese schools favor this contract
- One semester, starting in August or February
- Two semesters, starting in February (includes a summer break)
housing
Housing is provided free of charge by the host institution to all participants
of the Teach in China program. Accommodations will be in the 'foreign visitors'
quarters, usually on campus. All accommodations have heat and some have air
conditioning. Most include a fully furnished bedroom, sitting room, bathroom,
and access to shared cooking facilities. The quality of the facilities varies
greatly from school to school and may be quite different from what you are
accustomed to in the U.S.
details, details