What are the Requirements to be an Eligible Applicant?
Essential
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Age limit - 19 to 45 years are preferred by Chinese schools. Mature 18 year old considered.
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Completed high school with sound grades (post secondary school preferred)
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Good English grades at school*
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Appropriate personal qualities (maturity, flexibility, ability to cope with challenges, good communication skills)
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Travel experience
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A range of hobbies and interests
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Provide copies of academic qualifications
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Good health
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No police record
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Demonstrated cultural sensitivity
Preferable
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Some work experience- either paid or voluntary.
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Experience of working with children, such as babysitting
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Held a position of responsibility at school
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Independent travel experience or travel experience in developing countries is a plus
*A high level of written and spoken English is an expectation and all candidates will be interviewed and complete a written application to demonstrate the skills required. Applicants are required to take an English test on application.
There are minimum standards of dress and behavior expected. Body piercing and visible tattoos are not acceptable for the role of Teacher Intern in China.
Candidates should have the capacity to be independent; able to adjust to a new environment that is very different to their current experience; demonstrate responsibility and commitment and have the capacity to be flexible and meet challenges.
What is the Language Requirement?
You need to have either of the following:
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A native speaker of English or
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Sound English levels, especially in oral and spoken English.
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No speech impediments or strong dialects
All applicants have a written test and are interviewed to assess their level of English to ensure it is at a level that is required for the program.
What is the Application Procedure?
There are five stages to the application process:
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Pre Application Process
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Language Assessment
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Interview
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Full Application – including references and written statement
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Assessment of Full Application
What is Included in the Program with TEFL Training?
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A four week Training & Orientation Package which consists of English language teaching methodology; orientation to China and Mandarin lessons. Accommodation and meals are included in the Training Package.
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Access to support and emergency services on a 24 hour basis.
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The ELC Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). This is a certificate that is provided by English Language Company, a registered English training school in Sydney Australia.
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Orientation to China, detailing customs, laws and other essential ‘survival’ information.
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Lessons in basic Mandarin – conversational level Mandarin for everyday usage.
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Placement in schools for work as a Teacher Intern.
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Ongoing academic support & access to teaching ideas and resources
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Accommodation and meals whilst employed at schools. This is generally shared apartments and school canteen meals.
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An allowance of 2000RMB per month when in a school. This is an allowance that will assist the candidate in their stay in China, but will not allow for saving.
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A completion bonus of RMB2500 per semester once the Teacher Intern's placement is completed.
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Internal travel, when moving between schools, will be paid for.
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Time to travel other areas of China during school breaks and after your time at school.
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The program is endorsed by Chinese government authorities.
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Option to request school placement for a second semester
What is Not Included?
The key things not included in the Program, other than daily expenses are:
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Return Air Ticket – note however, that the Completion Bonus paid can contribute to the air fare or be used to travel around or out China once the formal commitments are completed.
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Visa fees
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Travel Insurance – participants are required to obtain adequate travel insurance – Please ask your TTC Representative for advice
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Travel during holidays and after the formal program is completed.
What Ages and Nationalities are the People on the Program?
The age of the participants does vary, with people from 18 through to 45 joining the program. However, the majority of participants are between 21 and 30 years old. Previous participants have come from England, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Scotland, Norway, Netherlands, Mexico and many more!
Can Two Applicants be Placed Together?
This is possible but cannot always be guaranteed. We would require details of those who wish to be placed together in advance. You should note this on the Placement Preference Guide within your application package.
I am travelling with a friend/s. Can we be placed together?
We will endeavor to place you with someone whom you knew previously.
Will there be Other TTC Teacher Interns at the Same School?
TTC generally place 2 or more interns at one school or in close proximity of each other (less than 10kms).
Which Vaccinations Should I get Before Travelling to China?
You should visit your doctor to discuss which vaccinations are recommended. We can suggest Hepatitis A and B for the interns’ own protection.
When will I Know Where my Teacher Intern Placement is?
You will be advised of your placement region towards the end of the 4-week TEFL training period. Placements are based on the Schools selection process combined with the performance of the participant during the training period.
However, you can make a request for a particular region within China prior to your departure that you would prefer - North-east; North; Central East and South, although these cannot be guaranteed.
The North-East includes Inner Mongolia, Jilin and Liaoning. The North includes Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi and Shaanxi. Central East includes Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Jiangsu Province. The south includes the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunan and Fujian. Within these there are cities and provinces not listed, but you can check our China map to for an idea of the nature of the locations.
How far in Advance Should I Apply? When Should I Arrive?
You will need to have submitted your full application by the following application deadline. You should book your flight to arrive in Beijing on the program start dates listed here.
*Participants who arrive earlier/later than an official arrival date, an accommodation fee of Euro 25 per night and a special arranged airport pick-up fee of Euro 35 are chargeable.
When should I Book my Return Flight for?
As it is expected that most participants will travel after the teaching is completed, you should take this into consideration when booking return flights. However, some participants will be returning home and we would recommend them to book their flight a few days later than the end of the program in case you have to travel back to Beijing from your placement school. Please see the "Prices and Dates" section to see a list of current semester dates.
What kind of Teacher Intern Positions are Available?
Generally, there are three categories of teacher assistant placement:
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Kindergarten 4-6
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Primary 6- 12
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Junior high school 12 -15
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Senior high school 15 - 18
You will be asked to nominate your preference of placement, but these are not guaranteed.
What kind of School will I be Placed in?
Schools in China will vary greatly as they do in all education systems. Schools are usually large, with between 2,000 and 5,000 students.
The schools are a mixture of private schools and government schools. They can be primary only; secondary only or K-12 schools (Kindergarten to Year 12).
Many of the schools have foreign teachers and programs, but there are schools in China that are new to having foreign teachers. You will be placed with at least one other Teach & Travel participant in the school (either from your program intake or a current participant in his/her second semester).
How long is the Training & Orientation? Where Does it Take Place?
The training course is 4 weeks and you complete a TEFL program, which is the English Language Company Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. In addition there are lessons in Mandarin and an Orientation to China. This will all take place in Beijing
What Happens When I Arrive in China?
Our TTC staff will pick you up from the airport from a designated place and take you to the training center. You will then be given accommodation and introduced to fellow students and staff. There will be an orientation which will allow you to become familiar with China, get over any jet lag prior to commencing training and join in excursions to local tourist spots and markets.
What is Included in the Training & Orientation Program?
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A 2-day orientation program including visits to tourist locations; shopping; dining and settling into China.
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A comprehensive and intensive 108-hour TEFL training program delivered over 4 weeks.
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Mandarin lessons – minimum of 2 per week
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Chinese culture classes - Tai Chi and calligraphy
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Airport pick-up
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Welcome dinner
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Welcome kit
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Accommodation in the training school
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Meals through the school canteen
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Access to school facilities for evening recreation and sporting activities
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Social and cultural activities – 2 organised excursions in the training period.
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Farewell Dinner
What do I Study During the TEFL Training Period?
You will learn the skills required to be confident and successful as a Teacher Intern, including lesson plans, classroom methods and administration procedures.
The ELC Certificate in TEFL is delivered by English Language Company, a school accredited in Sydney, Australia for the purpose of teaching English as a second or foreign language.
The owners and founders of the school are published English course book writers for Oxford University Press and ELC is known for its top-quality teachers and innovative programs.
ELC has won the award in the following category: Best Language School Southern Hemisphere 2007 (visit their website for more information) The ELC Certificate in TEFL comprises two phases:
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Theory and Teaching Practice – a full time course over 4 weeks comprising a total of 108 hours of instruction, including both teaching methodology and teaching practice. This is a challenging course that prepares all participants for their role as a Teacher Intern.
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Practical Experience – this is completed in the schools. All participants complete a practical assignment and receive a reference from the school. The ELC Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language is awarded at the conclusion of the practical component.
In order to successfully complete the training program participants must:
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attend all input sessions
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attend all teaching practice (unless otherwise advised)
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adequately prepare for teaching practice
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complete and submit on time all assignments
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demonstrate a basic understanding of English language teaching methodology
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demonstrate competence in the use of basic classroom techniques
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demonstrate good language awareness
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behave cooperatively and constructively with colleagues and trainers
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conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times
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speak only English during core hours of training
What Happens if I do Not Pass the Training Program?
It is expected that all candidates who apply themselves to the Training Program will be able to succeed. However, all must realize that this will require an input of maximum effort to the Program as it is a certified qualification.
A participant who fails to meet the assessment criteria for the program will not be awarded a statement of attainment at the course end. He/she will subsequently not be able to take up his/her placement.
According to the visa, if this occurs, the participant will be required to return home. However, TTC may assist at its discretion, candidates (at their expense) to alter their visa to a one month tourist visa if the candidate wishes to travel.
The capacity and willingness of TTC to assist with this depends on the circumstances of the candidate. If a participant does not complete his/her practical experience he/she will not be awarded the ELC Certificate in TEFL. The ELC TEFL certificate is the culmination of rigorous teacher training and practical experience.
What kinds of Activities and Excursions are there?
We host a welcome dinner to make you feel at home with your fellow participants and the staff.
During the training period, we will organise excursions to sites such as the Great Wall and Summer Palace. We also arrange a number of activities for you to mingle with your fellow participants! Past events have included karaoke, going to snack street, movie nights, dumpling making, calligraphy, tai chi, ice skating and many more!
On your final night of the training period we arrange a farewell dinner to send you off to your placements with a bang!
How Many Semesters do the Schools Have? How Long is a Semester? And When do they Start?
There are two semester in each academic year. Each term will be about 4.5 months. The first term starts in early September. The second term starts in late February and is dependent on the time of Chinese New Year which is usually late January to late February.
What are Chinese Schools Like?
The schools in which you will work will vary as in all school systems. Generally schools are well equipped, even though there are aspects that are rudimentary by western standards.
Note:
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The number of students will vary between 500 and 5,000
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The students are generally weekday boarders
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Schools offer many after school activities for students
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Class sizes will vary and may be in excess of 60 students
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They generally have good equipment and resources, though sometimes English resources are limited
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Buildings are generally modern
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Recreation facilities are generally of a high standard
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Foreign teachers are not common in schools
What is Included in the Teacher Placement Program?
The following are the inclusions for the Program:
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Transfer to school for teacher intern position
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Meals and accommodation during school term
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Shared accommodation
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Meals are supplied through the school canteen or other arrangements provided by the school.
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Accommodation during holidays (not meals)
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Teacher intern allowance of 2000RMB per month
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Cultural excursions – one per term
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2 hours of Mandarin instruction per week
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School holiday breaks as per regulations
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Completion bonus (RMB2500 for the entire program)
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Guaranteed placement with at least one other intern
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24/7 support through TTC office in Beijing and local support groups.
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Option to request school placement for a second semester
Do Schools have Breaks? How Long are they?
The summer breaks are from July to August, and are 8 weeks in length. The winter breaks are from January to February, which is 4 weeks long. Some schools offer Summer Schools during the summer break. There are also unique holidays in May & October for around one week each.
Do Teacher Interns have Christmas Day off?
There is no public holiday for Christmas Day in China so you would have to book the day off without pay and make sure you apply for leave in advance from the school.
Will I be Evaluated After I have Started Teaching?
Your practical experience is included as part of the ELC TEFL Certificate. You will be required to complete 180 hours of teaching to be awarded the ELC TEFL Certificate. You may be observed by a TTC staff member to ensure your teaching is of the required standard.
What Happens if there's a Problem Between the School and Me?
TTC staff will support you and work with the school to resolve any issues. The Placement Managers also have a key role in assisting you to integrate into the school.
Schools have also been asked to provide a contact person for participants there to assist with understanding the school and local culture. Generally problems can be resolved easily with effective communication and having all involved willing to assist to ensure there is a satisfactory resolution.
How Many Mandarin Lessons Will I Receive? Are they Mandatory?
You will have many opportunities to learn and practice Mandarin informally. It will vary between schools. You will recieve a minimum of 2 hours of informal Mandarin lessons per week during your placement. It is not compulsory but strongly advised that you do your very best to pick up as much of the language as possible.
What are the Accommodation & Meals like?
The accommodation will vary between schools as each has a different format. You can expect to have to share communal facilities in the school in regards to accommodation.
By western standards, the accommodation may be considered basic, but by Chinese standards the accommodation provided to foreign teachers is spacious and of a comparatively high standard.
Some schools have teachers living in nearby apartments, but these are furnished and generally of a reasonable standard. Bedding is included, and most accommodation will have a television and DVD player.
Meals are generally served in a dining hall, but in places where apartments are used, there are sometimes other arrangements made. There is usually a separate staff dining hall.
Western meals are not served – and you should endeavor to become competent in using chopsticks. Chinese food is fresh, but milk, bread, coffee, cheese and other common western foods are very rare. Rice and tea are staples, but every meal comes with a variety of dishes. Unlike the west, Chinese meals are similar throughout the day.
Western food can be purchased in the cities, but the quality may vary and it is relatively expensive. Food will vary in quality, but is usually fresh.
Do Teacher Interns have to Pay any Bills?
The school will take on a certain amount (RMB300-500) – this will vary from school to school. If the gas, electricity and water expenses exceed this limit, the Teacher Interns needs to pay the rest.
Do Teacher Interns have to Set Up a Bank Account?
Yes, TTC will help Teacher Interns to set up a bank account once they have arrived in their teaching location.
How much is the Allowance? How will I get it? Will I Pay Tax?
The allowance is 2000RMB per month and is tax free. Your allowance can be paid either by cash or directly into your bank account. There is no tax on the allowance.
The exchange rate is roughly 6.3RMB per 1 US Dollar. You will receive a completion bonus for the completion of your contract which amounts RMB2500 per semester.
This level of allowance is approximately the same as a Chinese teacher would receive. As you will be a Teacher Intern, and training in this time, you will receive less than a qualified foreign teacher.
What is the Salary?
As you are not a certified teacher, you are not permitted to earn a salary. Rather, you are teaching as part of a cultural exchange. You will receive an allowance of 2000RMB per month, tax-free which is comparable to what locals teaching English earn per month.
What Kind of Insurance is Required?
You do require comprehensive insurance for the program, especially medical insurance. The ideal package includes health, accident, liability and baggage insurance. Please ask your TTC Representative for advice.
What kind of Clothing do I Need to Wear whilst Teaching?
Dress policy may also vary between schools and you are required to follow the school policy on these matters. Generally a high standard of dress is expected, with the minimum standard being smart casual.
What kind of Students will I Teach?
The age of the students will depend on your job placement. You will be teaching very young children if you are given a job in a kindergarten and up to adult age if you enter a language school. They are usually well behaved and keen to learn English and interact with foreigners.
You will be asked what your preferred age of teaching is, but this is not guaranteed. The range of English will also vary from beginner to intermediate levels.
How Many Students will there be in a Class?
Typically, a class is between 25-50 students depending on the age of the students. Classes are smaller if the students are younger. You should expect classes of around 50 for teaching at the senior levels. Some classes can exceed 60 students in size.
Will I Have a ‘Mentor’ or Contact Person at the School?
Yes, there will be a liaison at the school to assist with your integration into the school. This contact person will be able to speak English.
Will I be Teaching by Myself, or will there be Assistant Teachers?
You should be prepared to lead a class on your own. There may be assistants in the lower level classrooms.
Where will I teach?
You may teach in schools all over China. You will be given a choice of locations prior to departure, but these are not guaranteed. Our Placement Partners will work with the schools to allocate one to you and prepare you and them for your arrival.
What is a ‘Placement Manager’?
TTC works very closely with organizations (mainly government) in China that are responsible for international education and cultural programs and the placement of teachers in schools.
These organizations have contacts within schools throughout China and assist to place you in the schools. They also work with TTC to organize your visa and you are linked to the school through this visa.
The Placement Managers are also responsible for assisting with the schools in regards to your Teacher Internship, in addition to the support provided by TTC. They are a key component of the complete package of support that is offered. They assist in the organization of the cultural activities that are provided in the program.
How Much Money will I Spend on the Program?
You should prepare for the cost for international airfare, cost for visa application, insurance and any personal expenses in China. The Allowance will cover basic costs, but will not provide for ‘saving’ opportunities.
It is expected that all Participants will require additional savings to draw on, with the amount dependent on the amount of additional travel and entertainment expected. Your completion bonus can assist towards your airfare or travel around China at the conclusion of your program.
What are my Teaching Duties?
These will vary from school to school, but as a general rule you should expect to be in the classroom for 15 hours per week as a teacher or teacher assistant.
There will also be preparation time, meetings and assessment as needed. In classes, the emphasis of your lessons should be on "conversational English" and the culture of your country.
Many teachers may teach English composition, reading and literature as well. Some teachers may also assist in courses in subject fields such as music, history, geography, or science courses in some international schools, depending on your background and skill.
You may be expected to assist with the writing of lesson plans, monitoring attendance, correcting homework and even assisting in academic counseling if necessary. You could be asked to assist in the administration of the school and prepare materials for classroom teachers. Even though the role is that of “Teacher Intern” you can expect to take lessons by yourself.
How do I Guarantee the Teacher Placement Conditions?
You will sign an Agreement for the Teacher Intern role. A sample copy is supplied with the Pre-departure Handbook. The terms and conditions of the Program are also a guarantee of the Program.
How do I Find Out More Information?
Your Sending Partner (Travel Agent) has more details on the Program. You will also receive a Pre-departure Handbook which will assist you in your preparation for the Program.
