Telephone: (360) 650-3753
Fax: (360) 650-2847
Email: ctp@wwu.edu

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CHINA TEACHING PROGRAM

PLEASE SEE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2003 IN "INFORMATION" SECTION - CLICK ON
"INFORMATION" TILE.  ONLY CANDIDATES QUALIFIED FOR PLACEMENT-ONLY STATUS
WILL BE CONSIDERED IN 2003. SERVICES LISTED BELOW WILL BE MODIFIED ACCORDINGLY.  PLEASE CONTACT THE DIRECTOR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

What services does CTP provide?
CTP is a training and placement program, providing pre-departure classes and workshops (or informational materials for placement-only applicants) and performing all negotiations concerning placement in China.  Once you are in China, most negotiations are between you and your host institution.  The CTP staff provides follow-up support from the Bellingham office and through our in-country representative, a teacher with one or more years of prior experience and currently located in China.  The CTP director speaks Chinese fluently and has considerable experience working with Chinese educational institutions.  The international offices at Western Washington University also have an emergency response plan in place for assisting with situations that might arise for teachers overseas.

What does my tuition cover?
For the summer training session, your tuition covers the five-week training session at Western Washington University and placement at a Chinese institution.  For placement only, the placement and telecommunications fees cover all administrative costs for placement plus orientation materials sent to you prior to departure.  CTP costs do not include passport or visa fees, health exams, immunizations, travel, other miscellaneous costs, or housing, food, and class materials in Bellingham during the summer training session.

What does the training session include?

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Methodology:
 Introduction to a variety of TESOL methods and materials.  The course familiarizes students with general TESOL principles and also stresses the specific concerns facing the English as a Foreign Language teacher in the People's Republic of China.  For applicants desiring TESOL certification, please check the appropriate box on the CTP application form and we will send you further information.

ESL Teaching Practicum:
Mentored teaching opportunities in Western’s ESL classes allowing for interaction with ESL students from countries in Asia and around the world.

Chinese Language:
The first-level course is designed for beginners to learn the phonetics, tones, and pronunciation of the national language of China.  Intermediate / advanced training is provided for participants with previous study of the Chinese language.

Chinese Culture:
Seminars on major traditions and modern developments, including history, philosophy, religion, literature, art and architecture, geography, education, environment, politics, economics and popular culture.

Preparation for Living in China:
This course, taught by an American who has lived in the PRC, addresses practical issues of living, working, and traveling in China.

Cultural Adaptation and Intercultural Communication:
Workshops on various aspects of cultural adjustment and communication. Emphasis on situations teachers will encounter in both professional and everyday life in China.

Other Seminars and Activities:
Presentations by program alumni; Chinese films; field trips; and social gatherings.

Am I guaranteed placement?
Although the CTP has a 100% placement record to date, we cannot guarantee placement, as we are unable to predict changes that may affect the hiring of foreign teachers in China.  If for some reason we are not able to place you initially, we will continue to seek placement opportunities for you.