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

QUESTIONS ABOUT TEACHING IN CHINA

Do I have a choice of teaching location in China?
You may request a general region in China and type of school (primary, secondary, or college / university), but we cannot guarantee specific cities or institutions.

For placement in 2003, we will be working with a very limited number of institutions in Shanghai, Beijing and possibly Kunming.  If you are interested in other locations in China, we suggest contacting one of the other programs listed on our "Links" page.

Teachers may have more than one option to choose from when selecting a teaching post.  You must be open and flexible regarding your final placement, however, since the placement opportunities vary from year to year.

What is the duration of the academic year in China?
The academic year begins around September 1 and ends in early to mid-July, with two semesters of approximately 20 weeks each.  (Some institutions have a trimester system.) All teachers have a Chinese New Year paid vacation in January or February. Some institutions offer positions for a full year, including summer session.

May I teach longer than a year?
Yes.  However, it is your responsibility to make such arrangements.  Although the initial commitment is generally for one year, you may negotiate with your host institution or another school for an extended contract.  If you wish assistance from CTP with re-placement in another institution, we will consider such requests.  The fee for re-placement is $250.00, and re-placement candidates must contact CTP well in advance of the desired re-placement semester. Re-application requirements will vary according to individual circumstances.

What subjects will I teach?
You probably will teach any combination of English speaking, listening, writing, reading, contemporary American culture, and preparation for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  If you are qualified, you may teach English literature, business, law, history or other subjects.  Experts may advise students on theses and dissertations.  Foreign teachers and experts usually do not teach English grammar classes unless they hold advanced degrees in English.

What determines my salary?  How often will I get paid?  Will I get an advance on my salary when I arrive?  What will be my major expenses?
Your salary is determined by the host institution, based on your academic background, work experience, and other factors.  Salary is paid monthly, and the host institution will often give you an advance when you arrive.

Foreign teachers generally receive a salary of 2200-3300 yuan per month, and foreign expert salaries usually range from 2500-4500 yuan per month, with 30-70% convertible into foreign currency.  The exchange rate in China is floating; currently, 1 US$ = approximately 8.25 RMB (renminbi or yuan).  You should estimate a salary that is the equivalent of US$250.00 to US$600.00 per month.  Usually higher salaries are offered in more expensive cities.

Your salary is adequate for buying food and other necessities in China.  Extensive travel requires additional funds. Host institutions provide housing and basic medical care.

Other costs include passport and visa fees; international airfare (may be reimbursed by the host institution; health exams required of all foreign teachers; immunizations; teaching materials; and personal items.  We also strongly recommend that you hold a major medical insurance policy that will cover you overseas and provide emergency evacuation coverage. CTP supplies information on such policies.  As a participant in the China Teaching Program you may generally defer student loans for the duration of your participation in the program for up to three years.  CTP can provide letters of support for deferment requests, but you are responsible for applying directly to your lender(s) for deferral.

Are teaching materials provided, or should I bring my own?
Although teaching materials are sometimes provided by the Chinese institutions, you will want supplementary materials.  The China Teaching Program has an extensive list and library of suggested resources, and the TESOL methodology class will provide numerous recommendations and examples.  Teaching conditions in China are quite basic and require a great deal of flexibility on the part of the teacher.

How many hours of teaching are required per week?
Normal contracts are for 14 to 18 contact hours with students, exclusive of preparation, grading, office hours, or other activities that may be required by your host institution.  Extra teaching hours are often available for extra pay.

What is the average class size?
The average class consists of 20 to 40 students, but can be as large as 80.  Your total number of students in all classes may be anywhere from about 80 to 400.