Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I need to have any teaching qualifications to take part in TEIC?No. The only requirements are as follows:
What should go into my CVThe Chinese selectors are looking essentially at your english language qualifications and also any type of teaching experience or contact with young people. So, for example, put GCE english pass at the top of your GEC results. If you sat english at A level do the same. Any english literature or language courses at university need to presented clearly. You could even put these results into bold font. If you have acted as a mentor, or worked in a summer camp, or been a volunteer, etc, again make the most of those jobs. This 'teaching' experience, in the widest sense, will be noted and recognised. If you have worked part time in a bar or pub do not put that into your cv, instead indicate you worked as a waiter or cashier. Selectors will not approve of bar work. This reflects a cultural difference. Increasingly, applicants are asked to participate in a phone interview. Try to do it via Skype. Otherwise, let the selector make the call to avoid the cost of an international phone call.The interviewer is going to listen to your language and accent. Speak clearly, slowly, use your best english [not slang]. She will be judging you less on content and more on intelligibility. Can she understand your english. If not, then the students will not understand you and no job will be offered. Also, check out the city and the school/university on google before the interview. This will show that you have made an effort to familiarise yourself with the institution. Should I have any knowledge of the local language?No, you will be teaching in English. You can, however, choose to study Mandarin while you are living in China. Language exchange lessons are common and therefore free. You are encouraged to learn Mandarin and thereby greatly enhance your CV and job prospects. Some schools provide Mandarin lessons. Will my students have any English language skills prior to my teaching?Yes, all students will have basic conversational English skills. When will I get holidays?There is a four/five week holiday for the Chinese New Year in January/February. There is also a week’s holiday in the mid fall and spring semesters. In addition there are a number of national public holidays. You are paid in the holidays. What kind of social life can I expect?The social life really depends on you. There are numerous places to eat, do sports, learn a language and go out with other expatriates and locals. The Chinese are very hospitable. Are there any extra/hidden costs?It is strongly recommended that you purchase medical insurance. CEAIE has a low cost, full cover policy for its teachers available on arrival. The Schools have health centres for minor ailments. Other than the visa,registration fee and health check, there are no further costs. You will pay for your flights in the first instance, but provided you complete the programme, you will have these refunded in two stages across the 9 months. In Hunan Province further medical cover is provided. In order to obtain a Z visa (work visa) you will need to complete a medical test. This will involve a check up with your GP and the completion by the doctor of a medical form from China. Some doctors charge for this service, others do not. In addition, you are required to take a HIV test. An HIV test may cost around £60. You may be asked to obtain a F visa (visitor) which does not need health checks. This visa is changed to a Z visa on arrival in China. Can I come home early?If you find you cannot complete the programme, you may return home. However, you will not get your airfare reimbursed. For this reason, it is essential that you really consider the implications of going to China before you go. It is a work experience, and there will be ups and downs, make sure you are ready to face them. What do I do about medical treatment?It is strongly recommended that you purchase medical insurance for the event of serious medical problems. CEAIE has a low cost, full cover policy for its teachers. The Schools have health centres for minor ailments. You are advised to bring a small supply of common medications with you, such as painkiller, cold and flu treatments, diarrhoea tablets. Some schools provide extra cover. English speaking medical services are available. See http://www.unitedfamilyhospitals.com What is the accommodation like? The accommodation is basic but functional. You will either have
your own apartment or share a two-bedroom apartment with one other
Teaching Assistant on the programme. How many hours will I be teaching?You will teach for approximately 18 hours per week. You may be offered more teaching for extra pay. When will I hear if I have been given a placement on the programme?You will know by the end of July of the year of entry to the programme, where you have a placement. Prof Thomas will give you a decision on eligibility and acceptance having reviewed your application and documentation. Can I bring my family/partner with me?You may be able to bring your partner and/or children with you depending on your circumstances. This will incur extra costs. If you wish to discuss your personal circumstances, please get in touch with Professor Phil Thomas. How much will I be paid?You will be paid approx £100 a week, which in China is worth around £400. It is equivalent to a local teacher’s salary. As you do not pay for your apartment, this is yours to spend as you wish. You will not be required to pay tax. How will I be paid?Most likely, your salary will be paid monthly either by cash or bank deposit. Depending on the individual school, you will either be paid at the beginning, middle or end of the month. It is suggested that you bring between £100-£300 to see you through until your first payment. What support will I have?You will be assigned an English speaking ‘buddy’ on arrival who will be able to help with any queries you have and assist you if you have any problems. The CEAIE provide full local support so you will never feel you are on your own. They are quick to respond and deal with any problems you may have. A 'help' document will be sent to you before leaving the UK. This will give you a list of things to do and not do. What will I need to do about a visa?You will need to obtain an 'Z' visa which allows you to work in China. In some provinces you will apply for a 'F' visa and convert it to a 'Z' visa on arrival. Once you have been accepted onto the TEIC programme, a teaching post has been identified and your medical form and documentation is completed, you will receive a letter from China to send to the Chinese Embassy as part of your visa application, to confirm your employment. Alternatively, we recommend that you use our approved visa agent based in London. If you do they will handle all the paperwork. This will save you time, energy and avoid possible errors. Our agent has worked for us previously and proved to be reliable. The cost of the visa including the fee was £52 (in 2009). When will I find out whether I have been accepted on to the programme?After you have talked with Professor Thomas, and sent your documents to him he will inform you immediately of the outcome of your application. If successful your set of documents are sent to Beijing and a teaching position is identified by CEAIE. This normally takes several weeks as Chinese bureaucracy is both thorough and slow. Do I have any choice about which city I am placed in to work?You can certainly list a preference. We cannot guarantee to meet your first choice, although we will seek to do so. Beijing and Shanghai have introduced new visa rules for foreign teachers. You must have 2 years work experience or have a postgraduate degree to work in these cities. Other teachers will be major cities in other parts of China. What happens when I arrive in China?You may opt to be greeted by a representative from CEAIE or the school or university at your final destination.This may mean you will transfer to a local airline from the major international airport. Alternatively, you will have an onward flight to your final destination where you will be met at the local airport by a representative of the school or university. If you are to work close to Beijing it might involve a car journey. In all circumstances, you will have someone at the airport to meet you. In addition, you will be provided with local telephone numbers should a problem arise. Should you enter via another city a similar meet and greet programme will be arranged. How many students will I be expected to teach?The classes are normally not large and the students are well behaved and anxious to learn. What happens if I have problems in my job/with my students?Initially, should difficulties arise, we suggest you seek to solve them locally. You will have a Chinese school 'buddy' to talk with and there will be at least one other English language teacher from this programme with you. However, the CEAIE are also on hand to deal with problems you may encounter. You will have a contact telephone number in Beijing. They will respond quickly and efficiently to solve any matters that may arise. Our current teaching assistants have been extremely grateful for this local support. Do not worry, you will not be abandoned! Will I have to prepare my own lessons?Some schools will give you a more detailed syllabus and text books to follow than others. Often you will be responsible for planning your lessons. There is a great deal of local support to help with this, along with websites. See ‘Support and links’ for more information. You can also bring photos, postcards and objects from home to use as teaching aids. What will I need to wear?The dress code in schools is not very formal; jeans and t-shirts are acceptable. However you should avoid clothing that is too revealing during teaching time. As the climate varies so much throughout China, you will need to bring clothes for both hot and cold seasons. However, clothing is very cheap in China - unless you are a "giant" size by Chinese standards. When will I need to arrive in China?Most schools expect you to arrive around August 25th; some, a few days later. You will be informed of the exact date once your position of placement is known. In Hunan Province Amy Chan is our contact person. There, you will be given certified language training, free of charge, prior to travelling to your school or university. Provinces have different rules of employment and Hunan, where we have many placements is generous to its foreign teaching staff. Why TEIC?
|
Home
programme© TEIC 2009 |