2009-03-07

Teaching English in China- U.S. Embassy, Beijing

Teaching English in China- U.S. Embassy, Beijing
-A Guide-Compiled by the American Citizen Services Office, U.S. Embassy

Overview / Types of ESL Positions / Visas / Contracts / Sources of Information Cultural Pitfalls / Adapting to China / How the Embassy Can Help

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing has prepared this informal guide to provide persons planning to teach English in China with some basic information. The sources for the information provided in this guide are listed at the end of the guide. This is a non-official advisory document and the information may not apply to every school and situation. The U.S. Embassy is not responsible for any individual’s reliance on this document in negotiating employment. Every school and province in China has its own regulations and interested persons should contact the local authorities for more detailed information.

While many Americans have enjoyed their teaching experience in China, others have encountered significant problems. Some teachers travel to China under a contract with promises of a good salary, bonuses, and other amenities, only to find themselves in tenuous situations, often lacking funds to return to the United States. You should verify the conditions and terms of employment with your school before accepting a teaching position in China. The U.S. Embassy cannot act as a legal advisor or negotiate business or personal grievances on behalf of individual citizens. We can neither investigate nor certify employers. It is up to each individual to evaluate potential employers before signing a contract.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please do not contact the Embassy for help in finding employment or verifying the legitimacy of a school.
American Citizen Services U.S. Embassy Beijing
(86) 10-6532-3431
Fax: (86) 10-6532-4153
amcitbeijing@state.gov
http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/service.html
After Hours Emergencies: (86) 10-6532-1910

OVERVIEW
The key to successful employment as an English language instructor in China is to be employed by a reputable school or company and negotiate a well-written contract before leaving the U.S. We advise anyone considering accepting an English teaching job in China to carefully review the terms of the contract regarding working and living conditions. It would also be useful to ask for references from persons familiar with the institution, especially former and current American employees.

This guide addresses types of positions available in China, visa matters, contract considerations, sources of information, cultural pitfalls to consider, tips on adapting to China, and how the Embassy can help.

TYPES OF ESL POSTIONS AVAILABLE IN CHINA
English teachers in China are employed in a wide variety of institutions. A brief description of the different options available follows. Please keep in mind that regardless of the type of institution in which you teach, the institution must have a license to hire foreign teachers in order for you to teach legally. You will need to verify the credentials of the school, university or institute that you are considering before entering into any type of agreement.

Kindergartens

The pay for teaching English in kindergartens in a large city such as Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou is a minimum of RMB 150 (about $18) per hour and usually more, with little preparation or outside work. This can be the highest paying teaching job available, but generally does not include rent or a plane ticket, and may require more than 20 teaching hours a week.

Boarding Schools

Boarding schools are fairly common in China, and spread throughout the countryside surrounding large cities. These jobs pay anywhere from RMB 4,000 to 9,000 (about $480 to $1,090) per month, including apartment and reimbursement for an international flight upon completion of the contract. They often also allow for travel, with one month vacation for spring festival, two months for summer, and two weeks’ paid vacation. The age range of the children varies.

Summer and Winter Camps

Lasting from one week to one month, one can make RMB 5,000 (about $600) for two weeks. Although these are intense work environments, they often provide the opportunity to interact with Chinese teachers and college students in addition to the children. Also, this can be a good option for those interested in teaching in China, but unwilling to make a long-term commitment.
Business English Teaching

Teaching English for a private business program usually requires a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. It may also require prior experience teaching adult English, a degree in ESL, or prior business experience. These jobs generally comprise a heavy workload—often over 20 hours a week with evening and weekend hours. However, the students in this setting are very eager to learn and work hard. The company may provide lesson plans and may provide a housing allowance in addition to the base salary of approximately RMB 8,000 (about $970) a month.

Private Language Institutions

Private language institutes abound in China; some are well-established, while others can be small and short-lived. Instructors in these institutes typically teach conversation oriented classes, and occasionally teach writing as well. Pupils range from grade school students to business people, consequently student skill levels vary widely. Also, these institutions generally have a very high student turnover rate. Pay rates are dependent upon the individual institution and the number of hours worked (typically 20-30 hours per week, often including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, to accommodate pupils’ schedules).

University Departments

Many universities in China have a foreign language or English department. Requirements for teachers vary depending on the university and the level of classes taught; however, a master’s degree or a doctorate may qualify you to work as a ‘Foreign Expert’ in a university and to teach more advanced courses for much more pay than a ‘Foreign Teacher’ receives. Undergraduate classes will be larger, while graduate classes tend to be smaller and offer more personal contact with students. Salaries also vary from university to university, though most include housing on or near the university campus.

Advanced Degree Programs

If you have a master’s degree, particularly an MBA, you can make a good salary working as a professor for a master’s degree program at a university. The teaching load is light, but you will have to hold office hours and do significant preparation for lectures, paper assignments, and exams.

Career Teaching

If you are a career teacher you can make up to 40,000 USD per year, paid in foreign currency. Options for career teachers include private college preparatory programs for Chinese students, international schools teaching children of expatriates, and universities teaching higher-level students; however, these jobs are often extremely competitive.

Private Teaching and Tutoring

Private teaching and tutoring are very common in China, and there is great demand for native English speakers, particularly in the larger cities. However, in order to do so legally, written consent from your full-time employer is required. If you are interested in giving private language lessons, include a stipulation in your contract allowing you to devote a certain number of hours per week to private teaching.

Other Options

Opportunities outside of the traditional English teaching sphere are plentiful in China, though not always easy to obtain. Native English speakers have found work in a variety of industries, such as media (editing or writing for state run foreign-language media companies or private companies), freelance writing, educational services (recording English dialogues, working for study abroad enterprises, arranging language camps, etc.), and sales positions with companies with large expatriate client bases.

VISA MATTERS

Employment Visas

Working legally in China requires a “Z” Visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate. The Z visa is the only valid work visa. Sponsorship from an employer is needed in order to obtain a Z visa. There have recent restrictions on visa issuance and renewals in China. See http://www.bjgaj.gov.cn/epolice/qianzheng4.htm for more information about visa types and what information is required to obtain one.

*Prospective teachers should also be aware that working in China on any type of visa other than the Z visa, such as a tourist “L” visa or student “F” or “X” visa, is illegal and can result in large fines or even detention.

Required Documents

Below is a list of the documents required to obtain a Z visa in the United States. Further information on obtaining a Z visa and a complete listing of the documents required is available on the website of the Chinese Embassy in the United States at http://www.chinaembassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84245.htm.

- A valid US Passport with at least 6 months validity before the expiration date;
- A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit (your employer), and a “Work Permit for Aliens” issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry/”Foreign Expert’s License” issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau;
- One completed Visa Application Form (Q1) with one additional passport photo;
- Locally obtained health check for absence of HIV, TB, and drug use;- 50 US dollars.

Residence Permits

In addition to a valid passport and visa, all prospective teachers must obtain a Residency Permit within thirty days of their entry into China. One may not legally teach in China without both the Z visa and a valid Resident Permit. This is necessary whether one is classified as a “foreign teacher” or a “foreign expert.” Employers should provide assistance in obtaining this document.

Foreign Teachers

Foreign teachers are all teachers without an “Expert Certificate” from the National Expert Bureau of Foreign Affairs. In order to obtain a Resident Permit they will need to work with their employer to obtain the Foreign Teacher Resident Permit, colloquially known as the “Green Book” from their local Public Security Bureau. They will need the following documents.
- Valid passport and visa;- Original “Health Certification” submitted by Beijing Exit & Entry Inspection & Quarantine Bureau;- Two recent, two-inch, bareheaded, full-faced photos (either black and white or in color);- The official seal of the unit (the employer, known as the “danwei”) on a filled-out “Application Form for Visa, Residence Permit,” along with one recent, two inch, bareheaded, full-faced photo. * For those working in Beijing whose work will not exceed one year, a temporary residence permit is available, and the “Health Certificate” is waived.

Foreign Experts

Foreign experts are teachers who hold advanced degrees and have received an “Expert Certificate” from the National Expert Bureau of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Expert Resident Permit is colloquially known as the “Red Book” and should also be obtained from the teacher’s local Public Security Bureau with the help of the employer. The Foreign Expert Resident Permit requires the following documents.

- Valid passport and visa;
- Originals and copies of “Expert Certificate” issued by the National Expert Bureau of Foreign Affairs Office of the Municipal Government;
- Original “Health Certification” submitted by Beijing Exit & Entry Inspection & Quarantine Bureau;
-Two recent, two-inch, bareheaded, full-faced photos (either black and white or in color);
- The official seal of the unit (their employer) on a filled-out “Application Form for Visa, Residence Permit,” along with one recent, two inch, bareheaded, full-faced photo. * For those working in Beijing whose work will not exceed one year, a temporary residence permit is available, and the “Health Certificate” is waived.

Changing Employers

When teaching in China, it is possible to switch employers; however, this can be a difficult process. In order to switch employers, the Resident Permit (Green or Red Book) needs to be transferred from the old employer to the new employer. Leaving an employer before a contract is up requires a “Letter of Release” from the employer. This letter authorizes other schools or institutions to register someone with the government and enables the teacher to transfer the Resident Permit (further information on the “Letter of Release” appears in the Contracts section of this guide). Please be advised that due to the complex nature of this process, further questions should be addressed to the local Public Security Bureau when in China, or to the Chinese Embassy or Consulates in the United States.

Legal Warning

Some Americans run into serious legal problems with the Chinese government because they either work in China on tourist or other non-Z visas or they accept part-time employment or private classes without obtaining the proper permission. Violation of Chinese laws can result in severe penalties including imprisonment, fines of up to 500 RMB a day for overstaying a visa, or deportation. It is the employee’s responsibility to understand local laws and obey them.
* When in China Americans are subject to Chinese law, regardless of your American citizenship. Rights as a U.S. resident do not carry over to other countries; disputes are resolved through the local legal system.

CONTRACTS

Foreign instructors in China occasionally have contract disputes with their employers. Employees should be sure to get everything put into writing and not to rely on verbal promises. If possible one should receive an official copy of the contract before arriving in China, including a copy in Chinese. Even so, American teachers may find that Chinese contracts are not considered as binding as contracts in the United States. These contracts will sometimes contain unexpected alterations when the prospective teacher arrives, during the duration of their employment, or at the end of the period specified by the contract. Taking an employer to court over breach of contract is far less common in China than it is in the United States, and is a particularly difficult process for foreigners. Culturally, oral negotiation and a solid relationship with the employer are of paramount importance. A good working relationship with your school, institution, or business is vital to reaching an agreement over contractual difficulties.

Basic Features of Most Teaching Contracts

Contracts for teaching positions typically last for one year and should include provisions for salary, housing, working hours, class size, medical insurance, taxes, early termination, and in some cases, a plane ticket home. Any bonuses, such as travel bonuses or contract termination bonuses, should be clearly spelled out in the contract. Further information on these topics is below.

- Salary
The majority of English teaching jobs in China pay monthly salaries. Nevertheless, one should make sure the salary is clearly defined in terms of hours per month and compensation per hour. Also, in the interest of clarity numeric figures as well as written amounts should be included on the contract. Payment dates, methods, and currency should be specified in advance. Chinese bank accounts are not generally accessible overseas, and many schools place a limit on the amount of RMB you can convert into US dollars. If possible specify this number or percentage in your contract.

Teachers should bring sufficient funds to cover at least a month of room and board, as the institution might not be willing to forward any part of the salary upon arrival.

- Hours

Full-time teaching is generally considered to be between 12-20 hours per week in China. However, this number varies according to the type of school or institute. Most teachers end up with approximately 15 hours of class per week, supplemented with additional hours running conversational groups or participating in cultural activities. Those teaching younger children will generally find the hours to be greater, but will not be required to do as much outside of the specified teaching hours. Conversely, teaching at a higher level, such as at a university, will generally require office hours. Additional hours should be specified in the contract, preferably with a confirmed hourly rate. Prospective teachers should make sure that contracts specify the maximum number of classroom hours per day and per week, as well as the maximum number of workdays per week, and any vacation periods. Teachers generally receive vacation time for Chinese New Year; however, this is not always paid vacation.

- Housing
Many schools offer, or even require, on-campus housing. This can take the form of a dormitory or an apartment. Other institutions will occasionally offer a housing allowance. If housing is included in the contract, it should specify details. If the accommodation is classified as “furnished” one may want to ask for a basic inventory of the dormitory or apartment and its attendant facilities. Another issue to address is whether the housing has heating and/or air-conditioning, telephone, and internet, and, if these are provided, who pays for them. Also, be sure to verify if the accommodation is single or shared. Other items which one may want to verify include whether the bathroom is private or shared, and if there is access to a kitchen. Some Chinese universities, particularly in the provinces, have been known to establish curfews for their foreign teachers living on campus.

- Plane Tickets
Many contracts include a return plane ticket to the United States upon completion of the contract, and some even provide round-trip airfare. While this is a very common practice, previous teachers have occasionally run into difficulties when their employers refused to provide the promised plane ticket upon the completion of the contract. In this situation the Embassy is not authorized to provide citizens with the funds to return to the United States. Therefore, we recommend keeping enough money aside for a return plane ticket in case of emergencies, regardless of what is specified in your contract. Also, many schools and institutions will reimburse the teacher for the cost of the airfare, rather than provide them with a pre-paid ticket.
- Bonuses
A standard feature of English-teaching contracts in China is the “Contract Completion Bonus.” This may comprise a sizeable portion of monthly salary, and will be paid upon completion of the contract. Another common feature, though by no means universal, is the “Travel Bonus” which provides funds to travel occasionally during the duration of the contract.

- Class Size
This is typically not addressed in contracts, so be sure to ask. Class size will vary, depending upon the type of institution. Expect classes to be relatively small in private language institutes (often between 10 and 20 pupils), and large in most schools and universities.

- Medical Insurance
Many Chinese schools provide health insurance to their foreign teachers. This can cover up to 80% of medical expenses. Note that employees are usually required to pay a certain percentage of medical expenses, which can grow quickly in event of a serious injury, a hospital stay, or extended medical attention. Chinese hospitals often demand payment in cash in advance before providing service. The Chinese medical system, particularly in rural areas, often does not meet U.S. standards. For this reason, all Americans traveling to China are strongly encouraged to buy foreign medical care and medical evacuation insurance prior to their arrival. Since U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States, please check with your insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas and if it includes a provision for medical evacuation. Travelers interested in a list of modern medical facilities in China can view a list of hospitals, by province, on the Embassy’s website at http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/us-citizen/medical.html.

- Early Termination
Contracts should always include an acceptable early termination clause. If a contract is terminated early and the employee wants to work at another school in China, a “Letter of Release” from the previous school will be required. This letter allows the next school to officially register the teacher; without it one cannot work legally at a new institution.

- Taxes- Chinese
All schools in China that hire foreign teachers must pay taxes on their salaries. Most employers will deduct this tax amount from the employee’s salary. The employer will arrange for this, and you should receive a receipt for any taxes that have been deducted from your salary. Tax amounts vary depending on the province and salary. Questions should be directed to the local tax office.

- United States
Americans residing abroad are not exempt from filing requirements, but are, under certain conditions, entitled to exclusions on foreign-earned income. More information on overseas income and filing is available from the IRS publications “Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens Abroad” and “Overseas Filers of Form 1040”. These and other Federal tax forms may be downloaded at U.S. Federal Tax Forms on the Internal Revenue Service website at http://www.irs.gov/.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The Embassy does not keep a comprehensive listing of foreign language institutes nor does it provide assistance in finding employment. In China, English teaching jobs are filled either through advertisements or by word of mouth. Numerous advertisements for teaching positions can be found online, as well as in China-based English language publications such as That’s Beijing (and That’s Guangzhou and That’s Shanghai), TimeOut Beijing (and TimeOut Shanghai), City Weekend (Beijing), and Red Star (Qingdao).

Recruiting and Placement Services

Most English teachers hired in the United States do not get jobs directly through the institute where they will work. Instead, they are recruited by a placement service. These services recruit on U.S. campuses, in U.S. publications, and online. While some offer legitimate services, the Embassy has received complaints in the past about certain recruiting services. Those considering working in China should deal with recruiters carefully. Many of them do not know at which school or institute in which area of China the teacher will be placed. Recruiting services will frequently not accept responsibility for a placement that is contrary to the original terms of the agreement or contract.

Prospective teachers should always demand they receive a contract directly from their employer rather than through an agent or intermediary, and have this contract in hand before departing for China. Agents or intermediaries often receive a large portion of the monthly pay promised to the teacher, leaving the teacher without significant financial resources. These “fees” are sometimes not disclosed until after the prospective teacher arrives in China. To date, courts and police in many jurisdictions have refused to intervene in these cases on behalf of foreign teachers.

Online Resources

There are a great number of placement services and classified ads for teaching positions on the internet. Should you choose to use one of these services, be sure to thoroughly research your proposed employer and, if applicable, the placement service. Always request references from the company or school, and personally contact foreigners who have worked with them before. You cannot be too careful when committing yourself to an overseas teaching position.

CULTURAL PITFALLS
Different ExpectationsMany types of people teach English in China, with a variety of different aims. Some come to China with ESL degrees specifically to teach English. Others see teaching English as a means to experience a new culture. There are those who teach to support themselves while looking for other jobs in China, or while doing research in other fields. As a result, English teachers in China arrive with a wide range of expectations. Each brings their own unique perspective to their job and their own reaction to new circumstances. While China is developing rapidly and is increasingly open to global markets, it is still very different from the United States. Do not expect to encounter the same standards of living as you may be used to at home, particularly if you plan on working outside of the major cities. Having realistic expectations and a flexible attitude will help prepare one for the stress that can accompany living and working in a different culture.

Foreigners in ChinaChina’s major cities all host large populations of foreigners, however if you choose to work in a smaller city or in the provinces, foreigners may still be regarded as a curiosity. While the Chinese media does not always present Americans in a positive light, Chinese people are generally friendly and interested to learn about Western culture. Wherever you are, you will likely find yourself in a highly visible position given your foreign status, with many watching you with interest. Remember that in some ways, Chinese society is more conservative than American society, and it is best to abide by local norms.

ADAPTING TO CHINA
Culture ShockWhen first arriving in a country, one is usually excited and eager for new experiences. After a while, the newness wears off and homesickness begins. Do not judge yourself too severely at this point, as it happens to everyone. Culture shock usually dissipates in a relatively short time. As you continue to cope with the realities of living here, you begin to take things for granted which used to annoy you. Perhaps most importantly, make the effort to get to know your students and colleagues. Chinese friends will provide you with valuable insight into the country and culture you will not receive if you interact only with other foreigners.
Location China is a very large country, featuring several different climate zones and a sharp urban/rural divide. Consequently, your teaching experience will differ greatly depending upon where you end up. By researching different locales ahead of time via the internet and guide books, you can find a job in an area that best suits your preferences.

China’s major cities, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, offer a more cosmopolitan experience. While they can be crowded, and pollution is a problem, western food and amenities tend to be easily accessible, there are a number of establishments which cater to foreign clientele, and the health care available in these cities is the best in China. If you are interested in teaching English in a business environment or plan to look for a substantial number of private pupils, these cities are your best option. Many find that the transition for foreigners living abroad is easiest in these cities.

Teaching outside of the major cities, either in a provincial city or in a small town in the provinces, provides a very different experience. In China, a city of one million people can be quite provincial and might not have a modern infrastructure, western food and amenities, or adequate healthcare. Also, the farther you are removed from urban centers, the fewer people speak English. Therefore if you do not speak Chinese, you may want to check that there is someone at your school who speaks both Chinese and English and can assist you. Nevertheless, teaching in these areas provides the teacher with a view of the “real China” that may escape those who remain in the major cities. For those who enjoy challenges and adventure, teaching in these areas is a great option.

HOW THE EMBASSY CAN HELP

The Embassy, by regulation, cannot enter into any case or act as a lawyer for any personal mishap or employment dispute experienced by a U.S. citizen. We cannot investigate, certify, or vouch for employers. It is up to each individual to evaluate an employer before signing a contract.

The Embassy can assist Americans in a variety of ways. The Embassy offers notary services, renews passports, adds additional visa pages into passports, and assists with absentee voting registration. Our website also provides information on marriage, voting, birth registration, and other issues Americans often encounter.

We can often provide phone numbers and addresses of Chinese government agencies, as well as a list of English-speaking attorneys; however, we are unable to recommend any specific lawyer from this list. In case of a financial emergency, we can receive and disburse funds sent from a source in the U.S.

If you live in China or you intend to visit for an extended period of time, we strongly recommend that you register with the consular section. Registration helps us to locate you in case of a family emergency, and helps keep us better informed of the number and location of American citizens in the event of a large-scale emergency. We are required by law to keep any information you give us completely confidential, and will release it only when authorized by you to do so. There are four ways to register:

On-Line
Go to https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs and follow the directions. Please note that you must also fax or email the Embassy or Consulate a copy of the photopage of your passport in order to complete the registration. The data you provide is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in Embassies, Consulates, and the Department of State, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

Via Fax or EmailDownload a copy of our registration form from our website and fax it to the Consular Section at (8610) 6532-4153 or email it to us at amcitbeijing@state.gov.You must also fax or email the Embassy or Consulate a copy of the photopage of your passport in order to complete the registration.

At the EmbassyCome by the Consular Section Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.., or 2:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (except American and Chinese holidays) and complete a registration form. Be sure to bring your passport so we can verify your identity and citizenship. Consult the other Consulates websites (in Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shenyang) for office hours and contact information.

During American Citizen Services Outreach tripsYou can also register during one of the American Citizen Services outreach trips. Check the ACS website for announcements about upcoming outreach trips.

The consulate that is your primary contact for emergency and routine services depends on your residence:

Consular Districts by Province
Beijing: Beijing, Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Tianjin, Xinjiang

Chengdu: Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan

Guangzhou: Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan

Shanghai: Anhui, Jiangsu, Shanghai, ZhejiangShenyang: Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning
Chengdu Consulate
No. 4 Lingshiguan Rd.Chengdu, Sichuan Province28-8558-3992 x 6537; acschengdu@state.gov
Guangzhou Consulate
1 Souht Shamian StreetGuangzhou, Guangdong Province20-8518-7605; guangzhouacs@state.gov
Shanghai Consulate
1038 Nanjing XiluShanghai 21-3217-4650, ext. 2102/2103; shanghaiacs@state.gov
Shenyang Consulate
No. 52 14th Wei RoadShenyang, Liaoning Province24-2322-1198, ext. 132/133; shenyangacs@state.gov
Hong Kong Consulate
26 Garden RoadHong Kong852-2523-9011; questions@hongkongacs.com

We hope that this information has been useful. If you have any problems, please contact the American Citizen Services office at the U.S. Embassy,
2 Xiu Shui Dong Jie, Beijing, 100600.

Our daytime telephone number is (86-10) 6532-4153 ext.1 and our after hours emergency number is (86-10) 6532-1910.

Our office is open Monday-Friday 8:30-12:00 and 2:00-4:00 pm. We are closed on both US and Chinese holidays.

Good luck, and enjoy your stay in China!

The above information was compiled from the following websites and publications.
http://www.bjgaj.gov.cn/
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/default.htm http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0501/teaching_english_in_china_choose_right_school.shtml
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0409/teaching_english_in_china.shtml
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0001/walfish.shtml
http://www.travel.state.gov/http://www.tealic.com/
Pillsbury, Adam, Ed. The Insider’s Guide to Beijing 2005-2006. Beijing: China Intercontinental Press, 2005.

Info from US Embassy in Beijing, China: http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/teach.html

2009-03-06

海外考试简介

海外考试目录
1. 托福(TOEFL)
2. 雅思(IELTS)
3. 美国研究生入学考试(GRE)
4. 美国商学院入学考试(GMAT)
5. 美国法学院入学考试(LSAT)(目前只有北京1个考点)
6. 美国大学入学考试(SAT)(相当于中国的高考)
7. 美国大学入学考试(ACT)(相当于中国的高考)
8. 美国中学英语能力考试(SLEP- Secondary Level English Proficiency Test,相当于中国的中考)
9. 美国中学入学考试(SSAT-Secondary School Admission Test,相当于中国的中考)
10. 剑桥英语五级证书考试(MSE)
11. 剑桥商务英语证书考试(BEC-Business English Certificate)
12. 美国国外护士资格证书项目考试(CGFNS- Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools)
13. 日本语能力考试
14. 韩国语能力考试(TOPIK)
15. 德福考试((TestDaf)
16. 托业(TOEIC)

一、托福(TOEFL)
[TOEFL-Test of English as a Foreign Language] 美国教育考试中心(Educational Testing Service)主办的对非英语国家学生进行的英语水平考试

基本概况
  TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language,作为外语的英语考试——托福)是由美国教育考试服务中心Educational Testing Service,ETS)举办的为申请去美国或加拿大等国家上大学或入研究生院学习的非英语国家学生提供的一种英语水平考试。美国教育考试服务处由1965年开始承办此项考试的管理工作。
  仅1988~1989年度,全世界就有56万多人参加了T0EFL考试,全球170多个国家和地区共设立了1700多个T0EFL考试中心。至今为止,美国和加拿大共有2300多所院校规定,凡是外国学生申请到该校入学学习的,必须提供T0EFL,GRE,GMAT或TSE的某一项或两项标准化考试证明,只有达到学校所要求成绩的报考者,才能取得入学和申请奖学金的资格。除了美国、加拿大等大部分国家的高等院校外,欧洲(如英国)、大洋洲(如澳大利亚、新西兰)以及东南亚一些国家和地区也都已承认T0EFL考试成绩。近几年来,国内的联合国驻华机构和外企及合资企业在聘录用职员时,或国际基金组织在测试职员的英语水平时,也都采用TOEFL考试成绩。
  现在,只要去英语国家读书,就必须参加托福考试,作为英语生活能力的证明。但是,目前在托福、雅思等英语培训班学习的学生中,有相当一部分人是从国外回来“回炉”的留学生。经过各外语学校的入学测试表明,他们的英语成绩并不高,说明出国留学并不一定能提高外语水平。老师们普遍认为:语言学习环境很重要,但是艰苦学习是不可替代的,如果再没有好的方法,就算到了国外,外语水平也难以实现飞跃。(以上内容节选自《应用写作》杂志2005年第3期《领会命题意图,把握两种关系》)
新托福
  2005年9月,美国教育考试服务中心ETS在全球推出了一种全新的综合英语测试方法,即能够反映在一流大专院校教学和校园生活中对语言实际需求的新托福考试。
  新托福由四部分组成,分别是阅读(Reading)、听力(Listening)、口试(Speaking)、写作(Writing)。
  一、阅读(Reading):有三篇文章
  与老托福不同的是,考生不需要在答题之前通读全文,而是在做题的过程中分段阅读文章。每篇文章对应有11道试题,均为选择题。除了最后一道试题之外,其他试题都是针对文章的某一部分提问,试题的出现顺序与文章的段落顺序一致。最后一题针对整篇文章提问,要求考生从多条选择项中挑选若干项对全文进行总结或归纳。新一代托福阅读文章的篇幅比老托福阅读文章的篇幅略长,难度也有所增加。这部分持续时间为1小时,在此时限中考生可以复查、修改已递交的答案。
  二、听力(Listening):取消了短对话
  由两篇较长的校园情景对话和四篇课堂演讲组成,课堂演讲每篇长约5分钟。由于是机考,考生在听录音资料之前无法得知试题。在播放录音资料时,电脑屏幕上会显示相应的背景图片。考生可以在听音过程中记笔记。考生不能复查、修改已递交的答案。这个部分持续大约50分钟。
  听力水平无疑是新托福成功与否的关键,除阅读外,无论哪一部分都离不开“听”。对于中国考生来说,听力却正是薄弱环节。目前中国考生提高听力的其中一条有效途径是“听写法”,即把相关听力材料拿来精听,并把听到的内容逐句写下来。也有专门用来练习新托福听写的软件,如新托福听写王软件。“听写法”提高听力的一个缺点是,刚开始练习时可能比较费时。
  三、口试(Speaking):把TSE(Test of Spoken English)融合在新托福中。
  然而与现行的TSE相比又有较大改动。这个部分共有6题,持续约20分钟。
  第一、二题要求考生就某一话题阐述自己的观点。
  第三、四题要求考生首先在45秒内阅读一段短文,随后短文隐去,播放一段与短文有关的对话或课堂演讲。最后,要求考生根据先前阅读的短文和播放的对话或课堂演讲回答相关问题,考生有30秒钟的准备时间,然后进行60秒钟的回答。例如,短文中描述了对学校体育馆进行扩建的两种方案,对话中一位同学阐述了自己的立场,即赞成哪种方案,反对哪种方案,并列举了若干理由。要求考生叙述对话中同学的立场并解释他/她列举了哪些理由支持这一观点。
  第五、六题要求考生听一段校园情景对话或课堂演讲,然后回答相关问题。考生有20秒钟的准备时间,之后进行60秒钟的回答。例如,先播放一段市场学课堂演讲,演讲中教授列举了两种市场调查的方法,然后要求考生使用课堂演讲中的观点和例子描述教授列举出的两种市场调查的方法。
  考生可以在听音过程中记笔记以帮助答题。在准备和答题时,屏幕上会显示倒计时的时钟。
  四、写作(Writing):要求考生在1小时内完成两篇作文。
  其中一篇类似于老托福的写作,要求考生在30分钟内就某一话题阐述自己的观点,字数要求为300字以上。
  另一篇则要求考生首先阅读一篇文章,五分钟以后,文章隐去,播放一段与文章有关的课堂演讲。课堂演讲列举了一些论据反驳文章中的论点、论据。随后要求考生在20分钟内写一篇作文,总结课堂演讲的论点、论据,并陈述这些论点、论据是如何反驳文章的论点、论据的,字数要求为150字到225字之间。在写作时,文章会重新显示在屏幕上。这篇作文不要求考生阐述自己的观点。
  五、加试
  一般实际考试中,考生往往会在听力或阅读部分碰到加试试题,加试部分不算分(有人说会算分,说是抽几题给分),,但考生事先并不知道哪一部分是加试部分(有的时候经典加试是能判断出来的),所以应该认真对待。

二、雅思(IELTS)

简介
  IELTS slogan雅思(International English Language Testing System,简称IELTS,中文名为国际英语语言测试系统)是由英国文化协会(The British Council,即英国驻华大使馆/总领事馆文化教育处)、剑桥大学考试委员会(CESOL)和澳大利亚教育国际开发署(IDP Australia)共同举办的国际英语水平测试。此项考试是为申请赴英语国家(美国、英国、澳大利亚、加拿大、新西兰等)留学、移民的非英语国家学生而设,用来评定考生运用英语的能力。
  雅思考试包括四个部分,依次为听力、阅读、写作和口语,考试时间共2小时45分钟。每一部分都独立评分,四部分得分的平均分作为考生的雅思综合得分(小数部分取舍到最近的一分或半分,即如果平均分为6.125分,雅思得分算作6分)。成绩单上将列出考生每一部分的得分,同时给出考生的综合得分。雅思考试满分为9分。考试成绩在考试后十个工作日内通知考生。成绩有效期为两年。
IELTS考试包括两类
  培训类(General Training )目前较多适用于移民;
  学术类(Academic)目前较多适用于留学。
  不论那种考试, 不论你将此成绩用于何目的, 所有同类(G或A)考试同一次都使用同一份试卷,考试中不涉及你的专业知识, 只考试英语水平能力。
  IELTS考试的词汇要求并不高,主要偏向应用能力,但答题技巧因与TOEFL(托福)和国内英语考试(4-6级)完全不同,所以掌握题型和快速解答就显得非常重要。
考试组织机构
  英国剑桥大学考试委员会CESOL
  英国文化协会The British Council (即英国驻华大使馆/总领事馆文化教育处)
  澳大利亚教育国际开发署IDP Australia

目前情况
  IELTS考试凭借其公平、可靠和权威性,国际认可度日益提升。获得全球超过6000所院校认可,比如加拿大所有大学认可IELTS成绩,英国、爱尔兰、新西兰、荷兰等英联邦国家的院校优先认可IELTS 成绩;澳大利亚只接受IELTS成绩;法国、丹麦、芬兰等欧洲国家的英语授课项目也要求IELTS成绩。目前在美国有超过2000所院校接受IELTS成绩(此数字正不断增长),如顶级的8所常春藤联盟院校全部接受IELTS成绩。“US News & World Report”公布的美国排名前一百三十位院校,有115所院校接受IELTS成绩,占总数的88.5%,在前五十位院校中有47所接受IELTS成绩,占94%。
  通过IELTS官方提供的全球认可搜索引擎(Global Recognition System)可方便查询全球范围内的认可IELTS的院校名录及其要求的分数和联系方式,地址是http://bandscore.ielts.org/
  IELTS考生数量近年来一直保持迅速增长,2007年全球IELTS考生人数超过93万,而中国作为考生来源的第一大国,考生人数超过21万,较2006年增长近50%。IELTS已远远超越其他同类测试成为全球规模最大的国际英语测试。

IELTS考试结构
  1、考试时间:考试全程时间约为2小时55分钟(包括听力的10分钟填写答案纸)
  2、听力部分(General Traning和Academic试卷一致)
  40分钟(含10分钟誊写答案的时间),
  通常考生会听到4段语音(独白部分及2人或多人对话部分)。共给40小题作答,你将只听到一次语音,不会重复(边听边作答)此部分。所以学生作答时,千万别等待语音结束才作答(不要回头作答),考生可把答案先写在试卷上,30分钟会话结束后,利用额外10分钟,再誊写在答案纸上。
  四段语音前两段中,内容以一般生活及社会状态、人际关系不同情况模拟为主,后两段则以较教育性的、学术性、世界性的主题探讨。第一、三段以对答为主,二、四段以叙述为主,但因其非常实际性、常识性,考生不必钻牛角尖。
  在会话进行中,边听边记录所听到的重点答案,记在问卷上(非答案卷),以免忘记或漏掉答案。
  3、阅读部分(General Traning和Academic试卷不同)
  概况: 60分钟 共3篇文章 每篇约1000左右(阅读量极大) 40个题目
  Academic类与General training类的考题都以"三大段"的文章为基本结构,大约1500-3000字之间,内容多样,甚至有时以图表、表格的方式出现,学生答题的方式亦有多种答题形式,共40题。
  阅读部分的主题并不是为了考察学生对学术的专业度或认知度,所以学生千万别因对主题的陌生而紧张起来。
  A类与G类内容相同之处在于A类除生活化范畴之外,加入考生在学业上、学术上的探讨与了解,而G类较着重于社会上的、生活化的、工作训练等的主题。
  4、写作部分(General Traning和Academic试卷不同)
  写作包括两篇作文题目,Task 1和Task 2,前一篇150字,后一篇250字。原则上建议考生前一篇作文用20分钟,后一篇用40分钟,因为后一篇文章分值更高。
  A类写作部分,全部1小时时间,分2大单元(Task 1&Task 2);
  (Task 1)通常考题以图片、表格坐标、曲线图为基本形式,考生根据所给的资料,写出150个字以上的文章来叙述主题,组织并探讨主题,提出比较支持的论点。
  G类的(Task 1)考生多以写一封信来应对考题中所给予的模拟状况或问题。
  (Task 2) A类与G类非常类似,考生就考题的主题,用250字详加发表意见,通常考生被要求用几种方式之一来做为架构解决问题、表达自己的意见、支持或争辩考题所给予的讯息。
  5、口语部分(General Traning和Academic试卷一致)
  11-14分钟的一对一谈话(考生与主考官)。对谈主题非常口语化、生活化,轻松但也有一定程序,对谈大致上分三小段(不是明显的区分,中间并无间断):
  第一段:会面,寒暄一番,主考官会鼓励(引导考生)多谈谈一般话题(生活作息上、文化习惯上、个人兴趣等等),考生应勇敢发言(约4-5分钟)。
  第二段:主考官抽出一张题卡,卡上写明某话题,考生有一分钟准备时间,之后须根据要求对该话题进行2分钟个人观点阐述(约3-4分钟,包括1分钟准备时间)。
  第三段:考官就第二部分所提及的话题与考生进行更深入的双向讨论,或者考官就其他话题与考生进行双向讨论。此阶段讨论内容灵活各异,视情况而定(约4-5分钟)。

雅思(IELTS)分数档次详细说明
  9分
  Expert User。 Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding。 成绩极佳,能将英语运用自如,精确、流利并能完全理解。
  8分
  Very Good User。 Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies。 Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations。 Handles complex detailed argumentation well。 非常良好,能将英语运用自如,只是偶尔有不连接的错误和不恰当,在不熟悉的状况下可能出现误解,可将复杂细节的争论掌握的相当好。
  7分
  Good User。 Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations。 Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning。 良好,有能力运用英语,虽然在某些情况有时会发生不准确、不适当和误解,大致可将复杂的英语掌握的不错,也理解其全部内容。
  6分
  Competent User。 Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings。 Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations。 (澳大利亚移民&英国留学分数线)及格,大致能有效的运用英语,虽然有不准确、不适当和误解发生,能使用并理解相当复杂的英语,特别是在熟悉的情况时。
  5分
  Modest User。 Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes。Should be able to handle basic communication in own field。 (加拿大移民&新西兰移民分数线)适当及格,可部分运用英语,在大多数情况下可应付全部的意思,虽然可能犯下许多错误,在本身领域内应可掌握基本的沟通。
  4分
  Limited User。 Basic competence is limited to familiar situations。 Has frequent problems in understanding and expression。 Is not able to use complex language。 (英国预科分数线)水平有限,只限在熟悉的状况下有基本的理解力,在理解与表达上常发生问题,无法使用复杂英语。
  3分
  Extremely Limited User。 Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations。 Frequent breakdowns in communication occur。 水平极有限,在极熟悉的情况下,只能进行一般的沟通理解。
  2分
  Intermittent User。 No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs。 Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English。 只属于偶尔使用英语,除非在熟悉的情况,使用单词和简短的短句表达最基本的信息,在说写方面有重大的障碍。
  1分
  Non User。 Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words。 不能通过,可能只能说几个单词,无法沟通。
  0分
  Candidate diid not attempt the interview。 No assessable information provided。考生没有参加考试,没有可评估的信息。
  Listening & Reading有0.5分档次Writing & Speaking 只有整数档次
  注:在2007年7月英国文化教育部出台新规定,从2007年7月以后,雅思考试写作(Writing)和口语(Speaking)部分和Listening, Reading一样,都实行半分制。这意味着如果你的写作和口语水平考官觉得不够整数档,会有一个半分,不会像以往直接落到下一个整数档。

三、美国研究生入学考试(GRE)

GRE简介
  含义:
  全称Graduate Record Examinations,中文名称为美国研究生入学考试,适用于除法律与商业外的各专业。
  考试形式:
  Verbal(词汇)与Quantitive(数学)部分为笔试。
  Analytical Writing(分析性写作)为机考

基本概况:
  GRE由美国教育考试服务中心(Educational Testing Service,简称ETS)主办,1937年首次由美国哈佛,耶鲁,哥伦比亚,普林斯顿四所大学联合举办,初期由卡耐基基金会(Carnegie Foundation)承办,1948年交由新成立的美国教育考试服务中心ETS负责。之后每年在世界许多地方举行。中国国外考试协调处负责中国归口管理和承办GRE等国外考试。
  GRE是美加大学各类研究生院(除管理类学院,法学院)要求申请者所必须具备的一个考试成绩,也是教授对申请者是否授予奖学金所依据的最重要的标准。
  有些美国名牌大学把GRE专项成绩作为“推荐成绩”:即希望申请人能够提供此项成绩,无论本科专业是否与其申请研究生专业相同,但不把它作为必须要求。这时若能提供专项GRE成绩是很有利于申请奖学金资助的。因此,如果申请人若有较为充足的时间,不妨参加专项考试,一个优秀的专项GRE成绩很能反映申请人的专业素质与学习潜力。GRE普通考试是申请研究生入学的必要考试,申请法律或商业学研究生以LSAT或GMAT替代GRE普通考试。目前美国大学在成绩替代上比以往要求松些。许多学校是可以提供GRE普通考试或GMAT考试成绩的任何一种作为商业类研究生应提供的成绩,法律研究生亦有以GRE普通考试成绩替代LSAT成绩的。

GRE考试报名流程
  报名前的准备:阅读报名程序以及准备完成网上报名的电脑。
  注册用户:如果考生从未使用过GRE报名系统,则必须先注册成为用户。
  填写报名表:选择“新考试预约”,同意“重要声明”的内容,再填写考试预约登记表。
  付费:在“选择考试费支付方式”中,点击相应的支付方式。 目前有两种付费方式:网上付费和电子汇款。
  GRE报名流程
  1、下载并阅读考生手册(GRE Bulletin of Information)和补充插页(Supplement)
  2、网上预定考位
  3、网上或网下支付考费(网上实时支付使用工商行和招商行的网上支付平台;网下支付可到全国各地中国工商银行的分行、储蓄所和分理处办理。考试费为人民币1176元(140美元),网上支付考费另加手续费人民币12元,网下银行支付考费另加手续费人民币12.50元。
  4、考生本人在规定日期内赴所报考点填写报名表(2002年9月24日至26日,必须携带预定考位时使用的有效身份证件)
  5、考生本人按所报考点规定的日期前往领取准考证(必须携带2寸免冠近照和有效身份证件)。

考试类型:
  GRE考试分两种:
  一是一般能力或称倾向性测验(General test或Aptitude Test)
  二是专业测验或称高级测验(Subject Test或Advanced Test)。
  GRE亦有Writing Assessment,即写作考试(机考),目前已是必考项目。
  General test
  GRE General考试主要是考察应试人的基本英语能力以及对英文方面知识所涉及的广度和深度,大部分中国学生都参加这项考试,笔考包括Verbal、Quantitative两部分,均为800分,满分共为1600分,成绩5年内有效。
  GRE General考试需时三个小时,共四个部分,全部为选择题,不实行答错倒扣分的方法。四部分的考试内容有两部分属于词汇项(Verbal),两部分属于数学项(Quantitative)。
  词汇项需时1小时,包含四种问题 ①完成句子 ②类比 ③阅读理解 ④反义词,其中完成句子、类比与反义词都是在考对词汇的理解,阅读理解是考试考生对文章逻辑结构与主旨的理解,文章可涉及任何科学领域,但以生化、天文、文学、地理、历史居多。词汇项主要是测试考生在词汇上的理解广度与理解深度,因此中国学生在这方面得分很低,但这对申请奖学金资助并不造成很大的影响,因为ETS对GRE成绩有明文的解释:“GRE是为母语为英语的考生设置的,对于母语为非英语的考生,无论其语文、数学、还是分析部分都会因其词汇量不及母语为英语的考生而受到影响。审核申请人GRE成绩时应运用审核人的经验作为标准,不应采取统一严格的最低录取标准。对于英语语言水平的测试另有TOEFL”。因此中国学生语文分数虽然很低,却因TOEFL分数超过550,(美国大学认为550分的托福分数便证明了考生很高的英语理解与运用能力,且证明了考生能够完全适应在美国的英语教学,美国本国高中毕业生参加TOEFL平均分数也只有580分),仍有很大获得奖学金资助的机会。
  数学项需时一个小时,包含三种问题:①数量比较 ②分离数量 ③图表解释,内容涉及算术、代数、几何的基本问题,这些问题只用到中国高中一年级所学的内容,题目也较容易,因此大多数的中国考生都能在数学方面得到很高的分数,颇有一批考到满分800分。
  Subject Test
  参加GRE专项考试的中国考生并非很多,因为大多数美国院校不要求提供专项GRE成绩,只要求普通GRE成绩。但申请研究生专业与申请人本科专业不一致的申请人,是需要提供专项GRE成绩的。例如A君在中国获得某大学物理专业学士学位,希望到美国改读经济硕士学位(Master of Arts in Economics),那么就需要提供GRE经济专项考试成绩,如果希望改读生化硕士学位,就需要提供GRE生化专项成绩。如果本科所学习的专业与申请研究生专业相同,一般不必提供专项成绩。
  GRE subject 考试包括数学、化学、生物、物理、生化、计算机、理学和英语文学考试七项考试。

考试结构
  目前,GRE CAT的考试思路与笔试相同,内容亦相近,但题目的分布和顺序都有很大的改动。CAT有4或5个Section,但只有3个Section计分,Verbal,Quantitative和Analytical中各取一个Section。试验性Section不计成绩,但因不能分辨第几个Section不计分,因此七个部分试题都应认真回答。ETS允许考生到考场熟悉设备(强烈建议!)
  因结构的不定性,总共考试时间不定,一般不超过4个小时。考试整个过程如下:
  ·Tutorial -计算机辅导练习,时间不限
  ·背景调查
  ·Verbal语文,30题,30分钟-计分
  ·Quantitative数学,28题,45分钟-计分
  ·Analytical分析,35题,60分钟-计分
  ·Unidentified pretest section(s) -可能出现Verbal、Quantitative、或者Analytical中任何一个,出现的位置不一定,不计分
  ·Identified Research Section -可能出现,一般会是个Mathematical Reasoning,而且会是最后一个部分,不计分
  ·选择保留或取消成绩
  ·选择报送成绩学校,最多4所
  考题具体分布情况:
  ·Verbal
  第1题~第7题:句子填空,每题有1至2个空项
  第8题~第10题:类比,有5个选项配对
  第17题~第27题:阅读(一长文,一短文)
第28题~第38题:反义,从5个单词或词组选项中过滤
·Quantitative
  第1题~第15题:2个数比较大小
  第16题~第20题:计算及应用
  第21题~第25题:图表分析推理
  ·Analytical此类型的题目分为两种,一种为分析推理,一种为逻辑推理。通常分析推理的题目较多,约有5组共19题;逻辑推理只有6题,其中有3题放在第一组分析推理题目的后面,另3题则放在最后面。GRE Writing Assessment一般不超过1.5小时,考试的结构如下:
  ·Tutorial -计算机辅导练习,时间不限
  ·Task 1 - 30 minutes中间没有休息
  ·Task 2 - 30 minutes
  GRE Subject Test GRE专业考试分为数学、生物、物理、化学、历史、音乐、法语、西班牙语、计算机、经济学、工程学、教育学、地质学、美国文学、政治学、心理学和社会学等学科,各个学科的试题数目与形式各不相同,其目的主要在于测试考生在某一学科领域或专业领域内所获得的知识和技能以及能力水平的高低。
  (1)数学类(M67──Mathematics)约66题,试题主要是针对希望攻读数学专业研究生的考生,侧重于数学专业的知识和技巧。除了基本的微积分运算外,还包括线性代数、数学分析等,要求考生能够举一反三。大约有1/4的试题涉及到复变分析、拓扑学、数论等方面的知识。
  (2)物理类(P77──Physics)约100题,其内容主要涉及大学的物理课程。其中经典力学约占20%,电磁基础约占18%,原子物理约占10%,物理光学及波动现象约占9%,流体力学及统计力学约占10%,量子力学约占12%,狭义相对论约占6%,实验方法约占6%,其余9%主要涉及近代物理学的内容,包括有拉格朗日和哈密尔顿力学、原子和质子物理、低温物理及空间物理。
  (3)化学类(C27──Chemistry)约150题,涉及大学化学课程的主要内容。其中,分析化学约占15%,无机化学约占25%,有机化学约占30%,物理化学约占30%。
  (4)计算机科学类(C29──Computer Science)约80题,涉及大学电子工程专业和计算机专业的课程内容。其中,软件系统及方法约占35%,计算机与结构约占20%,计算机理论约占20%,计算数学约占20%;其他如数学横型与模拟约占5%。
  (5)生物学类(B24──Biology)约205题,总共分成三个部分:
  细胞与分子生物学
  有机生物学
  人体生物学,包括生态学与进化论
  (6)工程类(E37──Engineering)约有140题,涉及大学基础及专业基础课程,内容包括机械学、传热学、电子及电子线路、热力学、材料特性等。在个别试题中也可能涉及化学、工程评价、光学、声学、计算方法、工程经济、流体力学、液压原理等。约有50题涉及到数学的应用,其中有一类试题是从研究数学模型到通过工程应用以完成操作;另一类试题是从研究直观数学概念,求出最佳方法,再应用到工程实践中去。
  (7)经济类(E31──Economics)共有130题。其中,微观经济和宏观经济分析试题约占60%,包括公共财政、金融、数量经济与国际贸易;7%的试题为统计基本知识;其余33%的试题包括经济学的其他领域。
  (8)教育学(E34──Education)约有200题,要分成以下五个部分:
  教育目标
  学校管理及监督
  课程安排
  教学与学习
  教育评估及研究
  (9)生物化学、细胞与分子生物学(B22---Biochemistry,Cell and Molecular Biology)参加这门学科考试的学生来自以下专业,即生物化学、细胞生物学、分子生物学以及其有关学科,例如微生物学、遗传学。该学科约180题,其试题内容涉及到三个领域,其中生物化学(36%),细胞生物学(28%),分子生物学与遗传学(36%)。
  (10)地质学(G47──Geology)
  约195题,共分成三个部分:1、地层学、沉积学、古生物学、地貌学和海洋学;2、地质结构与地球物理学、大地构造学、重力学、磁力学、地震及地震学、热电特性;3矿物学、岩石学、地球化学、同位素地质及经济资源等。
  (11)英国文学类(L64──Literature in English)
  约230题,其内容集中在重大事件、社会活动、著名作家等方面。主要侧重于大学课程的知识,例如辨认作家、作品,概述并讨论历史事件,复述某篇名作的章节;还有一类试题侧重于学生阅读诗歌、戏剧、小说、散文的能力。后一类试题往往要求考生使用规定的结构、形式、文学技巧和风格进行作文。
  (12)音乐类(M72──REVISED Music)
  约200题,试题侧重于人们熟悉的基本概念与原理,作品的分析和讲解,包括风格、构成和历史时期,共包括三个方面内容:
  音乐理论,其中有基本规则、和声、时位、节奏、形式、配器及管弦乐
  音乐史(中世纪变态乐)
  音乐史(20世纪古典音乐)
  (13)心理学类(P81──Psychology)约220题,共分为三个部分:
  记忆、思维、知觉、人文学、比较心理学、生理学等,约占43%
  个性、临诊、变态心理、心理发展和社会心理学等,约占43%
  历史心理学与应用心理学、心理测量、心理统计,约占14%

四、美国商学院入学考试(GMAT)
关于GMAC® 和GMAT®
GMAC® , Graduate Management Admission Council® , 是总部位于美国的一个非赢利性教育协会, 其成员包括世界各地许多知名的商学院。 GMAC一直致力于服务全球工商管理教育机构和有潜在管理才能的学生。   GMAC®最为人所知的是其主办的GMAT考试. 目前GMAT®考试已被广泛地用做工商管理硕士的入学考试,是当前最为可靠地测试考生是否具备顺利完成工商管理硕士项目学习能力的考试项目。GMAT®考试是专为帮助各商学院或工商管理硕士项目评估申请人是否具备在工商管理方面继续深造学习的资格。   在50多年的时间里, GMAT®考试已在世界范围内被接收,并且在这个过程中不断被评估、研究和进一步完善,确保其测试考生能力的精确性. 每年有超过180,000人参加这一考试, 并被超过1500个大学和1800个工商管理学习项目采用为入门考试。
  GMAT考试采取计算机化的自适应考试形式。作为自适应性考试,考试从多选题部分开始,考题将在考生开始考试时才被挑选出来。当考生每答完一道考题,该考题会被立即评判。电脑将根据考生完成的试题结果来决定接下来的考题内容。因此,每个考生的考题内容都将会不同。同时考生必须答完每一道考题方可进入下一道考题。考试不能回查。
考试内容
GMAT考试由分析写作评价、量化和词汇三部分组成。分析性写作评价(Analytical Writing Assessment)   分析性写作评价(AWA)由两个独立的写作部分组成,即观点陈述和论证辩析。考生各有30分钟的时间来完成上述两篇文章。文章必须用英语写成,并用键盘输入电脑。 量化部分 (Quantitative)  量化部分包括37个多项选择题,内容涉及数据充分性和问题解答两种类型,考试时间75分钟。
词汇部分(Verbal)  词汇部分包括41个多项选择题,内容涉及阅读理解、评论性推理和句子改错三种类型,考试时间75分钟。
  选择投送成绩的大学或项目––考试开始前,考生可以选择最多5所他/她想投送成绩的大学或项目投送GMAT考试成绩。投送费用已包含在考试费中。如需加送GMAT成绩,则需要通过注册中心或MBA网站付费订购。
  接受/取消考试成绩–– 在看到考试结果前,考生有机会决定是否取消本次考试成绩。如果考生选择取消,成绩将不被打印并且其选择的学校也不会收到考试成绩。但是本次考试仍然会被记录在档,如果未来考生再次参加考试并接受考试成绩时,本次记录将列在所发送的成绩单上。
  成绩单––如果考生选择接受本次考试结果,非正式成绩单将显示在考试机屏幕上并同时打印出来。非正式成绩单只显示考生数学和语文部分的成绩。分析写作部分的成绩将在结果回传后由专人评判。非正式成绩单上同时列出将接受成绩的学校信息。同时该成绩单上还给出了考生在网站上查看成绩的验证码。考生大约将在考试结束的20天后获得正式成绩单(含分析写作部分成绩)。   GMAT考试提供两个10分钟的可选休息。如果休息时间超出,随后的考试时间将被自动扣除。考试过程中,考生可以要求临时休息,但考试时间将会被自动扣除。
注册须知
考生最早可提前六个月注册考试或进行考试改期。同时考生两次考试预约的间隔必须超过31天,在连续的12个月内最多可参加5次GMAT考试。
获得考试成绩800分的考生5年内将不能再次参加GMAT考试。
GMAT考试不提供当天注册服务,考生至少提前一天注册考试。考场不提供注册服务。
GMAT考生注册考试时,请准确地按照护照上的姓名拼音和出生日期注册。如考生护照上姓名或出生日期和考试系统中的信息不符,考生将无法参加考试。并且不退还考试费用。
2006年起中国考生的唯一有效证件为护照(注:必须在有效期内)。外籍考生在中国参加GMAT考试,必须提供护照(注:必须在有效期内)作为有效证件。
  名字和地址变更––如果考生需要变更联系地址或其他个人信息, 请务必至少于考试预约前48小时与呼叫中心联系申请修改。48小时之内信息修改窗口将自动关闭。
  重新安排日程和取消––考生在考试预约时间前7天或更早时间申请改期的, 将收取50美元的考试改期费。在考试预约时间前7天之内申请改期的, 将收取250美元的考试改期费。如考生考试缺席, 考试不退还费用。不过因考试中心突然关闭导致考试无法进行的除外。


五、美国法学院入学考试(LSAT)

LSAT考试简介
  LSAT是Law School Admission Test(法学院入学考试)的缩写。是由位于美国宾西法尼亚州的法学院入学委员会(Law School Admission Council简称Law Services)负责主办的法学院入学资格考试。做为美国法学院申请入学的参考条件之一,该成绩将作为预估申请入学者在法学院的正确且合理的推论与判断能力、分析及评估能力之表现,没有资格报考的限制。简而言之,LSAT是为测试赴美加地区留学学生的英语能力,其成绩只是作为申请入法学院的评估条件之一。几乎所有的法学院都要求申请人参加LSAT考试。
  LSAT考试共有五个部分,包括三个方面的内容,每部分时间为35分钟,另加30分钟的写作。三个方面的内容是阅读理解、逻辑推理及分析推理,主要测试考生下列几方面的能力:
  准确阅读并理解复杂文章的能力
  组织有关信息并得出合理结论的能力
  批判性地推理能力
  对他人的推理进行分析和评价的能力

  LSAT考试每年举办四次,分别在二月、六月、十月及十二月。LSAT考试满分为180分,最低分为120分,其计算方法是根据选择的正确的答案的数目来确定。选对25个左右,分数大概为130分;选对39个左右,分数大概为140分;选对55个,分数大概为150分;选对72个,分数为160;选对87个,分数为170分;选对98个以上,分数为满分180分。一般好的学校要求的成绩都在160分以上。考试成绩一般在考后五周左右由主办机构寄出。LSAT成绩在5年内有效。
Law Services每年出一本考生手册(LSAT and LSDAS Information Book),其中有报名表格,考生可以免费索取。Law School Admission Services网址:http://www.lsac.org/

LSAT考试分为以下四个部分:
  一、阅读理解 阅读理解部分包括4篇文章,其中每篇文章大约为400——600个单词,有6——8个问题,4篇文章共有28个问题。
  二、逻辑推理 逻辑推理试题共有两个部分,每部分有24—26道试题。一般每道题都有一篇小的短文或对话,然后针对此短文或对话提出问题。短文或对话涉及的范围很广,包括哲学、文学、政治、科技、艺术、历史、体育等等。
  逻辑推理试题主要测试考生的以下能力:
  *确定中心思想
  *找出推理中的假设
  *从已知事实或前提得出合理结论
  *确定推理的准则并将之应用于新的论证
  *确定推理的方法或结构
  *找出推理的错误及误解
  *确定新的事实或论证对现有论证或结论的加强或削弱
  *对论证进行分析
  三、分析推理 分析推理部分一般分四组,共有24个问题。每组里面的每一个问题都基于一系列的条件,这些条件共同描述一种情况,例如,把人分成几组,把物品按顺序排列等。这部分试题主要测试考生理解有关关系结构并推出结论的能力。
  四、写作 写作部分时间为30分钟,其内容是,就给定的题目中的两种观点选择一个,并加以阐述。写作部分不计入总分,只作为参考。写作时应注意以下问题:
  (1)选择一种观点。在两种观点中选定一种,围绕这种观点展开论述。
  (2)阐述观点时,既要陈述支持所选择观点的理由,也要陈述反对另一种观点的理由。在两方面的对比中说明该选择的观点正确。
  (3)文章应包括五个段落。第一段说明两者之中选择其一,中间三段阐述选择的理由,最后一段作出结论。
  (4)写作应自然流畅,观点要明确,不要使用简写或缩写词。

  LSAT考试每年举办四次,分别在二月、六月、十月及十二月。LSAT考试满分为180分,最低分为120分,其计算方法是根据选择的正确的答案的数目来确定。选对25个左右,分数大概为130分;选对39个左右,分数大概为140分;选对55个,分数大致为150分;选对72个,分数为160;选对87个,分数为170分;选对98个以上,分数为满分180分。一般好的学校要求的成绩都在160分以上。考试成绩一般在考后五周左右由主办机构寄出,LSAT成绩在5年内有效。
  许多法学院都要求学生在每年的12月份参加LSAT考试以便能赶上第二年秋季入学。
  LSAT考试的注册费用是$90,延迟注册需加$54美元。

六、美国大学入学考试(SAT)

SAT考试是一个什么样性质的考试?
SAT为Scholastic Assessment Test的缩写,是美国高中生进入美国大学所必须参加的考试,也是世界各国高中生申请进入美国大学本科学习能否被录取及能否得到奖学金的重要参考。

为什么要参加SAT考试?
随着世界一体的趋势,越来越多的高中生去国外留学已经成为一个趋势和潮流,去美国名牌大学留学已经成为莘莘学子的梦想。
但是高中生去国外读本科仅凭TOEFL成绩和高中成绩很难申请到美国的名校或者拿到全额奖学金,如果自费去学习4年的学费加生活费很高,这对一般家庭来说很难担负,所以对那些家庭负担比较重的高中生来说只得望洋兴叹。而这个时候如果有一个较高的SAT成绩,那么不仅可以申请到美国较好的本科学校,也有希望获得奖学金。

SAT考试与TOEFL考试之间有什么区别?
TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language)是由美国教育考试服务中心(Educational Testing Service,简称ETS)主办的、为申请去北美国家上大学或进入研究生院学习的非英语国家学生提供的一种英语水平考试。也就是说,要申请进入美国、加拿大攻读本科或研究生学位必须要考托福,去英国、新西兰等英联邦国家(澳大利亚除外)和法国、德国等欧洲诸国留学的学员也一般参加托福考试。
SAT考试主要针对美国的本科申请,是世界各国高中生申请进入美国大学本科学习及获得奖学金的重要参考,是美国大学考察世界各国申请攻读美国本科学位高生中逻辑思维能力的重要标准和参照。
简而言之,托福考察的是学生的语言能力,而SAT考察的是学生的逻辑推理能力。

SAT考试的内容?
SAT考试分为两部分,包括SATⅠ:推理测验(Reasoning Test)和SATⅡ:专项测验(Subject Tests),包括数学、物理、化学、生物等。SATⅠ考试时间为3小时,主要测验考生的语文、数学推理能力,满分是1600分。SATⅡ考试时间1小时,大部分为选择题,主要考察考生某一专业的知识。
SATⅠ考试由语文和数学两部分组成,语文部分题型分为类比(analogies)、完成句子(sentence completions)和阅读(critical reading)三种;数学部分题型分为五选一、四选一和问答题三种。对来自中国高中生来说,数学部分比较简单,语文部分比较难,需要背大量的单词和熟悉应试技巧。

SAT考试如何报名,考试时间、地点和费用?
SAT考试在网上报名。报名办法如下:
登录http://www.collegeboard.com/网站,在网上注册,填写个人信息即可获得你的用户名和密码,然后就可以在SAT I首页上登录。首次登录到自己的账户时需要先填写一系列包括个人在校成绩、期望申请的专业等信息,这些主要是ETS希望收集的信息,可以略过不填。
这些信息填完后,第二次登录时,这些信息不会再出现,可以直接点击“new
registration”进入即可。注册第一页选择考试类型、考点、年级(美国的12年级等于中国的高中三年级)等,点“continue”进入下一页面,选择考试时间。进入下一页面,选择是否接受ETS student answer service的服务(如果选yes要多交6美元,考试后可获得ETS的考试报告)。 进入下一页,填将来想申请的4所学校,也可以不填,考后ETS可把SAT成绩免费寄送到这4所学校。 进入下一页,选择考试地点(如选择多伦多,点search,会出现4个地点,选择其中之一,点add,再选择),进入下一页面,这时页面会出现“registration
information”,“fee and payment”和“credit card information”,这时,填信用卡的类型,卡号及有效期。会得到确认单,报名即完成。

SAT I的考试费用?
Reasoning Test includes Basic/Registration
Reporting Fee 26$
International Processing Fee 17$
Student Answer Service 6$
即美国本国高中生报名费为26美元,除美国本国学生外的国际学生报名费用为43美元(26$+17$),如果考完后需要ETS的“student answer service”服务,再多交6美元。
SAT官网:http://www.collegeboard.com/splash

七、美国大学入学考试(ACT)
美国大学入学考试即ACT(American College Test),是对申请读美国等国家本科一年级课程的学生进行的入学资格考试,成绩被全美包括哈佛大学等常青藤名校在内的3000多所大学接受为本科入学标准。美国的大学既把ACT视为入学条件,又把它作为发放奖学金的主要依据之一。如今,ACT被全球各国广泛推崇,新加坡等东南亚国家的顶级大学,如新加坡国立大学等高校也承认ACT成绩。
ACT考试不同于以往检测学生对所学习知识掌握程度的终结性考试,而是一种着眼于对学生学习能力、性向和适应性测验的配置性考试。ACT考试总分为36分,由四个部分测验构成:
l 测量考生书面英语的理解与分析能力的英语测试;
l 测量考生定量推理能力的数学测试;
l 测量考生理解、分析、评价性推理和解决问题的能力阅读测试,阅读测试的内容涵盖自然科学、社会科学、人文科学甚至文学和艺术;
l 测量考生运用图表、表格和研究总结等方式处理科学概念的能力的科学推理测试。
还有非必选的30分钟英语写作是测试学生的英语写作能力。ACT考试直接测量考生的分析、解决问题和批判性评价书面材料等高校学习所必需的能力与技能。ACT考试侧重于对中学知识的掌握程度的测试。全套ACT考试,共计215道题,其中英语测试有75题,数学测试60题,阅读测试40题,科学测试40题,考试时限为175分钟。
  除了检测考生的智力因素外,ACT考试还十分关注考生的非智力因素。ACT考试附有中学所学课程和等级问卷、学生个人信息资料和学生兴趣问答等三份资料,从而可以比较全面地了解考生的教育需要、兴趣与能力。ACT考试结束后4至7周时间内,美国大学测验社结合考生具体的答卷情况及成绩和上述三份资料向考生反馈相关信息,提出适合考生的学习专业和工作职业以供其选择和参考。

什么是ACT考试
  ACT考试与SAT考试均被称为“美国高考”,它们既是美国大学的入学条件之一,又是大学发放奖学金的主要依据之一及对学生综合能力的测试标准。和SAT不同,ACT考试更像一种学科考试,它更强调考生对课程知识的掌握,同时也考虑到了对考生独立思考和判断能力的测试。从难度上看,ACT考试比SAT更容易一些,尤其对中国的考生来说,选择ACT考试可能更容易在短期内获得相对满意的成绩。

为什么高中生留学要考ACT
  在美国,ACT和SAT都作为大学录取新生的重要依据而颇受高中生重视。如果高中生要申请美国前50位的顶尖大学,除了要求学生提供托福成绩或者雅思成绩等语言考试成绩外,90%以上的美国顶尖名校会要求参考学生的SAT或ACT成绩,而且成绩的高低是决定学生能否得到奖学金的重要参考。在过去,由于SAT设立时间早,在美国被稍多的大学认可,而ACT主要在美国中西部的大学中流行。但是,近年来,高速发展的ACT考试已经在美国著名高校中获得承认,其中也包括哈佛、耶鲁这样的顶级名校。在哈佛大学2004年入学的新生中,递交ACT考分的申请者占1/5,这个比例和五年前是相近的。但是ACT和SAT考试所影响的地域已经开始模糊化了。“我们是完全以同等的姿态接受ACT和SAT考试分数的”,哈佛大学的入学主管William Fitzsimmons 明确表示。由此可见,ACT考试正在逐渐得到美国大学的青睐。

ACT考试地点、时间
  由于ACT考试在大陆都暂时没有公开的考点,所以考生可以选择香港的考点参加考试。ACT考试每年举行5次,具体时间分别是2月中、4月中、6月初、10月底和12月初。据ACT考试的主办方负责人透露,为了在中国进行ACT考试的推广,ACT方面已经在中国的一些大城市设置了教学考试中心。并将在年内在国内的北京、上海、成都、广州等城市设置相关的考场,为考生参加ACT考试提供更大的便利。

点击这里查看全文。

2009-03-05

美国中文教师招聘信息-200条

美国中文教师招聘信息-200条

我机构现提供美国、加拿大、澳大利亚、墨西哥、新加坡、日本、韩国、印度、香港、台湾等国家和地区中文教师招聘信息,欢迎以会员身份加入我们,享受优质会员服务。我们收取一定的会员费,标准如下:
☆会员:2000元,享受3个月美国等地任教招聘信息
☆☆会员:3500元,享受6个月美国等地任教招聘信息
☆☆☆会员:5000元,享受9个月美国等地任教招聘信息
☆☆☆☆会员:6500元,享受12个月美国等地任教招聘信息
☆☆☆☆☆会员:12000元,享受24个月美国等地任教招聘信息

有志者同我们签约后,即可浏览现有职位及随后补充的所有最新职位信息,包括学校名称、网站、联系人、联系方式等。我们同时提供任教申请全程或部分服务,服务费另议。欢迎垂询。联系人: 公先生、陈先生电话:0531 8252 8666电子信箱: abroad4you@188.comQQ在线: QQ:593750727(公),779304503(陈)

注:除注明者以外,其他均为美国职位信息(约占95%以上)。

JECI代码0200
所在地: Massachusetts州Hadley/Amherst市
学校类别:K-12
任教日期:2009春季
截止日期:额满为止
02/25/2009 05:59 pm

LOCATION: Five College area, Hadley/Amherst, Massachusetts.

TYPE OF POSITION: Director of Education, Full time with benefits, with start date in Spring 2009.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must be fluent (native or near native proficiency) in Mandarin Chinese; have a MS degree; and be eligible to work in a MA charter school (i.e. pass the appropriate MTEL licensing tests within a year of hire or hold a current MA K-6 teaching license). Advanced degree in education and experience teaching in a Chinese immersion program preferred.

The Director of Education (DE) reports to the Principal. The Director of Education will oversee the day-to-day management of the educational program. The Director of Education will play an essential role in the implementation and development of the curriculum, the staff development of the teaching staff, and administration of the federal grants program. He/she works with the principal, teachers, and staff to analyze, assess, and improve educational programs.

Duties include:
• Supervising non-SPED instructional staff, including ELL staff. Works with Principal to hire non-SPED instructional faculty. Mentoring and assessing teachers. Overseeing the professional development program. Supporting teachers on all teaching-related issues.
• Ensuring that the curriculum and instructional techniques support THE SCHOOL’s mission and philosophy, and that the curriculum is aligned with the MA Curriculum Frameworks. Reviewing and offering feedback on teachers’ curricula and teaching. Reviewing THE SCHOOL’s curricula to determine effectiveness and overseeing implementation of changes.
• Creating plans for communication between parents, faculty and administration. Collecting feedback on the educational program. Communicating with parents about student concerns.
• Ensuring THE SCHOOL meets its student achievement objectives.

We are seeking energetic, enthusiastic, creative individuals who will communicate well with parents, staff and teachers in the school. Applicants must have the skills to work in a small school as a member of a team committed to building and promoting the school’s Mandarin Chinese immersion program.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit a cover letter, and resume.

THE SCHOOL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, housing status, gender, age, or disability. We are an equal opportunity employer.

CONTACT: ….

JECI代码0199
所在地: Massachusetts州Hadley/Amherst市
学校类别:K-12任教日期:2009夏季
截止日期:额满为止
02/25/2009 05:55 pm

LOCATION: Five College area, Hadley/Amherst, Massachusetts.

TYPE OF POSITION: School is expanding, these are new full time positions with benefits, for the 2009-2010 school year with start date in summer 2009.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must be fluent (native or near native proficiency) in Mandarin Chinese; have a BS degree; and be eligible to work in a MA charter school (i.e. pass the appropriate MTEL licensing tests within a year of hire or hold a current MA K-6 teaching license). Advanced degree in education and teaching experience with grades K-3 preferred.
We are seeking energetic, enthusiastic, creative individuals who will communicate well with parents, staff and teachers in the school. Applicants must have the skills to work in a small school as a member of a team committed to building and promoting the school’s Mandarin Chinese immersion program.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit a cover letter, and resume.
The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, housing status, gender, age, or disability. We are an equal opportunity employer.

CONTACT: ….
......
查看全部:http://www.abroad4u.org/Chinese/cgjsview.asp?id=365

国家公派出国教师生活待遇管理规定

教育部 财政部关于印发
《国家公派出国教师生活待遇管理规定》的通知

2005年8月31日

  为适应国内外情况的发展变化,结合国家公派出国教师工作和教育援外工作实际,我们制定了《国家公派出国教师生活待遇管理规定》,现印发给你们,从2005年9月1日起执行,以前有关出国教师生活待遇方面的规定同时废止。

国家公派出国教师生活待遇管理规定

  第一章 总 则

  第一条 为促进中外教师交流,加强国际汉语教学和教育援外工作,充分调动公派出国教师(以下简称出国教师)的积极性,进一步完善出国教师的管理,特制订本规定。

  第二条 本规定适用于根据我国政府对外文化、教育交流协议和双边协议选派出国长期任教(指在国外工作二年或以上)并由中国政府提供资助的出国教师。

  第二章 国外工资及补贴

  第三条 出国教师在国外工作期间,根据出国教师所在单位确定的国内任教职称,按以下标准计发国外工资:

  单位:美元/月

级别 职别  工资标准
一级 教授、研究员 1300
二级 副教授、副研究员 1200
三级 讲师、助理研究员 1100
四级 助教、实习研究员 1050

注:工资标准中含配偶补贴。

  第四条 根据任教国的地区类别,向教师发放艰苦地区补贴。地区类别划分和艰苦地区补贴标准执行财政部制定的我国对外援助人员的艰苦地区补贴标准,二至六类地区名单详见附件。现行补贴标准为:

  一类地区:无艰苦地区补贴;

  二类地区:每人每月100美元;

  三类地区:每人每月200美元;

  四类地区:每人每月320美元;

  五类地区:每人每月450美元;

  六类地区:每人每月550美元。

  第五条 出国教师从第二任期开始,在一、二类地区每增加一个任期或从三类以上艰苦地区任满后到一、二类地区任教,月工资增加25美元,从一、二类地区任满后到三类(含)以上艰苦地区任教,月工资增加50美元,在三类地区(含)以上艰苦地区每增加一个任期,月工资增加75美元。

  第六条 经外交部、财政部批准,我国驻外使(领)馆人员享受战乱补贴的,在同一地区任教的出国教师也同时享受。发放标准和办法参照财政部、外交部有关规定和通知执行。

  第七条 出国教师在外工作期间,如国外聘请方不提供工作交通工具和相关费用的,国家按以下标准提供交通补贴:

  一类、二类地区:每人每月200美元;

  三类以上地区:每人每月400美元。

  第八条 出国教师办理居留、注册等各种手续,购置必要的家用电器、教学设备(含电脑及外设)、安装卫星接收设备及其他安置开支等,国家提供一次性工作安置费3000美元。

  因特殊原因并经批准提前回国,实际任期半年(含)以内的,工作安置费为600美元;半年以上至一年(含)的,工作安置费为1200美元;一年以上至一年半(含)的,工作安置费为2000美元;一年半以上的,工作安置费为3000美元的全额补贴。如出国前已领取3000美元的,回国后退回相应部分。

  第九条 出国教师在同一地点连任,国家对其第二任期提供工作安置费400美元,用于家用电器及教学设备的维修。连任期间,因特殊原因并经批准提前回国,任期不足一年的,不提供工作安置费;超过一年(含)的,工作安置费为400美元。

  第十条 出国教师的国外工资和各项补贴按离境和离任教国国境之日计算。在国外任教时间不满一个月的,国外工资和各项补贴按日标准乘以实际天数计算,其中日标准按月标准除以当月一个月的实有天数计算。任教期限以教师派遣部门的通知为准。如出国教师赴任绕道或人为中途停留,耽搁到任教国的天数的工资和各项补贴则予以扣除。

  第十一条 出国教师在国外死亡,其国外工资及各项补贴,从死亡之次月停发,抚恤金由出国教师所在单位按国内有关规定发放给家属。若任教国发给抚恤金或赔偿费的,应首先抵支按规定应由个人负担的医疗费用,剩余部分归其家属所有。

  第三章 国外开支与收入

  第十二条 实行国外工资和各项补贴后,出国教师在国外工作期间,除医疗费、国际交通费和租房费以外发生的伙食费、水电费、燃气费、取暖费、通讯费、交际费、图书资料费、交通及有关费用、雇工费、上网费、有线(卫星)电视收视费、护照签证延期费和办公用品、办公设备、家用电器、家具、灶具购置费及购买个人意外伤害险等费用均自理。

  出国教师使用国家发给的工作安置费,在国外购置的一切物品归出国教师个人所有,并由出国教师按照驻在国的法律和规定自行处置。

  第十三条 出国教师国外住房,按协议由国外聘用方提供的或由聘用方提供工资并按第二十六条规定由国家补不足或收入全归个人的,国家不再报销租房费用;如协议未规定且聘用方不提供住房和租房费用,则由出国教师按照驻外使领馆确定的租房费用标准,自行租房,租房费用在标准内由驻外使领馆或教育部指定驻外机构凭据实报实销,超出租房费用标准的部分由个人负担。

  第十四条 驻外使领馆确定的租房费用标准,应根据教授、副教授二室一厅、建筑面积不超过80平方米,讲师、助教一室一厅、建筑面积不超过60平方米的住房标准和所在城市不带家具的房租平均水平制订,并报教育部备案。如房租水平超过或低于原定标准15%时,驻外使领馆应及时调整,并将调整标准报教育部财务司备案。

  第十五条 出国教师的部分医疗费已包含在国外工资中,其在出国任教期间,所发生符合公费医疗规定的在国内购药和在驻在国或在第三国看病的挂号费、药费、检查费、治疗费、住院费以及其他属于公费医疗范围的开支,不分工资级别,一律采用分段计算、由个人和国家分别负担的办法。

  (一)出国教师在一个自然年度内,医药费支出在240美元(不足一年的每月按20美元计算)及以下的,由出国教师个人负担。

  (二)一年医药费支出在240—600美元的部分,出国教师个人负担30%,其余由国家报销。

  (三)一年医药费支出在600—6000美元的部分,出国教师个人负担5%,其余由国家报销。

  (四)一年医药费支出在6000美元以上的部分,全部由国家报销。

  如聘用方给予出国教师医疗保险或医疗费报销或由聘用方提供工资并按第二十六条规定由国家补不足或收入全归个人的出国教师,国家不报销这部分人员的医疗费。

  第十六条 在疟疾、登革热、霍乱、伤风、麻风病高发区任教的出国教师,预防和治疗上述疾病的药品费、医疗费和防疫费由国家全额报销。

  第十七条 不属于公费医疗范围的开支(如镶牙、洗牙、购买补药发生的支出)全部由出国教师个人自理。

  第十八条 出国教师在驻在国投保医疗保险的费用,按第十五条医疗分段办法计算报销。

  第十九条 出国教师和配偶出国、回国及休假或探亲的国际交通费,按协议规定由聘用方提供的,国家不再报销;聘用方不予提供的,按教育部确定的最捷径路线实报实销。

  第二十条 出国教师乘坐交通工具的种类由出国教师个人决定,报销的最高座位等次为飞机经济舱、火车硬卧车厢和轮船三等舱。中转途中食宿、市内交通和绕行超出确定的最捷径路线标准的国际交通费等费用由出国教师个人负担。

  第二十一条 出国教师任期为三年或以上的,在国外工作满两年后可回国休假一次或到配偶学习和工作的第三国探亲一次,国际交通费按第十九条规定报销。

  因教育部工作要求,出国教师临时回国或到第三国参加有关活动,其国际旅费可由国家支付。

  第二十二条 出国教师在国外任教期间,其配偶可以选择随任或探亲,随任配偶可随出国教师按第二十一条规定回国休假一次。随任期间,所在单位应保留其公职。

  不随任配偶在出国教师国外工作一年后,可到出国教师任教地公费探亲一次,如放弃探亲,可转给出国教师本人使用。

  第二十三条 家庭所在地区不在北京的出国教师,出国前可一次领取出国费补助人民币2500元,用于家庭所在地至北京往返交通费、食宿费、市内交通费、礼品、护照签证、体检等费用。家庭在北京的出国教师,出国前可一次领取出国补助人民币1500元,用于市内交通费、礼品、护照签证、体检等费用。国家不再报销出国教师国内的任何费用(包括出国、回国和探亲休假的国内交通住宿等)。出国教师和配偶出国,原则上应按因私渠道办理出国手续,如特殊需要,经教育部批准可办理因公出国手续。

  第二十四条 出国教师无论是公费回国休假或探亲,还是自费回国或到第三国休假,都应利用任教学校假期,不得影响教学工作和合同的执行,同时须经驻外使领馆批准。批准的休假或探亲期限最长不超过两个月,出国教师应严格按批准的期限休假或探亲,如未经批准或休假时间超出了批准的期限,则扣发其违规休假期间的工资和各项补贴。

  第二十五条 出国教师回国休假和探亲及临时回国或到第三国是由国家报销国际交通费的或聘用方出资的,艰苦地区补贴停发,工资和其他补贴继续享受;出国教师自费回国或到第三国休假和探亲及参加有关活动,工资和各项补贴继续享受。

  第二十六条 出国教师在国外期间有教学工资等收入(包括工资、各种补贴、奖金、兼课和超课时费及其他收入等),其总收入和聘用方给予报销有关费用(国际交通费和房租费)之和等于或高于本规定所规定的工资、补贴、房租和往返国际交通费之和的,收入全部留归个人,国家不再补助和报销任何费用;如低于本规定的,不足部分由国家补足,同时个人在国内外期间所发生的一切费用均自理。
......
查看全文:http://www.abroad4u.org/Chinese/newsviewright.asp?id=431

2009-02-05

Obama's inaugural speech-奥巴马就职演说

CNN) -- Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States and the nation's first African-American president Tuesday. This is a transcript of his prepared speech.

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

温家宝在英国剑桥大学发表演讲(全文)

  新华网英国剑桥2009年2月2日电 国务院总理温家宝2日在英国剑桥大学具有500年历史的“瑞德讲坛”发表了题为《用发展的眼光看中国》的演讲。全文如下:
用发展的眼光看中国
━━在剑桥大学的演讲
中华人民共和国国务院总理 温家宝

  尊敬的理查德校长,
  女士们,先生们:
  来到向往已久的剑桥大学,非常高兴。剑桥举世闻名,培养出牛顿、达尔文、培根等许多杰出的科学家、思想家,为人类文明进步作出了重要贡献。今年是剑桥建校800周年,我谨致以热烈祝贺!
  这是我第四次访问英国。中英相距遥远,但两国人民的友好交往不断增多。香港问题的圆满解决,经贸、文教、科技等领域的有效合作,为发展中英全面战略伙伴关系奠定了坚实基础。在此,我向长期致力于中英友好的朋友们表示崇高的敬意!

  今天,我演讲的题目是:用发展的眼光看中国。

  我深深爱着的祖国——古老而又年轻。

  说她古老,她是一个有着数千年文明史的东方大国。中华民族以自己的勤劳和智慧,创造了灿烂的古代文明,对人类发展作出过重大贡献。
  说她年轻,新中国成立才60年,改革开放才30年。中国人民经过长期不懈的斗争建立了新中国,又经过艰苦的探索,终于找到了适合国情的发展道路——中国特色社会主义道路,文明古国焕发了青春活力。
  中国改革开放,最重要的是解放思想,最根本、最具有长远意义的是体制创新。我们推进经济体制改革,建立了社会主义市场经济体制。在政府的宏观调控下,充分发挥市场对资源配置的基础性作用。我们深化政治体制改革,把发展民主和完善法制结合起来,实行人民当家作主,依法治国,建设社会主义法治国家。
  改革开放的实质,就是坚持以人为本,通过解放和发展生产力满足人们日益增长的物质文化需求,在公正的条件下促进人的全面发展;就是保障人民的民主权利,让国家政通人和、兴旺发达;就是维护人的尊严和自由,让每个人的智慧和力量得以迸发,成功地追求自己的幸福生活。
  30年来,中国贫困人口减少了2亿多,人均寿命提高了5岁,8300万残疾人得到政府和社会的特殊关爱,这是中国保障人权的光辉业绩。九年免费义务教育的推行,农村合作医疗制度的建立,社会保障体系的完善,使学有所教、病有所医、老有所养的理想,正在变为现实。
  我愿借用两句唐诗形容中国的现状:“潮平两岸阔,风正一帆悬。”中国人正在努力实现现代化,这是一个古而又新的发展中大国进行的一场伟大实践。掌握了自己命运的中国人民,对未来充满信心!

  我深深爱着的祖国——历经磨难而又自强不息。

  我年轻时曾长期工作在中国的西北地区。在那浩瀚的沙漠中,生长着一种稀有的树种,叫胡杨。它扎根地下50多米,抗干旱、斗风沙、耐盐碱,生命力极其顽强。它“生而一千年不死,死而一千年不倒,倒而一千年不朽”,世人称为英雄树。我非常喜欢胡杨,它是中华民族坚韧不拔精神的象征。
  千百年来,中华民族一次次战胜了天灾人祸,渡过了急流险滩,昂首挺胸地走到今天。深重的灾难,铸就了她百折不挠、自强不息的品格。中华民族的历史证明了一个真理:一个民族在灾难中失去的,必将从民族的进步中得到补偿。
  此时此刻,我不禁想起在汶川地震灾区的亲身经历。去年5月,四川汶川发生震惊世界的特大地震,北川中学被夷为平地,孩子伤亡惨重。可是,时隔10天,当我第二次来到这里时,乡亲们已在废墟上搭起了板房教室,校园里又回荡着孩子们朗朗的读书声。当时我在黑板上,给同学们写下了“多难兴邦”几个字。地震发生以来,我7次到汶川灾区,碰到这样感人的事迹不胜枚举。我为我们中华民族这种愈挫愈奋的精神深深感动。这种伟大的精神,正是我们的民族饱经忧患而愈益坚强、生生不息的力量源泉。
  经过半个多世纪的艰苦奋斗,中国有了比较大的发展,经济总量跃居世界前列,但我们仍然是一个发展中国家,同发达国家相比还有很大的差距。人口多,底子薄,发展不平衡,这种基本国情还没有从根本上得到改变。中国的人均GDP水平,排在世界100位之后,仅为英国的1/16左右。到过中国旅游的朋友,你们所看到的城市是现代的,而我们的农村还比较落后。
到本世纪中叶,中国要基本实现现代化,面临三大历史任务:既要努力实现欧洲早已完成的工业化,又要追赶新科技革命的浪潮;既要不断提高经济发展水平,又要实现社会公平正义;既要实现国内的可持续发展,又要承担相应的国际责任。中国要赶上发达国家水平,还有很长很长的路要走,还会遇到许多艰难险阻。但是,任何困难都阻挡不住中国人民前进的步伐,只要我们坚持不懈地努力奋斗,中国现代化的目标就一定能够实现。

我深深爱着的祖国——珍视传统而又开放兼容。

  中华传统文化底蕴深厚、博大精深。“和”在中国古代历史上被奉为最高价值,是中华文化的精髓。中国古老的经典——《尚书》就提出“百姓昭明,协和万邦”的理想,主张人民和睦相处,国家友好往来。
  “和为贵”的文化传统,哺育了中华民族宽广博大的胸怀。我们的民族,既能像大地承载万物一样,宽厚包容;又能像苍天刚健运行一样,彰显正义。
  15世纪,中国著名航海家郑和七下西洋,到过三十几个国家。他带去了中国的茶叶、丝绸、瓷器,还帮助沿途有的国家剿灭海盗,真正做到了播仁爱于友邦。
  国强必霸,不适合中国。称霸,既有悖于我们的文化传统,也违背中国人民意志。中国的发展不损害任何人,也不威胁任何人。中国要做和平的大国、学习的大国、合作的大国,致力于建设一个和谐的世界。
  不同国家、不同民族的文化,需要相互尊重、相互包容和相互学习。今天的中国,有3亿人在学英语,有100多万青年人在国外留学。我们的电视、广播、出版等新闻传媒,天天都在介绍世界各地的文化艺术。正因为我们善于在交流中学习,在借鉴中收获,才有今天中国的繁荣和进步。
  进入21世纪,经济全球化、信息网络化,已经把世界连成一体,文化的发展将不再是各自封闭的,而是在相互影响中多元共存。一个国家、一个民族对人类文化贡献的大小,越来越取决于她吸收外来文化的能力和自我更新的能力。中国将永远坚持开放兼容的方针,既珍视传统,又博采众长,用文明的方式、和谐的方式实现经济繁荣和社会进步。

  女士们,先生们!
  我之所以强调用发展的眼光看中国,就是因为世界在变,中国也在变。如今的中国,早已不是一百年前封闭落后的旧中国,也不是30年前贫穷僵化的中国。经过改革开放,中国的面貌已焕然一新。北京奥运会向世界展示的,就是这样一个古老、多彩和现代的中国。我希望朋友们,多到中国走一走、看一看,了解今天的中国人究竟在想什么、做什么、关心什么。这样,有助于你们认识一个真实的、不断发展变化着的中国,也有助于你们了解中国是如何应对当前这场全球性金融危机的。
  在这场前所未有的世界金融危机中,中国和包括英国在内的欧洲都受到严重冲击。现在危机尚未见底,由此可能带来的各种严重后果还难以预料。合作应对、共渡难关,是我们的首要任务。
  我认为,应对全球性危机,需要增进合作。有多大程度的相互信任,就可能有多大程度的合作。中国政府主张:第一,要首先办好各国自己的事情,不把麻烦推给别人;第二,要精诚合作,不搞以邻为壑;第三,要标本兼治,不能头疼医头、脚疼医脚。我在达沃斯会议上已重申,应该对国际货币金融体系进行必要的改革,建立公平、公正、包容、有序的国际金融新秩序,努力营造有利于全球经济发展的制度环境。

  这里我想谈一谈中国是如何应对这场金融危机的。
  金融危机对中国实体经济的影响日益显现。从去年第三季度以来,出口大幅下滑,经济增速放缓,就业压力加大。中国经济面临着严峻的局面。面对危机,我们果断决策,及时调整宏观经济政策取向,迅速出台扩大国内需求的十项措施,陆续制定了一系列政策,形成了系统完整的促进经济平稳较快发展的一揽子计划。主要包括以下几个方面:
  一是大规模增加政府支出扩大内需。中国政府推出了以财政支出带动社会投资,总额达4万亿元的两年计划,规模相当于2007年中国GDP的16%。主要投向保障性安居工程、农村民生工程、铁路交通等基础设施、社会事业、生态环保建设和地震灾后恢复重建。中国政府还推出了大规模的减税计划,一年可减轻企业和居民负担约5000亿元。我们还大幅度降息和增加银行体系流动性,出台了一系列金融措施。
  二是大范围实施产业调整振兴计划。我们全面推进产业结构调整和优化升级,制定汽车、钢铁等十个重点产业的调整和振兴规划。我们采取经济和技术的措施,大力推进节能减排,推进企业兼并重组,提高产业集中度和资源配置效率。我们鼓励和支持企业广泛应用新技术、新工艺、新设备、新材料,开发适销对路产品。
三是大力推进科技进步和创新。科技是克服金融危机的根本力量。每一场大的危机常常伴随一场新的科技革命;每一次经济的复苏,都离不开技术创新。我们加快实施国家中长期科学和技术发展规划,特别是核心电子器件、核能开发利用、高档数控机床等16个重大专项,突破一批核心技术和关键共性技术,为中国经济在更高水平上实现可持续发展提供科技支撑。推动发展高新技术产业群,培育新的经济增长点。我们就是要依靠科学技术的重大突破,创造新的社会需求,催生新一轮的经济繁荣。
  四是大幅度提高社会保障水平。继续提高企业退休人员基本养老金,提高失业保险金和工伤保险金标准,提高城乡低保、农村五保等保障水平。积极推进医药卫生体制改革,力争用三年时间基本建成覆盖全国城乡的基本医疗卫生制度,初步实现人人享有基本医疗卫生服务。我们坚持优先发展教育,正在制定《国家中长期教育改革和发展规划纲要》。我们实施更加积极的就业政策,重点解决高校毕业生和农民工就业问题。开辟就业岗位,缓解就业压力。
  我们采取这些措施,把扩大国内需求、调整振兴产业、加强科技支撑、强化社会保障结合起来,把拉动经济增长和改善民生、增加就业结合起来,把克服当前困难和促进长远发展结合起来。这样做,有利于中国的发展,也将给包括英国在内的世界各国企业带来巨大的商机。
  这场百年一遇的金融危机,留给世人的思考是沉重的。它警示人们,对现行的经济体制和经济理论,应该进行深刻的反思。
  中国曾长期实行高度集中的计划经济,把计划看成是绝对的,束缚了生产力的发展。这场金融危机使我们看到,市场也不是万能的,一味放任自由,势必引起经济秩序的混乱和社会分配的不公,最终受到惩罚。真正的市场化改革,决不会把市场机制与国家宏观调控对立起来。既要发挥市场这只看不见的手的作用,又要发挥政府和社会监管这只看得见的手的作用。两手都要硬,两手同时发挥作用,才能实现按照市场规律配置资源,也才能使资源配置合理、协调、平衡、可持续。
  国际金融危机再次告诉人们,不受监管的市场经济是多么可怕。从上世纪90年代以来,一些经济体疏于监管,一些金融机构受利益驱动,利用数十倍的金融杠杆进行超额融资,在获取高额利润的同时,把巨大的风险留给整个世界。这充分说明,不受管理的市场经济是注定行不通的。因此,必须处理好金融创新与金融监管的关系、虚拟经济与实体经济的关系、储蓄与消费的关系。
  有效应对这场危机,还必须高度重视道德的作用。道德是世界上最伟大的,道德的光芒甚至比阳光还要灿烂。真正的经济学理论,决不会同最高的伦理道德准则产生冲突。经济学说应该代表公正和诚信,平等地促进所有人,包括最弱势人群的福祉。被誉为现代经济学之父的亚当·斯密在《道德情操论》中指出:“如果一个社会的经济发展成果不能真正分流到大众手中,那么它在道义上将是不得人心的,而且是有风险的,因为它注定要威胁社会稳定。”道德缺失是导致这次金融危机的一个深层次原因。一些人见利忘义,损害公众利益,丧失了道德底线。我们应该倡导:企业要承担社会责任,企业家身上要流淌着道德的血液。

  女士们,先生们!
  英国是我这次欧洲之行的最后一站。这次访问,加深了我对欧洲的了解。中欧合作已经站在一个新的历史起点上。我对中欧发展全面战略伙伴关系更加充满信心。我们之间不存在历史遗留问题,也不存在根本利害冲突。中欧合作基础坚实,前景光明。英国是最早进入现代化的国家,你们在发展经济、保护环境等方面,都有许多成功的经验。我们愿意向你们学习,加强交流与合作。
  未来属于青年一代。中英关系的美好前景要靠青年去开拓。抚今追昔,我想起对中英文化交流作出重要贡献的剑桥校友李约瑟博士。他的鸿篇巨著《中国科学技术史》,在东西方两大文明之间架起了一座桥梁。继承传统、勇于创新,是剑桥大学的优秀品格。希望更多的剑桥人关注中国,用发展的眼光看中国,做中英交流的友好使者。我相信,只要中英两国青年相互学习,携手共进,一定会谱写出中英关系的崭新篇章。
  谢谢大家!

2009-02-02

A Brief Introduction to Chinese Visas - by Chinese Embassy in the USA

Updated: 19/09/2008

A Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese visa authorities to an alien for entry into, exit from or transit through China. The Chinese visa authorities may issue a Diplomatic, Courtesy, Official or Regular Visa to an alien according to his/her status, purpose of visit to China or passport type.

The overseas Chinese visa authorities are Chinese embassies, consulates, and other offices authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. If a foreigner intends to enter into, exit from or transit through Chinese territory, he/she shall apply for a Chinese visa to the above-mentioned Chinese visa authorities .

Visa-free entry into China
1. Visa-free entry for visitors: No visa is required for ordinary passport holders from Singapore ,Brunei and Japan to visit China for up to 15 days for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends or transit.
2. Visa-free transit (for more information about transit visas, please click here)
o Visas are not required of aliens who hold air tickets to the final destination and have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport.
o Visas are not required of passport holders of the following countries, who transit through Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport of Shanghai, provided they hold valid passports, visas for the onward countries, final destination tickets and have booked seats, and stay in Shanghai for less than 48 hours : Republic of Korea, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland.

Classification of Regular Visa
Regular Visas consist of eight sub-categories, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters C, D, F, G, J-1, J-2, L, X and Z.

C Visa: Issued to crewmembers to perform duties on board an international train, airliner or other vessel, and their accompanying family members.

D Visa: Issued to an alien who comes to reside permanently in China.

F Visa: Issued to an alien who is invited to China for a visit, an investigation, a lecture, to do business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or internship for a period of no more than six months.

G Visa: Issued to an alien who transits through China.

J-1 Visa: Issued to foreign resident correspondents in China.

J-2 Visa: Issued to foreign journalists who make short trips to China on reporting tasks.

L Visa: Issued to an alien who comes to China for sightseeing, family visiting or other private purposes.

X Visa : Issued to an alien who comes to China for study, advanced studies or internship for a period of more than six months.

Z Visa: Issued to an alien who comes to China for a post or employment, and his or her accompanying family members.

法国三分之一教师参与2009年1月29日的大罢工

法国各地(2009年)1月29日发生近200起抗议政府当前经济政策的罢工以及游行示威事件。据法国劳工总会统计,全国当天有250万人参加了各类抗议活动。他们要求法国政府采取措施保障就业、提高工资和购买力水平,反对政府有关邮局、电力等公营企业“私有化”计划,也反对政府日前在国营广电部门推出的一些改革措施。法国媒体将这一天称为“黑色星期四”。
  
  8大工会联手施压
  这次罢工被视为萨科齐总统上任以来规模最大的全国性罢工。参与罢工者既有公共服务部门雇员,又有私营领域雇员。罢工活动中,法国8个主要工会组织联合向政府施压,要求政府为雇员加薪、加大工作岗位保护力度和经济危机应对力度。
  法国一些官员说,全法国三分之一的教师、四分之一的邮电及国企电力工人、15%的航空业空管员参与了当天的罢工。法新社报道,法国500万名公共服务部门雇员中,23%的人罢工抗议。
[山东乔纳森国际教育咨询机构点评:如此大规模的法国教师参与全法国的大罢工,一方面反映法国教师的待遇令人堪忧,另一方面也有可能导致众多法国教师走出国门,任教海外。这对中国众多开设法语课的学校来说有可能是一件好事,他们将有更多的法语教师资源可供遴选和聘用。]
  
  250万民众街头示威
  法国大量民众于“黑色星期四”走上街头,抗议政府应对经济危机不力。法国温和派工会团体“CFDT”成员弗朗索瓦·谢勒克称这场席卷法国约200个地区的示威活动为法国“20年来规模最大的工人集会”。当地警方称,当天共有250万人参加示威活动。
  在巴黎,数以万计的示威者从巴士底狱广场列队出发,前往市中心,要求政府采取行动稳定就业、保护社会保障机制。当天的示威演变成骚乱,示威者在商业大街掷玻璃瓶,放火,更与警方爆发冲突,警方施放催泪气体驱散群众。
  在里昂,示威者打出标语横幅,上面写有“我们拒绝为资本主义的危机付账”、“资本主义经济‘有病’……我们让它死掉吧”等字样。
  
  要求政府改变政策
  据报道,罢工表达了对失业率上升的恐慌、对法国政府不愿刺激消费的不满以及对金融危机中肇事金融业者的憎恶。
  示威者要求政府改变应对当前金融、经济危机的政策方针,更好地保障就业、提高工资,从而促进消费、提高购买力水平。他们还反对政府有关邮局、电力等公营企业“私有化”的计划,也反对政府日前在国营广电部门推出的一系列改革措施。
  
  萨科齐将与工会商谈
  法国总统萨科齐1月29日表示,他将在下月与工会领导人会面,讨论解决目前危机的办法。法总理菲永日前也表示,政府将倾听民众的声音,但政府既定的改革进程不会因此而改变。
  法国预算部长埃里克·韦尔特在“RMC”电台一档节目中回应罢工活动,并为萨科齐在公共服务部门裁员的计划作了辩护。“我们有一项改革政策和(经济)复苏方案。罢工不是化解危机的方案,”韦尔特说,“是的,政府雇员过多。”(综合新华社、《中国日报》报道》)

Physical Examination Record for Foreigner (Q2)

Notice: Q2 is good for "X"(Study) and "Z"(Work) visa applicant who stays in China for more than six months --Chinese Embassy in the USA

Page 1 of Q2:






Page 2 of Q2:


Info from Chinese Embassy in the USA: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84240.htm

Study (X) Visa Application Process for Americans and Other Aliens to enter China

Study (X) Visa

Updated: 14/04/2008
By Chinese Embassy in the USA

Study Visa (X Visa)is issued to an alien who comes to China for study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of more than six months. An alien who comes to China to study, short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months shall apply for a (F) Visa.

I.Please submit the following documents with your application:
1.Passport: Your valid passportmust have at least six (6) months of remaining validity with at least one blank visa page in it.
2.Application form: One completed Visa Application Form (Q1)
3.Photo: one photo of 2*2 square inch (black & white or color is acceptable) glued or stapled on the application form.
4.Temporary foreign visitors with a valid US visa or foreign residents with legitimate status in the US, may apply for Chinese visa to the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy. The visa officer may ask the applicant to provide the original and photocopy of their US Green Card,Work Permit,I-20 Form, valid US Visa or other additional documents and make a decision on whether to issue the visa case by case.
5.First time applicants whose former nationality was Chinese, shall write down his Chinese name in the application form and submit his original Chinese passport or the photocopy of the information page of the passport. Applicant who was formerly Chinese and has acquired a new US passport, if there is a Chinese visa in the old passport, shall submit his old US passport or the photocopy of the Chinese visa.
6.The original and photocopy of the approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form (JW101 or JW202)issued by relevant Chinese unit, and an enrollment letter from the Chinese school.

Ⅱ.How to apply
1.You may submit the application to the Visa Office of the Embassy or Consulate -General which holds consular jurisdictionin over the state where you reside;
2.If you cannot come in person, you may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to drop off your application at the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General which holds consular jurisdictionin over the state where you reside;
▲No appointment is required.
▲Mailed applications are not acceptableand will be refused.
▲Mail back service is available (make sure you read INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION MAIL SERVICE) .

Ⅲ.Processing Time
1.The regular processing time is 4 working days. 
2.Express service: 2-3 working days processing, $20 will be charged per visa. 
3.Same day rush service: additional fees of $30 for 1 working day processing
(applications presented before 12:30pm may be picked up between 2:30pm-3:00pm on the same day).

Ⅳ.Visa fees
1.Please pay by Visa, MasterCard, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Company Check or Cash. Personal checks are not acceptable.
2.Please make the check or money order payable to the Chinese Embassy.
3.Fee:$130 for American, and $30 for Citizens of other countries.

Ⅴ.Additional Information
1.If the visa application form is not filled out completely, correctly and legibly, this can cause a delay in processing or refusal of the requested visa. 
2.Generally, (X) visa is valid for one entry, three months. The holder of a (X) visa must go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China. 
3.American citizens may apply multiple entry ( X ) visas valid for 12 months.The holders must go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.
4.Visa Officers may require some other relevant documents
5.Any person suffering from a mental disorder, leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, contagious tuberculosis or other such infectious diseases shall not be permitted to enter China.

All regulations are subject to change without notice.

Info from Chinese Embassy in the USA: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/