FAQ about Teaching in China

Teaching with Confucius Program

JECI'S SERVICES

Q: Why should I choose JECI?
A: It's very challenging to apply for a teaching position directly to a school/college in China. Jonathan Education Consulting International (JECI) has great flexibility in choosing where you will be located by maintaining strong connections with more than 400 schools/colleges throughout Shandong Province and beyond.

Q: Does JECI charge me for my application?
A: No. JECI's service is free to you, your host institution will reimburse us. The higher your salary is, the more we can have from your host institution, --we have our own benefit in helping you to have a better treatment.

Q: Does JECI have any requirements of applicant's race, gender, religion and age?
A: JECI's Teach with Confucius Program does not discriminate in its evaluation of applications on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, belief, and marital status, etc..

Q: What services does JECI provide?
A: JECI is a placement agency, providing necessary and accurate information about the schools/colleges, and performing all negotiations concerning placement in China. Once you are in China, most negotiations are between you and your host institution. JECI provides follow-up support from our office and our local representatives and partners. JECI also has an emergency response plan in place for assisting with situations that might arise for teachers in China.

Q: How Are Teachers Selected?
A: Foreign teachers will be chosen each year via interviews conducted in the teachers' homeland or current locations. JECI may send a local representative to meet and select teachers, or merely reviewing interviews and applications on-line or via video-tape.

Q: Am I guaranteed placement?
A: Yes, JECI can guarantee a placement conditioned that you accept it with some flexibilities.

Q: Can I bring a buddy or refer a friend and have a bonus?
A: Yes, you can bring a buddy or refer a friend and receive 400RMB yuan bonus after their contract is singed!

Q: Does JECI have an orientation or training program?
A: No. JECI does not offer an orientation or training program at present. However, there are some references we can recommend as teaching aids as well as essential travel information. Please click here (right column) to find more.

Q: What should I provide to JECI to apply for a teaching position in China?
A:
1. Resume
2. Scanned copies of your diploma (s)
3. Scanned copy of your passport
4. Scanned copies of ESL (TEFL/TESOL) certificates (if any)
5. Desired Length of stay in China
6. One to two letters of recommendation

Q: How do I secure a visa?
A: You are secured with a "Z" visa (work visa) with the appropriate Official Invitation Letter and Work Permit provided by the JECI and your host institution. Please review Chinese Embassy and Consulate websites in your country to find more details about the procedures. You are responsible for all visa fees.

Q: Does JECI help arrange placements in places other than Shandong Province?
A: Yes, JECI has a number of institutions of education as partners in places other than Shandong Province. Just tell us your preference and the rest is ours!

YOUR HOST INSTITUTIONS OF EDUCATION IN CHINA

Q: How many institutions of education in CHINA registered by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA)? What are they?
A: There are 5567 institutions of education and other kinds of organizations in China holding the permit to employ foreign teachers and foreign experts. They are primary schools, secondary schools (including international schools), colleges and universities, research institutes, etc.

Q: Where are the institutions of education located in China?
A: They are located in various places in China, some are in metropolitan areas, some are in medium sized cities and quiet towns.

Q: Do the institutions of education have foreign affairs professionals?
A: All of the institutions of higher education and some high schools have foreign affairs professionals; some high schools have at least one coordinator (teacher of English).

Q: How can the foreign affairs professionals help me?
A: They will meet you at the airport whenever you arrive in China, help you settle down, give orientations, apply on your behalf for the residence permit, foreign expert's card, accompany you to visit doctors whenever needed, help to prepare your travel plans, coordinate with departments concerned to arrange your teaching, and more.

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

Q: Beside salary, what benefits do the foreign teachers have?
A: Besides salary, foreign teachers enjoy free round airfare(one year contract, with exceptions) or one way airfare (one semester contract), free accommodation with furniture, free medical treatment like Chinese teachers, free local travel, and 2200RMB travel allowance a year, etc.. Highly competitive universities and colleges only provide free round airfare to very experienced foreign teachers and experts with one year contract.

Q: How many hours of teaching are required per week?
A: Normal contracts are for about 20 class hours 45 minutes each) with students, exclusive of preparation, grading, office hours, or other activities that may be required by your host institution. Extra teaching hours are often available for extra pay. This requirement should be stipulated in the contract and its appendix. The Contract and its appendix between each teacher and institution may vary depending on the actual situation.Q: What is the average class size? The average class consists of 20 to 40 students, but can be as large as 80. Your total number of students in all classes may be anywhere from about 80 to 300.

Q: What type of housing is provided?
A: The Chinese host institution usually provides small furnished apartments free of charge within or near the campus. In some institutions, accommodations are in hotel-style rooms with private baths and shared kitchens.

Q: Will I have access to telephones, the Internet and e-mail?
A: Almost all faculty apartments have telephones. International and domestic telephone cards are also available, and some teachers choose to purchase mobile phones in China. Computer facilities are usually available for general use on the campus, and some institutions provide computers in faculty residences. JECI suggests you to bring your laptop with you if you have. Apartments usually have the internet access. Internet cafes are also very common in China.

Q: What would be the living conditions during my placement? Are the basic amenities available?
A: Some schools in China do not have central heating systems. Teachers must pay for their utility bills for the use of telephone, water, electricity, and gas. It costs between 100-300 RMB per month. Some schools partly cover for the utilities (I.E. the first 100 RMB). This entirely depends on your assigned area. Basically, your host institution provides an independent apartment. The apartment is usually furnished with air conditioning, internet access, telephone, beds, kitchen, toilets, and electricity. But sometimes, some of these amenities may not be available depending on your schools and locations. Sometimes, the teachers may also live in a hostel.

Q: What kind of food would I eat during my placement? Will I be provided with food in schools?
A: Chinese food is very popular in the world. Chinese food contains various types of meat, vegetables and seafood including rice. You can expect similar types of meal three times a day during your placement. However, some schools do not offer food as they do not know what to cook for westerners. These schools will provide food stipend between the amount of 650 - 1300 RMB per month in addition to your salary to buy groceries.

Q: What about my transportation while in China?
A: Most foreign teachers and experts purchase a bicycle in China, some host institutions provide car service if the foreign teacher lives outside the campus. In addition, city public transportation is also very convenient. Driving yourself is very rare unless you have attained the local driver license, JECI does not recommend self driving due to the complicated traffic situation which is very different with other countries

QUALIFICATIONS

Q: Can a non-native speaker apply for a teaching position?
A: For English, you must be a native speaker from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, USA; for Japanese, Japan; Russian, Russia; German, Germany; French, France.

Q: Is there an age range limit?
A: Generally speaking, college Graduates and people not older than 65 years can apply, anyway, there are exceptions for high school graduates to apply for internship teaching.

Q: Is teaching experience necessary to participate in Teach with Confucius Program?
A: No, but an interest in teaching is necessary.

Q: Is ESL/TEFL/TESOL a must to apply for a teaching job?
A: ESL/TEFL/TESOL certificates are not required but are strongly recommended.

Q: What qualifications should I have to apply for a placement?
A: You must have at least a bachelor degree or equivalent. Associate diploma (A.A.) with ESL/TEFL/TESOL certificates can be considered.

Q: Do I have a choice of teaching location in China?
A: You may request a preferred region in China and type of school (secondary, or college / university), and JECI will try our best to honor your request, but cannot guarantee specific cities or institutions. Teachers may have more than one option to choose from when selecting a teaching post. You must be open and flexible regarding your final placement. You should also be aware that any teaching assignment is almost the similar with others and you are surely guaranteed the chance to visit your favorite places during your stay.

Q: Can I be placed at the same institution as a friend also participating in Teach with Confucius Program?
A: JECI will make every effort to place travel companions within the same institution if requested, but it cannot be guaranteed. Despite that, JECI will help to place travel companion in the same city. Special concessions are often made for married couples and family members.

Q: Can I bring my children and/or spouse with me when I Teach with Confucius? What about my girlfriend or boyfriend?
A: Yes, Teach with Confucius Program participants are welcome to bring their spouse and/or children with them to China. Families are permitted to share the same living quarters. The expense of sending the school-age child to school in China is the responsibility of the teacher. If you are considering traveling with a child, JECI staff would be more than happy to discuss with you about your child's schooling. A boyfriend or girlfriend may also accompany you to China or to teach English in the same school with you if there is a vacancy, JECI can place your spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend at neighboring schools. Chinese people are more understanding of non-married couples living together than before.

Q: Are my dependents welcome in China?
A: Yes. However, the decision remains with the individual host institution. Depending on their age, school age children may be able to attend Chinese schools. Living accommodations are usually prepared for adult(s), so you will feel smaller with your dependents living with you.

Q: May I teach longer than a year?
A: Yes. Although the initial commitment is generally for one year or one semester, you may negotiate with your host institution or another school for an extended contract. If you need assistance from JECI with re-placement in another institution, we will be happy to help you. Our service is free of charge. Re-application requirements will vary according to individual circumstances.

Q: What subjects will I teach?
A: You probably will teach any combination of English speaking, listening, writing, reading, contemporary western culture, and preparation for International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If you are qualified, you may teach English literature, business, law, history or other subjects. Experts may advise undergraduates and graduates on theses and dissertations.

Q: Are teaching materials provided, or should I bring my own?
A: Although teaching materials are sometimes provided by the Chinese institutions, you still need supplementary materials. Teaching conditions in China are quite basic and require a great deal of flexibility on the part of the teacher. JECI recommends you bring journals, magazines, newspaper clippings, music and anything else you think would be of interest to your students, as it's not so easy to locate such materials in China, although there are some newspapers, magazines like China Daily, Beijing Review, etc.

Q: Is my teaching placement in China confirmed before I arrive?
A: Even your placement is arranged before you arrive in China, sometimes it may get rearranged as per the need. But in every situation, you will be provided similar benefits and your workload will be the same.

TREATMENT AND BENEFITS

Q: What determines my salary? How often will I get paid? Will I get an advance on my salary when I arrive? What will be my major expenses?
A: Your salary is determined by the host institution, based on your academic background, work experience, and other factors. Salary is paid monthly, and the host institution will often give you an advance when you arrive. Foreign teachers generally receive a monthly salary of 2500-4000 RMB yuan, and foreign expert monthly salaries usually range from 3000-5000 yuan, some private schools and training centers pay foreign teachers as high as 6000-20000 RMB yuan a month, with 30-70% convertible into foreign currency. Currently the exchange rate in China is 1 US$ = 6.85 RMB (approximately). Usually higher salaries are offered in more expensive cities. Your salary is much more than adequate for buying food and other necessities in China. Host institutions provide housing and basic medical care. Other costs include 1)passport and visa fees2)international airfare (may be reimbursed by the host institution)3) health exams required of all foreign teachers4) immunizations5) teaching materialsJECI strongly recommends that you hold a major medical insurance policy that will cover you overseas and provide emergency evacuation coverage. Please visit the http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/ for reference.

Q: How much time can I travel for leisure?
A: Your paid vacation will be 3- to 4-week long for Chinese New Year (during January-February) and holidays on October 1 (National Day), May 1 (International Labor Day), and January 1 (International New Year). Chinese host institutions often are willing to make special arrangements for Christmas, Hanukkah or other holidays celebration.

Q: Do I have to know how to speak Chinese?
A: No. Schools prefer that instructors not know how to speak Chinese in order to avoid the temptation to use it in the classroom. Proficiency in Chinese will not affect your application or contract. Every academic institution has a foreign affairs department, which is responsible for helping visiting teachers work out travel and living arrangements. Students and their family are often gracious, welcoming, and very willing to help out and show their new teacher around town.

Q: Is an interview required?
A: Yes. JECI and our overseas representatives or partners conduct interviews with all applicants via internet, video tapes or phone. This is an important step to determine the most appropriate applicant.

Q: How do I get to the school once I have arrived in China?
A: When you have notified JECI of your final travel plans, a JECI or the host institution professional will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign.

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

Q: What should I do if I am a vegetarian?
A:In general, it is not difficult to be a vegetarian in China. Many Chinese dishes are vegetarian, and restaurants can often prepare dishes made to order. For example, sweet and sour pork can be prepared with tofu (bean curd) instead of meat.

Q: What is the food like in China?
A: Chinese cuisine varies according to the region of its origin. There are four main categories of Chinese food: Lu cuisine (Shandong), Chuan cuisine (Sichuan), Su Zhe cuisine (Jiangsu & Zhejiang), and Yue cuisine (Guangdong). Typical dishes from the northern plains, or Lu Cuisine, are dumplings, spring rolls, hot pot, and stir fried chicken. Chuan cuisine is famous for spicy dishes like pepper and chili tofu and stir-fried pork with bamboo and mushrooms. Su Zhe Cuisine, from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, is renowned for its vegetarian dishes and dishes such as braised pork and crab meat balls, sweet and sour fish, and stewed pork. Lastly, Yue Cuisine, or Cantonese style, has a variety of ingredients and produces a fresh and light taste. Well-known dishes are dim sum, shark's fin soup, stir-fried crab with ginger and scallions, and stir-fried beef with black pepper. Each city is home to hundreds of restaurants serving different varieties of Chinese food, as well as Korean, Japanese, Western, and South East Asian cuisine. Street stalls also serve fired pancakes, popcorn, and other snacks. And, if you really crave American fast food, there is no shortage of McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and other chains popping up around the country.

Q: How is the communication and postal facilities in China?
A: Most of the schools provide internet and email facilities to native English teachers. The apartments are usually equipped with a telephone, but you have to pay for local and long distance calls. Various types of calling cards are available in China. You can ask Chinese colleagues and find the best calling card. You must buy your own stamps to post your letters.

Q: What is the Voltage used in China?
A: The voltage in China is 220. Converters and power strips may be purchased locally.

Q: How safe is China?
A: China is regarded as a very safe destination. But we suggest you to be cautioned when you travel around. Keep your belongings in a safe place.

Q: What should I do if emergency arises in China?
A: If you do not meet our staff at the airport to receive you, or if your flight is delayed, or if you experience some other emergency while you are working at your placement, please contact JECI staff or your host institution staff.

Q: Should I bring my cell phone to China? Should I buy a cell phone when I arrive?
A: Cell phones are very convenient and inexpensive in China. Cell phones allow you to stay in touch with new friends and contacts. If your current cell phone is a GSM phone with a detachable SIM chip, then you can purchase a new SIM chip in China to use your current phone. These phones operate on a pre-paid phone card system. Phone calls are inexpensive, and a $12USD phone card usually lasts around 4-5 weeks. It is also possible to buy a new cell phone upon arrival. Phones range in price from $100USD to $500USD. A SIM chip (the phone number) costs $25USD. These phones operate on a pre-paid phone card system. Many cities in China now have mini cell service within the city area, this service charge is the same as a standard phone in your apartment.

Q: What vaccinations do I need for China?
A: The following vaccinations and applicable frequencies are recommended for foreigners coming to China: Hepatitis A (within previous 10 years); Hepatitis B (within previous 5 to 10 years), Japanese B Encephalitis (within previous 3 years), Tetanus (within previous 10 years), Polio (within previous 10 years), diphtheria, and Typhoid(once in lifetime). Foreigners 55 and older should also have a Pneumococcal Vaccine. You can visit the website http://www.cdc.gov/ (Centers for Disease Control) for more updated information.