ENGLISH TEACHING IN CHINA 


Teaching abroad is one of the most accessible and popular options for paid or inexpensive long-term stays overseas. Considerable cultural immersion is possible, especially if you already have some knowledge of the host country's language. But proficiency in the local language is rarely a requirement for obtaining a position.

The bulk of overseas teaching opportunities are for English teachers. English is the new "lingua franca" worldwide for commerce, diplomacy, technology and higher education. As a result, there are widespread opportunities for native speakers of English to teach English abroad. Teaching English as a Foreign (or Second) Language is known by many acronyms, including TEFL, TESL, EFL, ESL, or even TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Since teaching is usually done in English, exposure to the local language and culture will be on one's own time.your "credential" is simply being a native speaker of the English language--that may be all you need to obtain a job and a work permit in areas such as Asia and Eastern Europe.

There are many countries in the world today searching for native English speakers to teach English in their schools, hospitals and businesses. One such nation is China. Knowing Chinese is not a requirement. Most English teachers go to China with no Chinese language instruction and adapt well. Most Chinese are happy to teach you Chinese if you wish to learn.

Many people take a TEFL course simply as a means to travel and it is certainly one of the best ways of getting to know another country. You are completely immersed in the culture, you meet and become close to the locals and have experiences that the average tourist would never have! In addition to the travel, many teachers find that they thoroughly enjoy teaching and find the work both stimulating and rewarding. 

WHY CHINA ?

English is the most important foreign language in China
- The new College Entrance Examination “3+x” puts English as one of the 3 most important 
subjects.
- English is taught in primary school years and even as early as kindergarten.
- English tends to be the most important general requirement in colleges.

TEACHING IN CHINA, 2003-2004
China is a very potential market for English Language Teaching in the world. With almost 1.5 billion inhabitants, China has emerged as the world's largest potential market for just about anything - including English. Its inclusion in 2002 into the WTO has finally confirmed its status as an acknowledged player in the world's market place; its successful campaign for the 2008 Olympic Games has merely accelerated the need for the Chinese to learn English. And fast!

Few countries offer a safer working environment than China; few offer anywhere near the cultural, historical and geographical diversity. Prominent institutions like the British Council and the Voluntary Services Organization (VSO) are already running significant operations in China, while EFL school chains like Berlitz, EF and International House are moving in.

Most ESL/EFL teachers arrange jobs before arriving in China, normally by contacting recruitment agencies or individual employers. Positions in public colleges and universities are often pre-arranged by applying to Chinese embassies or consulates overseas, or to the International Employment Office in Beijing. It is also possible to apply to the provincial Education offices or directly to the institutes themselves (addressed to the Foreign Affairs Office, or Waiban). With China now engaged in huge levels of international trade, there is a great demand for Business English in the Chinese Commercial sector. Many companies are now setting up their own in-house English teaching programs, and recruit either from the ExPat community, or from overseas.

You're wondering whether you should go to China and teach and, if you go, how you will grow and change and what benefits you will derive. Some observations: 

Time in China will give you the opportunity to teach some bright and dedicated students. You may form profound and long-lasting friendships with colleagues and students. It will give you the chance to travel to the most amazingly beautiful, and geographically and culturally diverse places in the world, not as a tourist, but as an insider--someone who is living and working in the country. It will give you insight into the oldest, most populated, culturally rich and complex society on earth. You will observe and participate in the fastest growing economy of any nation in the world today. You will witness extraordinary pollution, poverty, bureaucratic suffocation, and crowding of terrifying proportions. You will learn to love the country so much that at times you may hate it with a passion, but you will always want to go back.

China’s English Awakening! What is the attraction of the English language? 
China’s “open door policy” to the West, introduced more than a decade ago has injected an insatiable appetite for English language training. Despite China’s staggering 1.2 billion population the impact of the world’s 400 million native English speakers has influenced the Chinese to embrace the English . Every day its new economic, cultural and intellectual ties with the English speaking world are growing. 

Languages have their own culture, history, literature and value and should be cherished not replaced. However, whether we like it or not, we live in a globalised world and we need a common means for the world’s population to communicate with each other. If people and nations are ever to understand each other then having a common language in which to communicate is vital. Many people have tried and failed to invent a new language for this purpose (remember Esperanto) and other candidates for the position have been proposed (such as French, once the universal language of diplomacy). However, by accident of history it seems that the English language is going to fulfill that role – a language in which all people on earth who consider themselves to be educated can communicate with each other. 

- Political revision : Implications for Language learning.

Efforts are being made to reform language teaching methodology in China and the option to start learning at early primary school level has been introduced, indeed ‘educators of all levels attach great importance to the teaching of English – the official second language.’ (12/9/01, Education in Shanghai). For a long time the lack of access to ‘authentic’ English resources greatly hindered the progress of the Chinese learner

An astounding 250 million Chinese – as many as the population of America – are learning English via popular English language television programmes! (Kenji Kitao, 10.12.01, Why do we Teach English, www.aitech.ac.jp/~iteslj/Articles/Kitao-WhyTeach.html). 


Moreover, concentration of international commerce in some cities viz. Shanghai creates great demand for English language lessons. The students at schools are mostly; younger students who are learning English so they can take their university education abroad or businessmen and women wishing to make the most of the opportunities

Not only is language very much tied up with individual aspirations , it is also at the centre of China's new political stance now that her membership of the WTO has been agreed. English language will be the key to increased international understanding and co-operation both in the WTO and indeed in the wider world.

CHINA – AN OVERVIEW FROM AN ENGLISH TEACHER'S PERSPECTIVE

THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA is the third largest country in the world in terms of area and the largest in terms of population. Its total area is 9.6 million square kilometers and its population is 1.2 billion. China has shared borders for centuries with Korea, the formerly Soviet Union, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Skim, Bhutan, Burma, Laos and Vietnam. 

For most of its 3,500 years of history, China led the world in agriculture, crafts, and science, then fell behind in the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution gave the west clear superiority in military and economic affairs. In the first half of the 20th century, China continued to suffer from major famines, civil unrest, military defeat, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established a dictatorship that, while ensuring China's autonomy, imposed strict controls over all aspects of life. After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping decentralized economic decision making; output quadrupled in the next 20 years. China of today has one of the most vibrant economies in the world with all the major companies queuing up to start businesses in China which opens more avenues for English Teaching. 


Topography
Under the central government there are 23 provinces, five autonomous regions of Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Guangxi and Tibet, and four cities of Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Chongqing . China's topography varies from mountainous regions with towering peaks to flat, featureless plains. The land surface, like staircase, descends from west to east. Melting snow from the mountains of western China and the Tibet - Qinghai Plateau provides the headwaters for many of the country's largest rivers: such as the Yangtze and the Yellow. Across the mountains on the eastern edge are the plains of the Yangtze River Valley and northern and eastern China. These plains, the homeland of the Han Chinese and known as ``Middle Kingdom'' or zhongguo, are the most important agricultural areas and the most heavily populated. 

Climate
Climate conditions ranging from tropical, subtropical, the temperate and cool-temperate vary greatly over China's vast land area, but the most part of the country lies in temperate zone. It is warm and wet with seasonal circulation of winds. The winter season in the North is bitingly cold and dust-laden. Summers in central China are long, hot and humid, but the southern and southeastern China is more humid.

History
China is a country with a long history and ancient civilization. As early as 4,000 BC, there were settlements in the range of Yellow River. Chinese always tell their history from the Xia Dynasty, which began in the 21st century BC and was followed by all the ddynasties until 1911 when Sun Yat-sen was proclaimed the president of the Republic of China. In 1921, the Communist Party of China was founded. After this, the communist cooperated with Sun Yat-sen's Nationalists, but broke with the Nationalist after Sun died. Then the Communist Party began to establish its army, called as Red Army. Shortly before the Anti-Japanese War (1936-1945) the Red Army formally established Through protracted and arduous struggle under the leadership of the party and her chairman, Mao Zedong, the Chinese people founded the People's Republic of China in 1949. After 1949, The People's Republic of China (also called as New China locally) experienced the Korea Wall with Americans, and about 10 years rapid growing period, and then suffered a 3-year long hard time because of natural disasters and withdraw of Soviet Union's aid. From 1966-1976 China had its "Cultural Revolution", a nation-wide movement against feudalism (also including religion) and capitalism. As a result, China's economy was stopped. After 1978, when Mr. Deng Xiaoping came into the top leader, China began a reform and opening program, and has enjoyed a 20 years of rapid development. 

Culture
China is also noted for its culture of rich color. Traditional religions are Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Islam and Christianity were brought to China in about 7th century. Art, like religion, has developed over a period of more than 2,000 years. Calligraphy and painting are two of the most revered areas. Ancient buildings like temples, pagodas, palaces, monasteries, long walls, corridors and wealth of antiquities and cultural relics are world-known. The Great Wall, the terra-cotta warriors and horses in Xi'an, the Longmen Cave in Henan, and the super Buddhist art on view in the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang are the most attractive views for foreign tourists. 
China is a country accommodating 56 nationalities.

Among them, Han nationality is the largest one, taking around 85 percent of China's whole 1.3 billion people, so the other 55 nationalities are always called as minority nationalities, or minorities

- Important cities

Shanghai - The Bund... Nanjing Road... Pudong... French Town

Always a bustling commercial hub and a romantic city, Shanghai today is a thriving metropolis complete with towering skyscrapers in Pudong and glitzy malls along Nanjing Road. Home to many international companies' branch offices, Shanghai is the economic and financial capitol of China. Shanghai is also the birthplace of many of China's political leaders from Jiang Zemin to Zhu Rongji. The city remains an important seat of government, and Chinese leaders look to Shanghai to spearhead China's economic growth. A very potential place for English teachers.

Beijing - Forbidden City... Temple of Heaven... Tiananmen Square

Arguably the most important city in China, Beijing is the number one destination for both students and tourists, the seat of the central government, the educational and cultural center of the country, and has tremendous historical and political significance. Not only does virtually every country in the world maintain an embassy in Beijing, but the majority of multinational corporations have a presence there as well. Beijing is a vibrant and dynamic city with a unique mix of historical and cultural attractions, great universities, terrific shopping, and a bustling nightlife.

Tianjin

Located an hour and a half from Beijing, Tianjin has the third largest population in China and is one of the major economic and cultural centers of Northern China as well as one of the busiest ports.

In addition to the classic European style architecture remnants of Tianjin's history as a foreign concession, Tianjin is a more manageable city compared to its busy neighbor, Beijing, yet close enough to offer students the best of both worlds as wellas facilitating the practice of Chinese outside of class due to the comparatively small amount of foreigners in Tianjin.

Dalian

Located in the Northeastern province of Liaoning, Dalian is reputed to be the cleanest city in China. The city has a mild climate due to its seaside location. Colorful trams and parks make Dalian a relaxing and beautiful place to study Chinese.

Boasting a combination of colonial Russian influenced architecture with breathtaking modern skyscrapers, this major port city is quickly becoming the Shanghai of the North. In addition to a beautiful seaside and wonderful parks, Dalian offers students an ideal setting to study Mandarin Chinese as the natives of the Northeast speak the purest form of the dialect.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province has been a famous tourist destination for over 2000 years, and is still considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in China

Only several hours by train or bus from Shanghai, Hangzhou is a combination of laid back weekend escape town and modern industrial center. Some of Hangzhou's more famous sights include the West Lake, the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the Six Harmonies Pagoda.

Kunming - 

Located at an elevation of 1890 meters (about 6000 feet) in the heart of Yunnan Province in Southwest China, Kunming is known throughout China as the "City of Eternal Spring," owing to it's mild climate year round. 

As the capital of Yunnan province, home to one third of China's ethnic minorities, Kunming is a uniquely diverse Chinese city, with members from the Yi, Hui, and Miao groups making up a significant portion of the population.

A beautiful city, Kunming is also a central starting point for exploring Yunnan's diverse landscape and culture. The city is home to many markets, including the famous Flower and Bird market and the newly completed exhibition center and beautiful gardens. There are also many mosques and buddhist temples in Kunming


Qingdao - Golden Sands... Delicious Sea Food... Peaceful Streets... Tsingtao Beer

Qingdao is a unique city in that it has both a quaint old town and a bustling modern Central Business District. The old town is filled with winding roads, parks, German buildings, as well as the bustling Zhongshan Road. The modern core at the center of the city has both international hotels, modern office buildings, and international department stores.


Xian

Xian is one of the most visited cities in China, and for good reason. The sites and history are fascinating. 

EDUCATION SYSTEM IN CHINA

China has adopted a nine-year compulsory schooling system, which means all children are required to attend school for at least nine years. Students have to complete both the primary school program and the junior middle-school program. Higher education is only for those students who have passed examinations of all levels. Student must pass the entrance examination for senior middle schools or middle-level technical schools. After two, three or four years, they have to go through national college entrance examination for admission to universities.

The general compulsory school attendance amounts to nine years. Children start at the age of seven and have to attend elementary school for six years. From the age of 13 to 15 they attend the junior classes of a middle school. After finishing junior middle school, the parents have a choice about where to send them for further education. About a third of the pupils choose senior middle school , where they first of all have to pass an entrance examination. There are three more years at school. Afterwards they can decide for university, containing four years of studying, or for a vocational school/technical college for another two years. In both cases you have to pass an entrance examination. 
Children who do not attend senior middle school classes can choose to attend a college of further education or a training college, which takes two to four years to get a degree. Afterwards they directly start working in their jobs. 
Educational Levels:

Pre-School : Children aged from 3 to 6 attend kindergartens near their neighborhoods, where they learn the basics of the native language and subjects. They play games, dance, sing and act. Children are taught from the early year the values of Truth, Kindness and Beauty. Chinese take children education very seriously since they know that a person's personality is mould in the early childhood.

Primary school : The primary school education requires six years. Pupils are required to take a variety of subjects such as the Chinese language, fundamental mathematics and moral education. They also take part in sports and extra-curriculum activities. Foreign languages such as English are optional courses in the senior year of the primary education

High School Education : High school education has two parts, 3-year junior high school program and senior high school. From junior high school, students begin to learn a variety of science subjects such as chemistry, physics and biology and other subjects such as history, geography, and foreign languages. Physical education is enthusiastically encouraged

Senior high school education is a continuation of junior high school. Students take up specific subjects in either science or humanity subjects. Many contests are organized annually in all levels to encourage their study. The "Olympic Series" are the most noticeable ones. The purpose is for them in preparation for the national college entrance examination. Examinations are designed separately for science and arts students

Higher Education : Higher education in China is to train specialists for all the sectors of the country's development. Universities, colleges and institutes offer four- or five-year undergraduate programs as well as special two-or three-year programs. Students who have completed a first degree may apply to enter graduate schools.

Academic Year :
Academic year in China begins in September and is divided into two terms ( Autumn term: September-January, Spring term: February-July ).

ABOUT ENGLISH TEACHING POSITIONS IN CHINA

Main Types of Teaching 

-State University Training & Language Faculties: General English, Business English 
-Private University Training & Language Faculties: General English, Business English
-State Primary & Secondary Schools: Conversation English, English for Young Learners
-In-company : General English, Business English 
-International Schools: General English 
-Private Language Institutes: General English, Business English 

English Teaching in Universites (Colleges)

Chinese universities (colleges) solicit applications from native speakers of English interested in teaching in China. The institutions are particularly keen on engaging persons with professional skills to teach literature, rhetoric, composition and advanced reading to Chinese undergraduate or graduate students as well as to young instructors of English.

Chinese universities (colleges) typically offer four-year courses in English language, literature, and linguistics in the department of English or of Foreign languages. Qualified teachers of English from major English speaking countries are expected to teach in one of the following areas: 

a. Literature: fiction, prose, poems, drama, literary survey and major authors,
b. Composition: basic writing skills, essay writing, nonfiction or creative writing; 
c. ESL/ESP at advanced level: language skills, analysis of spoken and written English with the 
    emphasis on contemporary usage, teaching methodology; 
d. Linguistics: theoretical and applied linguistics with the emphasis on the latter.

Qualifications required:

Applicants should have at least a postgraduate degree in English literature or linguistic (diploma) and a minimum of three years of teaching experience at college level or five years at high school level. Applicants' age should be during twenty-five years old to fifty-five years old. Academic year in China begins in September and is divided into two terms ( Autumn term: September-January, Spring term: February-July ). Applicants, if recruited, are required to serve for at least one academic year. T he one-year contract is, of course, renewable by mutual consent. If no confirmation within one year after the application delivered, applicants will not be engaged. 

Conditions of service include round-trip CAAC air tickets (economy class), free accommodation, medical care and transport to and from work, in addition to a monthly salary determined on the basis of applicants' academic background and teaching experience. 

In addition to the need for high level instructors, there is also a demand for native speakers to teach basic English, Applicants for this category should have at least an undergraduate degree. They are entitled to the same conditions of service mentioned above except the round-trip air tickets and a lower salary scale, not convertible into hard currency.

In order to speed up the process, it is advisable to apply directly with all the required documents to the universities/colleges, if applicants have particular ones in mind. 

Main ESL/EFL Regions
Beijing, Shanghai

Busiest Periods 
Beg/September - Beg/July (with a 3-4 week paid holiday over the Chinese New Year in Jan/Feb. 

Contracts 
Generally 1 year (starting in September). Often renewable. 
Note: it is standard practice in China not to sign a contract until after 2 months' probation (if at all).

Salaries 

High in local terms, but not by Western standards
For Foreign Teachers: ¥1000-¥1500 (per month) 
For Foreign Experts: ¥2,500-¥4,500 (per month) 

Tax (for overseas EFL/ESL teachers) 
Nil 

Contact hours per week 
12-20 (but expect big classes!) 

Private Lessons? 
Common, but not widespread.

Visa Requirements 
'Foreign Experts' need to be 'invited' to work in China and must obtain a Work visa before they arrive. (Hong Kong and Tibet are still counted as 'outside' for this purpose.)

In theory, a visa application should proceed as follows:
1. Teacher finds a job.
2. Teacher's employer notifies the Bureau of Foreign Experts.
3. Bureau of Foreign Experts sends the teacher a letter of invitation, thus qualifying the teacher for a Work visa.
4. Teacher presents letter to his/her closest Chinese Embassy with visa application.
5. Visa is approved.

In practice, the teacher often arrives in China on a Tourist visa and the school/institution submits the paperwork to Chinese Immigration before the Tourist visa expires.

Note: for all visa applications, you will need a medical certificate stating that you have been tested for HIV and Syphilis. This certificate must be signed by a doctor. 

Middle School English Teaching in China

Qualifications required : 
-Be native English speaker 
-Have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university 
-Experience in teaching ESL and TEFL helpful, but not necessary 
-Possession of a TESOL, TEFL or equivalent certificate 
-Able to commit to a one year assignment

Basic Demands from Syllabus of Middle School English Teaching

Listening: Be able to understand basic classroom English, teachers’ presentations and listening
materials.
Listening speed: 120 words per minute
Extensive listening hours: over 40 hours
Speaking: Be able to answer questions and make up basic dialogues. 
Reading : Be able to read passages with less than 3% new words.
Reading speed: 50-70 words per minute
Besides student’s book, one student should read over 400,000 words in three years.
Writing : Students can basically write daily used articles such as letters, messages etc.
They can translate graphs and pictures into writing. 
Dictation speed: 10-20 words per minute.
Vocabulary: Functional words: 800
Notional words: 400-500 
Expressions: 200
(from www.pep.com.cn )

Business English Teaching

Native English speaking teachers possessing a TESOL, TEFL or equivalent certificate having TESOL(Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) experience are eligible to teach
Business English in China.

What teaching positions in China include? 

- Free accommodation (fully furnished one or two bedroom apartment with A/C, TV, etc.) 
- Monthly salary from 3,000 Chinese Yuan and above 
- Round-trip or one-way international airfare with one year teaching contract 
- Travel stipend each year for travel in China 
- One or two months paid vacation 
- Free medical care

CHOOSING A SCHOOL  - Weighing Your Options

Contract Expectations: As a guideline, you should expect a school to provide you with airfare compensation, free accommodations, a monthly salary, and some limited medical insurance. On average, one semester of teaching merits compensation for one-way airfare, and one year of teaching merits compensation for your roundtrip fare. You must decide for yourself if the accommodations provided are acceptable. If you think you will not be comfortable to spend a year without a particular appliance, see if you can negotiate it, since employers are often willing to install a phone or a refrigerator in order to secure your teaching commitment. Again, an acceptable salary amount will depend on your own lifestyle needs

Salary: The average salary for an English teacher in China is between 2000 - 8000 RMB per month, more than double most salaries of your counterpart Chinese teachers. Sometimes positions pay more, depending on how desperate or isolated the school is. Public schools will usually offer lower paying positions, because they are the better schools in China, often in better locations with better management, (so they do not have so much trouble recruiting new teachers despite the lower pay rates). If you want to find a higher paying job, you might try focusing your search on private institutions.

Accommodations: When choosing a school, pay close attention to the contract being offered. Most terms of the contract are negotiable, so don't sign the contract until you've had a chance to discuss matters of concern. (You will sign the contract after arriving, not before). Ask any question that comes to mind, don't just assume something is so basic that it will be provided. For example, if you are an athletic type person who showers twice a day, you might want to make sure you will have running water at least twice a day (and running water does not mean you will get hot water, you must ask). You will be a long way from home, so think carefully about whether you are willing to accept a contract that does not provide a phone, hot water, an ice-box, air-conditioning or heating. Some foreigners are willing to accept a lower paying job in order to work somewhere with more comfortable accommodations.

Teaching Hours: Pay attention to the number of hours you will be expected to teach. If you have a comfortable apartment provided and a decent salary, you might not be able to enjoy any of it if you are teaching 30 hours a week. Not only will you need to figure in extra time for class preparation, but standing up and talking for 30 hours in a week can exhaust you mentally as well as physically. A standard amount of teaching hours for one week is about 16 (which is about 19 classes). If you spend one hour preparing each class, that's about a forty-hour work week. How much you prepare depends on you and your students' needs. (Lower teaching hours are preferable, because you'll have the opportunity for overtime pay, or the time to occasionally teach in other locations by the hour for higher pay.)

Its advisable to secure employment with an institution before going to China, particularly if it is your first visit. This will simplify many bureaucratic matters, as well as provide you with a secure environment from which to begin exploring China. After one semester of teaching in a specific area, you will have learned what kind of options you have for working and living. Some teachers eventually find there own housing and do freelance teaching at various schools and businesses, making more money than they could under a contract and freeing themselves from obligations to a particular school or schedule. Initially however, contracting yourself with a host institution will provide a great amount of security. (You will not have trouble finding a job if you simply show up in China on a tourist visa, but you will have the added cost of a hotel when you first arrive, you might have less options to choose from for employment if you don't speak the language, and you might have to make a costly trip to Hong Kong afterwards to change your visa to a working status.)

While you only need to be a native English speaker to obtain most English teaching positions, the more advanced your degree, the more compensation you can demand. However, qualifications still mean very little here, so it is possible to obtain good paying jobs without a degree if you know the right people, if the school is desperate enough, or if you present yourself in a very impressive.

TEACHER RECRUITMENT AGENCIES

Voluntary Organizations:

Peace corps
Amity Teaching Program
Centre for British Teachers
GAP Activity Projects
World Teach
Project Trust
VSO

Non-Voluntary Organizations:

Peace corps

In 1993, the first Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in China to assist in a teacher training project. Now Volunteers are teaching at more than two dozen colleges and institutions across 
Southwestern China.

Mailing Address
Peace Corps
The Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20526
Telephone1-800-424-8580

Useful Links
Homepage : http://www.peacecorps.gov/indexf.cfm  
Peace corps in china : http://www.peacecorps.gov/countries/china/index.cfm  
Regional contacts- http://www.peacecorps.gov/contact/regional.cfm  

Amity Teachers Program 

This Teachers Program is a project through which people from around the world are recruited and sponsored by church agencies working in partnership with Amity and sent to China to teach English, Japanese, or German.
Website link : http://www.amityfoundation.org/Amity/new/atp_intro.htm   

Centre for British Teachers 

Also known as CfBT. aims to advance education for the public benefit; to promote and assist in the teaching of English as a foreign language; to promote and assist in the promotion of the teaching of other subjects and disciplines in educational or training establishments throughout the world . 

Contact Information :
CfBT Head Office 
60 Queens Road,
Reading,
U.K.
RG1 4BS

Telephone: +44 (0) 118 902 1000
Fax : +44 (0) 118 902 1434. 

Useful Links
Homepage : http://www.charitiesdirect.com/charity7/ch007987.htm  
Contact link : enquiries@cfbt.com  
http://www.cfbt.com/  
More information : www.charitiesdirect.com  


GAP Activity Projects

Gap Activity Projects , a UK voluntary organization aims to send young volunteers from the United Kingdom to work abroad and bring in young people from overseas to undertake voluntary work in the United Kingdom 

Address:
Gap Activity Projects Limited Address: GAP House
44 Queen Road
Reading, Berkshire
RG1 4BB

Tel: 0118 959 4914 
Internet: www.gap.org.uk  

Link for more information: http://www.charitiesdirect.com/charity0/ch008010.htm   


World Teach

World Teach is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based at the Center for International Development at Harvard University which provides opportunities for individuals to make a meaningful contribution to international education by living and working as volunteer teachers in developing countries. Since its inception, WorldTeach has placed  volunteer educators in communities throughout Asia, Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe. Currently, WorldTeach places volunteers in Costa Rica, Ecuador, China and Namibia

WorldTeach
c/o Centre for International Development
Harvard University
79 JFK Street
Cambridge MA 02138
USA

Contact: Robin Teater, Director 
Tel: +617 495 5527 
Fax: +617-495-1599 

Useful Links
http://www.volunteerafrica.org/blue/worldteach.html  
www.worldteach.org        
info@worldteach.org  

Project Trust

Project Trust sends school leavers to live and work in interesting and challenging placements in 25 countries around the globe, mainly in the developing world. All placements are 12 months long. They assist in placements, run training courses and debriefing courses for all our volunteers.

The Hebridean Centre, Isle of Coll, Argyll, PA78 6TE, Scotland 
Tel: 01879 230 444
Contact: 
Doug Young 
info@projecttrust.org.uk  
www.projecttrust.org.uk      
http://www.projecttrust.org.uk  


VSO 

VSO is an international development agency that works through volunteers. VSO offers teachers the chance for professional development, the opportunity to meet people with different life experiences, immerse yourself in a new culture, challenge yourself and find skills that you never knew you had…all while making a difference in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world. 

http://www.vso.org.uk/volunt/elt.htm  

Non voluntary Recruiting Agencies

-China Teaching Program 
-Teachers for China 
-Teach & Travel 
-Go Recruiting 
-Saxoncourt and English Worldwide 
-Tian Yuan Information Company Ltd


China Teaching Program

The China Teaching Program places college and university graduates in one-year teaching positions in the People's Republic of China. Participants are placed as foreign teachers (graduates with a bachelor's degree) and foreign experts (graduates with an advanced degree) at institutions of higher education and secondary schools throughout China. 
Web link : http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~ctp/info.htm  


Teachers for China

Teachers 4 China Consulting Company is an English teacher recruiting organization based in Hong Kong and has a sub-office in Zuhai China.

A professional recruiting organization which is registered with the Chinese government and specializes in recruiting teachers for China.
http://www.teachersforchina.com/aboutus.htm  


Teach & Travel

Teach & Travel is an ESL Recruiting Service that offers English teaching jobs for Native English speakers to teach conversational English of all ages and levels (mostly kids and some adults) overseas specially in South Korea.
http://www.teachandtravel.net/home.htm  

Go Recruiting

An ESL recruiting company based in Shenyang, China. A Platform to pair ESL teachers from around the world with the best schools in the PRC. 

Mailing Address:
Go Recruiting
Shenyang
Liaoning Province
P.R.China
(086)024-2389-6067 

For Job info please e-mail: recruiting@goteachinchina.com  
For other info please e-mail: elidickison@goteachinchina.com  
lukeblodgett@goteachinchina.com steventsang@goteachinchina.com  

Phone: (086)414-285-8936 - ask for Luke - OR (086)024-2389-6067 - ask for Eli


Saxoncourt and English Worldwide

Saxoncourt and English Worldwide is one of the world's leading English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Recruitment Consultancies responsible for placing over 600 English Instructors with private language schools in up to 20 different countries each year.
http://www.saxoncourt.com/china.htm  


Tian Yuan Information Company Ltd

Chinese owned employment agency that is very successful and experienced in finding well-qualified native English speakers who are keen to work in the education industry in China.

Tian Yuan Information Company Ltd
Tian Yuan Institute of Language and Culture
7 Freedom Road
Changchun 130022
Jilin
CHINA
TEL: 0431 5651174

http://www.angelfire.com/nb/english/teacher_trading/  

- RESOURCES 

- Certifications
- Culture
- Embassy / Visa information
- Chinese Etiquette
- Teaching Tips
- Interview Questionnaire
- Employment Contract
- Useful links 

Certifications:

TESOL/ELT: (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages),the British version of TEFL(A) and ELT (English Language Teaching) are terms which cover both TEFL and TESL.Teaching of this sort is used for non-native English speakers OUT of an English-speaking country. For example, this is the type of certification required to teach English in Turkey.
Click here http://www.tesol.org/index.html for more information 

TEFL: (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) involves teaching people, usually in their own countries, who want to use English for business, leisure, travel, etc.. Most common teaching certificate for teaching students who need English language for specialty areas like business or tourism.(1-3months)
Click here http://www.tefl.com/ for more information

TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language. For teaching students English to use in day to day life. Usually involved with multicultural educators (3-6 months) 
Click here www.intlcollegeoflinguistics.com for more information

ESL, EFL: English as Second/Foreign Language. Master degree program for teaching abroad. (1-3 years) Some teaching schools may have their own certificate/degree. This is a term that refers to teaching which is offered to non-native English speakers IN an English-speaking country

FAQS ( Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I do a TEFL course if I am not a graduate? 
Yes. Although many centres require candidates to have a university degree in some discipline, it is equally possible to find others where the only requirements are a good command of English and a good educational background.

What qualifications are there for TEFL? 
No single, standard international TEFL qualification currently exists. In North and Central America and much of the Far East, the most important qualification is a good first degree. In the European Union, the British Commonwealth and much of South America and Central Europe qualification means having passed a 70-hour TEFL course (including observed teaching practice) and often, but not always, having a university degree in any discipline.

Although various TEFL courses exist, those that are validated by external bodies, such as the Cambridge/RSA or Trinity College, London certificates are usually preferred.

Cambridge ELT Certificate (CELTA)
This certificate course is often considered to be the reference for TEFL qualifications and is widely respected internationally. The full name is the Cambridge ELT Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). This replaces the previous Certificate in Teaching of English as a Foreign Language to Adults (CTEFLA). CELTA places great emphasis on teaching practice. With over 8,000 enrolments worldwide per year, CELTA is clearly the most popular TEFL course among teachers. It is externally validated by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

CELTA courses are usually 4-week intensive programmes although it is sometimes possible to take the course on a part-time basis. In all CELTA courses, observed teaching practice is an important and integral part of the programme.

Entry requirements for CELTA courses vary somewhat from centre to centre. Although the course is open to native and non-native speakers, all candidates must be interviewed and take a language awareness test. Some centres require candidates to be graduates while others accept candidates with a good general education and command of English.

There are more than 200 centres offering CELTA courses in over 40 countries around the world. The course cost varies from about £500 to £1,000 ($800 to $1,600) depending on centre.

Trinity Certificate in TESOL

About 4,000 candidates annually qualify for the Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The Trinity syllabus is strictly controlled with basic requirements common to all validated centres. All trainees are, for example, expected to experience learning a foreign language.

The course may be full-time, usually following a 4- to 6-week intensive programme with 130 tuition hours, or part-time over a number of months. In many Trinity centres, it is possible to take a short, presessional course as an introduction, while some centres also offer a correspondence module in addition to the main programme.

Entry requirements vary between a good educational background and a university degree, with a good command of English obviously being a prime requirement. No distinction is made between native and non-native speakers.

Most Trinity Centres are in the UK although there are now a growing number overseas. The course cost varies from about £500 to £1,000 ($800 to $1,600) depending on centre.

Other TEFL courses
There are various other TEFL-related courses, some of them preparatory, some specialized, some run by chain schools who wish to train teachers in their own particular methods. Short, introductory courses can be useful to help you decide whether TEFL is for you or in the event that you cannot afford a full certificate course. Specialized courses (eg business English or neuro-linguistic programming) are useful for experienced teachers who wish to develop their careers.

Where can I get Course Information?
http://www.tefl.net/teacher-training/db.htm 

Cultural Bridge :

Chinese Names
Chinese people always attach great importance to the choice of names. An ancient Chinese name often included four parts: first the family name, followed by the given name, the alias, and then what's known as the 'style.' Take the great poet Li Bai for example. His surname in Chinese is Li (). His given name Bai () means 'white.' His alias is Tai Bai (), and 'style' Qing Lian (), meaning 'green lotus.' One would choose his alias and 'style' when he entered adulthood. People called one another by the alias to show mutual respect. However, many people now use only two characters 
http://www.warriortours.com/essential/getting_acquainted/chinese_name.htm  

The full name of a Han Chinese is composed of two parts: the surname and the given name. 

Today, there are 3,050 surnames in China, among them, surnames like Zhang, Wang, Li, Zhao and Liu are most popular. The surname, comes first, is often passed down through the father. It generally composes of one word. There are also two character surnames, or compound surnames, such as Oyang, Zhuge and Sima. Different from people in western countries, Chinese women always retain their family name even after marriage. 

After the surname is the given name, which contains one or two words. Take Chairman Mao's name for example, his name is "Mao Zedong". "Mao" is his surname and "Zedong" is the given name. 

The proper way is to address by their family name, with an honorific following after the family name: xiansheng (Mr.) for men and nvshi (Ms.) for women. Addressing a Chinese directly by his (her) given name is treated as to be offensive, unless you are bosom friends. Functionary title is also used after the family name when addressing a people. Following are some examples:

English              Chinese                    
Mr. Liu             liu xiansheng
President Liu     liu zhuxi 
Mrs. Liu            liu nvshi 
Minister Liu       liu zongli
Ms. Liu             liu xiaojie
Manager. Liu    liu jingli

Understanding Chinese Names
Chinese Kinship Terms

Embassy / Visa

Chinese Embassy and Consulate 
Chinese Embassy and Consulates around the world and immigration/visa information.

H Visa & Immigration
Information about employment-based visas, H1B status and visa issues.

Chinese Etiquette
http://www.warriortours.com/essential/getting_acquainted/etiquette.htm  

Chinese courtesies have always been formal to follow strict rules, although sometimes Chinese people seem to be impolite according to Western norms in public places.

To well understand Chinese, some concepts should not be ignored: 

Mianzi (Face) 

The idea of shame, usually expressed as 'face' could be loosely defined as the 'status' or 'self-respect' in Chinese and by no means alien to foreigners. It is the worst thing for a Chinese to lose face. Never insult, embarrass, shame, yell at or otherwise demean a person. Since all these actions would risk putting a Chinese in a situation that he might lose face. Neither try to prove someone wrong nor shout at him in public. In order to get a successful effect without letting a Chinese lose face, any criticism should be delivered privately, discreetly and tactfully, or else, just opposite to what you wish. 

Guanxi (Relationships between People) 

Throughout much of Chinese history, the fundamental glue that has held society together is the concept of guanxi, relationships between people. It is very important for the Chinese to have good relationships. They often regard good social relations as a symbol of personal ability and influence. Someone who has no connections would be despised and is only half-Chinese. 

Keqi 

Keqi not only means considerate, polite, and well mannered, but also represents humbleness and modesty. It is impolite to be arrogant and brag about oneself or one's inner circle. The expression is most often used in the negative, as in buyao keqi, meaning "you shouldn't be so kind and polite to me," or "you're welcome." 

Besides, Chinese seldom express what they think directly and they prefer a roundabout way. Neither show their emotions and feelings in public. They rarely greet people with a handshake, though it is very popular among foreigners, say nothing of embracing or kissing when greeting or saying good-bye. Consequently, it is better not to behave too carefree in public, even though you are well-intentioned. Also, it is advisable to be fairly cautious in political discussions. Do not particularly push yourself forward, or else you are unwelcome. 

However, you need not worry about these cultural barriers since most Chinese are hospitable and amiable and will not mind your non proficiency.
http://teflchina.com/teach/general/index.htm#teaching-tips-to-go  

General Teaching Tips-

Your students might enjoy using popular western names in English class (a) to learn their spelling and pronunciation, and (b) to have a well chosen English name for themselves when they want to let someone call them by a western name as an alternative to their Chinese name. 

Remembering names
It is difficult in large classes for students, not to mention us teachers, to remember all the classmates' English names. Name cards can help you both keep attendance records and *address students by name* whether they use western names or Chinese pinyin names. 
Bring plenty of 3x5 index cards with you from abroad. They are not a standard Chinese stationary item and are very hard to find here. 

Seating chart
If you students sit in the same place every time you meet (they are apt to do this), you can use a simple seating chart to help you take roll.

Name tents
3x5 cards folded in half lengthwise with the student's name on each side. The student can take this with them when they move to another seat during rotating activities. The name tents are collected into a stack after class, tied with a rubber band, and kept in someone's safe hands so that none of them will get lost. 

Deck of students "ID" cards
Best option, skip the seating chart and name tent tedium all together. Instead, take pictures of your students early in the semester for class ID cards. Have fun -- start by putting your camera into their hands and having them to take a picture of you first with some of them standing around you, to warm them up to the photo op -- be jovial and set an example with your big happy smile for the camera. If your students think you are taking "ID" photos they might try to adopt very serious expressions because that is how most ID photos in China are expected to look. So be sure they understand you are taking pictures of your smiling students to remember them by. Now photograph students two at a time (shoulder to shoulder next to each other). If they cuddled their heads close together just take another picture, shoulder to shoulder You are going to snip the photos in half later to make happy individual ID photos. 

Have the students write their names and student numbers on the back of the cut photos or glue them onto 3x5 cards and have the students write their names, student numbers, phone numbers, dorm numbers, and maybe hometowns and hobbies, too. 

This deck of ID cards is invaluable for both taking roll and for calling on students by name. These cards introduce the exciting and fair element of chance into calling on students: turn the cards face down, mix them up, and take one off the top of the stack, or fan them out and take one at random. The element of chance is exciting to the students and happily lets you off the hook as the bad guy who always calls on so and so. 
They will also be valued keepsakes years later when you have moved on in life. 

English names? -- two ideas
Pinyin versions of students' Chinese names following the model Li Bai, Liu zemin, etc., family name before given name, are correct international Chinese-English names (this is the way the press is handling them). 
Popular western names in combination with students' pinyin family names, following the model John Liu, James Li, etc., are also popular. 
The idea in option two is not to steamroll  students' traditional Chinese names but rather to offer them an additional handy linguistic social tool. Choosing a name from a foreign language you are studying is fun and having your teacher help you choose one adds to the special gift of the student teacher relationship, too. This is also a natural way for the students to learn how to spell and pronounce these common English names. Still, some students prefer to use only the pinyin version of their Chinese name and that is fine too. Using pinyin names helps internationalize the identity of the English language. The choice should be put into the students' own hands. And they might not all make the same choice as to when to use a western English name or a Chinese English name. The point of the exercise is that many students will enjoy using a foreign name sometimes. Variety is spice in life :-) 

Homework assignment
Choosing names – homework
- Helps students choose English names
- Middle school and up 

Choose an English name – homework
http://teflchina.com/teach/general/namesHw.htm  

Find an English name you like 
1. Ask each  student to write down on a piece of paper, three western names they would  like for themselves. Mark them 1st choice, 2nd choice and 3rd choice. (If they already have a western name that they like and want, let hem use that as the  1st choice.) 
(a) Ask them to Include Mr. or Ms so you will know if this name is for a boy or a girl! :-)
(b) Ask them to be sure to consider how each name they choose sounds in front of their pinyin one-syllable family name. 
Note,  it is correct to say

- Peter
- Mr. Xu
- Mr. Peter Xu
but not Mr. Peter!
(Mr., Mrs. and Ms should not be used with just a first name.) 

2. Tell them, next week you will collect all the papers and circle one of their choices that you like for them. If you don't circle their first choice name you will write a note why -- that it sounds awkward or old fashioned to me or that we have two people with that name in our class.
3. You will hand the papers back to them for their approval. If  they don't like the name you circled ,ask them to let you  know so that you could choose another. Tell them you want them to have a name that theylike :-). 
If they would rather use the pinyin version of their Chinese name that is OK too. It is a perfect English name too. 
* Boys' names and their meanings (a printer friendly Rich Text Format doc) -- Leslie Sirag, May 23, 2000

Western boys' names, their origins and meanings.
http://teflchina.com/teach/general/boysNames.doc  

Western girls names, their origins and meanings.
http://teflchina.com/teach/general/girlsNames.doc

- Chinese students have a rigorous middle school education that stresses success on examinations. This predisposes them to trying to get "the right answer" and makes them fearful of giving a wrong answer. Also in the Chinese tradition the teacher speaks and the student listens, so students rarely interrupt to answer questions. When asked if they have any questions, usually they have none. The teacher dismisses the class only to have many of them run up to the desk to ask their questions. One way to deal with this is by asking all of them to write out two or three questions related to the topic you are teaching. collect them and look them over quickly to find out what they don't understand or want to know. Another strategy is to put the students into small groups and ask the group to come up with several questions. They can all do this and feel more confident in asking questions when they are doing it as a representative of a group rather than on their own. 

- In large classes (video course, etc.) often carry small pieces of paper in your pocket and hand them out to students who ask questions. Ask them to write their names and student numbers on the paper and hand them in at the end of the class. Record these questions as class participation points to be added to test scores. This strategy makes use of their motivation to get a high grade. 

-If you teach a two hour course, be sure to have a break in the middle. At this time the students will ask their questions and tell you what they are thinking. You can use this feedback to refocus your remarks in the second hour.

- Interview Questionnaire


Tell us how you became interested in TESL? Why China?

What courses have you taught? Text & materials used?

Describe a recent lesson that you felt was esp. successful

Describe a recent lesson that didn't really work. What was the problem? 

How do you deal with an unbalanced class - talkative/quiet students? How about if staff only want to free talk?

What cultural issues in do find the most difficult to deal with. Explain a situation where you had to overcome such a challenge. What have you done to adapt your teaching style to the culture?

How would you characterize your teaching methodology? How does your style differ with traditional approaches?

What cultural issues in do find the most difficult to deal with. Explain a situation where you had to overcome such a challenge.

How do you deal with the obnoxious/demanding student?

Run through the steps you take before starting a class 

Employment Contract

The contract you sign securing your teaching position in China will define the parameters of your existence in ways you never thought possible. However, as an expatriate - an alien - a foreigner your contract is not your enemy. It is your opportunity; your chance to define all that you can enjoy. It's the best way to eliminate misunderstanding and clearly set out what the year ahead will bring. Two sample contracts are included at the end of this article. 

Full time teaching is defined by having from 12-20 hours a week. 20 hours can exhaust. Try to keep it to no more than 16. Your teaching in China will also include a few hours outside of the traditional classroom setting, in such venues as the "English Corner", a free flowing discussion designed to allow a more relaxed opportunity for students to practice their English; its nationally popular and an expected part of the Foreign Teacher's curriculum. It can account for from 1 to 3 hours per week. All of these hours should be clearly marked in the contract as falling either within the salaried hour or as per hour work. 

Most English teaching jobs in China pay monthly salaries. However, salaries should be clearly defined in both hours per month monthly and hourly terms: "8000RMB/month for 64 hours per month working not more than 16 hours every week. A normal hourly wage of 125RMB/hour. Any service requested beyond the 64 hours/week will be paid at _____ rmb/hour" The going hourly rate for teaching English in China is currently hovering between 150 and 200 rmb/hhour. Be sure to define your rate of pay for any outside hours that you hear about from other teachers: maybe you teach 16 hours a week, but once a month you are required to take a class to McDonald's. If so, your hourly rate should be listed directly next to this activity. 

Duration of pay: be clear about the number of months you'll receive your pay. If you'll be teaching for a a year, is that 12 months…or 101/2 ? What will your pay be during Chinese New Year and other holidays? When you put these in the contract, do not leave these as merely worded expressions of the salary. Put down a numerical figure, either handwritten next to the words or in an appendix.
Convertibility: most schools place a limit on the amount of rmb you can convert to hard currency. This limit needs to be clearly stated. http://www.tealic.com/banks.htm    
  
As at home, benefits are often the deciding factor in making a job choice. One of the best things about teaching English in China is that you will be offered SO MANY benefits, and bonuses too. Relative to the rest of the population and the cost of living you will find yourself earning a high wage. The benefits make that wage even higher. These all need to be spelled out in your contract. What benefits are you likely to see? The primary one is free housing. Yes, FREE housing. Its really a good deal. Your teaching contract should clearly say the type of accommodation you'll get: a furnished one-bedroom apartment, a shared or private bathroom…and any amenities you have been promised: utilities up to any rmb figure per month, microwave oven, TV, air-conditioner, telephone, free local calls, free number of internet access minutes per day, etc.
Airfare is usually offered when you agree to take a job teaching English in China, sometimes round trip, more often one way. They won't buy you the ticket in advance, only reimburse you for the cost. If they have agreed to pay for your travel both ways, include a line stating what it cost you in US$ to get to China. These payments won't be made until you finish your contract. 

Contract Completion Bonuses are standard. They are often a sizeable percentage of your monthly salary, paid at the end of the year. Travel Bonuses are often offered, too, allowing you to do a bit of touring while you are teaching English in China. You can take the travel bonuses during the duration of your contract if you like, but it may complicate things if you have to cancel the contract: you would be morally obligated to pay them back, just at the time when you are making a transition to a new school. That could be strain your finances. Better to wait to collect them at the end of the year, then go on a BIG trip! J Again, these figures should appear on the contract numerically as well as in language.

What if I HAVE to go home? If something beyond your control requires you to stop teaching in China and return home, most people are understanding of such problems and sympathetic. As in the example contracts below, you would probably lose you airfare. You should INCLUDE that you are allowed to stay in your apartment a week or so after you stop teaching to get your life organized and pack everything away. 

Beyond the understandable, the contract should spell out the consequences of either you or the school failing to live up to everything that was promised: the school not coming up with… any of a number of things, co-teachers, transportation, health insurance; salary on time; you not teaching when and in the manner expected of you. Here you will encounter the Breach Penalty, a rmb figure charged to the one who has violated the terms of the contract. There is a distinction that needs to be made: unlike canceling the contract for circumstances beyond your control as outlined previously, when one party feels the other has failed to live up to the terms of the contract, the aggrieved stops providing service: you stop teaching or, they stop letting you teach, and asks the other to pay a "Breach Penalty". One example - your apartment is below standard and you find your employer unwilling to improve the conditions. Or, they don't pay on time, etc. A written statement outlining the circumstances is provided, you collect the Breach Penalty and move on. Well, in theory.

As a foreigner teaching English in China, your access to the kind of legal representation you will likely require to document and certify the transgressions you feel you've endured will be difficult if not impossible to secure. Not to mention the fact that you'd be unemployed. If you feel you're not getting what you have been promised, you should try to rectify the situation through directly dealing with the situation. Numerous books have been written on the cultural significance of Giving Face and Losing Face. Attack the problem while giving respect. Don't unfurl your copy of the Bill of Rights. Assure people that you know they have your best intentions at heart. You know they want to help. If you found yourself being forced to cancel the contract due to the employer not living up to the agreement and you wanted to collect the Breach Penalty, you'd wind up having to go to the authorities. Leaving your school before your annual contract is completed means that you'd have to get your working documents transferred from the first school to your new school. If you leave before the year is out, no matter if you've left in anger or amicably, the case is the same: in the eyes of the government, you work for your old school. Your new school needs to register you. Without a Letter of Release, they won't be able to do it. 

Obviously, this is even more reason not to get into an intractable argument with your school. Schools have been known to vindictively withhold the Letters. We suggest adding it to the contract. Put it in the sections dealing with reasons for canceling. "2 (two) days after the cancellation requirements have been met, party A will write a suitable Letter of Release for Party B, stating in both English and Chinese that he has met all his responsibilities and is no longer obligated to work at _________ school. The letter will bare the date and all the official stamps of the school. The letter will be left in a secure area of the school accessible by anyone in an administrative capacity. The letter is not to be sealed in any kind of envelope. The teacher is allowed to personally go to the school to collect the Letter of Release.
Both parties agree that under no circumstances may the original Release Letter be delivered by post. It can only be picked up by the teacher in person."

Does this mean that you'll get it? Probably not. But, it provides you with a contractual leg to stand on. 
Holding back the Letter of Release seriously complicates your life. You won't be able to get another job teaching English in China until you have it. By statute you have to leave the country within 15 days if you don't get another teaching job. So, any delay on their part puts the cash-strapped, hand-to-mouthedness You in critical condition. They can and probably will hold back the Letter if you're leaving on bad terms. Expect it. Then what would happen is you would have to skulk back and forth to their office begging for it, with them alternately not being their in plain sight or saying they have already sent it. Then you'd move to another province on their assurances, and start to teach, having to be SO grateful that your employer is being so understanding, and still begging for the letter. And then, finally, your old school will just blow you off permanently, forcing you to leave the country, lose the new job and securing you the enjoyable task of explaining to explain to the authorities all along the way why you were in another province.

As you can see the Letter of Release can easily earn you a wrenching experience. This neat little clause allows you to contact that lawyer friend of yours and have him fire off the "Law Office Letterhead" letter. They have agreed to give you the letter. It says that they will give it to you within two days once the terms of canceling have been met. What's the most that you'll have to pay for breaching the contract? A month's salary? Not much at those wages. But, without the letter, you could lose a lot more. If they decide to withhold and delay the letter purely out of spite, their spite will melt in the face of your lawyer friend's simple pressure. Letters from lawyers are scary.

Taxes: currently, foreigners do not pay taxes on earnings. Your salary and hourly figures are net: your total take home. There are moves in certain provinces to begin taxing income over 4000rmb/month. Return again to www.tealic.com for continued updates on this evolving issue regarding teaching English in China. 

Private Teacher: You basic salary will be earning a handsome income by local standards teaching English in China. Your bosses can authorize you to teach privately! Unlike many other overseas teaching venues, China permits your employer to contractually allow you to teach other students. So get it in the contract. The following clause is taken from a government published contract for foreigners in China.
"Without Party A's consent, Party B shall not render service elsewhere or hold concurrently any post unrelated to the work agreed on with Party A."
Sadly, this means you have to ask, every time. It's too limiting. Have consent included in your contract. Not oral consent, but written consent. Something like"
"As long as Party A's work is deemed satisfactory, Party B allows Party A to undertake outside posts and opportunities for a total of 10 hours per week."
Or, more, or less, as you choose. The objective is to have it there on paper." 
These are the key points, from actual experience. If they are not in your contract, write an appendix and make them part of the contract. 

SAMPLE CONTRACT 1

1. From September 1 of _____ to July 31 of _____, ___________ (the Employer hereafter) will employ _________ (the Employee hereafter) as a foreign English teacher, who is to teach English classes to non-English-major graduate students and English-major undergraduates with an average working load of 12 to 16 lecture hours per week, in addition to no more than eight cultural talks.
2. The Employer will provide the Employee with a salary and other benefits consisting of two parts:
1) Direct Pay: _____ RMB/month, 70% of which can be paid in US dollars upon request.
The salary starts from the day when the Employee reports to the Employer and stops at the end of this contract and will be paid monthly.
2) Indirect Pay
a. Free housing in a furnished one-bedroom apartment.
b. Free medical care in University Hospital and, with its doctor's permission, in Beijing No. 3 Hospital, which has a medical contract with the university. 
? No dental coverage. 
? The Employee is to cover the medical expenses in hospitals other than the ones specified above.
c. Two hours of free Chinese lessons upon request.
d. A foreign expert advisor for the Employee's assistance.
3. The Employee will have all the paid holidays entitled to the Chinese teachers. The Employer will provide the Employee with an extra of 2200RMB in the period of the contract for traveling. And the Employee will be paid all the allowances in the same amount (about 1000 RMB a year) as the Chinese English teachers on major Chinese festivals and holidays.
4. The Employer will provide the Employee with an air ticket from Beijing to his/her home country or the cost of the amount paid for returning home on a round trip ticket if purchased previously, in addition to half a month's salary at the end of the contract on the condition that the contract is fulfilled.
5. The Employee must meet the following requirements during his/her stay in CAU:
a. Complying with the laws, decrees and rules of the Chinese government and with the working regulations of CAU.
b. Finishing the teaching tasks set by the Employer in an active and cooperative way.
c. Not taking any other jobs that are not related with CAU without the Employer's approval.
d. The Employee may take no leave of absence without the permission from the Employer. His/her leave of absence may not exceed two weeks in accumulation and one week in succession. The Employee must make up any classes missed during his/her leave of absence.
6. This contract cannot be terminated, suspended or changed by either side before the due date unless an agreement is reached by both sides. If the Employer intends to terminate the contract before the due date, it must inform the Employee with a proper explanation 30 days before the intended termination. If the Employee intends to terminate the contract before the due date, he/she must submit a written application with a proper explanation to the Employer 30 days before the intended termination. At the termination of the contract the Employer will stop all payments (Direct and Indirect) to the Employee. Both parties must carry out the contract until an agreement is reached by both sides on an earlier termination of the contract put forward by either party.
7. The Employer reserves the right to terminate the contract with a written statement to the Employee under the following conditions: 
a. The Employee breaks either Article 5 or 6 of this contract and does not make any improvement after the warning given by the Employer.

b. The Employee cannot restore to his/her normal working condition after a continuous sick leave of 30 days.
c. The Employee repeatedly cancels or dismisses his/her classes without the permission from the Employer.

8. The Employee has the right to terminate the contract with a written statement to the Employer under the following conditions:
a. The Employer has not provided the Employee with the necessary working and living conditions as stipulated in the contract.
b. The Employer has not paid the Employee as scheduled.
9. When either of the two parties fails to fulfill the contract obligations according to the terms stipulated, it must pay a breach penalty of 500-1,000 US dollars (or the equivalent in RMB) to the other party, depending on the terms of the breach.
If the Employee asks to terminate the contract due to events beyond control, he/she should produce certifications by the department concerned, obtain the Employer's consent, and cover his/her own return expenses. If the Employee terminates the contract without good reasons, he/she should pay a breach penalty specified above to the Employer. 
? If the Employer asks to terminate the contract due to events beyond control, with the consent of the Employee, it should cover the Employee' s return expenses. If the Employer terminates the contract without good reasons, it should pay a breach penalty specified above to the Employee. 
10. The two parties shall consult with each other and mediate any disputes that may arise about the contract. If all attempts fail, the two parties can appeal to the organization of arbitration for foreign experts' affairs in the State Bureau of Foreign Experts and ask for a final arbitration.
11. Both the Chinese and English texts of this contract are equally authentic.


SAMPLE CONTRACT 2
Contract

I. Party A ________________ wishes to engage the service of Party B _________ as ___________. The two parties, in a spirit of friendly cooperation, agree to sign this contract and pledge to fulfill conscientiously all the obligations stipulated in it.

II. The period of service will be from the ____ day of _______, 20 ___________ to the __________ day of __________, 20_______.
III. The duties of Party B (see attached pages) 

IV. Party B's monthly salary will be______ yuan RMB,
____% of which can be converted into foreign currency monthly.
V. Party A's Obligations
1. Party A shall introduce to Party B the laws, decrees and relevant regulations enacted by the Chinese government, the Party A's work system and regulations concerning administration of foreign experts.
2. Party A shall conduct direction, supervision and evaluation of Party B's work. 
3. . Party A shall provide Party B necessary working and living conditions.
4. Party A shall provide co-workers. 
5. Party A shall pay Party B's salary regularly by the _____ of the month.
VI. Party B's Obligations
1. Party B shall observe the laws, decrees and relevant regulations enacted by the Chinese government and shall not interfere in China's internal affairs.
2. Party B shall observe Party A's work system and regulations concerning administration of foreign experts and shall accept Party A's arrangement, direction, supervision and evaluation in regard to his/her work. Without Party A's consent, Party B shall not render service elsewhere or hold concurrently an post unrelated to the work agreed on with Party A.
3. Party B shall complete the tasks agreed on schedule and guarantee the quality of work.

4. Party B shall respect China's religious policy, and shall not conduct religious activities incompatible with the status of an expert.
5 Party B shall respect the Chinese people's moral standards and customs.
VII. Revision, Cancellation and Termination of the Contract
1. Both parties should abide by the contract and should refrain from revising, canceling, or terminating the contract without mutual consent.
2. The contract can be revised, canceled, or terminated with mutual consent. Before both parties have reached an agreement, the contract should be strictly observed.

3. Party A has the right to cancel the contract with a written notice to Party B under the following conditions:

(1) Party B does not fulfill the contract obligations according to the terms stipulated and has failed to amend after Party A has pointed it out.
(2) According to the doctor's diagnosis, Party B cannot resume normal work after a continued 30 day sick leave.
3. Party B has the right to cancel the contract with a written notice to Party A under the following conditions.
(1) Party A has not provided Party B with necessary working and living conditions as stipulated in the contract.
(2) Party A has not paid Party B as scheduled.
VIII. Breach Penalty
When either of the two parties fails to fulfill the contract or fails to fulfill the contract obligations according to the terms stipulated, that is, breaks the contract, it must pay a breach penalty of US$ 500 to 2,000 ( or the equivalent in RMB).
If Party B asks to cancel the contract due to events beyond control, it should produce certifications by the department concerned, obtain party A's consent, and pay its own return expenses; if Party B cancels the contract without valid reason, it should pay its own return expenses and pay a breach penalty to Party A.
If Party A asks to cancel the contract due to events beyond control, with the consent of Party B, it should pay Party B's return expenses; if party A cancels the contract without valid reason, it should pay Party B's return expenses and pay a breach penalty to Party B.

IX. The appendix of this contract is an inseparable part of the contract and has equal effect.

X. This contract takes effect on the date signed by both parties and will automatically expire when the contract ends. If either of the two parties asks for a new contract, it should forward its request to another party 90 days prior to the expiration of the contract and sign the new contract with mutual consent.
Party B shall bear all expenses incurred when staying on after the contract expires.

XI. Arbitration
The two parties shall consult with each other and mediate any disputes which may arise about the contract. If all attempts fail, the two parties can appeal to the organization of arbitration for foreign experts affairs in the State Bureau of Foreign Experts and ask for a final arbitration.

This Contract is signed at _______________, in duplicate, this __________ day of ________, 20______, in the Chinese and ___________ languages, both texts being equally authentic.

Party A            Party B
(Signature)       (Signature)

Useful links:
Chinese Worldwide Embassies and Consulates: http://www.travelfile.com/get/chinanto.html 
Tips for Getting Visa http://www.budgettravel.com/chinvisa.htm  
Organizations involved in sending teachers to China http://members.aol.com/lumabner/china/chinalink.htm  
Living and Teaching in china http://hometown.aol.com/lumabner/china.htm  
Teaching in China links http://members.aol.com/lumabner/china/chinalink.htm 

FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do I need specific TEFL training or certification?
No ... and yes! A lot of schools employ untrained teachers and some of these teachers do just fine. However, most good employers now require or at least prefer teachers to be both trained and certified. So if you want a good job, particularly in the more competitive markets, you should seriously consider taking a TEFL certificate training course in case you are not certified as yet.

Do I need a degree to be able to teach English in China ?
Most employers prefer to hire teachers who hire a Bachelors degree to teach English 

Will it be difficult to teach without any previous experience? 
NO. Every school provides textbooks. 

What’s the difference between ‘ a foreign expert ‘ and a ‘ foreign teacher’?
English teachers from abroad are given one of two labels: 'Foreign Teacher' or 'Foreign Expert'. Foreign Teachers are university graduates under the age of 25, many of whom do not have recognized TESOL qualifications. Foreign Experts are experienced ESL/EFL teachers with an MA TESOL/TEFL/Applied Linguistics to their name.


When does the Academic year start in China ?
Academic year in China begins in September and is divided into two terms ( Autumn term: September-January, Spring term: February-July ). 

When do jobs start?
Jobs usually are available at any time of the year. However, the busiest months begin in September and end July. 

When should I apply for a teaching position? 
The sooner the better! Since the visa sponsorship takes time to process in China. We suggest that applying teachers provide the employer with the appropriate paperwork as soon as possible. It will be a good idea to apply two months in advance. Schools hire teachers on short notice. (One month or less to hire a teacher) 

How long will it take before I am hired? 
In most cases, an applicant can be hired within 2 months from receipt of the application. The preparation period is a 3-4 weeks long before your departure. A preparation period is needed for diploma confirmation, telephone interview, visa processing and flight scheduling. Upon notification of hire and while your work visa is being processed, you should make arrangements to depart for China as soon as the visa is approved. In some cases this time period can be much shorter depending how quickly your visa is approved. Your date of availability is very important 

What teaching positions in China include? 

- Free accommodation (fully furnished one or two bedroom apartment with A/C, TV, etc.) 
- Monthly salary from 3,000 Chinese Yuan and above 
- Round-trip or one-way international airfare with one year teaching contract 
- Travel stipend each year for travel in China 
- One or two months paid vacation 
- Free medical care

What work visa do I need ? 
A work visa (E-2 visa) allows you to teach English in China for a certain period of time.

Does everyone need a work visa? 
Yes, it is necessary for the employers to provide visa sponsorship for their employees. The Chinese government requires it for the issuance of an educational working visa. This will make the teacher a legal resident in China during the time of employment. Teaching illegally will lead to heavy fines and deportation. But sometime, you may just apply for a visit visa and schools will get changed your visa to working visa after you arrive there.


How do I get a work permit and residence visa?
Normally you first have to secure a job offer. Then your employer will sponsor and arrange your application for the necessary papers. In most cases, the employer will deal with all of the bureaucracy for you. In practice, the teacher often arrives in China on a Tourist visa and the school/institution submits the paperwork to Chinese Immigration before the Tourist visa expires.

Will I need a work permit and/or residence visa?
To live and work in China, you must have a work permit; this then enables you to get a residence visa. In reality, if you are working illegally, the degree of risk involved varies relative to the duration of your stay. 

How long will I need to commit to?
Most good jobs require you to sign a year's contract. The one-year contract is, of course, renewable by mutual consent. This is almost always true of jobs which can be arranged in advance and which provide airfare and housing. However, if you travel to china to find a job, it is often possible to work on a month-by-month basis. A few government-sponsored programs, such as the Peace Corps and JET, require a two-year commitment. 

Is it difficult to adjust to China culture? 
It is advisable to come to China with an open mind and an understanding that it is not home. We suggest that you read up on the culture before coming. If you are flexible and adaptable, it's easy. You'll have no problems if you're patient and you have a good sense of humor.

What am I suppose to do? 
All hired teachers are supposed to teach conversational English 

What are the working hours like? 
Each institute has its own work schedule. May differ between schools. No teaching on Saturdays. Teachers will be required to teach 60to 80hours a month, but maybe there are overtime classes and you will be paid in this overtime.

How long are the classes? 
Usually, the children class run for about 40 to 50 minutes. And the adult classes run 50 -60 minutes. 

How much class preparation will be required of me?
The amount of time spent on class preparation will be up to you. It is recommended for beginners to spend more time for class preparation everyday. After a while, you will have gained some experience and your job will be easy

How much money should I bring to China? 
You won't be paid until you finish one month's work. In that time, you will need money for food, drinks, taxis, anything you want to buy for your apartment. Bringing a minimum of $200.00-300 Can. is appropriate. However, it's always a good idea to bring more.  

What is the Exchange Rate?
Chinese currency is called RenMinBi (RMB), the people's money, a single unit being called Yuan. The exchange rate fluctuates around 8.2 RMB per US Dollar. You can find the current rate of exchange http://www.xe.com. 

Will I be paid in dollars?
No. In virtually all overseas TEFL jobs you will be paid in local currencies and in China it will be Chinese RMB

How much will I earn?
Salary ranges between ¥1500-¥3000 (per month) for Foreign Teachers and ¥2,500-¥4,500 (per month) for Foreign Experts. Depending on your assignments you could earn more.

What is the Cost of living? 
The average Chinese salary is less than the salary you will receive. Unless you are a chronic compulsive spender, you probably won't be worrying about how to make ends meet. Most of your accommodations are provided through your employer or school, so your financial decisions will most likely not involve housing or utilities. If you indulge yourself with western luxuries occasionally (buy dairy products, take a taxi, hit the local disco on Saturday night, and regularly smoke cigarettes) you can survive on about $120-240 (roughly 1-2000 RMB) per month. (If you want to drink American Whiskey, take taxis everywhere you go, and spend your weekends visiting other cities or tourist spots in China, you might need to take another small job--which is entirely possible).

Is it possible to exchange RMB ( Renminbi ) to Canadian/US dollars?
Yes - at he bank & at the airport.

Can I chose the city that I want to work in?
You may choose an area to teach in, but it will delay the placement or limit you chances of being placed, Beijing and other big cities are very popular among foreigners. 

Will my housing be far from my job? 
Maybe. Some of them is inside of school. some times, Your house will be situated near the school. Buses and subways can be used to commute from the school to your home. Some adult positions may require travel to teach. Public transportation is the most convenient and inexpensive way to travel. 

What if I do not like my housing conditions? 
For whatever reason you are unsatisfied, tell your director and he/she will do his/her best to help. Sometimes you have to be persistent about the situation. But accommodation is expensive and keep in mind most of schools give it to you free. 

What happens if I break my contract? 
You must have a viable reason to break contract. If broken, your contract working visa will be cancelled

What is the electricity voltage in China?
It's 220v plugs, but adapters and batteries are easy to find.

Will I be close to other foreigners?
Yes, as there are over 1,000,000 foreigners throughout China.

Can a friend and I be placed together? 
If there are two available positions at the same school, no problem. 

Will my school have computers and how easy is it to access the internet?
Your school may or may not have computers, but any city position will grant you access to a computer. Cities have pc rooms on almost every street. Computers are programmed in China, but accessing the internet is simple.

What clothes should I bring? 
China has four seasons. Although the winters are short, they can get very cold and the summers 
are HOT. Bring whatever you would wear at home 

What should I bring that I cannot get China? 
Deodorant, Tampons, Big shoes( China have small feet), Girls - Conceiler and pressed 
powder(skin tone) 

Do I need any vaccinations?
Most people come over without having had shots, but it is recommended to get your Hepatitis. B 
and C and Typhoid. 

Can I bring a partner overseas with me?
If you obtain a legal job and a residence visa, you can usually obtain a residence visa for a wife or husband ( but not for other kinds of partners). However, he/she probably will not be allowed to work and most entry-level TEFL jobs do not pay enough to enable you to support a non working dependent. If your partner is involved in TEFL, you should both be able to find jobs in the same place, particularly if you apply to large schools or for jobs in big cities.

Can I bring children overseas with me?
If you obtain a legal job and a residence visa, you will be able to obtain a residence visa for your children. However, most entry-level TEFL jobs do not pay enough to enable single parents to support children. Married couples in which both partners teach EFL may be able to support children.

Can I arrange a job before leaving home?
It usually is possible to arrange a job in advance, particularly if you have a degree and a reputable TEFL certificate. Unless you are looking for a very short term job, It is recommend that you fix up a job in advance.


About certifications..

What are the differences between TEFL, TESL, TESOL and ELT?
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) involves teaching people, usually in their own countries, who want to use English for business, leisure, travel, etc.
TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) involves teaching immigrants in English-speaking countries.
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and ELT (English Language Teaching) are terms which cover both TEFL and TESL.


How long does TEFL training take?
TEFL training and certification can be obtained quite quickly. Even the most widely recognized TEFL certificate in the world, the Cambridge CELTA, can be obtained in only 4 weeks. Some other reputable TEFL certificate courses can also be completed in 4 weeks (or part-time over 3-18 months). Some even shorter training courses are available but they are rarely if ever recognized by employers.

Can I obtain TEFL certification via distance learning?
Several distance learning courses are available and the better ones provide effective training and recognized certification. The best employers recognize only courses that last at least 100 hours and include 6 hours of supervised practice teaching. Any shorter course will give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs open to untrained teachers but will not enable you to compete with teachers who have taken a 100-hour onsite or distance training course.

Which is the best TEFL training course?
A lot of courses offer adequate or good training. However, many TEFL certificates are not widely recognized by employers overseas. The most widely recognized TEFL certificate available is the Cambridge CELTA. 


Do I need to know a foreign language?
As almost all TEFL jobs require you to teach English purely in English, knowledge of a foreign language is not essential. However, having some experience of foreign language learning will give you many useful insights into what language is and how we learn it; and studying a foreign language will help you to learn more about English, and particularly English grammar. Some knowledge of the language of the country where you teach will make your out-of-school life 
easier and more rewarding.

Can I teach EFL if English is not my native language?
There is demand for native English speakers to teach basic English. However, even otherwise your chances are not rule out totally if your spoken and written English is of a very high standard and also if you are readily available in china.