The Training and Orientation
The training course is 4 weeks in duration and you complete a 108-hour certified TEFL program (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). In addition there are lessons in Mandarin and a comprehensive orientation to China.
Included in the training is:
- TEFL training program delivered over 4 weeks
- Mandarin lessons – minimum of 2 per week
- Orientation to China
- Airport pick-up
- Welcome dinner
- Accommodation in the training school
- Meals provided by the school canteen
- Access to school facilities for evening recreation and sporting activities
- Social and cultural activities
- Farewell dinner
You will learn the skills required to be confident and successful as a Teacher Intern, including lesson planning, classroom methods and administration procedures.
The ELC Certificate in TEFL is delivered by the English Language Company; a school accredited in Sydney, Australia, for the purpose of teaching English as a second or foreign language.
The ELC Certificate in TEFL comprises two phases:
- Theory and Teaching Practice – a full-time course over 4 weeks comprising a total of 108 hours of instruction, including both teaching methodology and teaching practice. This is a challenging course that prepares all participants for their role as a Teacher Intern.
- Practical Experience – this is completed in the schools. All participants complete a practical assignment and receive a reference from the school. The ELC Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language is awarded at the conclusion of the practical component.
In order to successfully complete the training programme participants must:
- Attend all input sessions
- Attend all teaching practice (unless otherwise advised)
- Adequately prepare for teaching practice
- Complete and submit on time all assignments
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of English language teaching methodology
- Demonstrate competence in the use of basic classroom techniques
- Demonstrate good language awareness
- Behave cooperatively and constructively with colleagues and trainers
- Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times
- Speak only English during core hours of training
It is expected that all candidates who make a concerted effort during the Training Programme will be able to succeed. However, all must realize that this will require a dedication to the programme, as it is a certified qualification.
Depending on the complementary qualifications held, the TEFL certificate and school reference would allow participants to work in other developing countries in the future.
The placement at the school
You will be advised of your placement prior to departure. It is the schools that determine the placements through selection based on your application. Placements cannot be changed once approved. Participants applying together can be placed in the same school.
You will have the opportunity to nominate a region of China you would prefer – Northeast; North; Central East and South, although these cannot be guaranteed.
The Northeast includes Inner Mongolia, Jilin and Liaojing.
The North includes Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi and Shaanxi.
Central East includes Shanghai, Nanjing, Huangzhou and Jiangsu Province.
The South includes the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunan and Fujian.
There are three categories of teacher placement:
- Kindergarten
- Primary
- High school
You will be asked to choose your preference of placement, but these are not guaranteed.
Students are usually well behaved and keen to learn English and interact with foreigners. The range of English competencies amongst students will also vary from beginner to intermediate levels.
Accommodation and Meals
The accommodation will vary between schools as each has a different format. You can expect to share communal facilities in the school in regards to accommodation. By western standards, the accommodation may be considered basic, but by Chinese standards the accommodation provided to foreign teachers is spacious and comparatively of high standard.
Meals are served in a dining hall. There is usually a separate staff dining hall. Western meals are not served – and you should endeavour to become competent in using chopsticks! Chinese food is fresh, but milk, potatoes, bread and coffee are very rare. Rice and tea are staples, but every meal offers a variety of dishes.
Unlike the west, Chinese meals are similar throughout the day. Western food can be purchased in the cities, but the quality may vary and it is relatively expensive.
Salary
The allowance is 2000RMB per month and is tax-free. Your salary can be paid either by cash or directly deposited into your bank account. There are about 8RMB per 1US Dollar. You will receive a completion bonus for the completion of your contract, which is an amount of RMB2500 per semester. You will receive all your meals and accommodation too.
Programme Age Limit
Minimum age of 19 years, maximum age dependent of potential participant’s health.
Programme Requirements
- Age – 19 yrs minimum with a mature attitude
- Completed Education to at least A-Levels (or equivalent)
- Good English grades at school
- Appropriate personal qualities (maturity, flexibility, ability to cope with challenges, good communication skills)
- Travel experience
- A range of hobbies and interests
- Provide copies of academic qualifications
- Good health
- No police record
- Understanding of cultural sensitivity
- Some work experience- either paid or voluntary
- Experience of working with children, such as babysitting, teaching, coaching.
The Schools
You will be placed with at least one other Teach & Travel China participant in the school.
There are two semesters in each academic year. Each term is approximately 5 months in duration. The first term starts in early September. The second term starts in February and is dependent on the time of Chinese New Year, which is usually late January to late February.
The summer breaks are 6-8 weeks in length from July to August. The winter breaks are 4 weeks in length from January to February. Some schools offer Summer Schools during the summer break. There are also holidays in May and October, usually one week each. (Please note the school holidays will vary depending on Chinese New Year).
Visa
A special visa will be organized for Teach & Travel China participants. As the Teach & Travel China programme based on cultural exchange, you will enter China with an ‘F’ visa. We will supply you with the forms and the letter of invitation for you to obtain this visa.
