Teach in China FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Teach in China Program

 

How is one accepted and then placed in the Teach in China program?

The Chinese Cultural Exchange Program maintains relationships with 11 educational institutions in 6 cities (Partner Institutions), and places Teach in China participants in 10 of these.  Maintaining such a variety of relationships allows for a wide variety of placement options for Teach in China participants.  Applicants are asked for the level of students they prefer teaching (middle school, high school or college) as well as how long they wish to be placed for (one or two semesters).  Factors such as an applicant’s field of study, desired size of city of placement and proximity to other program participants allows program staff to determine which placement is most appropriate for each applicant.  Given the difficulties associated with partner institutions planning for one-semester placements, applicants committing to an entire school year will be given priority of placement.

 

What are the terms of my employment?

While the details of each contract may vary, generally graduates will receive a salary of 3,000-3,750 Yuan per month ($425-$550), housing, medical coverage, reimbursement for airfare to China and an additional traveling allowance in return for teaching 16-18 hours per week.  Program participants are responsible for booking their own tickets to arrive on the date requested by the institution in which they are placed.  Participants are encouraged to purchase as economical a flight as possible, as most institutions may place a limit upon the amount they will reimburse.

 

What type of accommodations are provided for me?

Program participants are provided individual housing by their host institution as part of their compensation.  While the quality of accommodations vary slightly between institutions, all housing includes private bathrooms, telephone, and television.  Accommodations are comparable to those provided foreign students or University faculty.

 

Will I be able to travel during my time in China?

Program participants who teach for a year at a partner institution are provided a stipend for travel during the interim Spring Festival break between semesters (roughly mid-January to mid-February). 

 

What kind of health or medical insurance will be provided?

Partner institutions provide the same medical coverage to visiting program participants as is offered to all Chinese faculty.  While specific terms of the medical coverage provided by our partner institutions which covers minor illness and medications vary slightly, currently we require participants to purchase the International Student Identity Card for major medical emergency coverage (https://www.myisic.com/MyISIC/Travel/Main.aspx?MenuID=5004).  Partner institutions will provide the following insurance policy to program participants: http://www.picchealth.com/english/tabid/496/InfoID/439/frtid/409/Default.aspx.  Program applicants are asked to provide information about special medical needs during the application process so that proper arrangements can be made with partner institutions to ensure medical care can be correctly administered in case of medical emergency.

 

What are the fees for the Teach in China program and what do these program fees cover?

The program fee of $1,100 includes placement and negotiation of participants' teaching contracts, continued logistical support through placement and your time in China should any difficulties arise, and the 40-hour training in May which covers the visa application process, ESL teaching techniques and tools, basic Chinese language instruction, as well as an orientation to the culture and history of China and living in China.  Program fees will be charged upon participant enrollment in the 40-hour training program which takes place on the Drake campus immediately following graduation.

 

How safe is it to work and live in China?

While crime rates in China are very low, and most foreigners report feeling physically very safe, it is not uncommon for foreigners to be the target of pickpockets and other petty criminals when out in public (especially at tourists sites and markets).  All program participants live within the grounds of their host institutions, which are enclosed and guarded, and in dormitories or apartments that have additional guards as well.  Much care is taken on behalf of the Foreign Affairs Offices of partner institutions to protect the safety of foreign teachers.

 

For more information on safety in China, see the Department of State’s consular information sheet on P.R. China: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1089.html

 

If I am graduating with students loans, how will I be able to afford paying them back after graduation?

Given the amount of compensation received through the Teach in China program, participants can receive an economic hardship deferment from their lending institutions.  This allows graduates to defer paying their student loans until after they return from the Teach in China program.  All federal loans extend such a deferment, but applicants are encouraged to check the terms of their loan agreements and call their lending institutions to ensure they can receive such a deferment.

 

Do I have to pay taxes on my earnings in China?

The salaries earned through the Teach in China program are well below the threshold for filing taxes on foreign income.  See: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p54/ch01.html