GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is CTLC?

The Center for Teaching and Learning in China is a USA-based organization that recruits, interviews, trains and supports teachers for work in Shenzhen, China. It has collaborated with the metropolitan Shenzhen Education Bureau to recruit teachers of English in the Shenzhen public schools continuously since 1997. The Center is officially approved by the Chinese government for recruiting (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, certificate no. 51). The Center directors are members of NAFSA Association of International Educators and the Chinese Language Teachers Association.

What is different about this program from other opportunities to teach in China?

Several things. First, it does not require either previous teaching experience or TEFL certification. We provide the training to enable you to do the job. Second, we provide training in Mandarin (at the beginning level and at higher levels if you have previous study of Chinese), which helps make your experience in China more rewarding. Third, we provide On-site Coordinators to support you in China, and you will be associated with a sizable group of other English teachers working in Shenzhen, so that you can establish fruitful professional and social relationships. Fourth, and very significantly, this is a government-sponsored program for an entire public school district. All other teaching jobs in China are on the basis of a single school or university or private company hiring a foreign teacher on a strictly individual basis.

I do not have a Bachelor's Degree, but do have teaching experience. Can I participate in the program?

No. The Shenzhen Education Bureau requires that all participants must have earned a baccalaureate degree (or higher) by July 2012.

Who will be my employer?

You will be employed by the individual public school to which you are assigned in Shenzhen. Your contract is with that school. The contract terms are established by the metropolitan Shenzhen Education Bureau and are negotiated annually by CTLC to ensure the best possible working and living conditions.

What does CTLC do?

CTLC recruits all participants and provides TEFL and Mandarin training in China before teaching begins. It also provides on-site support and Mandarin classes during the school year.

Who pays my salary?

The Shenzhen Education Bureau, through your individual school, pays your salary, provides your housing and funds the travel reimbursement.

If I don't know anything about teaching, how can I be expected to be able to handle a classroom of Chinese students?

You will attend an intensive training and orientation program in China before beginning your job. Previous participants have found this training to be adequate for preparing them for successful teaching in Shenzhen.

What levels might I be teaching?

It depends on the school to which you are assigned. The level can vary from primary school to high school. In recent years 20 percent of the schools have been high schools, 40 percent have been middle schools, and 40 percent have been primary schools.

How are school assignments made?

In August the Shenzhen Education Bureau provides CTLC with a list of schools participating in the program. This list changes from year to year and a few schools each year are new to the program. CTLC takes individual preferences into account, tries to match them to available openings, and then submits those recommendations to the Shenzhen Education Bureau. The Shenzhen Education Bureau has the final say in all school assignments.

When can I express a preference as to my school assignment?

Rather than ask for your preferences before you get to China, we wait until during the August training. That enables us to have the opportunity to give you lots of information on which to base your preferences, including what level(s) you prefer to teach, individuals whom you would like to live near, and being downtown or not. We will use those preferences in the intricate task of making the assignments, which we do in very close coordination with the Shenzhen Education Bureau, to which CTLC submits its recommendations. We put a lot of effort into making the best possible assignments. They are announced during the orientation in Shenzhen.

Where are the schools located?

The 700+ schools in the Shenzhen public education system are distributed throughout seven districts in the greater metropolitan area. (By comparison, that number of schools is half as many as New York City, about equal to Los Angeles or Chicago, and four times as many as San Francisco or Minneapolis.) Some are in urban locales, others are in somewhat distant residential and industrial areas, and many others are in between. About 100 schools participate in the program each year.

Will I be teaching with other foreign teachers, or alone?

Each year the program has around 160-180 teachers in about 100 schools, two-thirds of which have one teacher from this program. Because couples are usually placed together, you are likely to be the only teacher from this program at your school. In the downtown areas, there will be other teachers at nearby schools, typically within a 30-minute walk or 10-minute bus or metro ride. At some of the more remote placements outside the downtown area, you will be a 30 minute bus ride to the closest CTLC teacher. Regardless of where you are placed, you will see all of the teachers twice a week at Mandarin classes.

How many hours do I teach?

You will teach English speaking and listening, 12 hours (15 classes, 45-minutes each, or 17 classes, 40 minutes each) per week, Monday through Friday with an average of an additional 10 office hours per week, which you will use for lesson planning, working individually with students, communicating with your faculty colleagues, and working on your Chinese course. Your schedule of office hours depends on the needs of your school. Schools will also often ask you to lead or participate in extracurricular activities. While these activities are not specified by contract, participation is very helpful for you in having a positive relationship with your school.

What kinds of extracurricular activities might I expect?

Extracurricular activities vary by school. Many teachers find that they teach an English Corner (an informal English lesson, often for the more advanced students) a few hours per week. Some teachers will be asked to judge English competitions, join in field trips, participate in the school's athletic activities, and teach an oral English course to other teachers at the school.

I prefer to teach primary students. Can that be arranged?

Yes, in most cases, those who prefer a primary school can be assigned to one.

I don't want to teach primary students. Can I be assured that I will teach at a secondary school?

We make every effort to assign teachers to the levels they prefer, but it cannot be guaranteed.

Are couples welcome in the program?

Teaching couples are welcome in the program. In most cases, informal couples can live together if they choose, although preference will be given to married couples.

Can I be accompanied by my non-teaching spouse/partner/family member?

No. There is no provision for this in the program.

What vacation time will I get?

The first vacation will be in the first week of October. The long vacation at Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) varies slightly with each school. It typically is 3 or 4 weeks, centered on Chinese New Year, which will be February 10, 2013.

What is the on-site support provided by CTLC?

CTLC employs a full-time Coordinator in Shenzhen who is a veteran teacher with this program. The Coordinator works with CTLC and the Shenzhen Education Bureau to ensure the success of the program. The Coordinator is assisted by five Associate Coordinators, who are all experienced teachers in CTLC, familiar with the individual schools, as well as the teachers in their respective areas of the city.

What is the quality of life in Shenzhen compared to the West?

Shenzhen is a thriving city at the heart of China's rapid economic development. There are many Western amenities, a metro system that covers much of the city, and one of the best funded public school systems in China. With careful budgeting, you will have access to Western restaurants, and even spa and massage services.

However, China is still a developing country, and parts of Shenzhen are relatively poor and industrialized. Your accommodations will be perfectly adequate for one year, but you may find yourself missing some modern conveniences we take for granted in the West, like clothes dryers and hot water from the sink. Most teachers adjust quickly to their new surroundings, particularly those participants that spend time reading about Chinese culture and daily life before they make the decision to come to Shenzhen.

APPLICATION PROCESS

When can I submit an application?

Applications are accepted only between November 15 and April 1. The program changes somewhat every year. We do not know the details (cost, procedures, etc.) of the next year's program until after October; we then update the website to be current by November 15 each year. You should apply based on the latest program information.

How does the application process work?

You may submit your application online, by email, or postal mail. If you meet the basic qualifications (native English speaker from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand with a baccalaureate degree or higher by July 2012) you will be asked to complete Part 2 of the application, which includes a brief statement of why you want to teach English in China. Depending on your qualifications, you may then be asked for a phone interview, which usually takes 15-30 minutes.

When will I know whether or not I've been accepted into the program?

There is no set date for issuing acceptances. Strong candidates will commonly hear within two weeks of the interview, but it may take longer.

Does it help to apply early?

It may help. By March the program is usually close to being full, and so the competition for the remaining openings is heightened.

How competitive is the program? What are my chances?

To a considerable extent, people "self-select" for this program before they apply. That is, they read the information on the website carefully, spend time reading about life in Shenzhen from other sources, and realize whether or not they are likely to succeed. Thus a majority of the applicants are acceptable for the program. However, the program has become steadily better known, and in recent years we have had more applications from well qualified candidates than we can accept.

When do I have to commit to the program if I am accepted?

The acceptance letter is accompanied by an invoice for the $300 deposit. CTLC counts only those who have paid the deposit as having a place in the program. This is how we determine which accepted applicants have decided to join the program and which have not. In past years some accepted applicants have lost out because they delayed sending in the deposit.

After you send in the deposit we will immediately send you a list of documents that we need for the processing of your work visa and residence permit. It is very important to send in these documents promptly. They are needed to obtain certifications from the Shenzhen Education Bureau and from the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs required to secure your work visa. If you do not do this promptly, it might be too late to complete the processing and you could forfeit your place in the program. All jobs in China require this work visa documentation process.

How many applicants are accepted?

We expect the total number of teachers in the 2011-2012 program to be about 180-200, including about 30-40 teachers continuing for a second (or third) year, so there will be approximately 150 places for new teachers.

Do you have a waiting list?

Once we reach the desired number of candidates who have paid the deposit and confirmed their acceptance (typically around the end of March), we place other acceptable candidates on a waiting list until the deadline (typically about May 15) for sending documents required for the work visa to China. In recent years we have successfully added nearly all candidates from the waiting list to fill vacancies during this period, if they have sent in the necessary visa documents. Thus, if you find yourself on the waiting list in April/early May and send us these documents promptly, your chances of being taken are excellent.

What is the interview like? What should I know before being interviewed?

You should have looked over this website and FAQ thoroughly so that you have a good idea of what the program entails. If you have questions about the program you should have them prepared. The interview will take 15-30 minutes and is an important element in determining your suitability for this program.

What traits and experience are you looking for?

The ideal participant is adaptable, energetic, flexible, likes working with young students, relishes this opportunity to experience a foreign culture, and can "go with the flow." Experience living abroad (in any country) and an interest in learning foreign languages are helpful.

By contrast, the people who might have difficulty adapting to China are those who can only be comfortable in a highly structured and predictable environment or who have a heightened sense of personal entitlement and individual prerogative.

How important is knowledge of Chinese language to my eligibility?

While not required, some knowledge of Chinese is very helpful. China is not like Europe where foreigners can get by solely on English. You will need to learn some basic Chinese quickly, which is why CTLC begins instruction in Mandarin during the August training. In 2011 45% of new teachers had some prior study of Chinese, but 55% had no prior study of Chinese.

Can I return for a second (or third) year?

Yes, subject to the approval of the Shenzhen Education Bureau, which makes all decisions with respect to returning teachers. In 2010-2011 over 40 teachers applied to return for the 2010-2011 school year. Most but not all were approved. Returning teachers are paid RMB 7,500 a month and do not have to pay the program fee or attend the training course, but they pay their own visa fee and group medical insurance.

Can CTLC help with getting my college loan payments deferred?

Yes. If your loan program allows for deferment of payments based on income below a certain level, CTLC will provide you with documentation to certify the amount of your salary.

I was born in China. Am I eligible for this program?

Unfortunately, no. The eligibility standards of the Shenzhen Education Bureau and the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, which controls issuance of the required visa documents, do not accept people born in the PRC, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan as foreign teachers.

Is there an age limit for the program?

The Shenzhen Education Bureau and the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs set the maximum age for the program at 60. That is a Chinese national rule, which despite our repeated urgings, CTLC has not been able to change.

I am a permanent resident but I am not a citizen of the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand. Am I eligible for the program?

Unfortunately, no. The Shenzhen Education Bureau does not allow any exceptions to the requirement that every participant be a citizen of the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

COSTS AND FEES

What is the $300 deposit and when is it payable? Is it refundable?

The $300 deposit covers the advance processing for the work visa and residence permit. The deposit is payable after you receive an acceptance letter; your place in the program is assured only when the deposit has been paid. The $300 deposit is 50% refundable until March 31st. If you withdraw after paying the deposit and wish to re-apply the following year, any non-refunded portion of the deposit can be credited toward your program fee for the following year.

What if I pay the deposit too late and am not offered a place in the program?

In this case the payment will be returned to you.

What does the program fee cover? When is it payable? Is it refundable?

The program fee ($300 deposit + $1,600 program fee balance) provides required medical insurance, Chinese entry visa, the August training course (tuition, housing, airport pickup, tours, and TEFL textbook). In addition you will receive a residence permit, Shenzhen salary of RMB 6,500 per month, housing and utilities in Shenzhen, an end of contract bonus in June, and reimbursement for airline tickets (see below). These are equivalent to $15,000 in total benefits. The balance of the program fee is due July 1, 2012. The balance of the program fee is refundable (less any costs that are non-recoverable by CTLC at that date, such as Chinese visa fee and/or prepayment of August training expenses fees) if you withdraw from the program prior to July 27th; after that it is nonrefundable.

During the training period in China, what is not covered in the program fee?

Meals, Chinese class textbooks, incidentals, phone calls, and internet fees are not covered.

How much do Chinese textbooks cost?

Textbooks for the Chinese classes are not included in the program fee. Textbooks for the first and second-year Chinese classes must be purchased before leaving for China (first-year Chinese about $137 total for three required books; second-year Chinese about $100 total for two required books). Third and fourth-year Chinese textbooks will be purchased in China. The TEFL textbook is included in the program fee.

How much cash should I bring with me to get started?

It depends on your needs and preferences. You will receive your first monthly Shenzhen salary payment at the end of September, so plan to bring enough to cover all expenses until then (except lodging). Most people find that $1,000 is sufficient, but a higher amount (in the range of $1,300 to $1,500) would facilitate advance payment of travel arrangements for the week-long national holiday that begins October 1st. Remember, China is still primarily a cash economy; credit cards are not widely used.

Can I use foreign ATM (debit) cards in China?

It is becoming increasingly easy to access foreign bank accounts in China through ATM cards. However, we cannot guarantee you access. It often depends on your bank, the ATM you are using in China, and luck. Many participants have found no problems accessing foreign accounts while others have spent hours going from ATM to ATM until they found one that accepted their foreign ATM card. The second scenario, however, is becoming less and less frequent. If you cannot use your ATM card in mainland China, you will most likely be able to use it in Hong Kong, but you will not be able to travel to Hong Kong until about the second or third week of September, when the Chinese government completes processing of your residence permit and returns your passport to you. Ask your bank if it has limits on ATM withdrawals abroad and also if it has a relationship with a Chinese bank to avoid an ATM service fee (for example, Bank of America with China Construction Bank).

If I return for another year, what are the costs?

As a returning teacher you would not have to pay the program fee or attend the August training course, but you would pay your own visa fees and group medical insurance. You would travel to Shenzhen in late August for the required orientation provided by the city government.

What would happen if I broke my contract? Could I get another job in China?

The Chinese take contracts very seriously; the costs of breaking the contract with your assigned school would include losing eligibility both for reimbursement of your airline ticket and for the June end of contract bonus, cancellation of your residence permit and work visa at the Public Security Bureau and the necessity of obtaining an exit visa (cost varies according to nationality: approximately US$140/ £30/ CAN$50/ €40/ NZ$140/ AU$40) and then leaving China within one week.

To re-enter China for another job you first would need to complete the lengthy, intricate process for obtaining a new work visa, arranged by a new employer. Since April 2008, the Chinese government only issues work visas to foreigners when they are in their home country, not in Hong Kong, so you would need to travel to your home country.

Employment in Hong Kong requires a separate work visa, for which the Hong Kong Immigration Department requirements are quite strict. Teachers must provide documentation of two years of teaching experience.

TRAVEL QUESTIONS

Do I purchase an airline ticket to China myself?

Yes. You will be reimbursed later (one half in February, the second half in June), but you must purchase the ticket up front.

Will I be getting a roundtrip ticket?

The airline tickets should be roundtrip rather than one-way. This has several advantages for you despite the higher initial outlay. Notably it protects you from the risk of a substantial fare increase for the return flight. The return date is left open, but the return flight has been purchased. The group's roundtrip ticket price from North America in 2011 was typically about $1,800, even though it is in high season. The group travel arrangements facilitate having everyone arrive at Beijing on the same date and at nearly the same time, which is essential. If a person elects to use one-way tickets, the travel reimbursement amount is fixed at the amount of the group round-trip ticket from that departure airport. The travel reimbursement amounts for participants from the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand are individually determined prior to ticket purchase.

Is the airline ticket I purchase refundable?

No. This is because of the airline policy of giving very large discounts for nonrefundable tickets. A standard full-fare economy ticket can cost more than twice as much as the discounted, nonrefundable group ticket.

How do I make travel arrangements?

If you are in the USA or Canada you are strongly encouraged to book your travel to China though a CTLC-recommended travel agency that specializes in travel to China. CTLC will put you in touch with that travel agency in April. You will need to purchase your ticket before the end of May to get the best rates; after that ticket prices are likely to rise, perhaps substantially.

If you reside in the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand, you will be given detailed advice about making your own travel arrangements, but bear in mind that you will need to arrive in China at the same time as the rest of the group.  

Could I make my own travel arrangements to China?

You could. But we strongly recommend that you use the travel agency specified by the program. Bear in mind that you will need to arrive in China at the same time as the rest of the group. Furthermore, remember that a roundtrip ticket of this length is initially written with a pro-forma return flight date within six months, and then in January 2013 the travel agency arranges with the airline to change the return date to a specific date that you specify, within one year from your flight to China. The group travel agency is able to negotiate with the airline for a reduced fee for that change, which is included in the ticket price. But if you were to purchase a round-trip ticket elsewhere, you would later need to pay the airline's regular penalty fee (approximately US$200) for changing to the actual return date, in addition to the ticket price.

What if some unexpected event prevents me from going to China after I've purchased my ticket?

Some airlines, if you make a special case on these grounds, may refund a part of the ticket price. This is strictly up to the airline.

When will I be reimbursed for my ticket?

You will be reimbursed for half the ticket in February 2013 after the start of the Spring term and the other half at the end of your contract in June 2013.

What if I were to leave the program before the February reimbursement?

You would not be reimbursed. The Shenzhen government (which pays for the travel) requires that participants be in good standing to qualify for the February reimbursement, which is made after the start of the Spring term, and then complete the other half of the school year to qualify for the other half of the airline ticket reimbursement. This is common practice throughout China among Chinese schools hiring foreign teachers.

What if I want to stay on in China to travel for a while?

When the teaching contracts ends in June, many participants choose to take some time for additional travel. You may choose your departure date from China (up to one year from your flight to China), consistent with your visa. If you want to stay longer than the expiration date of your work visa you can purchase a tourist visa on your own, either in Hong Kong or in Shenzhen (depending on current visa regulations).

VISAS

What kind of visa do I need?

You will enter China with a Chinese work visa. Those are always issued as single-entry, and they require registration within 30 days after entering China. That registration is done during the orientation in Shenzhen. Then in early September your work visa is revised to allow unlimited multiple entries, and you are issued a Chinese residence permit. For at least the first week of September, your passport will be in the hands of the Shenzhen Education Bureau while they process your visa and residence permit, so you will not be able to travel out of Shenzhen. Please anticipate receiving your new visa and residence permit in about the second or third week of September. That visa will be valid until about the end of June 2013. Once you have the new visa and residence permit, you will be able to travel in and out of China freely, including visiting Hong Kong and Macao.

How do I get this visa?

In recent years the Chinese government has mandated that applicants for work visas must be in their home country to receive the visa. Your passport is required for this process because the visa is pasted into your passport by the Chinese embassy or consulate. Therefore you will not be able to use your passport during the period when CTLC is obtaining the visa for you (mid June through mid-July) if you are an American citizen. If you are a citizen of Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand you will obtain your work visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country; CTLC will assist you with detailed instructions and the required forms and the required supporting documents that will be sent from China.

How much does the visa cost?

The program fee includes the $140 that the Chinese government charges Americans for a visa. For all non-USA citizens (or anyone else who needs to obtain his/her visa individually), the program fee is reduced by a standard amount of $140, but the person is then responsible for paying all costs incidental to obtaining the visa. For example, in the USA this could include: Chinese embassy or consulate fee ($140 for regular processing and, if needed, $25 extra for expedited processing), private visa agent fee (approximately $30), and shipping by Express Mail or FedEx.

For non-USA citizens the Chinese government currently charges £30/ CAN$50/ €40/ NZ$140/ AU$40 for the visa, based on reciprocity with each country. These amounts are subject to change.

Can I travel in and out of China on this visa?

Yes. You will initially travel to China on a single entry visa. After your residence paperwork has been finalized, usually by the second week of September, you will have a multiple entry visa which will allow you to travel in and out of China during the validity of the visa. (Hong Kong counts as travel outside of China.)

LIVING AND WORKING IN SHENZHEN

What makes Shenzhen attractive as a place to work in China?

Shenzhen includes the first and most successful of the Special Economic Zones in China. It is a prosperous, modern metropolis, offering state-of-the art infrastructure and facilities, as well as a highly motivated and educated population. The median age of the population is about 27. Shenzhen is proud of its beautifully maintained civic greenery and is partially ringed by hills and water. It borders Hong Kong, with convenient travel to and from by bus, train, and ferry. Hong Kong is, useful as a starting point for vacation travel outside China, as well as a bi-lingual culture break. Shenzhen is also located about an hour by train from Guangzhou, the third largest city in China and a major travel and transportation hub.

Shenzhen is located in Guangdong Province, in the southeast of China. The official population of Shenzhen is around 10 million, which makes it the fifth or sixth largest city in China, depending on how the metropolitan areas are counted. The government controls the population of Shenzhen and you need an official residence card to live here.

Shenzhen is composed of 7 districts: Luohu, Futian, Longgang, Nanshan, Bao'an, Yantian, and Guangming. Futian and Luohu make up the city center. Longgang lies to the north, Nanshan, Bao'an and Guangming to the west, and Yantian to the east. CTLC works with about 100 schools spread out over the 7 districts in the metropolitan area that is larger than New York, London, or Los Angeles.

Will I have an apartment to myself or share one with other teachers?

Your exact living arrangement is dependent on the school to which you are assigned. Every teacher is guaranteed his or her own private bedroom; however you might share dorm-suite style housing with another foreign teacher at your school. Each school's housing arrangement can vary from year to year and cannot be predicted in advance. Most schools provide on-campus housing, usually either a small studio apartment with a private bathroom, or else a dorm-suite style (private bedroom and shared living room, cooking area, and bathroom). A very few schools provide off-campus housing, which is typically a multi-bedroom apartment to be shared with other foreign teachers.

Your contract guarantees that your housing will be fully furnished, with air-conditioning, phone, TV, hot-water heater for the shower, a Western-style toilet, a washing machine, a refrigerator and cooking equipment. A few apartments have a kitchen but most have a small area that has the kitchen equipment. Kitchen stoves are rare in China; hot-plate-type cooking appliances are standard in most Chinese apartments as well as foreigner apartments.

Most housing is within school grounds. If your housing is not within walking distance of your school, they will provide transportation.

What is the climate like?

Shenzhen's climate resembles that of Miami, Florida, with a short, mild winter and a tropical, humid summer.

Can I live on RMB 6,500 per month?

Certainly. Your housing and utilities are provided free. If you are reasonably prudent, you should have enough income to cover your living expenses and also allow you to save for travel during vacation periods.

How do I get around the city?

You can get everywhere in Shenzhen by public transportation. The Coordinators and your Contact Teacher will help you with the bus routes. Nearly all the buses are air-conditioned and quite comfortable. Learning the bus routes will take a little effort, but once you've done that you can go anywhere in the city. A subway system opened in December 2004, and has now expanded to 5 lines spread across the city and into some of the residential and industrial areas.

Can friends and family come visit me?

Yes. There is a short holiday in the first week of October and a longer break, usually three to four weeks, during Chinese New Year. Many teachers use this time to travel with visiting friends and family. Keep in mind that you will most likely be living in a small on-campus dorm, so visitors will need to arrange a nearby hostel or hotel.

How do I get to Hong Kong?

Shenzhen has four border crossings to Hong Kong, plus a ferry terminal. From the downtown (Luohu) border crossing it is one hour by train/subway to central Hong Kong. From the Nanshan border crossing it is 15 minutes by bus to the subway and then a further half hour train to central Hong Kong. You can also get there by ferry and by airport coach. Hong Kong provides a bi-lingual culture break whenever you need it, although it is considerably more expensive than mainland China. Hong Kong is also useful as a starting point for holiday travel outside China.

What kind of health care is available in Shenzhen?

Most teachers will have access to a school clinic that can handle your minor medical needs for free or at very low cost. You can also visit doctors at the many hospitals in Shenzhen. Some of these hospitals have English-speaking doctors, and your Contact Teacher and the Coordinators will help take you to the hospital. Doctor and hospital costs are quite reasonable compared to the USA. A typical doctor visit is in the range of RMB 100 to 300 (US$16 to US$47).

What is the health insurance plan?

The program fee includes the standard basic medical reimbursement insurance coverage that the Chinese government requires of all foreign teachers. The coverage applies only while you are in the People's Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong and Macao).

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

Where can I get additional details about the program?

In late April or early May participants accepted in the program are invited to join a Yahoo discussion group that includes the On-Site Coordinators. The discussion group will answer detailed questions (e.g., what to bring with you, luggage, shopping, availability of various items in China, etc.) before you depart and to meet online other new teachers joining the program. The Yahoo discussion group will become the list serve for announcements and information throughout your stay in China.

It will be important for all applicants to have a web-based e-mail address, such as Yahoo or Gmail, for this purpose. Note too that some email spam filters block Yahoo discussion group invitations. Be sure to check this as well when you are expecting an invitation to join the discussion group in April/May.

Can I contact previous and current participants for more information?

Certainly. A contact list will be sent to you upon request.

I would like to be better prepared for my stay in China. Is there a book you can recommend?

A book recommended by a former participant is Encountering the Chinese: A Guide for Americans (2nd edition, 1999) written by Hu Wenzhong and Cornelius Grove. The book is well reviewed on Amazon. One reviewer noted: "If you are going to China and seek a better understanding of the courtship between East and West, Hu Wenzhong, who is Chinese, and Cornelius Grove, who is American, wrote this culture-bridging book for you. They clearly reveal not only the differences between Chinese culture and the Western culture, but the origin of many of those differences. They explain both history and culture as a context for contemporary social standards, from practical etiquette to how to conduct yourself on a daily basis as you travel, live or work in China."