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If my application is unsuccessful will I get my deposit back?
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If BUNAC rejects your application at any stage you will receive a full refund of your programme deposit. We have a 7 day cooling off period, so if you feel that you are not suited to the programme and you contact us within 7 days of attending the Orientation Interview you can cancel and receive a full refund less £35 administration fee. More information regarding cancellation refunds is included within the Terms and Conditions which can be printed with the application form.
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Why do I need an Orientation Interview?
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We ask all applicants to attend an Orientation Interview. It is not a formal interview, but a chance for us to get to know more about you and your reasons for choosing to become a teacher intern. We will discuss the teaching aspect of the programme and issues such as the culture, health and security to help prepare you for your time in China. It is also an opportunity for you to ask us any questions you might have. If you would like to apply and cannot travel to London for an interview, please call us on 020 7251 3472 to discuss your situation.
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How many people take part in the programme?
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Numbers vary but we would normally expect up to 20 BUNAC participants on each arrival date. TTC will also receive teacher interns from other countries so there could be around 50-70 teacher interns altogether for the 4 week arrival orientation.
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What kind of visa is needed?
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As Teach & Travel China is a cultural exchange program based on the Teacher Intern role, you will enter China with an ‘F’ visa. BUNAC will provide you with the appropriate visa forms and guidelines. The documents are returned to us and we submit them to the China Embassy on your behalf. You will be initially allocated a 60 day visa which will be extended when you arrive in China. Visas are issued at the discretion of the Chinese Embassy. The cost of the visa and extension at the time of writing is £145.
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What medical advice does BUNAC offer?
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Our programme Handbook includes practical health and safety guidelines, but as a programme participant you must visit your GP as soon as possible to receive expert health advice. We will provide you with medical form which must be completed by you and your GP who must ultimately declare that you are fit to participate on this programme. The cost of the medical can vary; on average you should expect to pay up to £70. As the types of inoculations will vary depending on your destination and also your personal medical history it is very difficult to provide a guide to the typical cost. However, please be aware that whilst some inoculations are relatively cheap others (specifically anti malarials) can be very expensive. Please discuss your specific needs with your GP.
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What is a CRB?
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Prior to travel you must complete a Criminal Record’s Bureau (CRB) check. You can make a CRB application through BUNAC and we will provide the appropriate forms following your registration. This service is included as part of the programme. The current fee is £36. If you already hold a CRB from an existing or recent employer issued within 3 months we can accept this instead.
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Can I book my own flights?
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If you do not wish to take one of BUNAC's group flight departures then you can arrange your own travel. We must see proof of outbound and inbound travel before your departure. You must make sure you arrive in China in time for the arrival meeting at the start of the training programme.
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What do I study for the TEFL Certificate?
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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 English Language Company, a school accredited in Sydney, Australia for the purpose of teaching English as a second or foreign language. In order to successfully complete the training program participants must:
- attend all input sessions
- attend all teaching practice (unless otherwise advised)
- adequately prepare for teaching practice
- complete and submit all assignments on time
- 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.
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What happens if I do not pass the Training Programme?
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It is expected that all candidates who make a concerted effort during the Training Programme will be able to succeed. However, all must realise that this will require a dedication to the programme as it is a certified qualification. A participant who fails to meet the assessment criteria for the program will not be awarded a statement of attainment at the course end. He/she will subsequently not be able to take up his/her Teacher intern placement. If a participant does not complete his/her practical experience he/she will not be awarded the ELC Certificate in TEFL.
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What are my teaching duties?
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Duties will vary from school to school, but as a general rule you should expect to be in the classroom for 20 hours per week filling the role of teacher or teacher assistant. There will also be preparation time, meetings and assessment as needed.
- The emphasis of teaching is on “conversational English” and the culture of your country. Many teachers may teach English composition, reading and literature
- Some teachers may assist in subject fields such as music, history, geography, or science courses in some international schools, depending on background and skills
- You may be expected to assist to write lesson plans, take attendance, correct homework and even assist in academic counselling if necessary
- You may assist in the administration of the school and prepare materials for classroom teachers
- Even though the role is that of ‘Teacher Intern’, you can expect to take lessons by yourself.
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What are the characteristics of a Chinese school?
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The schools in which you will work will vary as in all school systems. Generally schools are well equipped, even though there are aspects that are rudimentary by western standards.
- The number of students will vary between 2,000 and 10,000
- The students are generally weekday boarders
- Schools offer many after school activities for students
- Class sizes will vary and may be up to 50 students
- Schools generally have good equipment and resources, even though English resources are limited
- Buildings are generally modern
- Recreation facilities are generally of a high standard
- Foreign teachers are not common in schools.
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What areas of China are the schools in?
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You will have the opportunity to nominate a region of China you would prefer. We will do all we can to meet match your preference but regret that we cannot guarantee a specific area. There are four regions: North East, North, Central East and South which are defined as follows:
- The North-East: including 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 other cities and provinces not listed. We recommend you check a map of China to get an idea of the different regions.
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When will I know the location of my Teacher Intern placement?
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You will be advised of your specific school placement during your TEFL training. It is the schools that determine the placements through selection based on your application and progress during the Teacher training. Placements cannot be changed once approved.
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How many semesters does the school have? How long is a semester? And when do they start?
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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
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Do schools have breaks? How long are the breaks between terms?
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The summer breaks are 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 unique holidays in May and October, usually one week each.
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What type of accommodation and meals are provided?
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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 hail (you do not need to prepare your own meals). 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. Food will vary in quality, but is usually fresh.
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What kind of clothing do I need to wear when teaching?
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Dress policy may vary between schools and you are required to follow the school policy on these matters. Generally a high dress standard is expected, with the minimum standard being smart casual. Body piercing and visible tattoos are not acceptable for the role of Teacher Intern in China. Candidates should have the capacity to be independent; able to adjust to a new environment that is very different to their current experience; demonstrate responsibility and commitment and have the capacity to be flexible and meet challenges.
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How much money will I spend on the programme?
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You should prepare for the cost for international airfare, visa, insurance and the personal expense in China. Teachers receive a small allowance whilst working (in addition to accommodation and meals). This is approximately £130 per month, plus a completion bonus of approximately £150 at the end of each term. The Allowance will cover basic costs, but will not provide for saving ”opportunities” It is expected that all participants will require additional savings to draw on, (£175 per month minimum) with the amount dependent on the amount of additional travel and entertainment expected.
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Can I go for less than the required programme minimum?
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You must commit to the full programme for 6 months as will be contracted to a school for a semester.
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Can I extend my stay?
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If you wish to stay for another teaching semester then TTC will be able to make appropriate arrangements.
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Will there be chance to travel during my stay?
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During your placement you will generally have weekends free to travel. We encourage teacher interns to take time out at the end of their school placement to explore more of the country. It is quite common for interns to travel together.
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