One Year General Information

Director: Scott Harris, MM, MD
Project Coordinator: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Project Coordinator (US): Maretta McKenna
Assistant: Mario Pereira

Profile of the Volunteer
Volunteers for the English teaching program need to be college graduates – any major is acceptable and aged between 22-65. Applicants need to be adaptable, responsible, creative, and energetic. Flexibility is the most important gift of successful volunteers. Volunteers will be teaching as part of a group of volunteer teachers and will be supported, where possible, by a senior teacher giving guidance and advice.

Important: Along with your degree, two years of teaching experience prior to being hired in China is preferred. This is to comply with the requirements for foreign teachers by the Foreign Experts Administration of China. Persons with Masters Degrees and above are exempt from these requirements.

You may also apply if you fulfill the following condition:

1. If you have a degree in elementary or secondary education and, as part of your educational process, you have a great deal of teaching experience.
2. If you have an undergraduate degree in English.

Dates of the One-Year Program
The Program will provide an orientation in Hong Kong, which teachers must attend. The objective of this time together is to learn as much as possible about China, its laws, educational system, and culture and to prepare for the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) subject you will be teaching. The orientation will begin in mid-August and run for about two weeks (specific dates to be announced). Volunteer teachers are expected to arrive two days prior to the start of orientation.

The academic year normally begins at the end of August and runs through mid-July with two semesters of approximately 20 weeks each. The semester break coincides with the Chinese Lunar New Year in January or February, when teachers are given 3- to 4- week paid vacation.

ACCOMMODATION AND BENEFITS:

What type of accommodation is provided?
The Chinese institution will provide free, air conditioned housing for all foreign teachers. This can be in an apartment, a furnished dormitory or small, single rooms. You will also have access to washing machines but not dryers (in China clothes are hang dried). Single rooms are usually rudimentarily furnished, heated and air-conditioned (depending on location) with a private bathroom. Most accommodation is usually located in a foreign housing complex on the campus. Cooking facilities are generally available; the institutions' cafeterias are open to all faculty.

SALARY:

How do I get paid? How often? Can I get an advance when I arrive?
Your salary is determined by the host institution, based upon your academic background, work experience and other factors. Salary is paid monthly, and the host institution may give you an advance when you arrive.

Foreign teachers generally receive a salary equivalent to US$350.00 per month. The exchange rate in China fluctuates. Currently 1 USD = approx. 7.5 Yuan.

Your salary is more than adequate for buying food and other necessities in China. Teachers will often use money left over from the salary for travel. Extensive travel may require additional funds that you must bring with you into China. Your housing and basic medical care is provided by the host institution.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:

What type of insurance coverage will the program provide?
Medical insurance for urgent care or emergencies is provided through Insurance Services of America Inc. (up to US$10,000 coverage). For more information, please refer to the Medical Insurance section in Legal Aspects below.

YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE IN CHINA:

What is the level of English of the students?
The level of English varies with each student. Most have reading and writing skills but need remedial work with speaking/conversational English. Chinese students usually begin studying the English language in junior high school. They will have several years of English knowledge by the time they reach the university level.

What subjects will I teach?
You probably will teach any combination of English speaking, listening, writing, reading, film and contemporary American culture. If you are qualified, you may be asked to teach literature, business, communication or other subject matter. Foreign teachers may be asked to advise senior students on their theses and dissertations. English grammar classes are not usually taught by foreign teachers. Each teacher is responsible for the classes assigned to him/her.

Are teaching materials provided or should I bring my own?
Although textbooks are usually provided, you will want supplementary materials as well. Some story books, pictures, maps, games and snapshots of your family and American life are useful. Teaching conditions in China are quite basic, and require a great deal of flexibility on the part of the teacher.

How many hours of teaching are required per week?
You will be asked to teach 14 to 20 classroom hours with students, exclusive of preparation, grading, office hours or other activities that may be required by your host institution.

How large is the class size?
The class size usually varies between 20 to 40 students, sometimes more.

Do I have duties other than teaching?
Often, foreign teachers are asked to participate regularly in the English Corner, an extra-curricular group of motivated students/faculty members of the college who wish to improve their language. The atmosphere is slightly less formal. It is possible that you may be asked to substitute for another foreign teacher in their absence.

Can I teach for longer than a year?
The initial commitment is for two semesters, or one academic year, but if you are interested in extending your contract, this can be discussed with the Program Director or Coordinator.

Who am I responsible to at the College/University in China?
The waiban (Director) of the Foreign Affairs Office is the person with whom you interact. As a foreign teacher you come primarily under the Foreign Affairs Department. They, in turn, work with the English Department and other departments to sort out details of accommodation, teaching hours and duties. If you encounter any problems, the waiban is the person you need to speak to. You must also advise the MCSP office in Hong Kong of any problems you may encounter.

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is there time for travel in China?
There is usually a Spring Break in January/ February coinciding with the Chinese Lunar New Year. This lasts approximately 3 to 4 weeks and is a paid vacation. In addition, the Chinese National Holidays are October 1 (National Day), May 1 (International Labor Day) and January 1 (International New Year). Chinese institutions may make arrangements for you to have a day off for Christmas.

What transportation needs will I have?
Usually your accommodation will be within walking distance from your classes. However, some foreign teachers and experts purchase a bicycle while they are in China (a cost of US$10-50). In addition, there are plenty of buses and taxis.

Can I bring and use a laptop computer and use Internet and email connections?
You can, of course, bring your own personal laptop but repair, maintenance and spare parts are rarely available. There are some restrictions on the use of the internet, but hooking up to a local server and email sending and receiving is possible. Email access is available at low cost throughout China. (Some of the Chinese schools will provide you with a computer in your apartment.)

How many other foreign teachers does the university employ?
This depends on the institution. Some colleges have two foreigners, others have 5 or 6. This is dependent on the number of students who are English majors.

Can married couples be placed together?
Yes. The host institutions welcome married couples to teach. However, spouses not qualified to teach may experience difficulties obtaining visas for China. Employment opportunities other than teaching positions are extremely limited. The program does not accept couples together with children.

Health: Are there any special immunizations required or medical exams?
It is recommended that you have typhoid, cholera, Hepatitis A and B. Malaria pills in some areas are recommended. Please have these administered before you leave the United States. Though you are covered on a basic emergency plan while you are in China, we urge you to take out a health insurance policy to cover you in the event of your needing to seek medical care outside of China.

The Chinese government requires all foreign residents to have a complete medical examination. Upon acceptance to the program, we will send you the “Medical Exam for Foreigners” form to be filled out by your local doctor before departure to China.

Are there any restrictions placed on the teachers regarding topics for discussion with the students?
Sensitive handling of comments and views is extremely important. There are certain topics that should not be discussed in the classroom. The Orientation we have prior to the program will brief the volunteer teachers on this subject. All materials and handouts in the classroom may have to be approved by the English department within the University.

Is there any restriction on practicing one's religion in China?
Personally, no. In fact, religious affiliations of foreigners are protected.

Can my loans be deferred during the time I’m in China?
The China Service Project can write letters to your lending institutions in support of your economic hardship and deferral. If you wish to have such a letter, you must notify us and provide the appropriate loan information and contact details of the lending institution.

2008-2009 ONE YEAR LEGAL ASPECTS

Terms of agreement and responsibilities for volunteers of the Maryknoll China Teachers Program ("MCTP") in China
The Hong Kong Region (the "Region") of the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, Inc. ("Maryknoll") is registered in Hong Kong and headquartered at Stanley, Hong Kong (The "Stanley Center House"). The Region has begun the MCTP as a means to facilitate placement of committed Christian native speakers of English in educational establishments in China as a service to the Chinese people. Placement is generally in a large university (and, in some instances, secondary schools). MCTP volunteers will have access to Maryknoll members already teaching in Mainland China and they will have available to them the Region's history and expertise of working in China.

The only legally binding agreement is between the individual teacher and the contracting institution in China. The Maryknoll Society shall not be held liable for personal injury, serious health problems, death, legal problems, debts incurred, or personal difficulties encountered either during travel, the orientation program or the teaching program in China.

BACKGROUND CHECK & DRUG CHECK

To comply with regulations of Maryknoll, New York, all volunteers who have been selected are required to undergo an investigative consumer report for the following: State Criminal Search and Sexual Offense Search. Prior to the investigation, you will be given in writing a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. All selected volunteers will also have to undergo a Drug Check to comply with Maryknoll, New York, requirements.

AIRFARE
Airfare to and from the United States and Hong Kong is the responsibility of the individual teacher. Travel costs from Hong Kong to the participating educational institution in China will be provided by the MCTP. All excursions and personal travel within China are the responsibility of the volunteer teacher.

COST OF VISAS
All visa costs related to MCTP will be paid by MCTP.

MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical insurance for urgent care or emergencies is provided through Insurance Services of America Inc. (up to US$10,000 coverage). Neither the MCTP nor Insurance Services of America Inc. is responsible for pre-existing conditions. Special circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Minor complaints can be handled locally in China. The insurance does not include prescription medication.

MORALE
In order to facilitate the likelihood of a positive experience in China, the MCTP intends to place volunteers with other foreign teachers (preferably Maryknoll members) and, if possible, with senior teachers who have spent time in China. In fostering this sort of contact, the MCTP will work to assure the ideal conditions for high quality teaching.

LIABILITY

The MCTP seeks to facilitate placement of Christian volunteers in Chinese educational institutions. As with volunteers connected with any Maryknoll Program, we expect a generous spirit, the highest Christian moral standard and good example to be the hallmarks of volunteers. The only legally binding agreement is between the individual volunteer and the Chinese educational institution. Volunteers who participate in MCTP do not become members of the Maryknoll Society and are not entitled to speak in the name of Maryknoll.

COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM
At the completion of the Service Agreement, the MCTP will provide a relocation allowance to the volunteer.

If a volunteer decides to break or alter his/her contract and leave China prematurely, he/she should first inform the Director of the Maryknoll China Service Project in Hong Kong. Breaking of contracts with the Universities usually involves a financial penalty. This penalty is the responsibility of the volunteer.

PLEASE CONTACT US VIA EMAIL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE INFORMATION.

©2006 Maryknoll