China Teachers
The China Teachers Program offers a rare combination
of opportunities as participants teach Chinese university students,
experience a year living in China, absorb the ancient and modern culture
of Asia, and contribute to building a relationship of trust for Brigham Young
University in the People's Republic of China.
This nonprofit program is administered through the BYU David
M. Kennedy Center for International Studies. Through the program, the Kennedy Center has been
providing teachers to Chinese universities since 1989. In addition to fostering
academic and cultural ties for the Kennedy Center and BYU, the program also provides
professional international experience for our teachers, and important educational services
to our affiliated Chinese universities.
China is a rapidly changing country. Teachers are likely
to encounter unexpected challenges during placement and during their first
months of teaching. They must be flexible in accepting changes and working
with an Asian leadership style.
In an effort to support our teachers, we cluster them
in geographic areas. We are currently focusing our placement efforts in
Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Jinan, Nanjing, and Xi'an.
Additional information
Bridges summer 2000 online article "Teachers
in China: Much More than English"
Bridges fall 2000 online article "China
Teachers Report: Teaching in the Far East"
What is an Assignment?
Teaching in China is an academic service activity. The typical
assignment is for one academic year that runs from August through
July. Our teachers are expected to exemplify high moral values, professionalism,
and integrity. They are not
missionaries and must not represent themselves as such.
The Kennedy Center carefully screens applicants to insure they
have the necessary educational and professional preparation. In
addition, we determine if their personal situation, including their
health, is in order.
Who is Eligible?
All those who:
•are active members of the Church in good standing
•are sixty-nine years of age or younger
•have a bachelor's or advanced degree
•are in good health
•are free from heavy financial obligations
•are available for a full year
•are willing to go where accepted by a Chinese university
•are flexible and patient
•do not have dependents who would accompany them to China
Note: Chinese language skills are not required for placement.
What to Expect
Workshop
The Kennedy Center provides an intensive two-week workshop in Provo,
Utah, before leaving for an assignment in China. Each teacher is required
to attend. The workshop focuses on teaching English as a second language,
the culture and history of China, survival Chinese language, and adaptation
skills. The workshop is taught by experienced BYU faculty, program administrators,
and former program participants.
Travel
Travel expenses are provided by the
Kennedy Center or Chinese host institution. Teachers travel, following standard
Church travel policy, using the most direct route at the lowest fare. Teachers
may choose other flight options, however, they will be required to pay the
price difference. Extra trips are at the teacher's expense.
Income
During your stay, your host university
will provide a modest monthly salary designed to cover basic food and
living expenses. Most teachers "break even" with income and
expenses. Although there are many benefits associated with the program,
teaching in China is not a moneymaking proposition.
Health and Medical Care
Teachers are required to maintain
their own personal health insurance and to purchase emergency medical
evacuation insurance should they need to be transported to a western hospital.
Kennedy Center Support
Kennedy Center staff support
teachers through the two-week, pre-departure workshop, by answering personal
correspondence via e-mail, and by hosting a mid-year conference and workshop
in Hong Kong. The program facilitators make one annual site trip to visit
each teacher. Although we make every effort to be of assistance, teachers
need to be capable of working independently.
Living Conditions
Chinese universities provide
modest, but adequate, housing for foreign teachers. Each apartment includes
a bedroom, a sitting area, a western-style bathroom, and limited kitchen
facilities. Generally your residence will be near the university; often
the apartment is on campus where a cafeteria is usually available.
Teaching Duties
Most teachers are assigned to teach
English, including teaching writing, literature, conversation, and other topics.
Occasionally a teacher will be asked to consult or teach his or her professional
specialty. The university where you will be assigned, and your position at
that university, will be determined by the Chinese university, based on your
academic qualifications and teaching experience, and their needs.
There are two "ranks" given to foreign teachers
at Chinese universities. These determine the pay scale given to foreign teachers.
If you have an advanced degree you will probably be given the status of "foreign
expert." If you hold another degree you will usually be given the status
of "foreign teacher." Your assignment, which is negotiated individually
with the university, can include teaching classes (approximately fourteen–sixteen
hours per week), judging debates and speech contests, giving presentations
on American culture, advising the English Club, and conducting conversation
practice sessions.
The Kennedy Center has drafted a document called "Conditions
of Placement" which we circulate to the schools. This document covers
your rights and responsibilities while working as a teacher in China.
How Assignments are Made
Interested parties should obtain
a passport while completing the application process:
• An applicant returns the completed application
to the Kennedy Center for screening
• All applicants
are interviewed either at BYU or via a conference call
• CTP matches an applicant’s qualifications with a Chinese university’s
needs and nominates applicants to the universities on 1 March
• At the same time, nominees are informed by CTP where their names
have been submitted
• When a nominee is accepted, the Chinese university informs them in
writing
• The Chinese university then prepares and forwards to the Kennedy
Center the paperwork necessary to obtain a Z visa (a letter of Invitation
and a Work Permit). CTP acts as a broker in helping the nominees obtain
their visas
• The Chinese university also sends to the nominee the general terms
of a contract between them and the nominee. The nominee will eventually
sign a contract but it may not be done until they are in China
• All teaching decisions and assignments are made by the Chinese universities—CTP
has no part in this process
• All applicants who have been accepted to teach by a Chinese university
must attend the August workshop at the Kennedy Center from which they depart
to China
• Usually there are many more good applicants than there are teaching
positions. Outstanding applicants whose names are not initially sent to
China are put on an alternate list to be used when an opening occurs
Applications sometimes get bogged down in the bureaucracy
of Chinese institutions. The Kennedy Center attempts to move the process along
but has no control over what happens after an application is submitted. Applicants
should be prepared to wait as late as midsummer for an appointment.
Group Photos
2004-2005 China Teachers
BYU Resources
Please contact these BYU departments for more information:
Brigham Young University Home Page
All BYU web pages may be accessed from this page .
English
Language Center
For students with little English language experience wishing to study
English at BYU.
Apply Now
To apply, click on Apply Now below, and the application document will open up.
You may print the document and fill it in by hand. Be sure to sign and date where
called for. Also open and print the Health and Insurance Form and fill it in.
Then do the following:
- Set an appointment with your bishop and stake president and have them
complete Religious Information portion.
- Return the application form as soon as possible to the address below.
- After the facilitators have contacted you informing you that
you are being considered for the program, make an appointment with your
doctor and take a Physical Exam Form, available for download below.
Make a personal copy and send the original to the address below.
Click on this link—APPLY
NOW—to open and print the application.
If you have been notified by the facilitators that you are being
considered for the program, click on this link to print
the Physical Exam Form required
by the Chinese government before acceptance. This must be
filled out completely and signed by your physician before you can be accepted
into the program.
Our mailing address is:
David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies
Brigham Young University
237 HRCB
Provo, UT 84602
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