Host: Global TEFL Network, Zhejiang University (8th year)

Location: Established in 1999, Global TEFL Network of Zhejiang University has been working in collaboration with a number of schools in the provinces of Zhe Jiang (see the Map of Zhe Jiang). Our main office is located in Hangzhou, Zhe Jiang - which is famous for its beautiful scenery around West Lake.

We operate year-round, however every year our Summer Program runs from early July until late August - offering 2-4 weeks programs for our local Chinese students and teachers. We are currently in partnership with schools in the cities of Taizhou, Wenzhou, Ningbo, Jinhua, Quzhou, Lishui, Huzhou, Zhuji, Jiaxing, Shaoxing and Yiwu.

Programs:
A: From July 9 to July 23 (2-week program)
B: From July 9 to July 30 (3-week program)
C: From July 9 to August 6 (4-week program)
D: From July 16 to August 6 (3-week program)

The primary purpose of our Summer Program is to improve skills in spoken English -with an emphasis in conversation (for students) and teaching methodology (for teachers). Overall, our goal is to have fun while we improve the listening and speaking ability of our students and the teaching methods used by our local English teachers.

It is our intention to provide a "summer camp" atmosphere rather than an academic one. This concept is still fairly new here so we are all learning as we grow. Each school will provide some regular classes in addition to your English summer programs. Those who attend these camps pay for our program so we ask that you not only show some zest in your lesson plans, but also some professionalism in your teaching style. You will be looked upon as an example in the school and community - kindly consider this with your daily disposition.

Lesson Planning:

As a Summer Program teacher with students you may be responsible for up to three different age levels. The age of students varies from school to school (7-18 years). Be prepared to show some flexibility with your lesson plans, as you may not know the age of your students until you arrive. Class sizes can range from 20-50 students and may run from 8:00 - 11:30 AM and 2:00 - 5:30 PM. Each class runs for about 40-50 minutes with a ten-minute break in between. The workload in our schools is typical for all of China with an average of 6 hours a day for 6 days a week - usually with Sunday's off.

We ask that our foreign teachers bring some teaching materials and plans with them. All schools will have computers so you can always find more resources through the Internet. Your items can be photocopied during the program (free) and used in your classes. We ask you to consider topics like: transportation; holidays and festivals; food and beverages; family; relationships; your country; travel; the world; pollution and recycling; sports and hobbies; animals and/or pets; success; cheating; stress; health; habits; and any others that you may find interesting.

On occasion, schools provide ready-made booklets that can be used during your classes. When available, these copies are usually limited so always have a back-up plan for these and all of your classes. Our foreign teachers often share resources amongst one another and leave samples behind for the school to use in the future. This is a wonderful way for all of us to learn about various cultural practices from around the world. The more we share - the more we learn.

In the past, our foreign teachers have used games, role-playing, songs, movies (DVDs), and music (tapes and CDs) when teaching their classes. Like all schools, sometimes teachers have difficulty with the equipment while others have had no problems at all. Please be prepared to locate and test out the equipment before your class is scheduled to begin. Many have found it very valuable to bring photos, props, and clippings from magazines and newspapers to be used in your classroom setting as 'a picture says a thousand words'.

If you will be teaching our local teachers they want to improve their listening and speaking ability too. Our teachers have English speaking skills, which you may find quite impressive as their skills range from average to competent. They are interested in learning how classes function in foreign countries so be prepared to share strategies and techniques that you would use when teaching a lesson to children in your homeland. As an example, perhaps you use small groups; clap your hands to sound out the number of syllables in a word; set up a debate; use movement; music; and other ideas. What is valuable for them is what works for you and why - and what doesn't work as well.

You may want to consider reviewing learning styles - how some children thrive on hands-on experiences and love to move around, while others prefer to be absorbed in a book and sit still while you lecture. Share and show them how you would blend these styles when you set up a lesson plan so that you can accommodate everyone in a classroom. Perhaps be prepared to discuss learning disabilities and children with other set backs. There are many options available for you to discuss and this is exactly what our teachers will want to do with you. They are eager to engage in deep conversation and will often ask for your personal opinion.

Whether you are teaching our students or our teachers you are free to set up your lessons as you wish. However, when you prepare a good variety in your lesson plans the participants not only enjoy it, but they learn more too.

Teaching Assistants:

You may be provided with a 'teaching assistant' (TA), but do not expect one as this service is not always available for you. If you get a TA they will help to translate things during your classes. Often the younger children need a little help in this area as they are merely just being introduced to English during their regular school term. Many schools in China only start to offer English lessons at age around age 10 so a TA can really come in handy. If the children go to a private school they will start their English lessons by age 7 or 8. Of course, we want to speak as much English as possible while in you are here, but translation seems to be a necessity on occasion.

If you use your TA as a 'team-teacher' it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn from you as well. Many TA's will make a mental note of your style, methods, lesson plans and all that you do so include them as part of the group and everyone will have much more fun. Be sure to give them copies of your handouts so they can follow along and help you to teach the students.

School Facilities and Activities:

Our summer climate can be very hot and sticky so classrooms will either have air conditioning or ceiling fans. If you wish to run your classes outside this is acceptable, but consider the time of day and the heat that everyone will be exposed to. Keep in mind that our students enjoy learning new games and burning off energy just like every other child in they world so if it is too hot to go outdoors many teachers have the children push their desks to the walls and use the classroom for activities as well.

In the evenings, the schools will have large group activities. Sometimes your presence and even your participation are expected. It can be lots of fun to prepare something with other teachers or maybe you could teach your students a song and dance (if time permits). If you have a hidden talent, some schools may have guitars or other instruments available for you to use - so just ask. Be prepared as the Chinese version of 'talent show' and 'camp fire' may be a little different than what you are familiar with, so kindly remember that this our way of sharing a little of our culture with you.

Most schools will have all that you need - photocopier, TV, DVD player, tape recorder, computers, Internet, telephones, and even laundry. If the school does not have a campus computer room with free Internet connection there is usually a nearby Internet Bar, which you can use at your own expense. It is very cheap with only 1-5 RMB Yuan per hour.

It is our intention to be hospitable and try to make you feel safe and comfortable. This is what we have in mind, so kindly adhere to our requests as many schools are gated and may have policies around leaving the school grounds. We would appreciate your cooperation in this area, as each school will function differently.

Accommodation and Meals:

Many of our schools have dorm-type accommodation to accommodate our foreign teachers. If not, a local hotel will be used while you are teaching. Off site locations are usually near the school to make it easier for transportation. In most cases, you will be able to walk to your school.

If in a hotel we will only pay for the basic room service - anything else will be at your own expense (E.g. laundry, telephone, pay-TV, and internet, etc.). Single rooms may not be an option, so whether you are in a dorm or in a hotel please be prepared to share a room with another (same sex) foreign teacher. Please be aware that teaching couples are generally accommodated in the same room. Check sample hotel for reference.

If the school you are assigned to has a cafeteria you will be provided with three free meals a day. If not, foreign teachers are given a meal allowance to eat somewhere else in the community. If this is the case, you will be given your entire meal supplement at the start of the program. You will get some meal stipend of Rmb600 yuan for 2 weeks program, Rmb900 yuan for 3 weeks program and Rmb1200 yuan for 4 weeks program. Please budget your finances, as the amount given will be adequate to accommodate your entire meal schedule.

For the few days prior to and after your Summer Program you will be required to provide your own meals. We have many restaurants and supermarkets throughout Hangzhou city so you should have no difficulty in finding something to suit your eating preferences.

Your accommodation will include two nights before and after the program in one of our local hotels in Hangzhou (close to our main office). The rooms are designed for two people, with two single beds, air-conditioning, telephones, and washroom facilities.

If you are accepted in our program it is expected that you will arrive two days before your contract start date in order to attend a general meeting and to allow time for you to be relocated to your assigned destination. Please be aware that we will supply your transportation to your school community in order to ensure that you are at the right location for the start of your Summer Program. We will also ensure that you will be returned to our office at the end of your work term.

Transportation and Insurance:

The foreign teachers are responsible for their own international and domestic airfare and transportation to and from our Hangzhou office. If traveling from outside of China we recommend that your destination be to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. You will then need to travel to the city of Hangzhou by local bus or train. For foreign teachers already in China, please choose Hangzhou as your destination.

Please be advised that you are responsible for your own travel and medical insurance during the Summer Program. We will not be liable for any difficulties you may experience during your time with us.

Program and Salary:
Program A (2 weeks from July 9 to 23): Rmb 3600 plus possible Rmb 600 for meals
Program B (3 weeks from July 9 ro 30): Rmb5100 plus possible Rmb900 for meals
Program C (4 weeks program from July 9 to August 6): Rmb6600 plus possible Rmb1200 for meals
Program D (3 weeks from July 16 to August 6): Rmb5100 plus possible Rmb900 for meals

Vacancy and Qualifications:

Each summer we accept nearly 100 teachers from around the world. We have a very large program that involves a lot of planning. Please be patient with us as we try our best to organize the program to suit our school's needs.

We work on a first come, first serve basis so please apply early. Our deadline for applications is always on April 30th. Our hiring committee gives preference to:

1. Native English-speakers and those from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (USA).
2. Those who have graduated from university with an English major
3. Those who have TEFL certification
4. Those who have an educational background
5. Couples who want to teach in China
6. Teachers with experience in China
7. Teachers with personal confidence and good communication skills

We consider many things when we consider you for our Summer Program. The list above merely indicates some of our 'preferred' considerations.

Please note that applicants with no TEFL, TESOL certification will only be accepted conditionally and will get two thirds of the related program salary while doing the same work as others.

Documents & Passport: Every teacher should submit an online application form first and then waiting for instruction to send his or her resume and a passport copy (the page with your number and photo) to John Zhou before they will be formally accpeted.

Application Process:

1. Review the details of our Summer Program 2007 at
http://www.globaltefl.net/summer/summer07.html
2. Submit the online summer application form at
http://www.globaltefl.net/summer/apply.html
3. Wait for a response, then send your resume to John Zhou through e-mail summer07@globaltefl.net
4. Send a photocopy of your current passport (the page with your passport number and photo) to John Zhou at e-mail summer07@globaltefl.net or fax to +86-571-28939218
5. When advised, submit the online contract through http://www.globaltefl.net/summer/contract.html and wait for our confirmed contract to be emailed back to you
6. Send back our confirmed contract with the date and your signature on it as an attachment to John Zhou through e-mail summer07@globaltefl.net or fax to +86-571-28939218
7. Wait for our official Invitation Letter to be emailed to you
8. Print off your Invitation Letter and take it when you apply for a Chinese Business Visa (F Visa) at your local Chinese Embassy in your country

Note: Your acceptance will only be confirmed after you have completed the process and have received our official Invitation Letter. PLEASE BE ADVISED¡­you should only supply the Invitation Letter to your Chinese Embassay - not the contract.

Any problem please call John Zhou at +86 13306715127 or
send e-mail to john07@globaltefl.net