Application
What is the Orientation Interview?
At BUNAC we believe that each participant should be treated as an individual. All
applicants will attend a one-to-one orientation interview in our London office.
It’s not a formal interview, but a chance for us to get to know more about you and
your reasons for joining the programme. We’ll discuss the types of teaching you’re
interested in and issues such as health and security to help prepare you for your
time in China.
It’s also an opportunity for you to ask us any questions you might have. If you’d
like to apply but can’t travel to London for an interview, please call us on 020
7251 3386 to discuss alternative arrangements.
If my application is unsuccessful will I get my deposit back?
If BUNAC rejects your application at any stage you’ll receive a full refund of your
programme deposit. We have a 7 day cooling off period, so if you feel that you’re
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 are printed with the application form.
What is a police check?
As part of our 'Responsible Approach', each participant must provide a police background
check before they travel. For this programme the required check is called a Basic
Disclosure, which you apply for through Disclosure Scotland. A Disclosure is a document
containing impartial and confidential criminal history information held by the police
and government departments about an individual. All residents of the UK are able
to apply for this in their own name via the Disclosure Scotland website. The check costs
£25 and takes approximately 14 days to process. Once received you should send the
original document to BUNAC. If you already hold a CRB from an existing or recent
employer issued within 3 months we can accept this as an alternative to the Basic
Disclosure.
What medical advice does BUNAC offer?
BUNAC is pleased to work with Interhealth, a charity which specialises in providing
health advice for overseas volunteers. Your programme cost includes membership to
Interhealth and as part of your application process you will complete an on-line
medical screening to ensure that you are suitable for the challenge of working in
a developing country. Following the screening you will receive comprehensive medical
advice regarding inoculations specific to your destination along with some general
travel health advice. Your programme cost also includes post-trip clean bill of
health screening and on going remote health care advice through Interhealth.
The inoculations you may require will vary depending on your destination and also
your personal medical history so it is very difficult to provide a guide to the
typical cost. However, please be aware that whilst some injections are relatively
cheap others (specifically anti malarials) can be very expensive. Interhealth will
provide you with further information following your screening.
Volunteer Placement
How many people take part in the programme?
Numbers vary but we would normally expect up to 15 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 and
TEFL training.
What do I study for the TEFL Certificate?
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 the 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 programme 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.
What happens if I do not pass the Training Programme?
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 programme 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.
What are my teaching duties?
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.
What are the characteristics of a Chinese school?
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
- You may help to promote your department at open days and year-end celebrations.
What areas of China are the schools in?
You will have the opportunity to nominate a region of China you would prefer. We
will do all we can to 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.
When will I know the location of my Teacher Intern placement?
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.
School semesters - How many, when are they and for how long?
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.
Do schools have breaks? How long are the breaks between terms?
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.
What type of accommodation and meals are provided?
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 hall (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.
What kind of clothing do I need to wear when teaching?
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.
How much money will I spend on the programme?
You should budget for the cost of the international airfare, visa, insurance and
the personal expense in China. Teachers receive an allowance whilst working of RMB
2000 per month, plus a completion bonus of RMB 2,500 at the end of each term. All
food and accommodation is included in the programme so the allowance will cover
basic costs. It is expected that all participants will require additional savings
to draw on, (£200 per month minimum) with the amount dependent on the amount of
additional travel and entertainment expected.
Can I go for less than the required programme minimum?
You must commit to the full programme for 6 months as you will be contracted to
a school for a semester.
Will there be chance to travel during my stay?
Definitely! During your placement you’ll generally have weekends free to travel
and the half-term holiday. You’ll also have a couple of weeks at the end of your
teaching placement before your visa runs out. China is a unique and fascinating
country and our local partners will be able to give you advice on where to go and
what to see. Experiencing Chinese New Year is a great way to either begin or end
your placement!
How can I find out more?
If you have any further questions on Teach & Travel China
Now!, please call the BUNAC Volunteer team on 020 7251 3386 or e-mail
volunteer@bunac.org.uk