Year-long Volunteer Teacher in China

  China

• All Other Areas in China: 
Changsha,  Zhuzhou,  Xiangtan
• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

Length of Position: 10-11 months
Dates: August to July

Description: Join 50 other enthusiastic volunteers on a year-long full-immersion volunteer service program in breathtakingly beautiful Hunan Province! This is your chance to teach in public schools, learn Chinese, experience China, and contribute to international development through education.

The WorldTeach China Year program works in partnership with the Hunan Provincial Department of Education to bring volunteer English teachers into the Province's public schools, giving students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to learn from a native English speaker.

With one of the fastest growing economies in the world, China is rapidly becoming a major player in global affairs. To participate in the country's increasingly internationally-oriented economy and society, China's younger generation will need English language skills and the confidence to communicate effectively with people from other cultures. In many parts of the country, however, only students from the most elite schools have the opportunity to learn English from native speakers. Since 2003, WorldTeach has partnered with the Hunan Provincial Education Department to allow volunteers to make a meaningful contribution to the English-language studies of students from all backgrounds.

Volunteer Teaching Assignments

As a volunteer, you will serve as a full-time English language teacher in a middle school in Hunan Province. Your role will be to build students' confidence in English through creative, orally-focused English lessons. Although your students will have learned some English already, they may never have studied with a native English speaker.

Volunteers are also encouraged to contribute to their school community outside of class hours. You may want to set up an English club, help in the school library or computer room, participate in sports, or help students prepare for cultural performances.

Placements and Housing

WorldTeach volunteers will be placed at middle and high schools throughout Hunan Province. Most placements will be individual, although some schools may request more than one volunteer. Hunan Province is located in south central China, bordered by mountains to the west, south, and east and by the Yangtze River to the north.

You can expect to teach 14-16 hours of English classes per week and spend additional time on lesson preparation, grading, and extracurricular activities. You will have free time on weekends and the same vacations as other teachers at your school.

Your school will provide you with a furnished foreign teacher's apartment on the school campus. You may opt to buy lunches from the school dining hall, eat at local restaurants, or cook your own meals.

Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree (in any subject)
* Must be a native English speaker
* Comfort and independence working in cross-cultural environments
* Good people skills and organizational skills
* Flexibility and creativity in problem solving
* Interest in international education and development
* 25 hours ESL service before departure (after acceptance to the program)

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: $500 plus $1000 deposit to be returned on completion of program

Program Cost includes: pre-departure information and preparation, round-trip international airfare, health insurance, in-country orientation and training, transportation to your site, meals and housing during orientation and throughout your teaching service, a living stipend throughout your service, 24-hour field support, and after-service support and networking.

Salary / Pay: a $300 USD stipend per month of teaching.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: WorldTeach volunteers are committed to international education, public service and teaching in developing countries. Prior teaching experience and qualifications are not required. Flexibility and an ability to work independently are also important.

Age Range: College graduates and older

This Program is open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to China in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

WorldTeach's Mission Statement: WorldTeach is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based at the Center for International Development at Harvard University that provides opportunities for individuals to make a meaningful contribution to international education by living and working as volunteer teachers in developing countries. WorldTeach offers summer and year-long programs in American Samoa, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Namibia, Poland, Rwanda, South Africa, and Thailand.

Year Founded: 1986