About China

The name China often evokes visions of climbing the Great Wall, silk fabrics, and exotic cuisine. You will, however, discover that China offers these things and much more depth in its culture.

Teachers of English in China can experience one of the oldest civilizations in the world, boasting rich cultural antiquities, in conjunction with cutting-edge technology.

Our teachers are encouraged to take time to discover this vast landscape. From the bustling streets of Beijing and Shanghai to the shining, beautiful Li River, you will experience the ever-changing urban and rural cultures throughout the country. Head to South China for its mild winters or to East China with its beautiful beaches. Consider the popular Water Splashing Festival held in April in Yunnan Province. Anyone on the streets is fair game for a soaking.

For more general information on China, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China

Education
Education is valued by the Chinese people as evidenced by a 91% literacy rate and the fierce competition for admittance to Universities. Over 11 million students attend the over 1,500 colleges and universities. All educational requirements for the people of China are managed by The Ministry of Education.

English-language education has been accorded much importance in China in the last quarter century. This accounts for the increased need of native English teachers in China. English and other foreign languages are optional in primary school, but become mandatory in junior and senior middle school.

China has a nine-year compulsory schooling system, meaning all children are required to attend school for at least nine years. Higher education is only for those students who have passed examinations at all compulsory levels. The school year consists of two semesters. The fall semester begins in early September and runs till late January or early February. Winter vacation typically runs from two to three weeks around the Lunar New Year. Spring semester begins following the Lantern Festival in mid-February and ends in early June.

English teachers in China should be aware that schedules may be different than schools in the U.S. Students generally attend public school Monday through Friday for an average of 8.5 hours per day. Many of these students then take additional courses (particularly English and the sciences) during the evenings and weekends. Of course, if you are teaching in a private school, your schedule will be dependent upon the individual school and English language program.

Food
Food in China extends beyond the American staples of chow mein and egg rolls. Everyone uses chopsticks, so if you aren’t already skilled in their use, be sure to practice before you leave. Be aware that it’s considered improper to leave your chopsticks standing in your rice. Particularly good foods that you may like to try are the world famous Peking duck, dim sum, steamed buns, and spicy snacks. If you are want something exotic and delicious, try bananas in honeyed pancakes. Of course, the specific dishes available will vary from region to region.

Most people drink hot water rather than cold. Tap water in most areas is not drinkable or needs to be boiled. Remember also to be cautious of ice that may also have been made from tap water.

Many of the familiar brands of soft drinks are available, but you will find that local brands are cheaper than imported ones. Beer is inexpensive and one of the most popular drinks in China.

Western ingredients are not difficult to find in large cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Stores like Wal-Mart and Trust Mart will have many foods, like cheeses, pastas, and cereals that you may miss.

Housing
During the past several years, apartments, particularly high-rise units, have begun to spring up all over China. Not only has the availability of housing increased but also the living conditions have improved dramatically. New units are being built with many of the amenities that westerners take for granted, including fast Internet connections, central heating, electricity, and toilets. Although some teachers abroad have opted for “Serviced Apartments”—temporary generally furnished short-term housing—many of these units have become more similar to hotels with comparable, higher prices.

As varied as your choices for housing in China are, so are the costs. Most places cost from $500 USD to over $1,200 USD per month. The closer you are to major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, the more expensive your residence will generally cost.

A. Traditional Houses/Villas

Traditional Chinese houses consist of two to four buildings enclosed by a wall and facing a rectangular central courtyard. You can see these in the "hutongs" of Beijing or in other older neighborhoods of Chinese cities or villages. Most of the older housing buildings are about three to five stories. There is usually a balcony, which is often enclosed in Northern China.

B. Apartments

Apartments commonly have one or two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Floors are usually concrete.

Some items that you may take for granted in the U.S. but shouldn’t expect in China are:

Clothes Dryer: Many teachers abroad actually get their clothes laundered for them (a bargain to consider). If you do elect to do your own laundry, you will need to use a drying rack.
Bathtub: There are bath houses where you can immerse yourself, but expect only a shower in your home.
Oven: You will get a gas stove, but it will be much smaller than you are probably used to, so don't plan on making a batch of chocolate-chip cookies or a roast.

Internet
China boasts more Internet users than any other country in the world, with over 210 million. Broadband service is becoming increasingly available thanks to strong government backing for companies such as China Netcom, which offers broadband service at 68 RMB/a month.

Various Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operate in different regions, and there are Internet cafés. Internet cafés are not as prolific in China as in some other Asian countries due in part to licensing requirements by the Ministry of Culture. However, they are an economical option at about 4 RMB per hour if you don’t want to commit to a monthly service. Some cafés even offer off-peak discounts.

Connections tend to be a little slow by international standards. Most new residential compounds in the main cities have DSL or broadband already installed, for which users pay a monthly charge of around 130 RMB.

Regulations have recently come into force requiring Internet users to register with Chinese public security authorities. Failure to do so is a criminal offense. Additionally, the government blocks some western sites such as Wikipedia.

For those of you that may want to stay connected with a print newspaper, the China Daily is the only English language newspaper in China.

Travel
During your stay in China, we encourage you take advantage of the varied experiences available to you while you teach abroad. Getting from city to city is relatively convenient.

Train Travel

The train is still the most popular mode of long-distance transportation.

Soft sleeper train compartments are top of the line. The compartment has four bunks, sheets, and blankets. Males and females may be together in one compartment. It's generally comfortable, but the bunk may be a little cramped for the average American man. Trains often leave in the evening and arrive at their destination in the morning, so you will still have a full day at your destination.

Hard sleeper is the next step down for overnight travel. A car is divided into about a dozen compartments, each containing two sets of three bunks. You get a sheet and a blanket. An attendant comes through the car selling fast food in a Styrofoam tray.

Soft seat is the next level. This is good for day trips and all travelers are garaunteed a seat.

Hard seat is the low-end. Despite the name "hard seat," the seats are cushioned. Not everybody gets a seat, however, and some people have to stand for 10 or 12 hours.

A train from Beijing to Shanghai would cost about 350 RMB for an overnight sleeper train.

Air Travel

Air travel has grown tremendously in China. Until about 10 years ago, there was only one airline. Now there are about a dozen regional airlines (still government-owned), and they're competing, which means prices are falling. Flights from Beijing to Shanghai start at about 500 RMB if bought in advance and can be as much as 1,200 RMB if bought on the day you want to fly.

Hotel

Hotel choices are varied. Generally a three-star hotel will cost about 300 RMB per night. Remember to always carry your passport and visa, as you will need to present them upon checking in.