· Where are the teaching locations?
All teaching placements are in Beijing at World Link Education’s Real Life English training centres: SOHO, the centre of Beijing’s CBD business district Wang Jing, the latest and fast developing business district and Haidian, the centre of Beijing’s University area
· Where are most of the foreign English teachers from?
Our foreign teachers are all native English speakers from the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa
· Do I need to have teaching qualifications or experience?
Although qualifications and previous teaching experience are beneficial and these applications will incur a preference, they are not required as full TEFL training and ongoing support is given
· If I do not have any teaching qualifications or experience, what training will I receive?
All candidates attend an intensive 5-day orientation and TEFL course. This free course focuses on teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and includes a study of the theories and practical applications of TEFL in China. It will also help you develop essential skills for teaching and give you the resources to become an effective TEFL teacher. Throughout the entire program you will attend regular training workshops and will be provided with numerous recommendations and suggestions on effective learning activities and teaching resources. The orientation program will further provide you with important practical information designed to help you adapt to life in China and teaching English overseas.
· I will be completing my undergraduate degree around May this year. Can I still apply for the fall placement?
Yes, as long as you complete your undergraduate degree (in any discipline) before you depart for China.
· Are teaching materials supplied?
Yes, teaching materials are provided by the Academy. Teachers will also be given a ‘Teaching Starter Pack’ that includes an English-Chinese dictionary, whiteboard pens and a WLE diary. WLE’s Teachers Resource Centre offers an extensive range of useful reference and resource materials.
· What age group will I be teaching and at what level?
Our students are children from approximately 8 years old to adult learners. All students are placed in six main proficiency levels: Total Beginner, False Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Advanced. Our students come from an extremely varied range of backgrounds from children moving on to overseas education, University students, business professionals to people taking a break in their careers.
· What is the average class size?
The average class size at the Academy is from 8 to 15 students.
· What are my work hours?
The standard workload consists of up to 25 hours of class instruction in one working week. The school is open seven days a week and work hours are 14.00 to 21.30 Mondays to Fridays and 10.00 to 18.00 Saturdays and Sunday. Remaining hours are devoted to class preparation, training workshops, assessment, student excursions, extra-curricular activities and faculty meetings. During this time two consecutive days will be allotted as a ‘weekend’ but these may not be on Saturday or Sunday. Any time worked over the base 40 hours will be given as Time Off in Lieu.
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- How high is the cost of living in Beijing?
In general, living expenses in Beijing are very low for a capital city. Bear in mind that one of your greatest living expenses; your accommodation and housing costs are fully paid for. So your salary is essentially spending money to do with as you wish. Food in Beijing is a joy, local food is extremely good and cheap (ranging from 7 to 35 RMB for a healthy and substantial meal) and for slightly more you can also enjoy Western style take-out from home. It is possible, and many teachers do, eat their meals in restaurants each day. Public Transport is also priced very low, subway fares around the city start from 3 RMB and taxi fares are remarkably lower than in western countries. Clothing is also extremely cheap and you will be able to outfit your wardrobe for a surprisingly low cost, especially after honing your bargaining skills in the local markets! Tailored business clothing for men and woman is extremely well priced starting at around 70RMB?
- What is living in Beijing like?
Beijing is in many ways a window into what is happening to the whole of China. It is a city in a state of constant change. Along with Shanghai, Beijing is one of the biggest commercial centres of China and as the capital city is home to a large expatriate community of diplomats, business people, professionals and students as well as being the major focal point for domestic economics and administration. Beijing boasts international standard hotels and restaurants equal to any city in the world and there is always something to do, be it exploring the cities rich historical past to her busy and varied nightlife. Riding high on a wave of optimism with the upcoming 2008 Olympics games Beijing is currently the most exciting and “happening” city in the world.
Beijing’s people are famous for their laid-back personas and hospitality. You will find that as a teacher of English you will feel most welcome here and very safe in your daily life.
- What information will I be provided with before I arrive?
Before you arrive you will be provided with a comprehensive handbook that includes information on the local area, including shopping centres, restaurants and public transport and you will also be assigned a ‘buddy’ teacher who will be available to contact before you leave your home country and answer any questions you may have about life in China.
World Link Education links the world in education, bridging language and cultural barriers to meet the changing needs of a global and diverse world.
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