If you are looking for a cultural exchange, a rewarding teaching abroad experience, and a starting point of teaching overseas job, this is the opportunity for you!
Our 2012 China Summer Program is a six week long program that places TEFL teachers at English language camps for young learners in Zhejiang Province and Shandong Province. You will start your adventure in the beautiful city of Shanghai with an orientation where you will receive helpful tips and information on teaching in China and meet other participants in the program.
*Please note that these English language camps are full immersion programs, so it is not necessary to speak Chinese.
Program Details
The term “Summer Camp” in China typically corresponds to a western “summer school” session, typically held on a university campus or public school setting. Some camps are overnight camps where students live in the dorm of a campus and others are day camps in a larger city. Students are typically young adults of high school or college age spending their summer in a full English immersion.
English language classes are taught in 100% English immersion, so there is no need to speak Chinese. The Chinese students need to hear a native English speaker teach class only in English. A large component of teaching English abroad is to train the students in speaking and listening skills (along with the reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary).
Most of the camps will assign an English speaking Chinese instructor (assistant) to help out on a daily basis. You can go to them for any questions you may have on how to teach English to your students. There will be ample time to sightsee and connect with other volunteers around the area.
Camps are located throughout cities in Zhejiang Province and in Qingdao City, Shandong Province. Your actual camp assignment will be determined upon your arrival in Shanghai. You should expect to be placed at camp on your own. Your placement is determined by need at the English camps.
Compensation
Summer Camp Program participants receive free room and board during the camps in addition to a 2,000 RMB stipend. (Visit www.xe.com for conversion.)
TEFL Certification
Participants are able to complete any TEFL Institute course in order to qualify for participation in the China Summer Program. The chosen course must be completed by June 30, 2012 by the latest.
TEFL Chicago: Any course section through June 4, 2012 start date
TEFL Onsite: Any course section that finishes before June 30, 2012
Orientation
The orientation held in Shanghai will be the first week of July and last 2 - 5 days. Orientation is mandatory for all program participants.
Orientation Fee: US$250 to be paid directly to onsite coordinator in advance
Orientation Fee Covers:
Airport pickup
Orientation materials
Help with visa, official visa letter
Room & Board during orientation (Hostel and Meals in Shanghai)
Half-day tour of Shanghai
Transportation to camps from Shanghai
Camp Details & Placement
Students will be placed in a various cities in the Zheijiang Province. Approximately 10 different cities have camps including Qingdao City in Shandong Province.
English Summer Camps in China are similar to a Summer School for English. They are typically run on a campus and consists of classroom time and activities. Teachers will be working with young students through young adults, depending on the camp. Focus will be on oral communication skills with class sizes averaging around 40 students.
Housing
Housing During Orientation
Housing During Summer Camps
Shared accommodation with other program participants at hostel. Booked in advanced and arranged by onsite coordinator.
Shared accommodations with other teachers in dorm-style accommodations. Many camps are held at local university campuses.
Visa
Processing time for Chinese visas could take up to two weeks. If you are applying from outside China or the US, please check with the Chinese consulate which services your country. Participants will go to China on a tourist visa or an F-visa with an official letter from the onsite coordinator. The visa type will depend on the timing. Onsite coordinator will help secure an F-visa (business).
Important Dates
TEFL Certification Course: Must be completed by June 30, 2012
Camp Orientation: First week of July
Camp Dates: July 2 - August 17, 2012 (Dates will vary slightly by camp)
Program Costs
Activity Fee: US$50.00
TEFL Course Tuition: Varies depending on course selection
Orientation Fee: US$250 paid to onsite coordinator
If you are looking for a cultural exchange, a rewarding teaching abroad experience, and a starting point of teaching overseas job, this is the opportunity for you!
The term “Summer Camp” in China typically corresponds to a western “summer school” session, typically held on a university campus or public school setting. Some camps are overnight camps where students live in the dorm of a campus and others are day camps in a larger city. Students are typically young adults of high school or college age spending their summer in a full English immersion. 
