China Horizons matches teachers interested in having an authentic oversees experience with schools who are looking for conversational English teachers. One great advantage to participating through China Horizons is that we have a volunteer program for teachers looking for an affordable volunteer opportunity, as well as a paid program for teachers with a Bachelors Degree.

After a simple application process, your information is reviewed by China Horizons. The quality of your experience depends on a spirit of optimism, a sense of adventure, and creativity.

Yes.

However the summer program is much shorter than a regular semester. In China, there are two main semesters; from September-January and then from February-June. July is designated for summer camps lasting from 3-5 weeks.

Applicants should be aware that the cost of participating in summer teaching will be more than is earned in China. Summer teaching should be pursued for the opportunity and experience and not as a source of income for the summer.  Summer camps are designed for individuals who are not available to teach for an entire semester.

Click Here for more information regarding summer camps.

While in China you will be working directly with your school, through your school liaison. China Horizons will not work closely with the day to day activities of you and your school.

China Horizons will be in constant contact with your school. China Horizons offers complete support and help while teachers are in China. China Horizons will be there to help resolve any issues that may arise between teachers and schools.

Yes.

Many teachers bring their laptops with them to China. You should have current up-to-date virus protection software installed. Standard virus protection software will be sufficient to protect your computer.

Most apartments will have an internet connection through an Ethernet cable.

Spring Semester: February 5 – June 30

Fall Semester: September 1 – December 31

Be aware that you might need to be flexible as these dates are subject to change slightly.

These dates are the dates required for teaching and do not include teacher training and the optional group arrival tour.

If teachers have a preference as to where they want to teach, what age they teach, and friends they want to teach with, China Horizons will do their best to make these arrangements possible.

Other than that, China Horizons matches teachers up with schools that China Horizons feels suits the individual teachers.

No.

The majority of applicants do not speak Chinese. Knowing the language is not a requirement.

Click Here for a current map of school locations

For up-to-date costs and fees:

Paid Positions – Click Here

Volunteer Positions – Click Here

The application fee is the initial fee you pay when you submit your application.

The application fee will be deducted from the total program fee. It is not an additional fee.

If you are not accepted as a teacher you will receive 100% of all China Horizons fees paid up to that point.

Refunds are not available for teachers who withdraw their applications for any reason.  Fees can however be deferred to a future semester of teaching.

Volunteer Positions:

• Round trip airfare from selected international airport in the USA to Shanghai, Beijing, or Hong Kong (plus airfare related logistics)
• Single entry visa (plus visa related logistics)
• Transportation to and from the airport to your host school
• A furnished apartment with private bedroom on or near the school campus
• A meal card/stipend to use at the campus cafeteria
• Ready to use cell phone upon arrival at host school (teachers are responsible for pay-as-you-go minutes after initial charge is depleted.)
• Support and training from China Horizons representatives.

Paid Positions: You are responsible for the cost of your airfare, visa, and meals while in China.  Click Here for details.

• Transportation to and from the airport to your host school
• A furnished apartment with private bedroom on or near the school campus
• Support and training from China Horizons representatives.

Teachers should be prepared to have access to sufficient money for extra activities they plan on doing such as, traveling, eating out, buying clothing, and souvenirs.

Although these activities are significantly cheaper in China then in the US, money can add up fast and preparing a budget would be wise.

China Horizons recommends bringing at least an additional $950 of personal spending money.  Depending on your spending habits, you will of course want to adjust this amount.

all cash should be in the form of new crisp bills from the bank.  Worn bills in any form are often not accepted.

Traveler’s checks are becoming increasingly difficult to cash.  China Horizons does not recommend bringing travelers cheeks.

Debit cards are a good backup plan.  China is a “cash” country.  Therefore, you will be using cash most of the time.  Few places are set up to accept international debit or credit cards.  You will not want to rely on your debit card as your main way of paying for purchases.  Debit cards can be used to withdraw money from ATM’s, but be aware that every bank has different regulations and fees when it comes to international withdraws.  You should contact your bank for specific information.

If you intent to use your debit card in China, you will need to contact your bank prior to departure to inform them you will be in China.  If you do not, most likely they will freeze your account as a safety precaution when they see a transaction took place in China.

Yes.

ATM’s can be found in populated areas of China, and most will accept international ATM cards.

However be aware every bank has different regulations and fees with international withdraws.  You should contact your bank for specific information.

Yes.

For up to date costs and fee:

Paid Positions – Click Here

Volunteer Positions – Click Here

No.

If the school has a specific textbook they want you to use, they will provide it.

For current exchange rate information Click Here

Yes, with precautions of course.

Most teachers carry cash in their pockets and never have any problems.

Teachers in the past have had very few problems with carrying cash.  As long as you take care of your money.  Don’t carry around more than you need, be discrete with how much you have with you, and put it in a safe place (like your front pockets), you will reduce almost all the risk involved with carrying cash around.

There is always risk involved when carrying cash with you.  China is no exception.  Be careful with your money.

Cash and withdraw money once in China.  Both are fine.  It is up to personal preference.

If you bring Cash, do not put it all in one place.  Spread it out into all of your luggage and your wallet.  This way if something happens and your luggage does not arrive at the airport with you, you will know you still have cash.

China Horizons recommends bringing at least an additional $750 of personal spending money.  Depending on your spending habits, you will of course want to adjust the amount.

Yes.

Volunteer Positions – To participate in the volunteer program you are not required to have a bachelor’s degree.

Paid Position – In order to participate in the paid program a bachelor’s degree is required.

• Preliminary Application Form
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Two letters of Recommendation
• Copy of signed Valid US Passport
• Passport/Visa Photograph
• Copies of College Degree and/or Teaching Certificates
• Sign “Terms and Conditions” Form
• Application Fee

All application documents are submitted electronically as doc(x), pdf, or jpg.  Those items that require signatures are printed, signed, and then scanned back into the computer.  For further assistance on this process Click Here.

You will be notified within 2 weeks of submitting your application regarding your acceptance.

However, your exact teaching location may not be known until one month prior to your departure.

As long as you have a strong application and submit your application before the deadline, your chances are very high for acceptance.

Teaching positions available though China Horizons vary each semester.  China Horizons does not have a cap on the number of teachers it accepts into the program.

All applicants must be 18 at the time of entry into China.

Some schools do require participants be at least 20 years old while other schools are flexible.

Absolutely!

We can typically accommodate a group of 3-5 teachers within the same school or city.

For up to date deadlines:

Current Fall & Spring Semesters – Click Here

First you need to fill out a preliminary application.  It will only take 3 minutes to fill out, and gives China Horizons a general idea of you and of your interest in teaching in China.

After submitting the preliminary application a representative from China Horizons will contact you within three business days.  They will set up a time to do a phone interview with you.

If the phone interview goes well, you will be recommended to continue with the application process.  Click Here for more information on completing and submitting the application.

You will be notified within 2 weeks of submitting your application regarding your acceptance.

All applicants that submit their applications before the deadline will be equally considered.

If you have a specific request, such as being placed with friends, applying early will be beneficial.

If you apply after the application deadline has passed, you will be considered on the basis of how many open positions are still available.

Living in China is a fairly large commitment.  We encourage you to plan carefully before making this commitment.  This should not be a spontaneous decision, but one that is well thought out and carefully considered.

The final point of commitment will be when you submit your application and send in your application fee.  After that point if you withdraw from the program, you will not receive a refund.

China Horizons is aware that uncontrollable circumstances occasionally occur, and handles these case by case.

Yes.

If you have been accepted into the program, but for whatever reason China Horizons is unable to arrange a placement for the semester indicated by the applicant, the fee is fully refunded.

Fall teachers are contracted through December.  This means that you will most likely be in China during Christmas.

Although, Christmas is not generally celebrated by the Chinese, most teachers really enjoy spending the holiday in this adventuress way!

The best way to prepare for the phone interview will be to:

• Review the China Horizons Website thoroughly.
• Write down specific questions about teaching and living in China.
• Prepare to talk about your desires for teaching and living in China.

The phone interview will be arranged after submitting your preliminary application.  The phone interview will be approximately 30 minutes long.

No.

Most teachers do not have any Chinese language training.  Less than 10% of the applicants speak any level of Chinese.

It is of course helpful to have knowledge of the language, and China Horizons recommends all teachers to learn at least a few basic phrases.  This is however not factored into your acceptance.

Yes.

You must be fluent in English in order to apply.  In order to be a successful teacher you will need to have an easy to understand accent as well (American, British, Australian, etc.)

Yes.

As long as English is your native language or you are fluent in English.

At this time, China Horizons does not place teachers in Beijing.

China is very connected through trains, planes, and busses.  This makes it possible for anyone who desires to go to Beijing the ability to do so at least once during the time they are in China.  Teachers usually will visit Beijing during a holiday break or at the end of the semester.

Often times an organized tour is planned upon arriving in China with China Horizons.  Not always, but occasionally this optional tour is in Beijing.

There are plenty of opportunities to visit Beijing during your stay in China.  If you have desires to go there, and you make it one of your goals, you will most likely be able to achieve it.

Yes.

Keep in mind though that the definition of “small city” and “big city” is quite different in China.  If you desire to be placed in a city with a specific population, please make it known in your preliminary application.

China Horizons will do all they can to place you in the city size you desire, but China Horizons cannot guarantee this.

You may submit your application as far in advance as you would like.

If you have decided to go to China, filled out a preliminary application, and participated in the phone interview, then there is no reason to delay applying.

What you don’t want to do is wait until 11:59 the night before the application deadline is due.  If you are ready to apply, do it.

Yes.

Married couples receive a program fee discount.

Married couples will be placed in the same apartment and the same school.

However couples are not guaranteed to have the exact same teaching schedules, it is very possible that couples will not teach at the same time every day.

Fall Semester – Tentative departure date: September 20th

Spring Semester - Tentative departure date: February 5th

Students attending public schools tend to possess a higher English level and are better behaved because of their desire to succeed and improve their lifestyle.
The trade-off is the size of each class. Public schools classes may include as many as 50-70 students. Your ability to learn everyone’s name is definitely put to the challenge.

This position focuses extensively on conversational language training.  You simply come up with conversational activities and lessons that help the students use the English they already know, along with what they are currently learning from their Chinese English teachers.

You are not required to teach a lot of grammar or other rules.  They will often have no idea what you are saying, but you are still immersing them in English and helping them to feel more comfortable hearing it from a native speaker

Yes.

We welcome requests for specific age groups, and we will do our best to accommodate everyone.

However, we ask applicants to be flexible and open to teaching other ages if a position at the requested age level is unavailable.  If your participation is dependent on being able to teach a certain age, you should notify China Horizons before you apply

The teaching schedule is usually between 16 and 20 hours a week. You will teach between 16 and 20 classes that last from 40 to 50 minutes each.  You will be asked to participate in English-speaking activities such as plays, skits and musical performances.  These are usually a welcomed experience and a pleasant change from the day to day teaching routine.

Most of the students have already had some English training.  Many have strong English skills.  Schools request that you only use English in the classroom so the students are forced to communicate with you in English.  You will need to be creative with instructions.

This challenge is all part of the experience and the relationship that you build with the students.

Most of our teachers are placed in middle schools and high schools.

Classes range from kindergarten to college age.  Most positions are within public schools.

In most schools, your curriculum is your own creation.

The school may provide some textbooks, which often are either flawed or beyond the students’ level.  You are welcome to bring as many English teaching manuals and materials as you like.  Most teachers have fears about not knowing how to teach.

As long as you have a good attitude and sense of creativity, the lessons will come.  You’ll be surprised what kinds of situations you can use as lessons that make it fun for the students and memorable for you as well.

When preparing to teach, think to yourself, “What will they need to know in order to communicate if they were to go to the USA or the UK tomorrow?”

Classes range from 25-50 students per class.

Business casual or higher attire is required while teaching.  Jeans and a T-shirt are not acceptable teaching attire.

For men, recommend Dockers and a polo-type shirt.  A tie is appropriate but not required.

Facial hair is discouraged by the schools.

For women, we recommend skirts below the knee, dress pants, blouses, etc.

While teaching, no: Capri’s, shorts, flip flops, sleeveless shirts, or shirts that come above your belt line or other revealing attire. All clothing should be clean and modest.

• The school you teach at could be one of several types:
• A boarding school where the children live and eat on the school campus
• A school where students travel home on weekends
• A public school where the students come and go every day.

Chinese students are usually very well behaved.  They have been taught that they need to respect foreign English teachers , they want you to have a good experience in their country.

Students however are the same everywhere, if they don’t feel like a teacher is professional, confident, and respects them, they will be more hesitant to respect a teacher.

Rules are very important.  Ground rules need to be set up and enforced in the classroom.

Chinese students are often very excited to have a foreign English teacher, and once they start to feel comfortable with you, they might get a little noisy once in a while.

Students are at every level of English.

Some students will have excellent English and will be able to hold a meaningful conversation with you.  Others will struggle to say a complete sentence.

This is one of the challenges of teaching conversational English.  In a class of 50 students, you will have a huge range of English speaking abilities.  As a teacher you will try your best to reach the majority of the students needs.  No one expects perfection out of you, this is a tough accomplishment even for accomplished teachers.

Alone.

China Horizons does not do team teaching.  When students have a native Chinese speaking teacher in the classroom, Chinese becomes a crutch for them, and affects the effectiveness of learning English.

This might be scary for the first week, but you will quickly grow accustom to it and it will not be a big deal.

16-20 hours a week.  Maximum 5 days a week, no Sundays.

China Horizons teachers do not teach more than 20 hours a week.  China Horizons wants to give teachers a chance to really experience the culture and emerge themselves in China. This is not possible when stressing over teaching 40 hours a week.

Regular school hours.  Your schedule could include hours from 7am to 4pm.

You may be asked to host an English Corner once a week in the evening.  This is a casual gathering of students who want to practice speaking English.  English Corner is usually very light and fun.

Classes last from 40 to 50 minutes each.   You may teach multiple classes in a row with very little or no break.

No.

Teaching has its challenges, but most teachers find teaching far more enjoyable then difficult.

The first week while you are getting adjusted to a new life, teaching can be scary, and can be difficult, but once you overcome the initial adjustment period, teaching becomes very enjoyable.

Classrooms are not usually very large and not usually very luxurious.  A classroom will have the essentials, and usually nothing more.  They will have; chairs desks, chalkboard, and a table at the front.  Some classrooms have a computer and projector for the teacher to use, but not all of them.

Classrooms vary greatly depending on the school and age group.

Students are packed into classrooms very tightly.  Sometimes they have only a small amount of room to move.

Most of the lessons will be your own creations.  Very few schools provide a textbook.

China Horizons provides two days training in China before teachers are sent to their schools.  During this training teachers will be provided with lots or resources and sample lesson plans.  Once the creative juices start flowing, most teachers end up with more ideas and more lesson plans then they have time to use.

Some lessons might take longer than others to plan.  It depends on the teacher.  A couple hours should be set aside to prepare a lesson, at least at first until you get the hang of it.

Women are treated with respect in China.  Foreign women especially are very, very rarely looked down upon or disrespected.  Women teachers will find they have many opportunities and equal treatment to men.

Chinese people are generally very hospitable.  Generally speaking they like foreigners a lot.

Chinese people like to have foreigners in their country.  They want you to have a good impression of their country, and will generally do all they can to make sure you do.

Most Chinese people will bend over backwards to help you.

Yes.

Use wisdom in discussing any debatable matter in great detail.

Some topics to steer clear of, even if directly asked about are: Tibet, Religion, Tiananmen Square, Negative comments about Chairman Mao, and the Urumqi ethnic group living in Xinjiang province.

Be respectful of China.  You may have opinions you want to share, but more importantly you don’t want to seem disrespectful of their culture and policies.

If in doubt about a topic, don’t talk about it.  Change the subject to something more light hearted.

Yes.

The US Embassy is located in Beijing.  They have lots of useful information about China on their website, including many safety tips and emergency procedures.

No vaccinations are required for entry into China.

Every participant needs to make his/her own decision about receiving vaccinations.  China Horizons does not take any stance for receiving vaccinations before departure to China.

The US Center for Disease Control has detailed information regarding vaccinations for China.  Click Here.

Many previous teachers have found the Lonely Planet guides for China to be extremely helpful during their travels.

Many teachers have also found the Lonely Planet or Belize Phrasebooks to be useful.

There is an abundance of information on traveling and living in China on the internet as well.

Major medical insurance coverage is not provided by China Horizons or the host school.

Any international health or evacuation insurance is at the participant’s discretion.

Most schools have an on-campus clinic for minor ailments and injuries. This clinic is free of charge to the foreign teachers.  If something of a more serious nature were to occur, the school would take you to the local hospital, where all expenses would be your responsibility.

The health care in China is so inexpensive that unless you were having surgery, you can pay your bill in cash.

Yes.

China runs on 220 Volts (USA uses 120 Volts).  You will need a converter and adapter for electronics purchased outside of China.

Laptops and many other electronic devices however have a converter built into them, so all you would need is a plug adapter.  Be sure to check your electronics for this first, and if in doubt use a converter.  Better safe than sorry!

The dress code while teaching is business casual or higher.  Jeans and a T-shirt are not acceptable teaching attire.

For men, China Horizons recommend khakis and a polo-type shirt.  A tie is appropriate but not required.  Facial hair is discouraged by the schools.

For women, we recommend skirts below the knee, dress pants, blouses, etc.

Other casual clothes such as shorts, flip flops, Capri’s, etc, can be worn while not teaching.

Pack light!

If you are not capable of packing light, then have someone pack for you.

Limit yourselves to 2 pair of shoes.  Bring some comfortable ones and some dressier ones for special occasions and teaching.

Only bring a few outfits to start out and then consider buying clothing there.

It is common for teachers to bring small and simple gifts for their students.  Some good ideas for such gifts include:

• Rolls of new pennies from the bank
• One cent stamps from the post office
• wallet size pictures of yourself to hand out at the end of the semester

Yes.

Every teacher should prepare and bring a basic first aid kit in the event of minor injuries and ailments.  The kit should include at least these basic items:

• Band-Aids (various sizes)
• Gauze
• Medical adhesive tape
• Neosporin (or some other type of triple antibacterial ointment)
• Pepto-Bismol (for upset stomachs)
• Cortisone Cream (or some other type of anti-itch cream for insect bites)
• Nasal decongestant
• Tylenol/Ibuprofen
• Antiseptic hand cleaner
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• 2 Cold compressors: 1 that can be kept in the freezer and 1 that is instant

Here is a list of the most common things you will either not be able to find at all in China, or will be very difficult to find.

• Thick college ruled paper
• Thick good quality spiral notebooks
• Quality batteries for digital cameras and other high powered electronics
• Good white board markers
• Construction paper
• Pepto-Bismol
• Tums (or any other antacids
• Good thick socks
• Deodorant
• Mouthwash
• Floss
• Cortisone cream (for bug bites)
• Granola bars

Here is a list of some things you will be able to easily purchase while in China.  Do not waste valuable packing space stocking up on these items.

• Shampoo (Pantene Pro V and others)
• Feminine Hygiene products (Pads-YES, Tampons-NO)
• Batteries
• CD’s/DVD’s
• Coats
• Brushes/combs
• Binders/pens/notebooks/paper
• Contraceptives/pregnancy tests
• Hairspray
• Gel
• Hairdryers
• Curling Irons
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste (Name brands)
• Ties, dress shirts, suits, skirts, blouses
• Shoes (Dressy and Causal).  Shoes sizes are measured in centimeters.
• Backpacks, luggage, wallets, purses.

China Horizons policy is one checked bag.

Once a teacher receives their itinerary they will be able to go to the airlines website to see the current weight restrictions.

As soon as possible.

You will need your passport 4-6 months before the departure date.  If you do not have a passport and are planning on applying, get your passport.

If you are applying and the departure date is less than 4 months away, talk with a China Horizons representative.  China Horizons will help you decide if there is enough time to apply for a passport.

No.

Prescriptions that are clearly marked with your name on them and do not look suspicious will not usually be questioned.

Volunteer Positions – Airfare is included in the program fee, so as long as you have paid the program fee, you have paid for your airfare.

Paid Positions – Yes.

You will only be reimbursed once you are at the school according to your length of stay.  If you teach one semester you will be reimbursed half your airfare at the end of the semester.  Teachers who are teaching two semesters; half will be reimbursed at the end of the first semester and the remaining at the end of the teaching contract.

Airfare typically ranges from $1100 to $1400 depending on departure city in the USA.

Volunteer Positions – Your airfare is included in the program fee and you will not receive reimbursements.

Paid Positions – The school provides round-trip airfare up to $1300 for teachers signing two-semester contracts, which last ten months, and one-way airfare up to $700 for teachers signing one semester, five-month contracts.  (Currently, summer teaching contracts do not offer airfare reimbursements).

In most cases, the school refunds the cost of your ticket after you arrive; half will be awarded at the end of the first semester and the remaining at the end of the teaching contract.

Yes.

A representative from China Horizons escorts each group of teachers to China and ensures a smooth transition to the host school.

Teachers who choose to attend the optional arrival tour will travel over with the majority of the other teachers, those who choose to only attend the teacher training and orientation will travel over in a smaller group.

Occasionally a teacher needs to fly independent of the group, in which case a representative from the assigned school will meet him/her at the airport.

China Horizons will initiate and assist each teacher in reserving his/her airfare to travel over with the group.

We work in association with America Asia Express travel agency to help arrange your airfare.  Their prices are some of the lowest on the market, but if you have connections or access to discounted tickets you are free to do your own research and booking after consulting with China Horizons.

However, by purchasing your own airfare, you may be traveling to China alone.  Past experience has shown that unless you have traveled to China before, it is best to travel in a group the first time.

Paid Positions – China Horizons will issue and purchase all tickets together and each teacher is responsible for paying China Horizons directly for the entire cost of the airfare.

Most international airlines allow two checked bags, however all domestic Chinese flights only allow one checked bag. It is China Horizons policy to only allow one checked bag.

Please contact China Horizons for specific airline regulations.

No.

China Horizons will make and purchase all airfare reservations for the group.

Volunteer Position – The cost of the airfare is included in the volunteer program fee.

Paid Positions – Each teacher is responsible for paying China Horizons directly for the entire cost of the airfare.

Yes.

China Horizons purchases roundtrip airfare for all teachers (volunteer and paid positions).  All teachers will be given open ended return tickets with a tentative return date for the end of the semester.

Volunteer Positions – You will be asked to choose one of the preselected departure cities. The cost of the airfare from one of these cities is included in the volunteer program fee.  Participants desiring to depart from another location may need to pay an additional fee if there is an increase in the ticket cost compared to the ticket of the preselected cities.

The preselected cities are:

• Salt Lake City
• Denver
• Las Vegas
• Reno
• Phoenix
• Tuscon
• Seattle
• Portland
• Sacramento
• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• San Diego

Volunteer Positions - Your airfare was included in the program fee and you will not receive reimbursements.

Paid Positions – In most cases, the school refunds the cost of your ticket after you arrive.

Teachers who are teaching one semester will be reimbursed up to half of their airfare by their school at the end of the semester.  It is up to the individual schools if they desire to pay you earlier.

Teachers who are teaching two semesters; half will be reimbursed at the end of the first semester and the remaining at the end of the teaching contract.

You will be asked by China Horizons which USA international airport you want to depart from.  China Horizons will take care of the remaining itinerary details.

After airfare has been purchased by China Horizons, you will be informed as to the exact time your flight departs.  You will also be emailed your itinerary.

You will not be held responsible to “find your own way to China”.

It depends on the airline and how many layovers there are.  Usually the long stretch of the flight takes 12-16 hours, and the entire trip takes almost an entire day.

The school is responsible for providing apartments that are clean, furnished, and heat/AC.  All apartments are contracted to have a private bathroom and shower with a western-style toilet.  All rooms are private with lock and a key issued to the foreign teacher.

Utilities are included, but you should be respectful and conserve water and electricity as much as you can (they are not cheap).

Most furnishings include a TV, DVD player, telephone, bed with coverings, wardrobe cabinet, desk, chair/couch, refrigerator, computer with internet access, and a washing machine.

Layout style of each apartment differs regarding number of bedrooms and whether or not a kitchen is provided.

Be aware that Chinese heating and AC sources may not be as efficient as you are accustomed.  Remember you are living in a developing country.

Most apartments are on the school campus.

If your apartment is not on the school campus, it will be a short walking distance away.

You will be living in an apartment.

Depending on the school you are placed in determines the details of your apartment.  All apartments vary when it comes to specific details.

By Chinese standards, the apartment you will live in will be very nice and usually quite big.

Your apartment will be; clean, sanitary, safe, secure, and private.  Your apartment will have; running water, electricity, heat, and A/C.

You have to keep in mind that China is still a developing country, and you are not going to be living in a luxury suite.

Yes.

Most of the apartments have internet.  There are only a couple that do not.  Those that do not have internet will have access to internet through the school.

Yes.

All apartments have locks on the doors.  You will be given a key to your apartment.  The school will have a key to your apartment in case of emergencies.

China is a very large country.  Therefore the weather is very diverse.  China is similar in size to the USA.  It is near impossible to summarize the weather for a country that size.

MSN Weather is a great resource to search.  Try typing in a few Chinese cities to see what the weather is like there.  MSN Weather also has a feature where you can look at the year averages for cities.

Click Here for a map of current teaching locations and weather.

There are many ways you will be able to travel within your city.  Bus, taxi, bike, motorcycle/moped taxis, rickshaws, and walking.

Travel within cities is fairly cheap.   Walking and busses are generally the common way to get around.

• Busses on average cost less than $0.25 per trip.
• Taxis for short trips on average cost less than $5 per trip.
• Used bicycles can be purchased usually for less than $25, but take a little bravery to use.
• Motorcycle/Moped and rickshaws are all negotiable in price, but usually a little less than a car taxi.
• Walking is the main way to get around, and free.

Starting in 3^rd grade through college it is mandatory to take English.  A lot of people, mostly younger Chinese know at least some English.

College age Chinese are likely to know the most English and be the most willing to practice talking with you.

A lot of Chinese who know English are very shy about it, and will not willingly talk in English.

Within your City:  Busses, walking, and some taxis.

Long distance traveling: Trains, most of which will have berths for sleeping.  Busses, some will have seats, and others will have beds for sleeping.

No.  Do not drink tap water.

Only drink bottled water or water that has been purified.  Bottled water is everywhere and hot hard to find.

Internet restrictions do not cause major problems, mainly just minor annoyances.

China does not usually block religious websites.  China blocks on occasion websites that talk about topics China deems as sensitive.  They occasionally block social media websites.

Some popular sites that are often blocked in China are: Facebook, Blogger, YouTube, and Twitter.

Chinese people are generally very hospitable.  Generally speaking they like foreigners a lot.  Chinese people like to have foreigners in their country.  They want you to have a good impression of their country, and will generally do all they can to make sure you do.

Most Chinese people will bend over backwards to help you.

Of course, people are pretty much the same everywhere you go.  People react to the way you treat them.  The Chinese will treat you well if you respect them and their country.

Yes.

China is a great place to learn Chinese.  It takes a lot of self discipline, but you are more than welcome to learn the language while you are there.

China Horizons does not have any official program for learning Chinese while in China.  You can however pay a student, friend, or faculty member to tutor you.

Be creative.  Take a textbook with you, buy some children’s books while there, have people write down words and phrases for you, or just get out there and try speaking to anyone that will listen.

City sizes vary greatly.  They range from populations of 150 thousand to 4 million.  China is huge, and very populated.  Cities with populations of less than 3 million are usually considered small.

Yes.

Click Here to see a list of things that are hard to find in China.

Many cell phones from the US can be used in China.  A new SIM card must be purchased upon arrival in China in order to access the China cellular network.  Many US phones will need to be ‘unlocked’ in order to work on a Chinese network.  We recommend consulting your cell phone provider or manufacturer to ensure that your specific phone has the capability of switching SIM cards and using the Chinese network.

Volunteer Positions: You will receive a cell phone upon arrival in China to use while there.  If you bring your own cell phone and wish to use that is fine.

Plans in China are on a pay-as-you-go system and no contract is required.

Adding minutes to your cell phone is considerably less expensive than in the US.  Of course depending on your telephone habits, minutes can add up.

Text messaging is available on the Chinese network and is the most inexpensive form of communication within the country while using a cell phone.

Most schools provide a computer with fast speed internet in the teacher’s apartment.

Some schools provide a high speed internet connection, but no computer.

Most students will have a high speed internet connection in their apartment.  Wireless is becoming more common in China, but you should plan on needing to plug your laptop into a LAN line.

Those teachers who do not have access to internet in the apartment will be provided with a computer on the school campus where they can e-mail and search the internet.

E-mail and instant messaging are the most reliable and easiest methods in communicating with family and friends at home.

China Horizons strongly recommends that teachers sign up for an internet phone service account such as SKYPE.

There are countless affordable and reliable VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services available.

Phone cards can be purchased online that allow for USA-China calling for as low as 2.4 cents a minute.  A five dollar phone card will provide 3.5 hours of calling time if calls are made from a land line to a land line.

Yes.

E-mail and instant messaging services are based on the availability of the internet.  If your internet has an issue and is not working correctly the school you are contracted with will help correct the problem as fast as possible.  During the mean time if you need to contact your family, the school will provide you access to the internet through the school or a nearby internet café.

Phone cards should be reliable and easy to use.

Some means of communicating can be fickle depending on current internet restrictions.  For instance, Facebook and various blog websites such as Blogger regularly are blocked.  However, email and instant messaging programs rarely if never are blocked.

Volunteer Positions – Schools will either offer free meals at the cafeteria or they will provide a monthly cash stipend for teachers to purchase meals or groceries.

Paid Positions – Some schools offer free meals at the cafeteria while others expect the teachers to pay for their own meals out of their monthly living allowance/salary

If schools provide a kitchen in the apartment and the teacher would rather cook independently, he/she is responsible for all grocery costs.

You will most likely be asked to try some very “foreign” foods.  What you eat and don’t eat is up to you.  Just be sure to be polite if you choose not to eat something.

Much of the Chinese diet consists of noodles, rice, steamed/fried meats and various vegetables, fish, chicken, pork, and beef.

This depends widely on the individual.  Some adjust almost immediately, others do not.

You should however be aware that food in China varies vastly from western tastes.  Sometimes it takes several weeks before one becomes accustomed to this change in diet.

Yes.

You will want to make sure you become very acquainted with the phrase:

“ Do you have vegetarian food”?  You will want to print off the characters for that phrase to show restaurants, you will most likely want to learn how to say it correctly too.

There are other phrases that might be useful to learn, such as “is there a vegetarian restaurant nearby? Is this cooked with animal broth?”  You can find these phrases easily online by searching Google.

Purchasing a Mandarin Chinese phrasebook might be useful as well.  Most phrasebooks will have a few pages on how to order vegetarian meals.

Yes.

Food is the center Chinese life.  Sharing meals together is very important among friends and families.  Your school will likely invite you to important dinners and banquets.  You are an important guest, and will be expected to attend important events your school asks you to attend (when you are able to).

Because food is so important in China, you need to be respectful.  Observing the people around you will help you know how to act during meals.  Over time you will learn proper Chinese manners.

The Chinese are very understanding to the fact that you are foreign.  They are very respectful and nonjudgmental while you are learning proper eating etiquette.

Not really.

A great deal of Chinese food in America is similar to Hong Kong (Cantonese) food.  Over years it has been transformed to better satisfy American taste buds.

The ideas behind Chinese food are the same.  Most of the main ingredients are the same, the spices and additional ingredients are different.

It is not impossible to find authentic Chinese food in America, but your typical fast food Chinese tastes very different than authentic Chinese food.

Yes.

Chopsticks are a way of life in China.  If you do not know how to use them, it would be advised to learn.

However, Chopsticks are not hard to learn, and if you never pick up a pair before you get to China, you will be able to learn while you are there fairly quickly.

Alcohol is a large part of the food culture in China.  It is more common for women not to drink then men.

When you are invited to eat your host will most likely offer some kind of alcohol.  As their guest they will feel it is their host duty to buy you alcohol for your meals.

It is fine and perfectly acceptable to politely refuse any alcoholic drinks.

Most of the time you can just say, “I do not drink (beer, wine, alcohol)” and that will be the end of it.  Sometimes you need to be a little more creative and explain why you don’t drink.

If you do not drink because of a religious belief, you can say, “I do not drink (beer, wine, alcohol) because of my religious beliefs.”   You however should leave it at that.  Government regulations do not allow for you to go into details as to why your religious beliefs influence you not to drink alcohol.  A very effective way to turn down an offer is to say, I do not drink (beer, wine, alcohol) because of my family tradition“.  Family and tradition are both things Chinese people relate very well to.

Most of the time your host and friends will be very respectful of your decision to not drink, there will on occasion be a time when your host or friend think you are just trying to be polite.  In that case they will continue to offer it to you a few times.  You must understand they are not trying to be rude or pushy, this is just part of their cultural upbringing.

Family style meals are meals that are shared by the whole group.  In China most meals are shared.  Many dishes will be ordered and placed on the table and everyone shares them.  It is a very fun way to eat, and really brings everyone together in conversation and enjoyment.

No.

You cannot, and should not drink any tap water in China.  Only drink bottled water or water that has been purified in some way.  You should take precautions to use bottled water when brushing your teeth and washing anything that will go directly into your mouth.

Fruits and vegetables should not be eaten raw unless you have washed them yourself.  Chinese meals very rarely contain raw vegetables.

You should wash all fruit with a bleach solution or with a soap fruit washing solution.  Washing solutions can be purchased at most grocery stores.

After washing fruit, dry off with a towel or let air dry before eating.

Food manners in China might not seem like manners at all according to Western standards.

Watch the people are round you for the first little while to see what they are doing and how they are eating.  Doing this will give you a better idea as to what is appropriate and what is not.

China Horizons will take care of all the logistics regarding visas as to ensure you travel to and teach in China under the proper visa.

Volunteer Positions -Visa cost is included in the program fee.

Paid Positions – Visa fee will cost approximately $179 plus possible shipping of approximately $30.

The visa application process takes no longer than two weeks once your visa application is submitted.

China Horizons will notify you when the time comes to apply for your visa.

Visas are usually applied for 6 weeks prior to departure.

Participants should not apply for a visa on their own.

To ensure visas are applied for correctly, China Horizons will notify you when the time comes to apply for your visa, and will assist you through the process.

You must have a signed, current passport that is valid for one year in order to apply for your Chinese visa.

Yes, participants should apply for their own passport.

China Horizons is available to answer any questions regarding the application process.

If you can wait 6-8 weeks for your passport, then it’s recommended applying through your local Post Office.  If you need your passport within 30 days, you can expedite your application through the Post Office for an additional fee.

A copy of your passport should be provided at the time of application, but you are still welcome to submit your application before your passport arrives.

Please notify China Horizons if you are in the process of applying for your passport.

No.

China Horizons provides single entry visas.  This means that once you leave the country, you have to apply for another visa in order to return back into China.

Under special circumstances, if a teacher notifies China Horizons prior to application that they want to receive a multiple entry visa, this may be possible.

Knowledge of the Chinese language is not essential for traveling in China.  You will find many ways to communicate when the language barrier presents an obstacle.

Your school will also be happy to assist you in arranging your bus/train tickets, reserving hotel rooms, etc.

Yes.

Once you are at the school, any other traveling is done independently, with the exception of occasional trips organized by the school.

Investing in a travel guide, such as the Lonely Planet will provide you with great ideas for weekend trips and excursions.

Many teachers travel every weekend to nearby sites.

This varies on your specific school.  You may have an assigned escort from the school.

Be advised that most schools are very protective of the foreign teachers.  Knowing that this is most likely your first trip to China, they will be hesitant at first to allow you to travel anywhere without an escort.  Once you have settled into the Chinese way of life, they will become more comfortable with the idea of you traveling independently to town or even to destinations outside your city.

Compared to travel in the USA, China is inexpensive.

Most teachers find it possible to include some traveling in their budgets.

Traveling by train and bus is the cheapest and most common way to get around the country.  Teachers have found that Hostels in China are safe, clean, fun, and cheap places to stay.

Once the semester is done, if you have the desire to travel, you are free to do so.

You are on your own to stay as long as you would like, until your visa expires.

China Horizons will help to coordinate and change your air departure date.

You will be responsible for travel, safety, health, and your own wellbeing.  China Horizons takes no responsibility for a teacher who chooses to stay in China after their contract with the school has expired.

Yes.

If you desire to see these places, you can make arrangements to do so during vacation times, weekends, or after the semester ends.

China is very well connected through rail lines and airlines, and if a teacher dedicates themselves to going to a few of these places, they will most likely be able to.

For teachers who are teaching one semester, visas are good for 180 days, single entry.  You will be teaching for approximately 130 days.  You are free to stay in China until your visa expires.

You will be responsible for travel, safety, health, and your own wellbeing.  China Horizons takes no responsibility for a teacher who chooses to stay in China after their contract with the school has expired.

Paid Positions – For fall and winter contracts, the salary is between 450 to 650 US dollars per month, which by Chinese standards is quite a bit.  Your salary will be paid in Chinese currency

Paid Positions – Teachers are typically paid at the end or beginning of each month.

Paid Positions – The individual schools will pay your monthly salary.  China Horizons has contracted with them to be responsible for teacher salaries.

Paid Positions – Your schools will help you set up an account at a local bank.  The school will either pay you directly each month in cash, or will direct deposit your money into your account.

You can use an ATM card to withdraw money as you need it.

No.

China Horizons has no affiliation with any religion or church.

Yes.

China Horizons supports the Chinese government’s policy of not allowing the active or passive proselyting of any religion in China.  This is strictly enforced.

Any religious materials brought to China should be for personal use only.

No participant should engage in formal or informal missionary activities in any way. Teachers found violating these conditions will be sent home immediately.

Contact a China Horizons representative for more detail regarding specific religions and available church services

• Email: info@chinahorizons.org
• Call: 801.203.3401
• “Like” China Horizons on Facebook

Yes.

• Email China Horizons and ask to be put in contact with a past teacher.
• “Like” China Horizons on Facebook.  Look to see if you have any friends that also “like” China Horizons.  If you do, then you already have people you can contact.  Even if you don’t have any friends who also “like” China Horizons, you can use Facebook to get in contact with hundreds of past teachers.