TEFL Locations in China - Jobs & Contracts
Banking, General Facts, History, Language, Medical Insurance, People & Culture, Qualifications, Sending Money Home, Things to bring, Things to do, Getting Around, Students, Qualifications
ESL Jobs in China, TEFL Courses in China, Teach English China, China Guide
Featured Listing
Teach English in China
TEFL
Certification with ESL Job
in China. Salary USD 750 onwards per month / Accommodation / Visa / Work permit
www.tesolcoursechina.com
The brief guide to banks in China includes the major banks in China, including local banks and international banks having branches in China. Many China banks have ATM'S (automatic teller machine), enabling you to draw foreign currency while you stay in China. If you open a bank account in one of China's banks, you are advised to compare commission rates for money transfer to and from China. Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diner, and Visa are accepted by major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops. Card holders should take and not sign extra slips prepared by unscrupulous shoppers. Below is a list of some major banks in Mainland China.
Bank of East Asia -
852-2211-1333
Arab Bank
Unit 1803, Shanghai Trade Square 188 Si Ping Road
arabbank@online.sh.cn,
www.arabbank.com
Commerzbank AG
Suite 2502, 25/F, CITIC Building 19, Jianguomenwai Dajie Beijing 100004
86-10-8526-2808
info@commerzbank.com,
www.commerzbank.de
Wing Hang Bank
9E Mojesty Building, 138 Pu Dong Avenue, Shanghai
86-21-5054-0913
www.whbhk.com
Shanghai Commercial Bank
12, Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong
852-2841-5415
www.shacombank.com.hk
Bank of China 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong
852-2826-6888
www.bochk.com
Hang Seng Bank
83 Des Voeux Road Central Hong Kong
www.hangseng.com
HSBC
Ground Floor,Lido Shopping Arcade, Lido Place, Jichang Road, JiangTai Road,
Beijing businessbanking@hsbc.com.hk,
www.hsbc.com.hk
ICBC
webmaster@icbc.com.cn,
www.icbc.com.cn
China is situated in eastern Asia on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean, with an area of 9.6 million square kilometers. China's continental coastline extends for about 18,000 kilometers, and its vast sea surface is studded with more than 5,000 islands, of which Taiwan and Hainan are the largest.
China has a continental climate, and a latitude spanning nearly 50 degrees. Much of the landmass is situated in the temperate zone, with the tropical and subtropical zones to the south, and reaching the Frigid Zone in the north, so temperatures differ strikingly across the country.
China is also one of the countries which have a high density of population in the world. The average population density of the nation is 135 people for every one square kilometer. Moreover, the population of China spreads unbalanced all over the country. For instance, the coastal area in the east is densely populated and every one square kilometer lives 135 people on average; the mid area of China has a population density of over 200 people for one square kilometer; on plateaus in the west area, population becomes quite sparse and drops to less then ten people for every one square kilometer on average.
Entertainment avenues are growing in China. The availability of recreational facilities in big cities grows day by day. All the residential areas are equipped with fitness areas including fitness clubs, bowling rooms and swimming pools. Recreation areas in cities such as the singing and dancing halls, night clubs, bars, and KTVs are often open all night. Extreme sports events have found their place in China with quite a few extreme sport clubs like slip board clubs, wheelbarrow clubs, bungee jumping clubs, and para-glider clubs being established. On the heath front there are herbalist, acupuncture and massage centers, sauna and physiotherapy centers, blind massage, and drug-dip bath treatments to satisfy all demands from their customers.
A large number of the larger cities have western style medical facilities with international and local staff. Many of these wards will provide medical services to foreigners and have English-speaking doctors and nurses. There are also some foreign-operated medical providers who cater to expatriates and visitors. Almost all hospitals have emergency rooms to provide emergency assistance to needy patients. When foreigners need emergency ambulance, the hospitals can pay medical costs for the foreigners in advance and provide emergency treatment and medical rescue, escort abroad and other foreign medical services.
Generally speaking, China is a safe country to travel around, and most of people you meet are friendly, honest and trustworthy, however, their culture and living conditions are different from that of your home country, so be alert. Be aware that local laws and penalties, even those which may seem harsh by your home country standards, do apply to you. For example, there are strictly enforced laws which prohibit demonstrations unless they have prior approval from the government. Penalties for drug offences are severe, and include the death penalty, as do certain other serious crimes.
History
Dynastic Period
China is the oldest continuous major world civilization with records dating back
about 3 500 years. Successive dynasties developed a system of bureaucratic
control which gave the agrarian-based Chinese an advantage over neighboring
nomadic and hill cultures. The last dynasty was established in 1644 when the
nomadic Manchus overthrew the native Ming dynasty and established the Qing
dynasty with Beijing as its capital. At great expense in blood and treasure the
Manchus over the next half century gained control of many border areas including
Xinjiang, Yunnan, Mongolia, and Taiwan. The success of the early Qing period was
based on the combination of Manchu martial prowess and traditional Chinese
bureaucratic skills. During the 19th century Qing control weakened and
prosperity diminished. China suffered massive social strife economic stagnation
explosive population growth and Western penetration and influence. Britain's
desire to continue its illegal opium trade with China collided with imperial
edicts prohibiting the addictive drug and the First Opium War erupted in 1840.
China lost the war; subsequently Britain and other Western powers including the
United States forcibly occupied "concessions" and gained special commercial
privileges. Hong Kong was ceded to Britain in 1842 under the Treaty of Nanjing
and in 1898 when the Opium Wars finally ended Britain executed a 99-year lease
of the New Territories significantly expanding the size of the Hong Kong colony.
Early 20th Century China
A revolutionary military uprising on October 10 1911 led to the abdication
of the last Qing monarch. As part of a compromise to overthrow the dynasty
without a civil war the revolutionaries and reformers allowed high Qing
officials to retain prominent positions in the new republic. One of these
figures General Yuan Shikai was chosen as the republic's first president. Before
his death in 1916 Yuan unsuccessfully attempted to name himself emperor. His
death left the republican government all but shattered ushering in the era of
the "warlords" during which China was ruled and ravaged by shifting coalitions
of competing provincial military leaders. After Sun's death in 1925 one of his
proteges Chiang Kai-shek seized control of the KMT and succeeded in bringing
most of south and central China under its rule. In 1927 Chiang turned on the CCP
and executed many of its leaders.
The People's Republic of China
In Beijing on October 1 1949 Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's
Republic of China. The new government assumed control of a people exhausted by
two generations of war and social conflict and an economy ravaged by high
inflation and disrupted transportation links. A new political and economic order
modeled on the Soviet example was quickly installed.
The official language of China is the Mandarin (Standard Chinese), which is the very name of 'Hanyu' or 'Putonghua', belonging to Sino-Tibetan. Mandarin Chinese is shaped and based on the Beijing dialect and other dialects spoken in the northern areas of China. Students are often taught Chinese language as 'Yuwen' in their schoolbooks. It is beyond all doubt that Chinese is the language used as a mother tongue by the most people accounting for about one fifth of the world's population. Chinese once had very great influence on some peripheral countries with their languages and characters, such as Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese. English is a required course and universal education in China and has great popularity. Nowadays many Chinese people can speak Basic English, especially the youth, students, and staff of service trades like hotels, restaurants, airlines, banks and post offices. With a vast territory and huge population, China has many different dialects which are of great complexity. Divided into official and non-official dialects, they vary between different areas.
Along with your teaching contract, comes a medical coverage provided by the school you are attached to. However, more often that not, this is very basic. So, depending on what is provided for you in the contract, get yourself a more comprehensive insurance plan. In fact, many schools advise that medical insurance first be obtained before leaving the home country. Before signing the contract, check what is offered to you.
As of July 2006, there were 1,313,973,713 people in China. About 20.8% of these people are 14 years or younger, 71.4% are between 15 and 64 years old and 7.7% are over 65 years old. China officially recognises 56 ethnic groups, the largest being Han Chinese who form almost 91.9% of the total population. Other large ethnic minorities include the Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uyghur, Yi, Tujia, Mongols, Tibetans, Buyei and Koreans. Over the past decade, China’s cities expanded at an average rate of 10% annually. About 80 to 120 million migrants work part time in the major cities and return home to the countryside periodically with their earnings. Today, the People's Republic of China has dozens of major cities with one million or more long-term residents, including the three global cities, Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Standard Mandarin is the official language in China, which is also known as hanyu or putonghua. Over 90% of Chinese people speak Mandarin, but also may very likely speak another dialect. Cantonese is the main dialect used in Hong Kong and in areas around it. It is vastly different than Mandarin and can almost be considered another language.
Taiwanese is the dialect used in Taiwan in addition to Mandarin. Because of the dominance of Mandarin as the working in China, it may be hard to get around if you do not speak the language. Visitors will therefore need to have destinations written in English so that they do not get lost in the large city.
The Chinese culture makes China an attractive place to visit. The cultural aspects which include the arts, beliefs, customs, institutions and all other product of human work and thought of the country have managed to survive through time and war. There are many wonderful structures, monuments, museums and artwork that enthral visitors. Calligraphy is China’s highest form of visual art and much attention is being placed on the art. Opera is a major cultural attraction and theatre as a whole has inspired the flourishing of martial arts and acrobats. The traditional vision of family life in China is one of a strong family unit led by the father and husband, who largely has absolute rule and control of the family. Religion plays a vital role in defining the roles and responsibilities of family members. However, much of this has changed today. The man of the house influences the major decisions of the children but no longer exerts absolute control. Arranged marriages are now uncommon.
Chinese cuisine is varied and enjoyed best with hot brewed tea. Chinese cuisine originating from various parts of China has become widespread in many other parts of the world like Asia, America and Europe. There are regional differences in the food from different regions of China. There are eight main regional cuisines, Anhui, Cantonese, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. There are also featured Buddhist and Muslim sub-cuisines within the greater Chinese cuisine, with an emphasis on vegetarian and halal-based diets respectively.
Money Wire Transfer
Wire Transfer using a service called Money Transfer is available and is a joint
venture between the China Courier Service Corporation and Western Union. This
service allows instant money wiring to and from 100 countries.
Money can also be sent home via telegraphic transfer, although there are restrictions. Available in larger branches of Agricultural Bank and China Post, fees are $15 up to $500 or $20 over that amount. If there is someone to pick up your money, it's the easier alternative to going using Bank of China to wire money, which is available if you have a Residence Permit and a number of stamps/forms from your employer. There's also a newer service with Deutsche Bank through some China Post offices. The money can be directly deposited into bank accounts. Fees are $12 up to $100 and $19 for anything over that.
When you travel, make your packages as simple and compact as possible. Carrying a light pack will ease your trip, make it more comfortable and let you fully enjoy the pleasures of traveling.
Materials/Documents
Don't forget your valid visa and passport, your identity card, as well as
maybe some of yours certificate photos and other important documents or
materials needed for your travel. Put them into a sturdy and waterproof bag and
have them readily available.
Do not forget any tickets you bought or booked in advance, for planes, trains or ships, and other admission tickets.
Some paper, a pen, notebook and memo book could be handy especially since you will be engaging in a whole lot of teaching. Remember to bring a phone/address list of your families, relatives and friends in case of an emergency.
Make a card on which there is your personal information, including your full names, nationality, home phone and address, in case you are ever in trouble.
Bring your printed itinerary. A guidebook is also helpful for you to know more about your destinations and will save time when traveling.
Clothes
Try to bring clothes appropriate for the weather at your destination. China is
known for having four distinct seasons.
Take leisurewear which will keep you relaxed and comfortable when you travel or sightsee, like jackets, sportswear, jogging shoes and playsuit. In summer, bring several T-shirts and cool pants. Do not forget to bring sunglasses, suntan oil, and a summer hat. If you come across winter in China, be sure to keep warm. Hats, scarves, masks, gloves and down clothes are indispensable, but remember to keep them light and portable. Finally, rainwear and an umbrella are good protection on rainy and snowy days.
Include some clothes for those more formal occasions you may want to attend, such as a show, banquet or cruise.
When in the classroom, formality is expected. So do bring clothes to suit the classroom.
First-aid Kit
Prepare some drugs for routine and emergency use, including antibiotics,
antidepressants, antihistamine, Aspirin, vitamins, acetaminophen, essential
balm, anti-allergic preparations, remedy for dysentery and diarrhea and antacid
for indigestion.
Take along your case history (medical record) and put it into your first-aid kit. That may be helpful when you go to see a doctor.
Personal Things
Money is necessary. Bring your wallet and carry it with you all the time. In
your wallet have some cash, traveler’s checks or bank cards that are available
in China.
Take a camera with enough films, memory cards and batteries. Sometimes an
electric adapter, transformer and plug converter are essential.
Great Wall of China
Visiting the Great Wall is one tourist destination that all first-timers to
China would not want to miss visiting. The Great Wall of China, which is a
scenic spot, appeals to both domestic and foreign visitors. The Great Wall lies
in Yanqing County in Beijing and is located on the ridge of infinite steep
mountains. The highest point of this wall is about 1000 metres above sea level.
The wall is about 7.8 meters in height, 6.5 meters wide at the base and 5.7
meters at the top.
The Three Gorges on the Yangtze River
The Three gorges along the Yangtze River which is the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and
Xiling Gorge are on the upper reaches of the area. Extending from Sichuan
province in the west to Wuchang in the east, the Yangtze River is 189km long and
is a popular water route for many tourists. Nature lovers will love the scenery
along the Yangtze River cruise. The river has also become a regular water way
trade route between the East and the West.
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Emperor Qin Shi Huang
This is located in Xian and is another amazing man made wonder of the world.
This site houses about 6000 life sized pottery warriors and horses of the dead
emperor's guards during the revolution. A major tourist destination in Xian, it
is amazing to see each pottery soldier weighing over 300kg standing 1.86m row
after row in a battle formation.
Acrobatic Shows
Shanghai boasts of the best Acrobatic Troupe in China. The troupe has performed
worldwide and proves to be a wonderful night out for a visitor in Shanghai. The
tightly choreographed artistic shows are performed regularly at the Shanghai
Centre on Nanjing Xi Lu.
Shopping in Beijing and Shanghai
It is always fun to track down the haunts for shopping and get your hands on
some souvenirs. One can enjoy shopping in Beijing, along Wangfujing Street,
which is located to the east of Tiananmen Square. Liuliching Street is a good
place to do some shopping for rare books and paintings in Beijing. At the
Panjiayuan Weekend Culture Market, located at the southeast corner of the Third
Ring Road, one will find antiques, pottery, Tibetan handicrafts and much more.
It is the best place to search for bargains. In Shanghai, visit the
pedestrian-only Nanjing Road which has about 600 shops. Curio Street on Dongtai
Road has ceramics, jade, bronze items, wood articles and writing brushes. Yuyuan
Market is a bazaar of stores which sells Chinese medicine, fans, pottery, and
food delicacies such as dumplings, cold rice noodles and much more. You can also
try your hand at haggling in these street markets.
Getting Around
China is a huge country and flights and the most convenient way of traveling
from one part of the nation to another. The rates of the domestic flight tickets
are fixed and the tickets are not very expensive. Most big hotels will help you
book flight tickets but these will cost a bit more than the original price.
Traveling to Macao or Hong Kong will be bit expensive.
For long distance travel trains are very popular especially with the Chinese. The train lines are connected to every nooks and corners of this gigantic country. In China, the high speed trains like Japanese bullet train have started operating in some areas. These are known as CRH trains. The non CRH trains are in high demand. There are five classes in these trains, standing, hard seats, soft seats, hard sleepers and soft sleepers. Soft sleepers are by far the most comfortable mode of transportation. There are pantries in the cars from where you can buy food. There is boiling water in the train which will help you make tea or instant noodles.
For traveling short distance there is nothing like city buses. These are quite inexpensive also. Bus journeys in the rural areas are not very comfortable as the buses are very crowded and roads are bumpy.
Subways are pretty common way of traveling in major cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou and Nanjing. The subways are very clean and efficient.
Taxis are widely available across the cities and the drivers are mostly honest. Communication might be bit difficult as most of them speak only Cantonese. During the rush hours it might be little difficult to get hold of a cab.
Bicycles are the most unique and best way of traveling in China. There are thousand of bicycles across the country. The problems of cycles in China are that there are many bicycle thieves and riding a cycle within city traffic can be risky.
Pedicabs or rickshaws are common way of traveling in the cities and suburbs. You should negotiate the fare before boarding the cab.
Students
It is possible to get to Vietnam by road and by Air. Major airlines like,
Aeroflot, Lao Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Eva Air,
United Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Qantas
has flights to the major cities of Vietnam like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Air
Asia, Jetstar and Tiger Airway operate the cheapest flights to this country. The
visitors can come to Vietnam by road from Cambodia, China and Laos. From Phnom
Penh is Cambodia Vietnam is also connected by Mekong River. The Hanoi- Beijing
passenger train connects Vietnam with China.
Qualifications
Native speakers are highly sought after when it comes to teaching English in
China. You should have a minimum BA degree and commitment to teaching, love
China and its people. You should also speak clear English and have a good
knowledge of the fundamentals of English grammar. A TEFL certificate is strongly
appreciated. A TEFL certificate gives you the confidence to teach a group of
people, provides an insight into the teaching methodology which will surely make
you a teacher.