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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is teaching experience necessary to participate in the CIEE Teach in China program?
2. Can I request a teaching assignment in the location of my choice?
3. Where does CIEE arrange Teach in China placements?
4. Can I be placed at the same institution as a friend also participating in Teach in China?
5. Can I bring my child or spouse with me when I teach abroad? What about my girlfriend or boyfriend?
6. Why does CIEE charge a program fee?
7. I have not completed my bachelor’s degree, can I still participate?
8. Do I need to speak Mandarin?
9. How competitive is the application process?
10. Does CIEE arrange my international flights?
11. What advice does the State Department give to Americans living abroad?
12. I am not a U.S. citizen, can I still apply for the program?
13. Does the Teach in China program allow me to qualify for student loan deferral?
14. My question is not listed

 

1. Is teaching experience necessary to participate in the CIEE Teach in China program?

   No, but an interest in teaching is necessary. You will receive some training in the theories and practical application of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) during your orientation prior to the start of the program. That said, CIEE encourages candidates with TEFL or teaching experience/certification, English degrees, and other translatable skills to apply as they are highly desirable by Chinese schools.

 

2. Can I request a teaching assignment in the location of my choice?

   You may submit a preference of teaching location but CIEE cannot guarantee that we will be able to honor your request. Final hiring decisions are made by the Chinese schools, not by CIEE. Please keep in mind that flexibility is key to having an enjoyable experience. The earlier you apply to CIEE the better chance you have of receiving your desired location.

 

3. Where does CIEE arrange Teach in China placements?

   Placement locations are driven by the demand of local schools and do vary each departure. In general, we work with schools in urban and town areas in the eastern, central, and northern areas of the country. You should be aware that teaching assignments are generally unavailable in large international cities like Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai due to strict local regulations. No placements are currently offered in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, or rural western China.

 

4. Can I be placed at the same institution as a friend also participating in Teach in China?

   Yes! We are very successful at placing friends and couples together at the same institution in China. Each applicant should include a note with their application materials mailed to CIEE. When possible, please mail in complete applications together. Friends and couples wanting a double placement are encouraged to apply early.

 

5. Can I bring my child or spouse with me when I teach abroad? What about my girlfriend or boyfriend?

   Teach in China participants may bring their spouse or one child with them to China as long as they are able to obtain all necessary visas; CIEE can generally apply for a dependant visa in conjunction with your work visa. Families are permitted to share the same living quarters. Be advised that spouses or children do not have the right to work or attend school in China unless their documentation states they may do so. CIEE does not encourage bringing young children to China but does not forbid it. If you are considering traveling with a child, someone from CIEE would be happy to speak with you about your decision. Participants intending to bring a dependent spouse to China are requested to submit a photocopy of their marriage certificate with their application to the program.

   Girlfriends and boyfriends are not permitted to join a program participant abroad unless they are also program participants. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for a placement teaching at the same school.

 

6. Why does CIEE charge a program fee?

   Your CIEE program fee covers many things related to preparing, training, and supporting your experience. This includes valuable program support before you go and in country as well. We are your reference board and problem solvers should you need advice or assistance. Additionally, your program fee covers your pre-departure school assignment, an in-country orientation program, one-way transfer from orientation to your host school, insurance coverage, program handbook, teaching guides and tools, visa application acquisition, and housing. Please refer to the compensation section of this website for details.

 

7. I have not completed my bachelor’s degree, can I still participate?

   You must have secured your bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the CIEE Teach in China program. However, you can apply while your degree is in progress. If this is your case, please submit a letter from a university professor, advisor, or registrar confirming when you are expected to graduate. Please address your specific situation with CIEE staff.

   Special note to December and spring graduates: If you’re an expected spring semester university graduate, you’re eligible to apply for the August program, and if you expect to graduate in December, you're eligible to apply for the February program. If your diploma is not available at the time of your application to CIEE please submit a letter from your academic advisor or university registrar that confirms you are on track to graduate in May. IMPORTANT: CIEE will need a copy of your diploma by early June/late December! If your school’s regular schedule to issue actual diplomas does not coincide with this deadline then upon request CIEE can provide you with a letter that has previously been successful to expedite this process. Without a copy of your diploma we are unable to obtain essential visa documents from the Chinese authorities that are required by the Embassy.

 

8. Do I need to speak Mandarin?

   No. In fact, most schools prefer that their foreign English teachers are very foreign. However, having some knowledge of the local language will benefit your day-to-day life. You can upgrade your program with the Three-week Language Immersion Program!

 

9. How competitive is the application process?

   Due to the demand for native English speaking teachers in China we strive to accept as many qualified applicants as possible. However, acceptance rates do fluctuate with the changing demand by local schools; sometimes CIEE is forced to create a waitlist. Applicants are considered on a rolling basis in the order that complete applications are received. Early applications are encouraged.

 

10. Does CIEE arrange my international flights?

    No, travel arrangements are made independent of CIEE. You are encouraged to book your flights after your school placement has been confirmed. Travel from orientation in Shanghai to your school will be arranged.

 

11. What advice does the State Department give to Americans living abroad?

    Please consult the State Department travel advisory website at http://travel.state.gov/.

 

12. I am not a U.S. citizen, can I still apply for the program?

    CIEE works either directly with the governments of other English speaking countries or partner agencies to accept applicants from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is most important that applicants meet the hiring criteria for teaching in China: bachelor’s degree in any subject, native language of English, and enthusiasm to share the English language with students of all ages.

 

13. Does the Teach in China program allow me to qualify for student loan deferral?

    Loan deferment is tricky and particular to each individual’s circumstances and loan types, but CIEE will assist you and even provide some basic information and strategy. U.S.-based CIEE Teach Abroad staff can provide official documentation for each program that officially declares the dates of participation, amount of salary/stipend, and the parameters under which the teaching assignment is carried out. CIEE staff will work with you to achieve your goal of a successful international experience.

    Please note that federally subsidized loans have strict qualifications for deferral. Most participants will actually be applying for loan forbearance, a way to temporarily postpone or reduce payments for a set period of time.

 

14. My question is not listed

    The CIEE Teach Abroad program staff will be happy to answer your questions by email teach@ciee.org or phone 1.800.407.8839.