Frequently Asked Questions
Educate. Experience. Explore.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
LHCEC matches volunteer teachers interested in having an authentic overseas experience with schools in China who are looking for English teachers. Our team is experienced so we always find the most suitable schools for our teachers to make sure both sides can have a happy teaching year. As a cultural exchange organization, we offer a more private and immersive experience for our teachers through a range of engaging cultural activities.
WHO IS QUALIFIED TO TEACH?
Since the teaching is generally focused on a broad conversational English curriculum, the required experience fits almost anyone’s situation so long as they are a native English speaker with a genuine interest in helping the students learn English. Furthermore, we work with both the teachers and the schools to ensure that the experience is beneficial and rewarding for all.
DO I NEED TO SPEAK ANY CHINESE?
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. If they know you speak Chinese, they will use that as a crutch. You will need to be creative with instructions and use a lot of charades. You make it fun for them to try and understand and you will see that it’s all part of the experience and the relationship that you build with the students. It will be a challenging but a very rewarding experience.
HOW OLD ARE THE STUDENTS?
Classes range from kindergarten to college. The positions are all in the public schools system.
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 us before you apply.
HOW MANY STUDENTS PER CLASS?
Public school classes can have over 50 students per class, with 30 being the least.
WHAT WILL I TEACH?
In most schools, your curriculum is your own creation. The school may provide some textbooks, you are welcome to bring as many English teaching manuals and materials as you like. Most teachers share the same concern of 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, and you will never know how much impact you will have on the students while inspiring their interest in language learning. The internet contains countless ESL (English as a Second Language) resources. Start looking for possible lesson plans now. Print them off and begin formulating a portfolio of lesson plans and ideas before you even arrive at the school.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
No specific dress code is enforced at the schools. In Primary and Junior High, casual dress is acceptable. In High school and College, a more semi-formal style will be more appropriate. We recommend dockers and a polo-type shirt for males and dress pants and nice blouses for women. Again, nothing is enforced. You personally may feel under-dressed if you attend your classes in jeans and a t-shirt.
Living in China
WHAT IS IT LIKE LIVING IN CHINA?
Teaching in China demands a high degree of flexibility, adaptability and optimism. The Chinese culture differs greatly from western cultures, especially in the area of communication. For example, we (Westerners) are used to talking to the right person to get something done. In China, you may not ever be able to talk with that “right” person directly but may have to go through the school’s established hierarchy to receive a satisfactory answer.
Being in another country, whether with a group or independently, can bring on deep feelings of loneliness. You should prepare yourself for this before your departure; plan activities and ideas to push you through that initial culture shock and longing for home, friends and family. The best way to combat these emotions is to immerse yourself in the Chinese culture by constant interaction with your students and fellow teachers. Making friends in China is easy, and the relationships you develop will open up doors to new experiences and opportunities.
Learning the language is another key factor affecting the quality of your stay in China. Mandarin Chinese classes can be arranged with your host school. Most of your fellow Chinese teachers are more than willing to provide you with cultural and language classes during your stay. You should expect to offer them a chance to practice English one-on-one with you in exchange. Being able to speak with the Chinese people in their own tongue allows you to understand their unique view of the world and enter their society more as a fellow resident than as an uninformed foreigner.
WHAT WOULD BE THE LIVING COSTS IN CHINA?
Although prices in China are rising, the cost of living still compares favorably to most industrialized countries. You will be amazed by how comfortably you can live and how strong your purchasing power is. You can afford a lifestyle you are unlikely to be enjoying at home: get a housekeeper, travel every month, enjoy frequent restaurant meals and nights on the town.
FOOD PRICES IN CHINA?
Eating local food and buying produce from the Chinese markets gives our English teachers an amazing insight into the Chinese diet and a glimpse at traditional Eastern medicine. It also leaves them with money in their pockets for massages and traveling!
- Milk (1L) : 10 RMB
- Eggs (12) : 7 RMB
- Carrots (1kg) : 6 RMB
- Chicken breast (1kg) : 18 RMB
- Rice (1kg) : 8 RMB
- Bottle of water (1.5L) : 3 RMB
- Bottle of Chinese beer (0.5L) : 6 RMB
LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN CHINA
China has a wide range of regional cuisines and eating out is the best way to discover this variety. Chinese people eat out frequently and often entertain friends and colleagues in restaurants instead of having them into their homes. Whether you’re enjoying a meal with friends, working out at the fitness club, or getting a massage, you’ll find that leisure activities are often very affordable in China.
- Three course mid-range restaurant dinner : 80 RMB
- Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles : 25 RMB
- Large steamed dumplings, a common street food : 5 RMB
- Housekeeper (2 hours) : 30 RMB
- Massage (30 min) : 40 RMB
- 1 month fitness club membership : 300 RMB
- Movie ticket, international release : 65 RMB
TRANSPORTATION COSTS IN CHINA
China has excellent, yet inexpensive, public transport and even taxi rides are quite reasonably-priced. The high-speed railway trains have linked most big and small cities and popular tourist places together, so it is quite convenient to travel anywhere in China by train now. At the average speed of 350 km/h, the high speed trains are fast, comfortable and scenic. You can purchase tickets on your mobile phones with the touch of a finger, anytime, anywhere, and can arrive at the stations only 10-15 minutes before departure.
- Three course mid-range restaurant dinner : 80 RMB
- Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles : 25 RMB
- Large steamed dumplings, a common street food : 5 RMB
- Housekeeper (2 hours) : 30 RMB
- Massage (30 min) : 40 RMB
- 1 month fitness club membership : 300 RMB
- Movie ticket, international release : 65 RMB
- Metro ride : 3 RMB
- Taxi rate per km : 7 RMB
- 20-min taxi ride across town : 30 RMB
- City bus : 2 RMB
CLOTHING PRICES IN CHINA
The cost of having clothes tailor made is very affordable. Once you discover the joys of custom-fit clothing, it may be difficult to go back to the rack!
- 1 tailor-made button down shirt : 100 RMB
- 1 tailor-made skirt : 100 RMB
- 1 tailor-made business suit : 300 RMB and T-shirt : 50 RMB
- 1 Pair of jeans : 200 RMB
SAMPLE MONTHLY BUDGET
To give you an idea of how an average volunteer English teacher in China spends his or her stipend, here is a sample monthly budget :
- Gross Income (Stipend) : 8000-12000 RMB
- Accommodation : Free
- Utilities (Electricity, gas, water) : 250 RMB
- Internet: Free
- Phone : 150 RMB
- Food : 800 RMB (In some schools meals are free)
- Insurance : Free
- Remaining Disposable Income : 6800-8800 RMB（$985-$1565)
Note: China cost-of-living estimates are approximate averages for large Chinese cities. Prices do change and vary from location to location.
