The Skidmore College
Teach in China Program

Skidmore graduates and faculty have taught, since 1989 at Qufu Normal University and since 2008 at Sun Yat-sen University, through Skidmore's Teach in China Program. This unique and fulfilling program allows participants to spend one year teaching oral English, composition, literature, and western culture to undergraduate Chinese students studying to be English language teachers.

WHY TEACH IN CHINA?

• Gain valuable work experience in a cross-cultural setting
• Enhance one's understanding of Chinese culture and language
• Recent graduates will prove to future employers special resourcefulness and professional maturity

THE PROGRAM

Participants are expected to teach courses such as Oral English, English Listening, Comprehension, Western Culture, English Writing, Western Culture Through Video, and British Literature. Skidmore provides pre-departure  training and information to participants during the spring semester prior to start of the program year, as well as support during the Chinese visa application and flight reservation processes.

The Chinese university serves as the employer for each participant. Each participant signs a teaching contract for one (1) year and is paid by the university in Chinese currency for an amount equivalent to approximately $350 per month. Participants are provided with a fully equipped apartment, and only have expenses for food, personal items, and personal travel, all of which are inexpensive.

LOCATION

Qufu Normal University is in Shandong Province in eastern China. It has two campuses, one in Qufu and the other in Rizhao, a beautiful coastal city in southeast Shandong Province. Sun Yat-sen University is located in Guangdong Province in southeast China. The university has four (4) campuses that are located on both sides of the Pearl River or facing the South China Sea.

PROGRAM DATES

The Teach in China Program is a one-year placement. Participants arrive in China at the end of August and return home at the beginning of July of the following year.

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Any Skidmore graduate can apply to the Teach in China Program. There is no Chinese language requirement, however previous Mandarin study is recommended and preferred. Graduates from any discipline or field are encouraged to apply.

• Attend an information session
  
• • 9/18/12 at 6pm in Ladd 206
  • 10/18/12 at 5pm in Ladd 206
    
    
• Submit the Teach in China application and supporting documents by November 1st
  
• Have a personal interview with the Program Manager in mid November
  

Acceptance letters are sent out before the end of the fall semester. Those accepted will attend a mandatory weekly pre-departure orientation seminar throughout the spring semester.

LIFE AFTER THE TEACH IN CHINA PROGRAM

To date over 90 Skidmore graduates and a few faculty have completed the Teach in China program. These individuals have represented many different majors, including English, History, Asian Studies, Foreign Languages, Anthropology, and Business. Upon their return to the United States, Teach in China Program alumni have gone on to law school or graduate school in areas like English, Education, International Affairs, and History. They have also worked in international business.