FAQ-Long Term Program Questions


Salary

Is my salary taxable?
Any monthly salary under 4000 RMB a month will not be taxed. Your salary should not be affected by taxes.

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The Schedule

Can I start the program after the school semester officially starts?
The schools sometimes allow a short grace period for accepting new teachers after the semester begins of one or two weeks, but not longer. This will also cut into your first monthly salary so it is recommended you start on time
Can I arrive in China earlier then when it officially begins?
If you are willing to purchase your own plane ticket for arriving early then we will reimburse when you schedule begins, but we cannot arrange your plane ticket earlier then the beginning of the program.
What if I need to leave earlier then when the contract officially ends?
Once you agree to a term of employment in your contract you will need to honor that agreement unless it is agreed on with the school and the organizer that you can end your employment early. This holds true even in case of emergency. This is the only way to keep our program financially viable. If you wish to leave early there will be some financial penalty involved.
Can I change my chosen location after I've been accepted for the longterm program?
Sometimes it is possible to teach in one location for half a semester and teach in another location for the second half. This depends on if there is a teacher in another school who has an interest in switching schools with you and it depends on permission of the head master. You will likely have to cover expenses if you wish to switch schools.
Can I extend the length of my participation after I've signed the contract for a certain length of time?
If your performance has been satisfactory and there is still demand at that school or another school then we can arrange the signing of a new contract. More benefits will accrue the longer program you teach.
Do you offer any contracts shorter then one semester such as a winter break period?
Besides the summer program, no, but if this is all you are interested please check back with us regularly as we plan to introduce short term teaching positions soon.
If there is any nation wide emergency (like SARS) and you have to cancel the program while we are in China , what happens?
The contract will be concluded and we will arrange for your early return. In this scenario the schools can only pay you according to what you have worked before, not for intended days of teaching

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Schools

Will there be an English speaking person at each school during the yearlong program?
Yes. Each school has a number of English teachers with proficient English speaking skills. You will also have at least one other foreign English teacher with you. Schools will assign a person to specifically be available to help you with your needs and translations.
Will there be American representatives at our schools in China ?
No, but there will be ACT Center China staff persons available to contact if you have any issues or concerns. At the school normally there will be at least one other foreign English teacher present, and the school will have persons available to assist you with any needs as well.

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Teaching

Will I have help in planning my English lessons?
During the long term program you will need to be more self reliant then in the summer program. We can help you prepare early by giving you website resources for games and subjects to add to the textbook curriculum.
If I have days I cannot work due to religious reasons can I still participate?
If your religious day is on a weekly basis, it is important for such days to fit into the schools regular weekend schedule. The school will also allow for a few standard holidays in your religion if you specify in advance.

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Health and safety

What happens if I get sick or injured?
We will take you to the school clinic if you have a minor illness or injury. We will take you to the nearest western style hospital if you have major illness or injury. If you are sick for an excessive amount of days and you cannot return to teaching you may need to refund the cost of your plane ticket and other expenses incurred.

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General Living

If I have a child, can she come with me?
It is possible. If this is your wish, let us know early and we will see if there are any schools that will accept this arrangement. If you bring your child the program will not cover his or her airfare and we will have to check on a case by case basis with the school you will participate at to see if they will cover his or her food, and if he or she can use the school's facilities.
If I go, can I stay with my boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife?
Yes, of course. School will be happy to host couples as a way to save money on living space. You can live together, but you will need to teach your own individual classes. If your partner wishes to accompany you and refrain from teaching, we will not be responsible for his or her airfare, food or hotel. If you live with your partner it should be remembered that discretion is important around the school.