Zhuhai Program FAQs
What is an average program day like? What's the schedule?
There will be an initial orientation at 4:00pm on the Saturday prior to the course start date, which is followed by a welcome meal in the same evening. The first class will take place Monday morning at 8:45 a.m., at which time we will provide a complete course schedule. Sessions generally run between 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday with regular breaks. For approximately two weeks, you will be preparing to teach—learning all of the things you need to know in order to be successful in the classroom. For the other two weeks, you will actually be teaching each morning and preparing your materials in the afternoons.
What is an average program day like? What's the schedule?
There will be an initial orientation at 4:00pm on the Saturday prior to the course start date, which is followed by a welcome meal in the same evening. The first class will take place Monday morning at 8:45 a.m., at which time we will provide a complete course schedule. Sessions generally run between 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday with regular breaks. For approximately two weeks, you will be preparing to teach—learning all of the things you need to know in order to be successful in the classroom. For the other two weeks, you will actually be teaching each morning and preparing your materials in the afternoons.
How many students are enrolled in the program each month?
Our center in Zhuhai generally hosts between 8 and 12 students per month.
What is the TEFL job market like in China? Will I have trouble getting a job after I graduate?
The job market in China is excellent at the moment. Course graduates should not have difficulty finding work in China as the opportunities are vast. Keep in mind though that the positions and the salaries vary greatly from region to region.
What is the average teaching salary?
The average teaching salary in China is between 5,000 and 8,000 RMB per month (roughly $600 – $900 USD).
Does TEFL International offer any sort of flight discounts to China?
While TEFL International is not involved directly with flights and travel arrangements we would like to recommend STA Travel for all of your travel needs. They offer competitive rates, flexible return flights, and travel insurance. Please visit them at www.statravel.com/teflcourse for more information.
Is there a dress code for this course?
Make sure you have several sets of "teaching clothes", as described in the administrative information available on-line. Women are required to wear either dresses or skirts, or tailored slacks that look like work uniforms or suits. Gentlemen are required to wear slacks and collared shirts. Dress shoes are required for both women and men. Jeans, T-shirts and tennis shoes are not acceptable. The short winter season is cool and mostly clear. However, no housing is heated, so cool weather can begin to feel quite cold after several weeks, and several layers will be needed to keep warm. Tailors are efficient, cheap and excellent.
What will TEFL International do to help me secure employment?
Our knowledgeable staff is available to assist you in resume preparation, interview consultation, and application procedures. Course graduates are also given lifetime access to our extensive database of job openings with contact information and details of institutions all over the world.
Do I need a Visa to enter into China? How long can I stay?
All visitors to China are required to carry a passport valid for at least six months after arrival date. A 30-day single-entry business visa can be obtained from the nearest PRC Consulate or Embassy. This process takes about 2 weeks and costs about 50 USD depending where you reside. You can also obtain your visa upon arrival in Hong Kong. This process takes about 2 days but may cost a bit more.
What is it like living in Zhuhai?
Zhuhai has most of the amenities you would need to live comfortably for the month you will be here. You may be able to cook for yourself. But nobody has done so during the past two years time since there are numerous restaurants near the school, as well as a very complete supermarket, so you have many dining options. The internet is easily available here 24 hours a day for 3 RMB per hour. There are pharmacies and medical facilities in our neighborhood; English-language TV stations from Hong Kong; and a daily English-language newspaper. You can walk by the sea, or hike up some of the hills. There are parks, a museum, historical sites, and lots of typical "life in China". Gateway Language Village School has many students eager to make new, foreign friends with whom they can practice their English.
What's the climate like?
Sunshine and heat characterize Zhuhai's sub-tropical monsoon climate. 90% of the total yearly rainfall occurs from May to October. January and February are normally the coldest months with an average temperature of 14ºC, and June through August the hottest with an average of 30ºC.
