2017

WLSA Academy

Teacher Exchange in China

Teaching in China is a once in a lifetime experience for your career as well as your personal life. This programme, created by the World Leading Schools Association, provides WLSA teachers around the world the opportunity to teach, live, and grow in China.

World Leading Schools Association Binderij 7F 1185ZH Amstelveen The Netherlands T: +31 20 640 3803 F: +31 20 441 7656

Teacher Exchange in China

Teacher Exchange in China WHO IS WLSA? Our Mission: At the WLSA Foundation, we believe in the power of connectedness. We have done this by creating a strong international network that helps bring students, educators and academic institutions together. We uphold the development of cultural understanding between leading secondary schools by promoting the exchange of innovative ideas and experiences. WLSA aims to create strong and responsible global leaders; at WLSA we believe the next great social movement is right within our grasp.

We achieve this through: 

 

Holistic events and opportunities including exchanges, international conferences, internships, admissions fairs and scholarships for disadvantaged youth Empowering students to achieve their dream of a strong educational foundation and access to higher education institutions all over the world. Encouraging strong educators through in person and online teacher training, access to dynamic curriculum and the opportunity to share knowledge and publish in our WLSA Foundation Academic Record

At the WLSA Foundation we believe education is a shared responsibility and through successful cooperation of international secondary schools we can empower our students in an innovative environment, where we can learn together and enable them to become global citizens who develop the tools for a successful future and a thriving society.

WLSA History: Our founder and CEO, Dr. Jack Jia, moved to The Netherlands to study for his PhD. While studying abroad, he realized that he wanted to make international education more accessible to everyone around the world. After completing his PhD, Jack began searching for like-minded education experts to grow his idea. With enough supporters, a strong goal in mind, and a lot of hard work, the World Leading Schools Association was founded in New York City in 2011. Since that time, we have grown our associate network of schools around the world in order to collaborate and provide students with the opportunities to become global leaders.

Teacher Exchange in China

The WLSA Teacher Exchange Interested in our programme? Here is all you need to know about the Teacher Exchange!

Why?

Our Teacher Exchange Programme is mutually beneficial to all

involved! The WLSA Academy is one of the most innovative schools in China for promoting global learning. We will be able to provide an even better experience for our students with international teachers like you. Your school will hold your position for you while you are teaching in China. In return, upon your arrival home, they will receive a teacher who has taught in a new and diverse culture with a year of international experience. You will be able to grow personally and professionally from a global perspective while teaching at a leading school in China. This will expand and challenge your ways of teaching and help you to become a well-rounded educator!

Who?

The WLSA Foundation provides the opportunity for teacher exchange,

for a period of one academic year, to teach at our innovated and highly-ranked WLSA Fudan Academy. This opportunity is available for teachers employed by a WLSA Associate School or friends of WLSA associate schools. You will be allowed a sabbatical leave in order to teach in China and continue at your school once you have returned.

Teacher Exchange in China

When?

You will be teaching for a

period of one academic year. This will begin with an intensive teacher and cultural training for two weeks in Shanghai. This period will also be the time to set-up your classroom before students arrive at the beginning of September. You will have the same holiday breaks as the students, which includes one month during the Christmas Holiday. The school year ends in May; at which time you can go home or travel through Asia if you like!

Where?

In this packet is everything you need to know on the visa process, cultural differences, and other information for teachers moving to China!

The WLSA Academy is currently part of the dynamic Fudan

campus but we are proud to announce plans to move to a brand new and independent campus in Shanghai. Due to our growing number of applicants and students, we needed a new space to grow our WLSA Family!

How?

We at WLSA will make this experience as simple as possible for you!

Once you apply using the form below (page 16) as an accepted teacher, we will begin the Visa Application process for you (details and directions below). Once you have a visa, WLSA will book your round-trip flight to China and provide you with the booking information. Once you have arrived in China, we will pick you up from the airport and bring you to the hotel where you will stay until you have selected a suitable apartment. WLSA Staff will take you to see furnished apartments near the school campus with plenty of access to public transportation. Once you have selected an apartment, you can move in and begin to make it your own! Now all you have to do is get settled, explore your new home, and teach!

Teacher Exchange in China

Ten reasons to teach in China: 1.

Good career move

The experience of teaching in a new cultural environment will not only create a well-rounded teaching experience, but it looks good on a resume too! You will be able to bring back new skills and a better understanding of challenges that face teachers at your current teaching position. Additionally, you can pick up new skills such as the ability to think on your feet, tailor communication style to different audiences, as well as understanding cultural differences that creates an environment of understanding. These are transferable to almost any working environment.

2.

The students

3.

China is completely different and diverse

Many of your future students will be excited and eager to meet with their new ‘foreign class teacher’! They may also view your class as a chance to relax and take a break from the pressure of their other classes and be able to open up to you. Additionally, teaching new students will provide a refreshing new experience!

To say that Chinese culture is different from Western culture is an understatement. China is a huge geographically, ethnically and culturally diverse country, whose history spans more than 5,000 years. The historic sites are impressive and fascinating, as well as the local everyday life in parks, street markets, and more!

Teaching in China is a once in a lifetime experience for your career, as well as your personal life. This programme, created by the World Leading Schools Association, provides teachers around the world the opportunity to teach, live, and grow in China at the WLSA Academy Shanghai. We are one of the topranked secondary schools in China, with an international and highly rated curriculum and intensive teacher training. This strong Chinese school is supported by the WLSA Foundation and reflects their mission of global education.

Teacher Exchange in China

4.

You live abroad and are not just a tourist

Even a well-travelled explorer will tell you that living abroad feels drastically different from visiting as a tourist. It is not always as exciting and with less going on to distract you, it can be easy to get homesick sometimes. You can try small things, like stopping to chat with neighbours and joining a local gym that will help you feel like part of the community and this is ultimately far more interesting and gratifying than travelling for short periods of time.

5.

You can make new international friends

One thing is certain about living in China and that is, you will leave Shanghai with a network of friends and professional acquaintances. When you start teaching and bond over the shared experiences of the lessons, classroom situations, and students, you quickly form close friendships with the other teachers within the WLSA family!

“Looking back on my time in China brings me immense satisfaction. It's something I feel very proud of and a fantastic memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

6.

There is also a huge variety of backgrounds amongst westerners living in China. You will meet engineers, writers, bankers, doctors, entrepreneurs and of course, lots of other teachers! This is especially true in the larger cities in China such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and Suzhou. Many expats originally come to work as teachers and then move into other areas of work which includes starting their own businesses.

The food is phenomenal Not a big fan of Chinese food? No problem! Authentic Chinese food is worlds

apart from its distant Western version. Every province in China has its own distinct style of cooking, so the variety of cuisine is unbelievable and there is something for everybody, regardless of whether you are an adventurous eater or prefer simple but tasty meat and vegetable dishes. You can also learn to cook these amazing dishes and bring this tasty cuisine back home with you.

Teacher Exchange in China

7.

The travel opportunities are endless

China is a gigantic country with a population of over 1.3 billion people. You could spend your whole life backpacking through it and not see everything. China’s transport network is, by necessity, very efficient. Some transportation includes high-speed trains or slower sleeper trains for those on a budget, cheap flights, and minibuses for hire. You will be able to see mountains, desert, temples, ice sculpture festivals, rice terraces, beaches, iconic architecture – China has it all, and more.

8.

Impressive language skills

Speaking, or even trying to understand Chinese is often synonymous with the impossible, but once you are living there, you will learn the reality is very different. As long as you are willing to put in some work, take lessons, and make an effort to practice what you learn with your colleagues and friends, you can pick up quite a lot in a short time.

9.

Break Your Routine

Living abroad actively encourages you to try new things on a daily basis and there is a sense of freedom that comes with it. With new clubs and groups springing up every day, you can do anything from learning dim sum cooking to meeting entrepreneurs for a drink.

10. Rapid Speed The country is growing in every way possible at a fast pace and shows no signs of stopping. Skyscrapers shoot 100 stories into the sky within a year, the bullet train network connects more and more cities on a monthly basis and shopping malls open almost daily. China built 350 malls last year alone, according to the National Retail Federation.

Teacher Exchange in China

What makes WLSA Teaching Special? Working with WLSA will give you working experience at a nationally ranked school in China, as well as a network of over 50 leading schools around the world. This is a unique type of teacher exchange exclusively through our organization!

Ten Reasons to Teach with WLSA: 1.

Strong International team

WLSA has offices in China and Europe, as well as associate schools all over the world. This provides you with an international support system, not just in China. Living and teaching in a new country can seem challenging at first, but you can be sure that the WLSA staff members are there to support you.

2.

Environment that fosters creativity and academic growth The WLSA Fudan goal and mindset is to help shape well-rounded and international students by encouraging creativity and growth. We encourage the same in our teachers as well! We hope to help you grow personally and professionally through this experience in order to become an experienced and versatile teacher no matter where you teach!

3.

Opportunities to have work published Comprised of original articles, research, and projects, the WLSA Record is a great tool read by our entire network. As a teacher with WLSA you will have the opportunity to have your own work published within our record. Any piece of original work that can be used as a resource by other educators or students around the world is welcome. The record is free and accessible to everyone; do not miss this opportunity to share your knowledge!

Teacher Exchange in China

4.

Network of leading Schools around the world

5.

International Curriculum

6.

Cross-Cultural Dialogue

Our Associates are schools from around the world that are leading the way in terms of curriculum, innovative teaching, and excellence in academia. By teaching with WLSA you are growing your network with the chance to meet with other teachers, administrators, and students from these schools.

Teaching in a different country can be challenging because of the differentiating curriculums and standards that are expected. However, at WLSA, we have an innovative and international curriculum that strives to educate our students with the best educational practices of several cultures. We encourage questions, creativity, and a holistic approach to teaching. In China, Did you know? this is a forward thinking concept, and one you can readily find at WLSA! Soon they will be printing As mentioned previously, our WLSA school attempts to bridge the gap between different cultures through education. This means that we also want to hear from you! We appreciate and encourage dialogue about cultural differences, critical thinking with others, and researching new ways to give our students the best education possible.

7.

Chaperone Opportunities

homes in Shanghai! 3-D printing is one of the most exciting developments in modern technology. They are pushing the boundaries with this new technology in Shanghai where a six-story apartment block was recently printed!

Every teacher will have the opportunity to chaperone students that are interested in studying for a few weeks at a different school through our WLSA Exchange programmes. These exchanges vary year to year, but they will allow you to go to a different western country with your students and experience this exciting exchange with them. In the past, the exchanges took place in the UK, South Africa and Australia.

8.

Great Location

Our campus is located in the exciting city of Shanghai. Shanghai is growing larger and providing more opportunities for new experiences and fun every year. On the cutting-edge of technology, this city is somehow full of innovation and historically rich at the same time.

Teacher Exchange in China

9.

You’ll be teaching at a leading school in China

10.

Experienced in Exchanges

Associated to the Fudan University, the WLSA Academy holds high standards of academia and international growth. Fudan University is a top institution in all of China, and WLSA is no less. Our school is different from other Chinese schools that you might work at; we strive to grow students in more ways than just studying. We foster growth in emotional intelligence, team building and leadership, physical activity and discovering passions. Additionally, we prepare students as global citizens that are able to collaborate and successfully work in a global society. When you teach abroad with WLSA you can feel good knowing that you are abroad with an experienced and knowledgeable organization. We have brought teachers abroad from the USA and Europe to our WLSA campus and our associate schools for many years. Our bilingual international offices and experienced staff are there to support you through the visa process, traveling, apartment hunting, and transportation. We understand that this new experience can be intimidating and the WLSA offices are here to make this transition as easy and fun as possible! We cannot wait to see all that you bring to our school!

Visas and Passports and Airports, Oh My! The process of being hired as a teacher abroad, getting a passport, and making travel and living arrangements seems like a huge headache, right? Quite the opposite! We at WLSA are well versed in the visa process and requirements for individuals coming to teach in China from another country. We will keep you informed of the documents and information we need from you (such as a doctor’s examination), and file your paperwork accordingly. Once your paperwork is filed, we book your flight for you and provide you with the flight information. After you land in China, you will be picked up by a staff member and brought to your hotel to rest. Afterwards, our staff will take you to look at furnished apartments and allow you to select one that fits your style.

Teacher Exchange in China

C HINESE W ORK V ISA P ROCESS FOR A MERICAN T EACHERS A work visa is required for persons wanting to work in China for pay and is only granted if you

and

the

employer

meet

certain

requirements, which WLSA does! The work visa

The visa process for foreign teachers moving to China is relatively simple compared to other countries in Asia. China has a need for an average of 100,000 foreign teachers per year, and attempts to make it as easy as possible for them to move.

is called a “Z Visa”. First, the organization must be accredited to employ foreigners. The most common visa employment is teaching English for which the minimum qualifications are stated as having English as a first language and having at least a Bachelor’s degree and two years teaching experience. The age limit for male applicants is 18 - 60, and 18 - 55 for female applicants. However, there is some flexibility in these requirements so if you can find a willing employer they still have a chance of obtaining approval for you. We understand the age limit seems a bit rigid, but we are actively looking for alternate routes of attaining visas for willing and able teachers. WLSA will send you a government issued Employment Permit and Visa Notification Letter that you must submit with photocopies with your application. This Z visa is valid for only 30 days from the date of arrival during which time you and WLSA will seek a “Temporary Residence Permit” for the duration of your contract, to the minimum of 90 days and the maximum of 5 years.

Teacher Exchange in China

HOW TO APPLY You may go to the Chinese embassy, consulate or other diplomatic mission in person for your application. You can also entrust your friends, a travel agency or visa agency to act on your behalf. There is no need to make an appointment. Mailed applications are not accepted. When you go to the embassy or consulate please be prepared to leave your Passport with them until the application is complete, your visa will be placed on a blank page of your Passport (example below).

PROCESSING TIME It will usually take 4 working days for processing. For example, you submit application on Monday and then you can pick up your visa on Thursday. Additional US$ 30 is charged for 1 working day processing time, and US$ 20 for 2-3 working day processing time.

VISA FEES Fees are the same as the fee for all types of Chinese visas. Generally speaking, a Chinese embassy or consulate only issues single entry Z visas to aliens. A visa applied for in the United States of America will cost $140.00 for American citizen and $30.00 for other citizens. Your visa fees will be reimbursed by WLSA so please, save all your receipts.

Teacher Exchange in China

Step-By-Step Guide Step 1: Your employer (WLSA Fudan Academy) must meet certain requirements to be able to host overseas employees. WLSA Fudan does meet all requirements, so you don’t have to worry about that!

Step 2: You must meet the requirements as a 'foreign expert' and the employer must obtain a certificate stating that you comply. This differs based on line of work; however, for teachers you must have a Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of two years teaching experience.

Step 3: You must accurately complete a Visa Application Form with one standard passport photo attached. Visa application forms will be provided to you by WLSA, and can be found online.

Step 4: WLSA will send you a government issued Employment Permit and Visa Notification Letter, which you must make three photocopies of, and submit them with the completed Visa Application Form. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout.

Step 5: The Z Visa is only valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in China. Within those 30 days you and WLSA will seek a “Temporary Residence Permit” for the duration of you contract (minimum of 90 days and maximum of 5 years)

After hired by a school in China, the Visa Process can be intimidating at first glance. However, WLSA’s three offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Amsterdam are here to support you! Our staff is willing to answer any questions, provide you with information, and more throughout this process. We are well versed in this process, and stay up-to-date with regulation changes that might apply to you. Please contact our Amsterdam Office first as the time difference makes it easier to communicate.

Teacher Exchange in China

Visa Dos and Don’ts…. DO… Check the Validity of your Passport. It is important that your passport remains valid during your time in China and 6 months after you plan to return home. If you plan stay in China for a year, for example, your passport must have at least 1.5 years’ validity left. Ensure you have at least one blank page left in your passport Add one recent passport standard photo affixed on the Application Form. Save your receipts for any visas costs you have acquired to be reimbursed by WLSA Be Patient…it can be time consuming to collect the information that you need, submit the paperwork, and wait for your visa. Make several copies of your passport before traveling

DON’T… Provide any false information or leave anything out of the paperwork you fill out. This will cause the visa to be denied Wait until the last minute to submit your paperwork. Sometime the government will have questions or require changes in your information. It is good to allow plenty of time if that might happen. Leave any gaps in your work experience listed on your CV. If there is significant time taken to travel or spend with family between jobs, please make note of what that is. Book the flight to China yourself. WLSA Staff will take care of that for you and provide you with all of the information needed

Teacher Exchange in China

M OST

Culture Shock TIPS TO COPE WITH Y OUR NEW C ULTURE EMERSION

PEOPLE DO NOT REALIZE HOW DIFFERENT MANY

ASPECTS OF

C HINESE

LIFE ARE COMP ARED TO THE

W ESTERN

W ORLD . T HIS MIGHT SURPRISE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVE IN C HINA. H ERE IS A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO SOME OF THESE ASPECTS SO THAT YOU CAN BE AS MENTALLY PREPARED FOR THE NEW CULTURE AS POSSIBLE .

Poverty You may notice this quite quickly, especially if you venture to the more rural areas of China. This country is still developing, despite its long history. You will notice development such as buildings going up very quickly, newer cars, or more roads and railways. The growth is becoming more and more rapid with Western influences. However, this positive change has not reached everyone yet, and it is important to stay aware of your surroundings in the different areas you are exploring.

Communication At the heart of every culture is communication, however, you are going to a country where a majority of Chinese people do not speak enough English to completely understand you. This can be frustrating whether it is at a restaurant, tourist site, or even taxi driver. Luckily for you, Shanghai is ranked the city in China with the highest number of English speakers. However, this is good to know if you plan to venture to other locations within China. The volume and tone of conversations can also be a change for you. Most people speak louder in Chinese and may come across as angry to you, even though they are not. Be mindful of this difference and you will be prepared in interact with all of the locals.

Teacher Exchange in China

Food One of the most fun and exciting parts of this adventure, but still different from what you are used to at home. The menus and even ingredients may look different to you, featuring things like sea cucumbers, which is a common delicacy! If you have special dietary needs, please let WLSA know and we will make accommodations for you at the school canteen.

Population Density To say there are many people in China would be an understatement. Even knowing this fact, the density of inhabitants may surprise you when you first arrive, so it is important to plan for this. You may look different from what the citizens are used to, especially if you have blonde hair or are taller than average. You may find yourself getting a little more attention than expected, especially in rural towns! With more people around you than you are used to, you might also notice there is less respect for personal space. If you are in a subway or bus, people may pack in until there is barely any room to move. This is a population issue, as well as a cultural difference all wrapped into one!

Time Management You may be used to rushing to be on time or calculating how much time will be needed to complete a certain task. In China, sometimes time isn’t a huge concern. It is very common for a meeting or outing to last one or two hours longer than needed. Chinese natives are more relaxed when it comes to time, especially when with friends or relatives. You may also notice that timeliness is not a priority as well, be patient and enjoy your time!

Teacher Exchange in China

Teaching Abroad with WLSA Application Directions: Please fill in the application below as clearly as possible and email the application and an up-to-date CV to: [email protected]

Personal Information

Date_______________________

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Age

Gender

Nationality

Address

Alternate Address

Home Phone

Mobile Phone

Email

Position Sought & Pay Range

Teacher Exchange in China

Education Name and Location

Graduation Date

Major/Area of Study

High School

Bachelor’s College or University

Master’s College or University

TEFL, TESOL or Certifications (I f s o , p l e a s e

provide number of hours)

Other Education

Can you provide two letters of reference if required? (circle which applies)

Yes

No

Teacher Exchange in China

Previous Work Experience Employer

Position/Subject

Start and End Dates

Motivation In 150 words, please let WLSA know what you want to work in China at the WLSA Academy and what you hope to gain from this experience!

____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher Exchange in China

____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your application!

Teacher Exchange in China

Connect with us!

WLSA Headquarters Binderij 7F, 1185 ZH Amstelveen The Netherlands Tel: +31 20 640 3803 Fax: +31 20 441 7656 Email: [email protected] WLSA Beijing Room 1708, No.15 Building, Jianwai SOHO No.39 East 3rd Ring Middle Road Chaoyang District Beijing, 100022 P.R.China Tel: +86-10-58693510 WLSA Shanghai 10th floor, Baolian Tower NO.299, Quyang Road Hongkou District,Shanghai, 200081 P.R.China Tel:+86-21-65215533