North American Chinese Educational Foundation

Frequently asked  Questions

Question: What is the NACEF?

Answer: The NACEF is an non-profit organization that works to improve cross-cultural relations by providing the most dependable channel for engaging the United States and China. This is a complex system that is built upon many institutions and is brought about in many ways. One way to share culture is through ESL programs and teaching internships. Our teaching programs not only teach English, but enable our students to experience Chinese culture as well. Our teaching internships give Chinese children or even adults an opportunity to learn how American cultures. The NACEF is dedicated to build a bridge between China and the United States.

Question: How is the ESL curriculum set up?

Answer: The curriculum for ESL teachers is either entirely created by the intern or jointly created with the schools. Some schools such as the elementary or high schools will have the books that interns need to teach from. In either case the intern is left to decide how strictly the curriculum needs to be followed. For instance, in many schools a book is provided to teach from, the schools would like the students to have homework and be tested. As long as the interns perform these tasks they are free to teach in whatever manner they feel is appropriate. Interns can supplement information they feel is important and provide activities that will aid in the learning process. In short, the interns can call the shots as long as it does not interfere with the schools procedures, which are fairly flexible.

Question: Do you have training workshops for your interns?

Answer: Training workshops are provided for interns as soon as they are placed in a school in China. In the past we have had a number of different options available for interns. We usually provide Chinese Language class to the interns by our experienced Chinese teachers. We are going to set a credit system for interns to get credits which can be recognized by your own college and to give certificate to those interns who finished a certain amount of training courses.

Question: What kind of additional benefits may be available if interns stay for longer than 4 and half months?

Answer: Additional benefits depend on duration of stay and productivity while here. If a intern stays for a six-month period we will also provide traveling expenses for a vacation to Three Gorge Dam and Chung Du, or other equivalently distanced province for one week. In addition, depending on how well the intern performs, we can arrange for a private apartment. Normally interns reside with one or two other interns in one apartment. We are flexible with the interns and will accommodate you as best we can.

Answer: As far as teaching technical classes go, we mainly focus on ESL with a cultural emphasis. There is however, a possibility that something could be arranged. Since we are planning to have some business English classes, there is a high possibility for the interns with business background to do some business English courses. The participating intern will serve as Business intern partially and will be compensated accordingly.

Question: What is there to be done during the summer?

Answer: There are many opportunities to experience many different aspects of business and the educational system in China. The school schedule here is similar to the United States and we base most of our programs on this schedule. From June through September normal school is out of session, however we continue to teach at some summer schools. During this period we also hold English seminars and other projects around the country. These projects may be closely associated with business, elementary, secondary and college environments.

Question: How many days out of the week do the interns work?

Answer: ESL interns work 5 days a week, but only four days teaching. The fifth day is usually used for meetings, planning lessons and taking care of other relevant business. Business interns’ schedules depend on their agreement with the NACEF or assigned business.

Question: What kind of a dress code/standard do the interns have? What would you suggest as far as clothing goes?

Answer: You can pretty much bring what you want, but attire depends on what internship you will be participating in. Most business interns wear khakis and a button up shirt with a tie. ESL teachers should not plan on wearing ties, but they should dress nicely anyway. Females should wear something equivalent. Do not plan on wearing extremely nice clothes, but make yourself look professional. Clothes are relatively inexpensive here and you can get just about anything you want.

Question: How should I bring extra money?

Answer: You can bring your money any way you want. Traveler's checks can be cashed with some effort. The easiest way is to use a debit card or ATM card. Although you must sometimes go to a bank or downtown to find an ATM that accepts US cards, it is much easier to manage your money.

Answer: There are other opportunities to earn extra income while here in China. If you desire to do other work, and your schedules allow it, you can teach extra ESL classes that you will be compensated for. But it can only be realized under the situation that you finished all the teaching hours well. And because of your F visa, you are not allowed by Chinese law to take private lessons apart from the regular ones for any other schools or companies.

Question: Are there any shots or immunizations I may need before coming?

Answer: Other Interns have not had shots and they have not had any problems. If this is a concern, check with the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and Department of Health for more information concerning the conditions here in China. Shots are not required but recommended. If you want to get the shots the ones recommended are: hepatitis A (B also if possible, but it is a three shot series), Typhoid and Tetanus. Interns are easy to get cold here because they can hardly get used to the weather here which greatly differ from the one in their hometown.

Question: While I am there, will I be covered by any kind of medical insurance?

Answer: No, not through our organization. The schools where intern is teaching have a sit-in doctor who has been professionally trained and is available to help you if you need, but fees depend on the treatment. There is no insurance for foreigners in China. You should buy your own international insurance and bring it to China in case of any problems.

Question: Have there been any serious health problems, and are there adequate health care facilities.

Answer: There have been no serious health problems here in Wuhan area since a similar program was established 3 years ago. If there is any medical problem there are facilities there with a professionally trained sit-in doctor who has the doctor certificate. She/He is available to assist in the event of any emergency. Examples are about two year ago that two girls have had their old kidney stones recurred during their stay in Wuhan area. Fortunately they were brought to hospital by sit-in doctor in time and recovered after some treatment. So some of your often-used medicine are recommended to be brought here so that you can have immediate solution when a problem occurs.