1. Will I be safe?
ACIC is here to protect your interests. We understand that it might be difficult when you are in a foreign country because of the foreign language and culture. To this end, we will conduct a comprehensive orientation program upon your arrival in China as well as make all initial introductions and perform checks on your accommodation, work and study placements. You can notify us should you face any additional issues and we will work to resolve any problems. You can look forward to a great experience.
2. How can I continue my studies through distant-learning?
Your institution may have distant learning programs that you could take to fulfill your course requirements while in China. If your faculty allows you to take a recognized course in a Chinese university, this is another option. Should both options be unavailable, you may pursue a distant learning course through another university. The University of Southern Queensland for instance, offers a complete program.
3. Will I have any trouble with the law?
By law, no foreigners with a visitor’s visa are allowed to assume any professional positions or be employed in China. Your teaching program, however, is classed as a form of overseas study inclusive of credit point transfers. The program falls under the study-internship category and as such is perfectly legal. What's more, the program is supported by the State’s Foreign Expert Bureau of China.
4. Can I use my electrical appliances in China? What is the voltage in China?
Yes, you shouldn’t experience any difficulties using your electrical appliances here in China. The electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs come in at least four designs: three-pronged angled pins (like in Australia); three-pronged round pins (like in Hong Kong); two flat pins (US-style but without the ground wire); and two narrow round pins (European-style).
Conversion plugs and voltage converters are easily found if you need to convert from a Chinese to foreign system but are a pain to track down the other way round. Try to bring all your converters with you.
5. What qualifications do I need to join this program?
You must be a native English speaker in the final year of post-secondary educational studies or already have an educational degree. The most important thing is that you are interested in teaching and love children. We have schools with children as young as 3 years old and we generally cater to placements all the way up to secondary school level.
6. How long is the application process?
Typically the whole process takes less than 1 month. It is usually a one step online application. First, fill out the online application form. After that, the applicant will receive a notification e-mail in two weeks time advising if he/she meets the requirements. We will then conduct an interview with you prior to full confirmation of your placement.
7. May I have the opportunity to learn Mandarin? Which area is good for it?
Mandarin is China's official language so you can learn Mandarin anywhere in China.
Different regions have different accents but the "spelling" is the same. ACIC provides a free survival Chinese course that you are free to attend as you wish. You may also want to take a Mandarin course at a university or a college and with this we can give you some suggestions.
8. What should I do if an emergency occurs in China?
We will give you training when you first arrive and of course you can contact us anytime if you need assistance. We will also purchase overseas medical and emergency travel insurance for you.
9. Is there anyone who can help me settle in?
Yes. We will pick you up at the airport, provide you with a comprehensive orientation session, and coordinate your accommodation's and placement in school. You can rest-assured that you will be well looked after.
10. What if I have any special requirements, like accommodation, school location, or cities, etc?
Please let us know and we will do everything we can to meet your requirements.
11. What is the program's schedule? Can I join at any time?
There are two semesters per year in China, the Spring semester (Feb. -- Jun.) and the Fall semester (Sep. -- Jan.). You can apply anytime but you will start your placement according to the Chinese school schedule. Each student can apply for a one to two semesters placement. Be advised, if a student wishes to apply for two semesters then these must be undertaken consecutively and this may delay your graduation as credit may only be offered at program completion.
12. How much money will I need to support myself in China?
ACIC will provide for your accommodation and meals, as well as pay for your travel insurance and airfare (See 'What we Provide' for details) If you wish to bring additional funds for anything else of course you have that option.
13. What about my placement?
The placement will be at either an elementary school or a kindergarten. All the children are from 3 to 12 years old. Generally, there are 15 - 20 children in a class and for each class you will be offered a course outline. We can discuss the details later. You will be expected to teach up to 20 hours per week(or 40 depending on program) and there is overtime allowance if you are required to work extra time in the classroom.
14. What is provided with my accommodation?
We provide your basic living conditions - you will have either your own bedroom in a shared apartment or at a homestay. You will also have access to:
TV
Telephone
Air-conditioner and heater
Broadband Internet access
Simple cooking facilities
24 hours power, hot water and gas
Miscellaneous items like bedding, blankets, pillows, etc.
15. Do I have time to travel during my stay in China?
Yes, we will arrange some local sightseeing for you. Obviously you also have the chance to arrange your own trips on your time off and some Chinese holidays like Labor Day (May 1st) and Chinese National Day (October 1st).
16. What kind of social life will I have while in China?
Like most modern cities, Beijing is an exciting place at night – especially since the hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Fitness clubs and beauty spas can be found either in your accommodation or nearby. Then there’s also the option for you to join in any of the expatriate (foreign students & professionals) community activities going on in the city.
17. Is the tap water drinkable in China?
Sadly no - Despite sweeping improvements since the Beijing 2008 Olympics, it is still unwise to risk your health by drinking the tap water in China. Boiled water will be fine, bottled water is always a safe, readily-available option found in stores, restaurants and street kiosks and there are a number of water cooler delivery options.
18. Is bike riding a good way of exploring city life in China?
China has long been known as a "kingdom of bicycles" and bicycles certainly play an important role in Chinese daily life. Riding a bicycle means you have joined ranks with the local Chinese. A bicycle will easily take you to places that other means of transportation cannot usually access while giving you the additional advantage of freedom of movement - you can go and stop wherever you want.
19. Can you give me an idea of how much Chinese Yuan (also known as Ren Min Bi) I will need for a meal? Do most establishments accept foreign credit cards?
The meal price depends on the grade of the restaurant you choose and the dishes you order. Generally 50 RMB (roughly $10 AUD) per person would get you an above average meal in Beijing. An average meal would run a person around 15-20 RMB (or about $3-4 AUD)
Credit cards are only accepted in large hotels and most of the restaurants in China are cash only. In order to avoid embarrassment, we advise you to ask whether credit cards are accepted before placing an order.
20. How about taxis in China?
China enjoys a more than adequate taxi service. Taxi fares vary from city to city but they are always clearly marked on the taxi window and you need to pay as the meter reads just as you would back home.
Most taxi drivers do not understand much English, although those in tourist cities are encouraged to learn and speak some simple English. Non-Chinese speaking visitors are advised to have their destinations written in Chinese and to simply show it to the taxi driver.
21. Can I withdraw money at any time by using an ATM?
You can withdraw money (Chinese Yuan/RMB) from ATM machines of the Bank of China at any time, and 24-hour self-help service is available. The ATM machines of the Bank of China accept most foreign credit cards such as VISA, American Express, Master Card, etc.
You can also make transactions through a bank clerk. Banks are open seven days a week with working hours from 9:00 to 17:00.
22. Is it convenient to make phone calls in China? What kinds of phone cards are available to make International Direct Dialing (IDD)?
IDD services are available at all hotels and post offices and nowadays it is very convenient to make phone calls in China. Telephone booths can be seen everywhere - in hotels, restaurants and airports, as well as on the street. Various phone cards are sold in China and are readily available in post offices, inside hotels or at most street news stands. IC and IP cards are recommended for convenience and low price. Most public telephones you see in China are IC telephones, which are for local, long distance calls and IDD.
23. Can I spend more than one semester abroad?
Absolutely! Many students spend consecutive semesters at their study abroad destination, or combine two different sites for a year abroad.
24. May I talk to a returned student?
Definitely! In fact, returned students are one of your best sources of information about all aspects of the program, and many have volunteered to talk to students thinking about going abroad. Leave a message via our Contact Us page and we'll provide you with some contact information.
25. Will credits from the Study Abroad Program transfer to my college?
Yes in most cases. You will receive an official transcript on completion of your program that you can then submit to your own college or university. It is your responsibility, though, to consult with your faculty beforehand, to determine whether the credits can be applied to your own program.
26. Will it be easy enough for me to ship some of my belongings home at the end of my internship?
China Post provide three options for shipping your belongings home: express air mail; regular air mail; and sea shipment. Express air mail is the fastest method, but also the most expensive. Sea shipment is a much cheaper option, however, it can take anywhere from two to four months to arrive in Australia. Electrical goods cannot be shipped due to the fire hazard they pose. Use common sense when packing your belongings for shipment. Of course ACIC staff will help coordination and translation when it comes time to ship your belongings home.
27. Can I use my mobile phone in China?
You shouldn't have any problems using your existing handset in China - upon your arrival either ACIC or your homestay family will help you purchase a local SIM card to stick in your existing handset. There are all sorts of different phone plans available in China and you can choose the right one for you depending upon your usage.
If you would prefer to leave your handset at home and buy yourself a new one once you arrive (there's no GST in China!), that's another option you could consider.
28. Is the banking system safe in China?
It might seem obvious but it's still worth mention that foreigners are the most likely targets for petty theft in China. It's not advisable to carry large amounts of cash around with you and use common sense when travelling on public transport (don't leave your personal belongings within easy reach or unattended).
There are a couple of things to consider when deciding how best to manage your funds while abroad. Most Australian banks now offer secure internet banking services, a safe and convenient way to manage your funds. To access your Australian account in China using your ATM card will, however, incur an international transaction fee. These fees can add up to quite a bit over a 6 month period and it may be worth your while to consider one of the following options:
1) Opening an account with a reputable Asia-Pacific bank (such as HSBC). This is especially useful for those who plan to be transferring money to and from China.
2) Opening a secure local account upon your arrival with the Bank of China. Depositing any cash you bring with you from Australia into a local account means a) you have a safe place to store it; and b) no costly withdrawal fees. Both ACIC and your homestay family can help you with opening a local account - it's an easy process that can be done in one day - just bring along your passport.
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