Summer in China 2012
Queen Mary and Nanchang University are entering into a long-term partnership, which includes a regular summer trip of QM students to visit Nanchang for three weeks in June/July, teaching 6-8 hours a week of conversational English to Nanchang students, and taking 6-8 hours of Chinese classes themselves.
Those selected to participate will get free or heavily subsidised flights, free accommodation, free food, and free Chinese language classes (including the option of a 5-week beginners Chinese class at QM starting at the end of February, and an intensive pre-departure week of English teacher training.)
Frequently asked Questions:
• What are the dates of the trip?
To be confirmed, we are liaising with Nanchang. You need to prepare for a 4-week commitment (one week pre-departure training, 3 weeks teaching) Proposed dates for the 3-week teaching at Nanchang are start dates of 25th June, or 2nd July, or 9th July.) Do indicate in your covering letter if you have any restrictions on your availability between 18th June to the end of July).
• How do I apply?
Send a CV (experience and/or training in teaching English would be a plus), a covering letter of no more than one side of A4 explaining why you want to go and what you have to offer, and a short piece on 'Taking a Global Perspective' - which can be any format: written (no more than one side, less is fine!), video (no more than 3 minutes, rough-and-ready is fine), drawn, whatever, to: study-abroad@qmul.ac.uk with the subject heading ‘Summer in China’.
When is the Application deadline?
14th February 2012
When will interviews be held?
Week of 20th February (shortlisted students will be contacted with details)
What are you looking for?
Beyond the preference for students with some level of English teaching experience, we are open to anything and everyone, but clearly candidates who will be successful at interview are ones who can demonstrate that they are likely to be able to cope and adapt well to new situations in an unfamiliar country and culture, rise to the challenge of the teaching job, relate well to the students you will be teaching, and demonstrate an interest in learning another language and about another culture. The reason we have asked for a piece on ‘Taking a Global Perspective’ is because having a global perspective, and global experience, in our increasingly interconnected world, is something that is a key characteristic of someone who is likely to be successful in the job market, and highly prized by employers. We hope to use some of the submissions (with your permission) as part of Queen Mary’s Graduate Attributes project, which encourages students to learn and reflect on the various non-subject specific skills and attributes that you are developing while at QM, both through your study and your extra-curricular activity.
Does it matter what year of study I am in?
No – from first years to final years, all are eligible
Do I have to be a British passport holder?
No, but you must be able to get a tourist visa to China.
Does English have to be my first language?
No, but you must demonstrate near-native competence in English, which will be assessed at interview.
Do I have to have experience teaching English?
No – though we will give priority to those applicants who do have training and/or experience in language teaching. All those selected must take part in the pre-departure week of teacher training (regardless of experience – if you have it, we want you to share it with those who don’t!)
I’m a bit nervous about teaching English for the first time - will I be supported?
Yes – we are sending out an experienced member of the QM Language and Learning Unit to support you, on an individual and group basis, should you need it.
How many of us will there be?
5 to 6 students, and one member of staff from the QM Language Learning Unit.
Do I have to know any Chinese?
No – we will put on a new beginners course for selected students, so you can at least begin to grasp the basics before your trip. This will not be compulsory if you already have some basic Chinese. Students already on Chinese language courses at QM will discuss with the LLU the best option for them (continuing with their existing class, or joining the new group).
Can I stay on to do some travelling?
Yes. We may try to coordinate a group flight out to China (to get cheaper tickets), but you are free to arrange to stay on longer to do whatever you want – we will liaise with you on travel arrangements once we have selected the members of the group.
What level of English do the Chinese students have, how many of them will I be teaching, what hours will I be working?
Sorry, we don’t yet have the answers to this! We are communicating with Nanchang, but part of this year’s project will be to find out how the programme we put together as a test this year works, and the QM students participating will work together with a member of staff from the QM Language Learning Unit to produce a handbook on these issues for subsequent years of the programme. They will be students about to travel to the UK for a summer camp, in August, and your job will be to help them ‘tune’ their ears and their voices for speaking in English: generally, Chinese students have a very good grasp of written English, vocabulary, grammar rules etc., but are not so used to oral communication or free expression, so these are the skills which you will be helping them work on, as well as telling them about Britain and UK culture – as you see it!
Where will we be staying?
You will be staying in a hotel on the Nanchang University campus. You will likely be sharing an en-suite room with one of your (same sex) fellow-group members. We have not yet seen the facilities, so are not sure of the quality: it could range from very basic, to pretty luxurious: as our pioneers, please be prepared for anything!
If you have any questions please contact the study abroad office at: study-abroad@qmul.ac.uk
