Your impact on the lives of these students will be deep and lasting. Learning with them will let you see the world from a whole new perspective.

The Universal Culture School is a place where teachers can feel free to experiment, try new methods, and exchange ideas. Those new to teaching abroad will get a great introduction- surrounded by experienced colleagues and other first time teachers, with a balance of freedom and support. It's also a place where students are encouraged to develop their idea of the world and their place in it by actively participating in cultural exchange with foreign teachers.

Although classroom or ESL teaching experience are helpful for teachers, they're not necessary. Teaching english in China is the first teaching experience for many teachers at UCS. Many are surprised at how well they do. China is still a developing country and the conditions in Yue Yang City are not always ideal, so the best determinate of a successful teacher are flexibility an a good sense of humor is also helpful. (UCS welcomes native English speakers of Asian ethnicity.)

Is this a volunteer job?

Yes and no. Your housing and food will be provided by the school. Lead teachers receive a modest token salary from the school. You will need to pay your own travel expenses. UCS will help you to find inexpensive travel, and can help you find ways to finance your trip.

How is teaching at UCS different from teaching in other schools in China?

UCS is a partnership between Chinese school staff and former foreign teachers, which means teachers at UCS get the best of both worlds. Working in Hunan is an authentic Chinese experience that allows teachers to be a part of a real Chinese community. Experienced, bilingual liaisons ease the stress that can often accompany teaching in rural China, such as language and cultural barriers or extreme isolation. Working with UCS means that you are not going into China as a tourist, but as an educated ambassador of your own culture with a real desire to understand the country you are visiting.

UCS will do everything possible to prepare you for the experience, making sure that during your time in Hunan you feel confident and supported.

If you are considering working in a developing country for the first time, UCS is an excellent choice. There are few opportunities available to have such a balance of support and freedom when working abroad.

Why China?

China is both the most populous and fastest developing nation in the world. Currently, inter country relationships between China and the West follow two models: business relationships which are becoming more plentiful in China, and which are famously subject to problems arising from cultural differences, and charity and aid work. However, there are few organizations working with Chinese partners as equals in cultural exchange. Our hope is that as China becomes more of a player in world events, Americans will see China as a partner from whom we can learn a lot, rather than as a threat or competitor.

Why Teaching?

As China rushes towards modernization, proficiency in English is a coveted skill which gives students a huge advantage in school and business. Unfortunately, access to quality English training is generally available only in large cities or to wealthy families, leaving students in small cities and rural areas even further behind.

Although every middle and high school student in China is required to study English, and English is a major part of the extremely important college entrance examinations, it is possible, and common, for students to graduate high school with 6 or more years of English study and not be able to communicate in the language. The Chinese approach to teaching English relies heavily on rote memorization and grammar rules. Large classes (generally 60 or more students) do not allow for a spoken English curriculum. The chance to speak with a foreigner is very valuable and exciting for Chinese students of English- but it's not enough.

A classroom is the ideal place for open discussion between cultures, where people can share their experiences and learn from each other. Language is the most important tool in communication, and learning to use another culture's language to express themselves is the most depthful way for students to understand that culture themselves.

Most importantly, our students are the future of China and the world. We hope that our students first impression of people from outside their community is that we are friendly and respectful, and that cooperation between cultures is possible.

Why You?

UCS accepts only the most dedicated, open minded people as part of our teaching teams. UCS's Citizen Diplomats demonstrate excellent character and a passion for dialouge that shows our students and partners in China that ordinary American citizens are sincere in their hope to be friends of the Chinese people.

No matter what your profession, an understanding of China is a valuable asset. China will surely become more and more influential in the years to come, and the lessons Chinese life has to teach us are universally valuable.

 

Teaching English in China is an experience you will never forget.

More importantly, your students will never forget you.

 

We are now accepting applications for our July/August 2009 term! Email cara@universalcultureschool.org to apply.

Click here to learn more about the application process.