May 10th, 2010
My wife and I were in our mid 60s when we went to China on behalf of WSIEA.
It was a marvelous life changing experience. After a full year we missed it so much we returned for another assignment in another city. Different but equally fascinating. Now, after several years, we are considering a third adventure with WSIEA. It enabled us to travel extensively throughout China and Tibet. We were treated with respect everywhere we went, never felt threatened, made some marvelous friends and learned so much about ourselves and what the world is up to.
You are a teacher and you will work very hard but by your students you will be taught.
You need a perception but be prepared for a much different reality.
WSIEA has many contacts in China. It is not easy matching the two cultures. Don’t expect to be treated like it is a travel experience. There will be issues and this isn’t America.
Jim & Sylvia (Bainbridge Island, WA)
Experience in Shanghai and Ningbo
March 6th, 2010
Hi Shannon-
China is great! Everything is going pretty well, except for the fact that it’s been raining for the past 8 days. I am still getting used to everything. Thanks for checking in.
Jadwiga K. (Chicago, IL)
Experience in Shanghai
February 16th, 2010
Hi Shannon!
Xin Nian Kuai Le! I am nearing the end of a very long break for Chinese New Year and preparing for next semester. I do like teaching here and I’m learning a lot about the language and culture.
Take care,
Lauren L. (Chicago, IL)
Experience in Shanghai
November 9th, 2009
I found WSIEA’s program online. There was a teaching abroad website that had many different programs around the world and I inquired about teaching in China with WSIEA. The WSIEA program met all the requirements I needed. They provide for living and provide a basic income in return for my teaching the students at the school. The placement process was very simple and clear. The duties and expectations were not complicated. And the staff was extremely helpful every step of the way. The school picked me up on time [at the airport]. I had difficulty with a few flight delays and the school was still very helpful to pick me up. They helped me carry my bags and get adjusted to the new environment. I teach several classes Tuesdays-Fridays. It is at an all-girls school in Ningbo, China. The Chinese culture is very kind, proper, and generous. The cities of Ningbo and Shanghai are great. I love traveling around largely populated cities. It is a lot of fun. Teaching in Ningbo will help me in many ways. First of all, I am studying ethnomusicology, various oriental instruments and etc. I would hope to have an opportunity for doctoral studies here in China while I continue to teach here. Studying Chinese is also another endeavor of mine. This is a great opportunity. If any English speaking teachers would like to teach in China I would cheer them on. If they are interested in fully learning Chinese and experiencing a kind and benevolent culture they must join. Do all you can to get your Visas, passports, and teaching materials together. You will learn a whole new lifestyle living here. It is a wonderful opportunity and experience you should not miss.
Ms. Ana P. (CA, USA)
Experience in Ningbo
February 10, 2003
To whom it may concern:
I first would like to thank the Mr. Gao Anlin of the Washington State International Exchange Association (WSIEA) for helping me accomplish my long-standing dream of living and working in China. I have been teaching at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SHUFE) since September 2002. Throughout the entire process WSIEA provided me with expert guidance. WSIEA has made my transition from the US to China thoroughly enjoyable and virtually trouble-free. Additionally, during my time here at SHUFE, Mr. Gao has personally kept in contact with both myself and SHUFE in order to insure my continued happiness and success. After working with WSIEA, I couldn’t imagine coming to China under any other terms. I would like to applaud the WSIEA and Mr. Gao Anlin in particular for his guidance, support and friendship during this experience. Should you be considering a post-secondary teaching position in China, I would also like to recommend SHUFE. Mr. Wang Yifeng of SHUFE made the process of negotiating contract terms, gathering up the all the required documentation and applying for the necessary visas and permits virtually seamless. SHUFE has honored all of their contract terms and has done considerably more that what they agreed to in order to ensure that my teaching experience here is enjoyable and successful. The people that I work with are top-quality professionals and the office support staff and facilities are excellent as well. I am happy to provide my unqualified recommendation to the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.
If you are considering working with Mr. Gao and the WSIEA or are considering a teaching position in China and at SHUFE in particular, please do not hesitate to contact me at havlininchina@yahoo.com.
Joseph L. H., CPA
Experience in Shanghai
January 3, 2003
To whom it may concern:
Hello, I first would like to thank the Washington State International Exchange Association (WSIEA) for helping me to pursue one of my dreams, teaching in China. I have been teaching English, Western Culture & Marketing classes in Shanghai, China at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SHUFE) for nearly 5 months now and am excited to fulfill my 1-year contract obligation. Throughout the entire process: from my initial employment search, deciding on the right school, negotiating contract terms, securing needed documentation and post-placement support, the WSIEA was able guide me with excellent success. WSIEA has made my transition from the US to China thoroughly enjoyable and pain free. Throughout my contract period I have not only had every aspect of my contract terms upheld, but actually amplified in my favor. During my teaching period WSIEA has kept contact with SHUFE and I in order to insure my security, happiness and success. I couldn’t imagine coming to China under any other terms. I would like to applaud the WSIEA and Mr. Gao Anlin for their placement, support and friendship during this experience! I would strongly encourage anyone who’s thinking of teaching in China to utilize WSIEA’s service and allow them to pave your way for a fun, enriching and unforgettable experience!
Sincerely,
Shaun M.
Experience in Shanghai
October 16, 2001
WSIEA,
Sylvia and I wanted to write and give you an update on China. We are very happy. It is all the adventure we were seeking and maybe more. It is exactly as advertised. Your efforts on our behalf in this whole matter are acknowledged. Please consider this message an unsolicited high recommendation of your services. In fact, the two of us can’t imagine doing all this without you. If you have any prospective candidates please have them contact us via e-mail.
We work hard but the work is fun. I think we are doing a very good job. We have nine classes each, which meet two times a week for 45 minutes. The classes are big, about 55 students each. That is over 900 young Chinese minds we are influencing for nine full months. Our job is oral English.
There are some 25 other English teachers that handle grammar, vocabulary, reading and other traditional subjects. Our job is listening, speaking and understanding English. There are two other young Americans on the staff. The school does not provide much material to use or tell us what to present. We brought most of our own materials.
The two of us are both members of TESOL, which we find very helpful. Most of our class time is spent reading, re-telling and discussing common subjects. The students have a vocabulary of approximately 2000 words but have had little practice in actually using the language to communicate. They are very shy, unsophisticated but full of teen-age energy. These are third year high school students. About 20% of the class is noisy and not interested in school. Another 20% are very good students and very interested. That leaves about 60% that you spend the most time with and make the most progress with. We are making definite progress with about 900 Chinese young people.
I came with the idea of having discussions about history, myths, literature, current events and so on. I have had to drastically lower my subject matter but still look forward to every day with these kids. Today I introduced 6 new slang words(including rip-off), had them re-tell a children’s story we had read thoroughly the day before and did two mini dramas (a nurse taking a blood sample from a scared patient and a policeman giving a ticket to a woman in a big hurry). I repeated this same lesson plan six times and will do it two more times tomorrow. This is all well within the capabilities of any couple our age.
The school has been very cooperative. It is clean and efficiently managed. We are treated very well. Our living arrangements are better than you described. The food has taken some getting used to. The culture is different but we have adjusted very well. The school is about a mile away from the subway, which is 10 minutes from the center of Shanghai. Getting around the China is different than the US but we enjoy figuring it all out together. There is much to see and do. It is a fabulous country with a very rich culture.
These are very interesting times for China. The two of us are thrilled to be a part of it and give you a low bow for your contribution to our adventure and to influencing China’s future in more ways than we all probably imagine.
Sincerely,
Jim and Sylvia (Bainbridge Island, WA)
Experience in Shanghai