Teachers

In addition to the great demand for English teachers, FOC also receives requests to recruit those with other professional qualifications in such fields as computer technology, agriculture, the medical and health professions, and physical science. We continually receive enquiries from people with a wide variety of professional backgrounds who are looking for opportunities to work in China. During the year 2004, FOC successfully placed personnel in all the above fields of expertise.

The number of requests for English teachers, unfortunately, always exceeds our ability to supply. As mentioned previously, we are committed to recruiting teachers of excellent quality and high moral standards, so our selection process is stringent. As a result of strengthened recruitment efforts, however, the number of FOC English teachers has significantly increased in 2004.

In our screening process, FOC examines not only the academic qualifications and professionalism of a prospective teacher, but also their cultural sensitivity and willingness to accept conditions that may be simpler than would be expected in the foreign expert’s home country. In order to assist the teachers to adapt to life in China, FOC provides an orientation to all teachers and experts who are recruited to work at Chinese educational institutions. Continued monitoring of their adjustment to life in China and their performance as teachers is also one of our priorities.

A further important educational initiative by FOC during 2004 was Cornerstone Training Center in Zhengzhou, Henan. Officially opened in September 2003 in partnership with Henan Agricultural University, FOC operated and recruited teachers for this new training center, consisting of three classrooms and two offices on the main campus of Henan Agricultural University. The training center provides English training programs for children, adults, and teachers living in the Zhengzhou area.

In the year 2004, FOC was also able to arrange for several short-term groups of English teachers. These teams provide opportunities to study and communicate with native speakers of English for those who may not be able to attend regular classes taught by foreign teachers. In cases where highly qualified teachers can be recruited, these short-term programs provide opportunities for training of middle and high school English teachers.

Some teachers may initially offer to work in China for one or two semesters, and FOC is pleased to introduce them. We are even more pleased if they are able to continue teaching for a longer period.

Teachers are sometimes employed as Foreign Experts, and sometimes as Foreign Teachers, depending on their qualifications and experience. Contract terms vary, in terms of accommodation provided, salary offered and assistance with annual traveling expenses.

The map shows the provinces and municipalities where teachers who were recruited through FOC were working during 2004.

* In addition to these teachers who are working with Chinese students, FOC recruited five teachers who work at international schools in Xining and Xian, helping to meet the educational needs of the children of foreign experts.