Job Discussion Forums

CheekyL · Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Posts: 7

http://www.uschinaedu.org

I have applied for the 7 week program. I am not a professional ESL teacher, nor do intend to become one, but after visiting China last summer, I wanted to go back and experience the country in a more in depth way. I have my BA and will be going to grad school in the fall.

Anyway, this program looked appealing because of its length and cost. However I know nothing about teaching. Does it look too rigorous? What kind of questions should I be asking before I decide to go?

Thanks!

eslstudies · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1061 Location: East of Aden

Summer camps serve two purposes.
Firstly, middle class parents off-load their kids for several weeks.
Secondly, cash strapped foreign teachers already in China look to bolster their finances. Three hots and a cot are standard.
You could encounter some animosity from posters here who feel you're poaching their jobs, and it will be pointed out that you will be losing financially; probably not by much.
I've never done summer camp, but those who have report that it's full on, tiring, but with not a lot of real teaching. The kids want to have fun.
From your point of view, its probably cheaper than staying at home, and you could well enjoy yourself.

upchuckles · Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 111

You get what you pay for.. AVOID!

Tomato_Can · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Posts: 88 Location: Suzhou

I wouldn't pay a company to work here... they should be paying you.

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

Seeing as you're not really into the teaching thing, and going back to school-Try it, and I'm confident you won't want to do ESL in China after grad school- An experience!
Cheers

tofuman · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 937

Cheeky,

Asking about a program like this on this board is problematic. Most of us here are well aware of Chinese business practices: often unethical, dishonest, and designed to hurt the other person. There is often very little consideration that both parties walk away from the deal satisfied.

Essentially what is happening here is this: Whoever is running this camp has figured out a way to maximize their profits by charging you to do something for which you should be paid.

If you are comfortable with that and have the money, have a go at it.

patsy · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 179 Location: china

This is my ninth year in china and i can't believe they are having people pay money now to go teach at an English camp!!! lol, I guess if you really want the experience and have some extra cash.

tofuman · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 937

Cheeky, My initial response as posted above does not consider the ethical implications of "English camp." I spent a little time at one. The lack of real interest in the education of the children on the part of the owners was remarkable.

For China, a very large amount of money was changing hands from parents to school owners. The amount of money was staggering, considering what average wages in this area usually are. And there were a lot of gangster types hanging around, which gave the place a certain odour.

I have since refused to be a part of such schemes because I do not want to contribute my likeness and abilities to these very obvious money grabs.

It would probably be better if foreigners refused to participate in these ventures; however, that is not considering what you might gain from the experience. There is usually plenty of money flowing. That you are paying rather than being paid is almost certainly a rip off.

lychee · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 109

For a lot of us who have been in China for a long time , it is a scam but would it not be more helpful to direct the OP to sites where he can come to China and teach but not pay.
Also may I add, that they get these people by no fault of their own who have no experience in teaching Chinese kids, don't know what is expected of them, land here and I would imagine are really clueless, through no fault of their own.
As a veteran of the Summer camps, I have it down to pat. The games the lesson plans all in a sturdy little plastic folder.
If you do decide to go ahead, find out which level you will be teaching. Search the internet for games related to the topics you will be teaching. Evening activities, fun stuff with groups of kids.
Don't arrive empty handed so to speak, be prepared.
Good luck

upchuckles · Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 111

USCHINA is not affiliated with the University of Bridgeport, it is a private company owned by a guy named X. Weng. who coordinates these programs through affiliates in China.