CSETC Application Instructions

Opportunities are available for 6-month and 11-month durations

  • 6 Month: February - August
  • 11 month: February - January
  • 6  Month: July - January

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • CSB and SJU Graduates; graduate opportunities are open to all majors
  • Six month opportunities are also open to undergraduate Junior and Senior Peace Studies majors*
  • Applications will be considered on the basis of GPA (minimum 2.5), personal statement, experience and references
  • Preference will be given to candidates with any of the following experience: an academic study focus on Asian cultures;
    international travel experience, particularly in Asia; experience working with Asian communities in the U.S. or abroad;
    training or experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).
  • Applicants must have a current Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months after their return from China

*Earning Credit:

Before submitting an application undergraduates seeking academic credit for this experience should discuss with their major department the number of credits the department will support. It is sometimes possible to earn internship credits in more than one department, or a combination of major and elective (COLG) credits. To maintain full-time student status students will need to earn 12-15 credits for the semester, depending on your financial aid status. If you plan to earn credit, after you are selected to participate phone X5799 to make an appointment with the Internship Director to start the registration process for credits.

Responsibilities for the 6 month Internship

During the regular China academic year which runs from Sept. 1 through June 27 interns will be responsible for teaching ESL 18 hours each week on the main campus in Beijing or another area of China if mutually agreed.

From July 10 through Aug. 25 interns will have a choice of two teaching opportunities:

  1. Interns may remain on the main campus to teach intensive vacation classes during the day
    OR
  2. Interns may join in the culture volunteer programs (camps) throughout China. Interns participating in a volunteer program will teach for an intensive period and will also be guaranteed a long holiday for rest and travel around Chinese heritage sites for free. The total teaching hours for this experience will be more than the usual 16 hours per week, depending on the arrangement  of the camp, but after finishing all of the camp activities, the culture volunteers will have a 10 day holiday.

Typically the 1 and ½ month summer volunteer camp period is divided into 3 sessions. For each session interns will teach ESL at the Beijing school for 2 weeks with one day free on weekends and free touring for 2-3 days. The remainder of each session will be spent teaching in volunteer camps around China.

Weekly hours requirements for the 1 year internship are equivalent, but based on 1 year duration.

ESL Teaching responsibilities will include:

  • Intercultural communication with Chinese students
  • Helping Chinese students with English acquisition, particularly pronunciation and appropriate usage
  • Introducing students to the intern's culture and customs
  • Advance preparation of topics and associated materials
  • Participation in program seminars and cooperation with other program staff

CSETC will provide:

  • One-half the cost of round trip airfare to Beijing for 6 month opportunities
  • Full cost of round trip airfare to Beijing for 1 year opportunities Note: CSETC will reimburse your airfare after you have completed 5 months of your internship, i.e. in December for summer/fall interns and in July for spring/summer interns.
  • 6 Chinese classes per week for 10 weeks
  • Free accommodation: Interns will live in a double dormitory room shared with another CSB/SJU intern inside the CSETC campus. Teachers who agree to placements in other areas of China, may have different living arrangements.
  • A monthly stipend of 4500RMB for living expenses which will cover most living costs in China. The first stipend payment will be March 10/August 10. Students need to bring around $500 for personal expenses between the start of the internship and their first pay day.
  • Free pick up and drop off from and to Beijing Capital Airport
  • Transportation from and to Beijing when the interns travel to other provinces during the summer to teach in local schools. The local schools will provide free accommodation and meals during the summer camps.
  • ESL training and classroom experience.
  • An invitation letter for visa applications
  • Upon completion of the internship, students will receive a Social Work Certificate issued by the China Social Work Association.

Students are responsible for paying for:

  • One half the cost of airfare for 6 month opportunities
  • Visa expenses: The CSETC will provide an invitation letter. Issuing fees are the responsibility of the intern.    

The CSB/SJU Internship Office will assist candidates with their visa application.

  • Personal expenses: phone charges, transportation fees, pocket money, etc.
  • Medical insurance: Interns must provide proof of insurance. See page 6 of the application form.

Application Instructions

To apply for the Teaching English in China Internship you will need:

  • Completed Application Form pages 1-6. This form is linked on the Internship Program website (www.csbsju.edu/internship)
  • 3 references:  At least one of your references should be a faculty member at CSB/SJU. References may be listed on the application form or letters may be provided. CSETC may contact references for more information.
  • Resume

Submit your application materials by email to Cher Wang: [email protected] with a copy to Rachel Sherman-Johnson [email protected]. Whenever possible interviews will be conducted at CSB/SJU. 

Visit the link on the internship website Important Preparation and Travel Information or answers to general questions about preparing for a trip to China.  Additional specific questions about the China Society of Education Teaching Internship should be directed to Rachel Sherman-Johnson, [email protected]. Phone X6094to schedule an appointment.

Timeline for Internships

6-mo. February 11-mo. February 6-mo. July
Application announcement sent out October October October
Application Deadline - contact Rachel Sherman-Johnson for specific dates mid-November mid-November mid-March
Applications reviewed and interviews conducted by local CSETC Representative late Nov/early Dec late Nov/early Dec early/mid-April
CSB/SJU notifies spring candidates of acceptance to program mid-December mid-December mid-April
Students bring application materials to Internship Office, ASB 213 mid/late December mid/late December mid/late April
Students arrive in China for orientation and training mid-February mid-February early July
Students begin ESL teaching internship approximately 5 days after arrival
6 month internship ending date mid-August x early January
11 month internship ending date x early January x