Frequently Asked Questions

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Thank you for your interest in SABEH’s Summer 2018 Teaching Program. This program is an exciting opportunity to teach in China and collaborate with teachers from around the United States. Below are some important aspects of our program for your consideration. The purpose of this overview is to give you a sense of what a summer in China with SABEH would be like. The items herein will be discussed in detail at our pre-departure meetings (see below). We encourage you to ask any questions you may have.  Contact us at sabehapps@gmail.com.

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What will I be teaching?

The SABEH program emphasizes sharing methodology and pedagogy of student-centered classrooms with Chinese teachers. We build the content of our lessons on the three key principals of effective teaching promoted by the Center for Applied Linguistics in California. Through a variety of different content and subject matter, we seek to 1) Increase Comprehension Strategies, 2) Increase Interaction and Engagement, and 3) Increase Critical Thinking Skills. In some locations, we work with Chinese teachers while in others we also work with Chinese students. The SABEH program is comprised of 2-3 weeks of teaching followed by a 1 week of travel in China. The duration of the teaching program and the travel location varies from site to site.



What costs are involved?

This program could cost between approximately $1,400-$2000. You will pay for your air ticket and visa up front. The full visa fee and ½ the airfare (roundtrip from your location or that from Boston to Shanghai, whichever is less) will be reimbursed within five days after arrival at your host school in China. Receipts are mandatory. The airfare usually ranges from $1,400 to $2,000 depending on the date tickets are purchased. The visa fee ranges from $140 to $225 depending on whether you or the travel agent takes care of it (the entire visa fee will be reimbursed to you in China). Upon acceptance, there is also a $260 administration fee payable when you send in the registration form, no later than five days after you receive the acceptance letter. Tipping is not expected in local restaurants or in taxis, but tour guides and tour drivers do expect tips. Since we have about six days of travel, we will collect approximately 500 Yuan (about $80 USD) from each person on the tour to provide for this. Finally, we encourage you to bring small gifts for 2-3 Chinese teachers who will work closely with you.



What will I need to do before departure?

You are required to attend 4 workshops prior to going to China either in person or via Skype or other electronic connection. These meeting are in March, April, May, and June at Bryant University. There is one debrief meeting and reunion in the fall, usually in October. Additionally, lesson plans are expected to be fully prepared prior your arrival in China. Lead teachers will help with this process. Resources and time can be limited once arriving in China, so it is critical to have your lessons planned out before leaving.



Do I need travel insurance?

The Chinese Visa form asks a question about travel/health insurance. Please check with your insurer to make sure you are covered. We also require that you buy trip/evacuation insurance. There are many on-line travel insurers you can choose from.



Should I visit a doctor before leaving for China?

Please be advised that the temperature in China is extremely hot and humid in the summer, that you may be walking 2-3 miles per day and that climbing 4-5 flights of stairs to and from classrooms is expected. We strongly suggest you consult with a trip medical advisor in regards to inoculations and medicines before leaving.



What should I expect for room and board?

While you are at the Chinese school, you will have your own air-conditioned bedroom. When we are traveling on the week-long tour, however, you will share a bedroom with another teacher. Although 3 meals are provided throughout the program, teachers often opt to have dinner on their own or visit another venue other than the planned site. Such extras are not reimbursed. Also, although we inform the schools if we have vegetarians and vegans, there is generally less variety available in public restaurants and cafeterias. Packing a few staples in your suitcase is a good idea.



Will I have access to the internet?

You will have Internet access in both your classroom and in your living quarters. Laptops or tablets are strongly recommended. You cannot access many websites while in China. Facebook, Gmail, Google, and Youtube are blocked by Chinese internet servers but Yahoo, Hotmail, and Skype work well. If you intend to use music, YouTube videos, etc. for lessons, make sure you have downloaded them first.



What is expected of me in China?

Flexibility and patience are key words when working with different cultures. You are expected to be an ambassador of the United States and need to be diplomatic in the classroom and in public.