FAQs
Answers to common questions about our American Education Ambassador Program (Teach in China).
Welcome to the US Chinese Culture Center's FAQ page. Here, you'll find answers to common questions about our American Education Ambassador Programs (Teach in China). Whether you're curious about qualifications, life in China, or the application process, we've got you covered. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about joining our cultural exchange program.
You do NOT need to speak fluent Chinese. While this may help you during the initial period of settling in, remember that your primary skill is the English that you already speak as your native language. In fact, many of our teachers consider living and teaching in China as the best way possible to learn Chinese. We do encourage our teachers to learn some Chinese language and culture before you go to China. The US Chinese Culture Center offers on-site Chinese lessons in Columbia, South Carolina free of charge if you're enrolled in the program. If you aren't able to attend it on-site, we also offer online training courses, along with our course on TEFL teaching methods. If you are worried about getting around in China before you speak the language, please relax. Once you're in China, your host school will assign you a bilingual colleague, fluent in your language, to help you set up your work and life upon arrival. Your host school will likely even offer free Chinese classes.
No, you do not need to be in any specific major. At the US Chinese Culture Center, we place emphasis on cultural exchange, fostering the communication between China and America. We're not just looking for qualified educators, but for people with a passion for teaching and a thirst for learning. In fact, you may even teach your major in China.
Yes. The US Chinese Culture Center accepts people from all backgrounds, including some of those who do not have degrees. While you may not be suited for all positions offered, we will carefully review your application and see if there is any position right for you. For example, a Kindergarten teacher or a summer camp counselor may not require the same degree work as a Master Teacher.
The US Chinese Culture Center is a nonprofit organization in the United States, advocating for the interchange and understanding between two great nations. We focus on pairing the best possible teachers with the best possible environments. We are BBB accredited with an A+ rating and certified by The China State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA). With 10 years of operation, we have established a reputable history of taking good care of our teachers. We offer 24/7 support, ensure proper contracts, provide local directors and attorneys in China, and offer TEFL certificates and Certificates for Foreign Experts. The US Chinese Culture Center strives to always be a support system for you and your family while you are with us.
Please download the deferment application from your loan creditor's website. Fill out the form, and select the qualified category as "paid volunteer job for a non-profit organization," the appropriate box for your work with the USCCC. Sign and date the application, and mail it to your creditor's office. That should be all you need to do! Your loans will be deferred while you are participating in the program overseas, which is one less thing you need to worry about. The US Chinese Culture Center's Non-Profit EIN number is: 01-0610140. Please call or email us if you need further assistance.
Yes, there is a program fee that helps us provide comprehensive support throughout your teaching journey. As a non-profit organization, we strive to keep these fees as affordable as possible while ensuring you receive all the necessary services and support for a successful experience in China.
The program fee covers essential services including:
- Professional placement services to match you with the right school
- Background check processing
- Work contract preparation and processing
- Flight booking assistance
- Airport pickup coordination with host schools
- TEFL certification training to enhance your teaching credentials and effectiveness in the classroom
- Comprehensive Chinese culture training to ensure a smooth transition and cultural understanding
- Visa assistance
- Comprehensive support services during your stay in China
Program fees vary by duration:
- One Academic Year: $1,850
- Multiple Academic Years: $1,950 (save money on future placements)
- Summer Program: $1,650
For multiple-year participants, you'll only need to pay a $250 visa renewal fee for subsequent years, representing significant savings.
While our program fee covers many essential services, it's important to note that it does not include airfare. However, depending on your contract, you may be eligible for airfare reimbursement from your host school in China.
If you're planning to bring family members (spouse and/or dependent children under 18), please let us know before making your program payment as there are additional fees of $950 for visa processing and related services for each dependent.
Living costs can vary significantly between different cities in China, with larger cities typically having higher costs of living. We'll always be transparent about these differences during the placement process to help you make informed decisions.
Please note that program fees and related service fees may change due to factors such as fluctuating exchange rates. As of May 19, 2025, visa application fees and visa service fees are separate from our program fee. We recommend checking our website or contacting us directly for the most current fee information.
Yes, we have a comprehensive, three-layered safety protocol for our teachers in China:
- Emergency Registration: During the final orientation, we guide our teachers to register with the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov. This ensures you receive timely notifications from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate regarding any necessary security measures, including emergency evacuations.
- Host School Responsibility: Your host school is directly responsible for your local safety and security throughout the duration of your contract.
- Ongoing Monitoring: The USCCC closely monitors U.S.-China relations and will provide timely updates to both our teachers and their host schools regarding any developments that may affect your safety.
Yes, we are happy to accommodate such requests. We will place your family members or friends at the same host school whenever possible, based on your preferences.
The Chinese government does not require any vaccinations to enter China. However, if you would like to get any as a precaution, or if your physician recommends any, please take them.
You may bring $500 - $1000 USD just in case. You may also ask your bank about your debit card use in China. You may withdraw Chinese money at ATM machines in China for a nominal fee, such as 2-3 dollars for each withdrawal up to 2000-3000 Yuan/day. You may also use your visa and master cards in China.
Most Chinese airports and hotels will let you exchange a few hundred dollars. If you need to exchange a greater amount, you may do so at any Chinese bank.
Yes. You will have Wifi in your hotel and apartment. Airports also have free WIFI. If you need internet access during other times, consider purchasing a SIM card when you arrive in China.
While we fully respect your desire to express your individuality, please also bear in mind that being an American teacher is a great responsibility and how you dress affects the way that your students and peers perceive you. When you are in the classroom, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
1. Be well groomed
2. Cover up any visible tattoo
3. Remove any nose piercings
4. T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, dresses, shorts, and sandals are ok
5. Mini skirts, shorts, tanks, clothing with holes and tears (beggar's jeans), and slippers are not appropriate.
6. Dress colorfully and stylishly for a chance to be featured in our program photos and videos ;)
Although you can use your existing SIM card in China, the international roaming fees are extremely steep. Most teachers buy a prepaid SIM card in China, which can be used for calls and for data. SIM cards are sold at all Chinese airports and local stores. Please buy the SIM cards with the help of the local host staff, who know the best deals.
Most Chinese communicate with each other using WeChat, a free messaging tool with video and voice capabilities. You may want to download WeChat before you go to China so that you can add all the people that you meet. Be sure to share your WeChat username with your friends and family so that you can video chat with each other. You may use other VOIP or video calling service such as Skype.
Unfortunately, Facebook and Gmail are both blocked in China due to government policy. We recommend signing up for a yahoo or hotmail account and have your email forwarded to it. Your school email address should also work in China.
No. A work visa is only required for long-term teachers with a bachelor's degree who are working one academic year as a full-time teacher. As our summer program participant, you qualify for the F-visa, which is issued for educational and cultural exchange, internship without pay, and non-business visits. This type of visa does not allow you to work for money. However, food allowance and airfare stipends are legal payments to you. Please note: You are not working in the summer program, but are a part of the educational and cultural exchange. You are an American Education Ambassador.
We need your passport and visa to schedule your flight and process your work contract with the school. We will make sure that you receive your passport and visa before your departure.
Unfortunately, no. While you may consider them part of the family, the housing contracts that we have negotiated respectfully request that you leave pets at home. University housing and apartments in China where you will be living do not accommodate pets.
Yes. You are welcome to bring your spouse and children with you to China. Your housing will be sized accordingly to your family size. Please see the "Fees" page for a better understanding of the reduced cost of moving your family to China.
Yes. Of course, your spouse must register online (just as you have) and pass our evaluation and background check first, just as all of our teachers do. We'll assign couples to the same school or the same city. You may share the same apartment if you wish.
The limitations for luggage on international flights are always changing, so be sure to check with your specific Airline before packing. In general (though this varies from airline to airline) you are permitted 1-2 bags up to 50 lbs. each as check-in luggage. A third suitcase can cost from $130 and up per piece. You are also generally entitled to a carry-on bag (backpack or rollaway) and a "personal item": laptop bag, purse, etc. Make certain you check with your specific carrier for the allowable dimensions of your baggage.
You will not be reimbursed for an over-weight luggage fee. Please remember that your housing in China will be furnished, and the belongings you must bring are very minimal. Purchasing power in China is strong, and we highly recommend packing in an extremely minimal fashion. Use your over-weight luggage money to purchase belongings in China instead!
Under no circumstances should you lock your suitcases. Airport security will simply saw off the locks. There's no reason to waste your money and time.
Most of the lodging you will be given is completely furnished; if it isn't, you'll know before departure. The furnishings include bedding, cooking utensils, TV, furniture, etc., everything you need to make yourself at home. You should bring your own laptop or smartphone, but are not required to do so. We recommend you bring minimal clothing as clothes (off the rack and custom-tailored) are very inexpensive in China. If your shoe size is 10 or over, consider bringing your own shoes, as they will be hard to find in your size.
A visa is not just a piece of paper that you can receive in the mail. It is a legal document entitling you to enter a foreign country, and is fastened to your original passport at the back. This must be done legally at the consulate, rather than as a document that you can carry separately, which is why the original passport is necessary. The fact that we provide visas for our program participants is a fantastic advantage. Most programs will require any participant to go to the foreign consulate at least twice, once to drop off the passport and fill out forms, once to pick it up (in person). When you come to China via US Chinese Culture Center, we take the stress, worry, and driving out of the equation for you, making it easy and relaxing to obtain a proper Chinese visa. Your passport will be sent by secured mail in the U.S.—there is no safer way to send documents, so you know your passport is safe.
The US Chinese Culture Center has a large placement network all over China, with schools of all levels (between kindergarten and adult schools, universities) and in all cities. Each teacher is offered a different arrangement based on experience and availability. Most of our schools are in Eastern China, but we have schools in every area of China. Long before you are scheduled to depart, you'll be notified of your placement within China, and have the opportunity to sign your work contract. Even if you've been to China before, you'll have the option to discover somewhere new!
It varies from school to school. However, the standard course work load is 20-25 class hours per week for most of our teachers. Kindergarten teachers might have more, so make sure to read your contracts before signing them.
Yes, it is. We encourage teachers to work with us as long as they want. If you come to China after paying a multiple-year program fee, you can renew or ask to be reassigned to another school/city for the next year without paying an extra fee besides the visa renewal fee.
Yes. There are many jobs available in China through the US Chinese Culture Center. While we do bring over and train many new English teachers, we offer a wide variety of careers. If you have a certain specialty or a subject in which you really want to work, make that clear on your application. We will do our best to find you something in your chosen field. We also recruit special talents and experts for many different businesses and multinational companies in China. We are always looking for people with a wide variety of skills, not just English proficiency! We are also on the search for native speakers of languages other than English. If you are fluent in another language, we may ask you to teach that language in Chinese schools instead of English. China is a rapidly growing country with interests all over the world, and schools are eager to expand their knowledge bases in a variety of ways.
While China is a very safe place to live, we do ask that all of our teachers display common sense. The crime rate in China is very low. For example, the homicide rate is only a fifth of what it is in America. The Chinese people are very friendly to foreigners, and love meeting new kinds of people. You will also be able to reach the US Chinese Culture Center in China or in America at any time of day, 24/7. We want you to feel safe and protected. As part of making sure you are safe and protected, we ask that you take good care of yourself. Guard your purse or wallet in crowded buses or shopping centers, lock your apartment behind you, and make sure not to go out with strangers. In other words, exercise common sense.
No. You will be treated as a respected teacher and a foreign expert, just as all of our teachers are. In China, you will be judged only on work performance and your personal character. If you conduct yourself with respect to the local culture, just as with all of our teachers, you will be treated with a great deal of respect from your Chinese colleagues, your students, and their parents. Remember that China is not a homogenous society. While many people in America may think of everyone from China as simply "Chinese," this huge nation envelopes several sub-cultures and has served as a genetic and cultural mixing pot for thousands of years. If you're still nervous, please take a look at our "Teacher Comments" page. You'll see happy, satisfied faces of all colors and genders!
Usually, you will be assigned to teach in the same school your children will attend. Most of our teachers are assigned to a foreign language school or an international school. Whether your child will be at the same grade you teach depends on your child's grade level.
Once you've registered for an account, you'll gain access to our exclusive Resources page. This page contains in-depth guides on Chinese culture, language learning tips, classroom management strategies, and first-hand accounts from current and past teachers. These resources are designed to help you prepare for your teaching experience, adapt to life in China, and make the most of your time abroad. You'll find practical advice on everything from lesson planning to navigating daily life in your new city. To access these resources, simply log in to your account and navigate to the Resources section in your dashboard. The information provided in these resources will give you a significant advantage in preparing for your journey and ensuring a smooth transition into your new role as an educator in China.