Is health coverage provided?
The health coverage that is provided is limited to the RMB amount included in the partner school’s contract. It is up to the individual teacher to arrange additional out-of-country health coverage if desired. Lambton College recommends that all teachers purchase additional health coverage when travelling outside of their home countries. For information on the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), contact the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ or call ServiceOntario at 1-866-532-3161. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Travellers may also be interested in contacting IAMAT (International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers) for free travel health advice. For information on IAMAT, check out http://www.iamat.org/contact.cfm or phone the Toronto Office at 416-652-0137 or the Guelph Office at 519-836-0102. IAMAT also has an office in the USA and New Zealand.
What immunizations do I need to go to China?
Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/index-eng.php for information on immunizations recommended for travel outside of Canada. It is each teacher’s responsibility to ensure his or her immunizations are adequate and up-to-date.
Are there any medical requirements?
Medical requirements for work permits for China seem to vary from province to province. Procedures to meet requirements vary from one employer to another and requirements are subject to change. Lambton College makes every effort to notify a teacher of the medical requirements of his or her specific employer prior to departure from Canada or country of origin, but this may not always be possible. Some schools require the completion of physical examination forms before leaving Canada or country of origin and documents must be submitted to the school in China before an invitation letter, required for a working visa (Z visa), can be issued. A teacher must meet the medical examination requirements of his or her prospective employer. Any costs associated with the completion of the physical examination form prior to leaving Canada or country of origin is the responsibility of the teacher.
What about income tax?
Please contact the Canada Revenue Agency at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html or call 1-800-595-8281 or the revenue office in your country of origin for more information about taxation rules for working overseas.
Should I register with the “Registration of Canadians Abroad” service?
Lambton College recommends that you register with the “Registration of Canadians Abroad” service. Registration with this free service will enable you to be contacted and assisted by government officials in case of emergency abroad or informed about an emergency at home. Please visit http://www.voyage.gc.ca/index-eng.asp for more information about this service.
How is the Contract Renewed?
The option to renew is by mutual agreement with the partner school in China.
How old are the students?
The students are between 17 and 22 years of age.
How large are the EFL classes?
EFL classes have approximately 20 -25 students.
What is the EFL curriculum?
The EFL program uses the Interchange Series which includes a textbook, workbook and teacher manual for each level. EFL courses are graded Credit or Fail with a minimum of 80% required to earn a credit. Additional materials are available at the school. Lambton College has recently developed an on-line resource for the sharing of supplemental teaching materials.
What about academic courses?
A course outline with course description, learning outcomes, resources, supplemental resources, special equipment, methodology, student evaluation methods, and unit objectives is provided for all business and English courses. Course portfolios are also available at the school.
Where are classes held?
Classes are held on the university or college campus in regular classrooms.
Where is my living accommodation?
The teachers’ residence is on the college campus.
What should I take with me?
Besides your personal effects, almost everything is available in China. If you are a person of size, you will likely find buying clothes or large footwear in China challenging and more expensive than smaller sizes. Their XL is, at best, our large size.
What is included in my living quarters?
Studio apartments at JLU-LC in Changchun consist of a bedsitting-room, a kitchen, and a bathroom with western-style toilet, shower, and washing machine. All are furnished with a bed, bedding, computer, desk/chair, TV (with an English channel), telephone, and Internet access. Apartments for couples are larger, usually with an extra living room/office. This accommodation information is based on accommodations in Changchun. One bedroom apartments are provided by Jiangnan University-Lambton College in Wuxi. Accommodation at other locations may be slightly different. We make every attempt to clarify accommodation inclusions/exclusions for teachers at each location when possible.
Am I paid in RMB or in Canadian/US dollars?
You will be paid in RMB, but the school will exchange up to 70% of it for U.S. dollars for you or will help you to do so before you return home.
Can I send money home?
If you need to send money home, the school can assist you with sending a bank draft.
Do I get paid during the break between fall and winter terms?
If you are staying for a second term, the school will pay you either one month’s salary with travel bonus OR return airfare for a between semester visit home. This policy applies to Jilin University-Lambton College and Jiangnan University-Lambton College. Hubei University of Technology and Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University will pay the teacher’s salary between semesters.
What immunizations do I need to go to China?
It is best to check with your local health department or your physician, as requirements change from time to time. In Sarnia, the Health Unit in the past has suggested Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid Fever, and if they are not up-to-date, Polio and Tetanus/Diphtheria. It is each teacher’s responsibility to ensure his or her immunizations are up-to-date.
I have a medical condition that requires medication. Should I get a 6-month or 1-year supply to take with me?
Although most medications are available in China, the best bet is to get your Family Physician to prescribe your medications and take them with you. We know that there are two categories of medication available in China, the local variety and the western variety. Western medications are expensive.
What type of visa will I have?
You will have a Working Visa (Z Visa)
What is English Corner?
English Corner is a voluntary activity for students held in the evening. EFL teachers hold informal sessions for students to practice their English and learn about Western culture. Participation by the teacher is voluntary or may be included as part of the teaching hours depending on the school.