Teaching English in Xi'an, China

See also the website of Global Volunteers, which is affiliated with the program described below.


A message from the president of the Sino-American Society:

China is going deeper into her reform in the field of education by following her successful reform in economics. Education reform starts with English teaching, which is now focused on speaking and listening. However this reform is in full swing only in a few schools and then only as an experiment. Xi'an Bo-Ai School is one of these experimental schools and the only one in Xi'an. The authorities encourage new ideas and new ways of teaching as adpoted from Western countries. The school and the students are ready to accept anything new and positive.

Being a newly built private school free from conventional ideas, Xi’an Bo-Ai School is the only authorized school in Xi’an for overseas programs. In the past three years, they have hosted foreign teachers and students from the US, Australia, England, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Last summer they sponsored the 2000 Summer English Language Program with the participation of 55 language instructors from North America. They will continue to sponsor this program this coming summer. Right now over 30 Korean students from Seoul are attending the school.

My wife Mary Niu, a retired English professor, volunteers in assisting the overseas programs in Bo-Ai School. They need 6 teachers from North America to teach conversational English all year round. American senior couples, college students and graduates are most welcome to participate in this program. The school is very flexible, and the duration of a foreign teacher's stay varies; it could be a school year, a semester, or 3 months. The school provides the American teachers with lodging, meals, weekend tours, laundry service, and internet facilities free of charge. In addition a monthly stipend of 1500 Yuan is given to each teacher (living costs are low; a Chinese teacher's monthly salary is between 800 to 1200 Yuan).

The students range from 7 to 17 years old (elementary, middle and high school). The teaching load is 3 hours a day, five days a week. There is no written homework to review. Upon request of the foreign teachers, the school offers classes in Chinese culture, Chinese language, arts, Taiji, martial arts, Chinese cooking, etc. All the teachers and staff, including North American teachers, live in the dorm building on the campus.

This is a service/learning program suitable for everyone; graduates who want to further their study in China cheaply; college students who want to have their internships in China; senior citizens who want to experience China by living and volunteering here. Since this is an authorized school, Bo-Ai can send the official visa invitations within 3 workdays upon receipt of passport information. Detailed information is available upon request.

This is a very good opportunity for the Chinese to learn about American culture. It is also a very good opportunity for Americans to learn about China and help shape China's future!

The school also sponsors short-term (3 weeks) instructors for the Summer English Program between July and August every year. If you are interested, I can send you that information as well.

An Wei, President
Sino-American Society
Box 59, Xiaozhai Youju
Xi'an, China 710061
Fax: +86 29 5529891
Email: anweisas@263.net / ansnow@china.com