Travel and Teach

The Faculty of Education’s Continuing Teacher Education programs have been helping K-12 teachers develop their skills since 1978. Join us in summer 2021 for an unparalleled opportunity to Travel and Teach in China.

Travel and Teach in China in 2021

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Travel and Teach program for 2021 were cancelled. We apologize for the cancellation.

Brock’s Continuing Teacher Education program offers Canadian students and teachers the opportunity to gain international teaching experience by partnering with schools in other countries.

The Travel and Teach program is providing Canadian university students/ESL instructors/teacher candidates/in-service teachers/retired teachers with the opportunity to spend three weeks in China with a site supervisor and your fellow participants. Three weeks of teaching in China with a classroom of your own will enhance your ESL teaching experience.

Please note this is not an Additional Qualification course. For information on our International Additional Qualification courses traveling to China in 2021, visit the Continuing Teacher Education program page.

For almost 20 years, the FOE has maintained a successful working relationship with our hosts and schools in China. Based on this experience, we will work with you to ensure that you are prepared for your trip.  The professional advisors and curriculum experts who will be travelling with you will be there throughout your trip to assist you in all areas of your professional development and cultural experience.

The $1,590 total cost includes air, accommodation, meals and local tours. $1,590 Program fee payable at application (non-refundable once air ticket is issued). Flights must be booked early, usually by March when ticket prices are within our budget and seats are available. We fly as a group from Toronto to China. Please note that the program fee is subject to change each year.

NOTE:  Once travel cost is paid, a ticket is booked and issued in your name and arrangements and permissions are booked in China in your name. This travel cost is non-refundable. The program is heavily subsidized by our Chinese hosts who expect you to follow through with the teaching program.

Fees include accommodations, flight, meals, group ground transportation to and from airport, daily transportation to and from the school, and some local touring and cultural events depending on location and availability.

Your extra fees:

  • Chinese visa (approx. $200): arranged for you after ticket booking
  • Spending money for souvenirs, personal items, drinks, and the odd meal or individual local travel on free days when you are out and about on your own.
  • Out of country health insurance arranged by each participant.
  • Immunizations as deemed necessary by each individual participant.
  • Please note that it is strongly recommended that participants purchase a travel/flight cancellation insurance policy.

Travel and Teach in China 2021 Application Form.

Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until March 30, 2021. Early sign-up is essential as air tickets need to be arranged. Contact 905-688-5550 x6636 or aqinternational@brocku.ca for more information and next steps. Please note you must have 6 months remaining on your passport from the completion of program date (July 2021). Proof of validity will be required during the application process.

Note that applications will be numbered, spots are very limited, and registrations are being taken now.  However, the needs of the Chinese schools in terms of division and experience take priority.

  • Once your application has been received, you will be connected with the Brock University/International Project Coordinator who will work with you directly to arrange flights and Chinese visas.
  • Pay as directed, and at that point your spot is confirmed.  If you fail to follow through in a timely manner, you will be placed on the wait list.
  • Your spot is NOT CONFIRMED until payment has been made and all paperwork is complete.

Depart July 3, 2021, and return July 25, 2021.

Preservice grads or current teachers who want:

  • An intensive, hands-on PD experience that will prepare you to teach in the classroom of the future where your students will undoubtedly include newcomers whose first language is not English. You will acquire additional foundational knowledge and a unique skillset that will add immeasurably to the richness of your own teaching – for all students.
  • Full-day workshop on Chinese culture such as “Taiji” and “Martial Arts” etc.
  • An exciting travel opportunity.
  • Your commitment in China involves 3 weeks of teaching which you are expected to fulfill. Brock enters into a contract with our Chinese hosts who will make all arrangements regarding your stay. Their expectation is that you come prepared, and that your priority during the 3 weeks is lesson preparation and teaching.
  • Cost to participants is subsidized by China and based on each participant having taught a full program. Any additional cost incurred by failure to complete the teaching (e.g. medical emergency at home, cancellation after flights are booked) are borne by the participants themselves.
  • Every participant must arrange for, and provide proof of, out-of-country medical coverage and be aware of the terms of its use.
  • Every participant must have a current passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from the completion of program date (July 2021) in order to obtain a visa to enter China. Proof of validity will be required during the application process.
  • Please note that it is strongly recommended that participants purchase a travel/flight cancellation insurance policy.

Please note that there is no knowledge of or accommodation for peanut allergies in China.

  • Each teacher has his/her own class of students to teach for 5 hr per day in China with breaks and lunch.
  • Breakfast, lunch, and a stipend for dinner are provided at the school, hotel, or local restaurants.
  • 5 days per week are teaching days followed by 2 free days for free time and local tours; one compulsory tour day per weekend, usually the Saturday, is hosted at no cost and one free day remains for you to enjoy.
  • Evenings – Meetings, Reflection, Planning Time, Free Time
  • If you wish to extend your stay at your own expense at the end of the program, you must indicate your flight return date at the time of travel payment. Return flights to Canada are the most difficult to nail down, since many international students return to Canada in July and August and seats are limited.
  • You are responsible for any extra fee involved in extending your ticket, which the travel agent will indicate to you before booking. The tentative date that program officially ends is July 25, 2021.
  • If family members or friends are joining you, they may do so at the conclusion of the program.  Persons outside of our group are not allowed on site during the program.
  • All participants are expected to travel with and arrive with the group.

NOTE: The teaching and professional development are the priority for the duration of the 3 weeks. Free time is limited. However, you may still be able to enjoy Chinese food and culture as much as you can where your hosting school is located.

  • The teaching arrangements, hotels and food are organized by the Chinese education officials. The schools and the ages and grades of the students who participate are sometimes subject to change depending on local circumstances, so exact information regarding age and grade is sometimes unavailable until close to departure.  This is a summer program for them and they recruit and organize in June.  However, our experience in China has always included students who have just finished K, 1, 2, or 3 (PJ ages 7 – 10).
  • Our hosts are not expected to accommodate for special diets. There is no knowledge of or accommodation for peanut allergies in China, for example.
  • Last minute changes in teaching assignment in terms of age group or exact school are sometimes possible due to fluctuating numbers of students, since students are signing up for the program up until our arrival.
  • Schools are air-conditioned, but not always to the same standard of classrooms you may be accustomed to.
  • Shared accommodation is the norm for the program. It is up to you to select a compatible roommate from among your team members – single accommodation may be available at a surcharge.
  • Roommates are same sex, except for married couples.

For more information, please contact:

Elizabeth Ye
aqinternational@brocku.ca

Dr. Tony DiPetta
Director
x4729
tdipetta@brocku.ca