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TELC Program



To promote the educational and cultural exchange between China and the USA, Teaching English While Learning Chinese (TELC) offers paid jobs designed for college graduates and language teachers interested in the Chinese language and its culture. Participants teach English as a second language to elementary/secondary school students and adults in Shanghai, China, and its suburbs. Teaching consists mainly of Oral English; minimum commitment is one year, renewable. Meanwhile, participants will also have an opportunity to learn Chinese with free Chinese classes and activities throughout their stay in China.

Under the supervision of China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), a non-government organization affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education, the TELC program is operated by Shanghai Pacican Academy (SPA) in Shanghai, a school overseen by the CEAIE Shanghai Branch.

International Education Associates (IEA), a consulting firm specializing in different aspects of international education, and SEF International (SEFI), a firm which specializes in educational exchange programs with China and also works as liaison with CEAIE. In 2010, the two firms agreed to recruit, screen, pre-select qualified teachers for the Pacican Academy in Shanghai. All selected teachers who don't have a master's or Ph.D. degree or two years of teaching experience are required to have a TEFL/TESOL Certificate. Starting from 2014, this certificate needs to be submitted before May 31st (120-hour minimum), as it is a must for the Chinese work visa application.

In 2013, TELC has started a new partnership with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). AASCU is a higher education association, representing 425 accredited public colleges and universities and systems of public higher education throughout the United States and its territories. The mission of AASCU is to promote appreciation and support of public higher education; to advocate for students and member institutions; to provide program support and professional development opportunities for senior leaders to strengthen academic quality, increase access and inclusion. Additionally, AASCU is committed to making a difference for International Education by encouraging and supporting international exchanges and programs. (Website: AASCU)

All TELC teachers are SPA employees during the contracted period of time. SPA administers all aspects of the contracts with the TELC teachers, including making the final decision on the selection of teachers, providing international transportation, processing legal documentation, and providing other benefits. Any issues encountered between the participant and the local school will be handled by the SPA staff and its administrators. Upon arrival, each participant is assigned to a SPA staff as private contact and language/culture mentor.

TELC Brochure (PDF)