Where is ACES located?

Although ACES is an American company, our headquarters is located in the city of Tianjin, the largest port in Northern China, about 90 minutes east of the capitol Beijing. We also have offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen (next to Hong Kong), and from Fall 2007 will begin operating in Haikou, in the island province of Hainan. We additionally maintain staff across the USA to help with teacher recruiting efforts and communications with universities, etc. Our American base of operations is in Seattle.

What kinds of projects is ACES involved in?

Since 2003, ACES has brought native ESL instructors from the USA and other English-speaking countries to share their culture and teach English language, while learning about Chinese culture and language at the same time. In 2004, we started organizing exchange programs for groups of Chinese professionals and students at American institutions of higher education. We are constantly looking for other ways to further cultural exchange, including faculty exchange, organizing conferences, etc.

What is the management structure of ACES?

ACES is co-owned by American and Chinese nationals who represent top management in the company. Among these are the CEO, Mr. Hung Lau, and our President, Mr. Jijun Sun, who both hold MBAs from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Additionally, each location has site managers. Local management is aided by the presence of head teachers, who have been promoted from their original position as ESL instructors in order to act as a bridge between the foreign teaching staff and largely Chinese management (and support staff) in order to effectively disseminate information, assure teaching quality, minimize cultural misunderstandings, and voice concerns that any party might have. For the most part, management in ACES is team-based as opposed to strictly hierarchical.

What kind of cultural exchange does ACES facilitate?

We consider the vast majority of interactions between people of different nations to be two-way exchanges. The English-speakers we bring to China benefit greatly from their immersion experience, while at the same time helping enrich the lives of the Chinese people they encounter by providing greater insight into foreign cultures. Likewise, the Chinese people we send to America have a great educational experience while they are in the USA while simultaneously serving as cultural ambassadors of China.

On the China side of the equation, we bring native English speakers over to teach English language and share their culture through lectures, participation in different social activities, and simple conversation. The benefits here for Chinese students and professionals should be obvious. At the same time, ACES teachers study Chinese language, learn about Chinese culture, and have a chance to celebrate Chinese holidays and experience the local culture and customs while making Chinese friends. We have also helped our partner colleges in the USA with recruiting efforts, and arranged their participation in different educational meetings, recruiting events, and conferences in China.

On the other hand, we send groups of Chinese students and professionals to partner institutions in the US (including the Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke University, Lock Haven and Clarion Universities of Pennsylvania, and community colleges in the greater Seattle area) to participate in summer camps, tours, professional training, and programs of full-time study suitable for both high school students and undergraduates pursuing degrees. These are great chances for these individuals to immerse themselves in the English language and Americana, while also providing the people they meet in America with a great opportunity to satisfy some of their thirst for knowledge about China. Again, we also help our Chinese partners and clients prepare for their trip to America and make travel arrangements and schedule meetings according to the situation.

Working with ACES

What positions are available with ACES?

Currently, ACES is focusing on hiring ESL instructors. Although we have other positions available for non-Chinese as well, we prefer to promote from within wherever possible. Conscientious teachers with professional attitudes may be promoted to the position of Head Teacher or be offered a job as a recruiter, for example. In exceptional cases, it is possible for such individuals to fully join management. There may soon be a greater number of entry-level positions in our American offices as well.

Who is eligible to become an ACES teacher?

ACES welcomes applications from native English speakers (or those who speak and write at an equivalent level) who are from or have spent considerable time in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. Teachers are generally required to have earned a bachelor’s degree, but this requirement may be waived in the case of short-term student-teacher positions available for American university students in the process of earning their degree.

What kind of experience is necessary to become an ACES teacher?

Although ACES prefers to hire teachers who already have had experience teaching ESL, we will both train AND provide TEFL (Teacher of English as a Foreign Language) certification for new teachers who have not had such prior experience. Note that teachers who come to ACES already certified with at least one year of experience teaching ESL are paid at a higher rate than less experienced teachers who require more supervision and training.

Who are ACES teachers?

ACES teachers come from many different backgrounds. Most were born in America, though some have come from Canada and England. A couple ACES teachers were born in non-English speaking countries (such as China and Peru) but immigrated to the USA when they were very young and thus speak indistinguishably from other Americans. Many teachers come to ACES right after earning their bachelor’s degree, before applying to graduate school, and some come a little bit later in life, seeking a new and exciting job opportunity. All in all, ACES teachers are inquisitive and professional individuals who have come to China in order to gain experience teaching, learn Chinese, travel, and have an adventure living abroad.

How long do teachers typically stay with ACES?

Most teachers initially sign year-long contracts with ACES, though some sign on for a shorter amount of time. There are a number of teachers however, who choose to extend or renew their contracts one or more times. Some ACES teachers even choose to rejoin ACES a year or more after their first contract ended!

What is teaching ESL like with ACES?

ACES provides ESL instruction for students of many ages. Most of our teachers spend a lot of their time at our partner high schools and middle schools in China. Others teach business English to professionals or government officials either at their offices or in an ACES classroom. Sometimes teachers are placed with younger children as well, for example in primary schools or kindergartens. Basically, there is a large variety of student ages and English abilities that we cater to. We try to take teacher preferences into consideration when making teaching assignments, but we also require that our teachers are open to trying new things. Most teachers who have the chance to teach several different age groups are grateful for the opportunity to broaden their horizons.

What materials will I be using to teach?

Teaching materials vary according to the requests of clients. There is a large stockpile of resources and lessons created by previous ACES teachers, but sometimes our teachers use widely published textbooks such as New Interchange by Cambridge. While lesson-planning is essential in any situation (regardless of the textbook provided), lesson creation is something that teachers will usually not need to worry about on a regular basis, though revision of previously prepared lessons may prove necessary at times.

Where will I be placed?

ACES generally has openings at our headquarters in Tianjin, as well as in Shanghai and Shenzhen, while positions in Beijing and Haikou are somewhat more limited at present. Some teachers will have the chance to teach at different locations throughout their term of service with ACES. Although we cannot always place teachers in their first choice of location, teachers are encouraged to state their preferred placement, as well as if they would prefer to stay in one city or if they would like to have the chance to live in different cities in China.

What benefits does ACES provide for teachers?

Of course, the greatest benefit for ACES teachers is the chance to have a fun, challenging, and unforgettable experience living and working abroad in a close community. More tangible benefits include:

²       housing with basic utilities

²       orientation and training (plus more intensive training and TEFL certification for inexperienced teachers)

²       5 hours weekly instruction in Mandarin Chinese

²       airfare and visa expenses

²       basic health coverage

²       4 weeks of paid vacation (plus December 24^th and 25^th or two alternative dates), with additional unpaid vacation available by request (according to work schedule)

²       paid sick days

²       logistical help from our supportive staff in solving daily problems, planning trips, etc

²       participation in social activities, parties, outings, etc

²       stable monthly pay regardless of teaching assignments

²       part-time schedule, with overtime pay for weeks in which a teacher might be assigned in excess of 25 working hours (or 20 teaching hours)

More specific details may be provided on request, and are also stated in the contract we ask teachers to sign.

When do I start?

Although ACES hires most teachers to start in the summer (so that they will be available the whole school year), we occasionally have openings throughout the year, due to the slightly irregular schedule of our corporate clients. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Living in China

How big is the culture shock coming to China?

Most commonly, teachers are so excited to be in China that by the time this feeling recedes, they are already somewhat acclimated. Regardless though, people often start missing home at about the 3 month mark. Come with an open mind and as few predispositions as possible about what things are like over here, and you will almost certainly be fine. Keep in mind that one benefit provided by ACES is membership in a community of Chinese and foreigners that will actively try to help minimize cross-cultural stress wherever possible. Issues that sometimes provide frustration for teachers include differing standards of etiquette, availability of certain foods, service at stores and restaurants, and, of course, the language barrier.

Is it difficult living in China without knowing the language?

It is a mistake to think that English is truly a world language. Most people you will see have learned a little English, but they cannot remember much or are embarrassed to use what they know. That being said, it is not hard at all to find people who are quite conversational. Fortunately, most of our teachers have found learning basic oral Chinese to be quite easy, thought they typically encounter more difficulty with the written language. Until you can communicate in Chinese though, get used to the idea that you might have to use a lot of creative gestures and body languages to communicate.

What attitudes do people in China have toward America and Americans?

Chinese generally know a lot more about America than Americans do about China, but their knowledge is still largely based on an unfortunate hodgepodge of oversimplifications and impressions from movies and television.  Expect most people to have strong views one way or another. The vast majority of Chinese though like Americans and America in general, even when they disagree with US government policy.

How safe is China?

China is generally a lot safer than the United States. There is extremely little violent crime, and even theft is very uncommon in most parts. The biggest dangers to teachers will likely come as they are growing accustomed to traffic in China and trying to make sure they get a fair price bargaining.

What restrictions are there on free speech?

For the most part, China is a country where people carefully guard what they say in public forums but are eager to share their honest opinions around the dinner table. It can be difficult for foreigners to get a feel for how best to address sensitive topics; until you have developed a nuanced feel for how to speak delicately about such issues, it is best to avoid discussion of Falun Gong, Taiwan, Tibet, and the Tiananmen Square Massacre, as well as criticism of the Chinese government. More detailed information about how to approach such issues will be dealt with in orientation.

It is important to remember however, that as teachers, we are not there to “civilize” our Chinese students, nor to teach them morals and values. While teachers are encouraged to share alternative viewpoints on relevant topics, they should generally refrain from expressing their personal opinions in class. Evidence that a teacher has been using his or her position for the purposes of political or religious indoctrination of any kind can be grounds for immediate termination.

What is internet access like?

Unfortunately, internet in China is often not as stable as in the States, so while it is sometimes very quick indeed, it is often very slow as well, and very occasionally it will even just go down for a while. Certain websites are blocked from inside of China, such as geocities sites, for example. Other sites are inconsistently or sporadically blocked. Regardless, blocked sites can generally be accessed through a proxy server, such as www.anonymouse.com. Free internet access is available for our teachers at ACES offices, and some teachers even have internet in their apartments.

Will my ATM card and credit cards work in China?

Your ATM card will work at some machines and not at others, though there will be a service charge attached. while credit cards will be fairly useless in daily life. ACES will set you up with a Chinese bank account however, into which your pay will be deposited twice monthly, and from which you can withdraw using your Chinese card.

The Journey

What can I do to prepare?

You will definitely benefit from learning more about Chinese language, history, and culture (ancient and modern) before coming here. Books and films are an excellent way to do this. Additionally, it is advised that you brush up on certain aspects of American culture that you are interested in; a large part of the educating in which you will be engaged is not merely linguistic, but cultural as well. Additionally, there is a good chance that you will eventually end up teaching a lesson on such topics of interest to you.

What should I pack?

Most teachers pack too much. You do not need to worry about basic toiletries; ACES will provide these when you move into your first apartment. One exception is deodorant, which, in China, can be both expensive and difficult to find. Bring enough clothes to last you for a little while, but do not worry about packing for a whole year, since clothes can be bought here (and at a lower cost as well). In addition to casual clothing, you should have clothes fit for more formal occasions as well. It is best to avoid wearing clothing with holes in it. It is recommended that you bring a laptop computer if you have one, as well as anything that will be a useful teaching tool for you. Of course you can bring books, but don’t make your bags too heavy! If you have any special medicine that you are concerned about, it is better to bring a lot of it with you to China, as it might take some time to figure out where to find it, or what a good Chinese alternative is. Generally, if you are not sure whether or not you should bring something, it is better to leave it at home. You can e-mail info@acescenter.org if you have any specific questions.

Note: If you have any US electronics that you're planning on bringing, (like an electric razor, toothbrush, etc) chances are they're not dual voltage. The voltage is usually written on the bottom; if it says 110-240, it means the appliance is dual voltage and there is no problem!  If it says something between 110 and 120, you'll need a voltage converter to be able to use the item in question, as China uses 220 volts.  These converters can be bought in China for about $8US, but you might be able to get a better deal in your home country.

Should I bring money with me?

It’s generally a good idea to travel with a small amount of cash regardless of where you are going. If you bring no money with you, you might not be able to make many purchases until after you’ve been working for a full month, though this is not necessarily a problem because of the various costs that ACES covers. Traveler’s checks can be cashed at some banks, but are not accepted in stores. It is best to simply exchange some money before you leave home so that you can enter the country with some Chinese currency already in your pocket.

How will I travel to China?

Once you have been hired, ACES will send you instructions about arranging for a one-way plane ticket (note that ACES will later reimburse you for the plane ticket and visa expenses, in addition to purchasing your return ticket for you. Sometimes an airline representative might tell you that you cannot enter China on a one-way ticket… however, this is not true. Almost every ACES teacher to have arrived in China has come in on a one-way ticket! If, after arguing with the airline representatives, you are still not allowed to check in for the flight without a return ticket, it is possible to purchase one with a credit card at check-in, and then cancel the purchase immediately after arrival in China with no fee charged. So far, this has only been necessary for one teacher, but it worked successfully. REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED ENTRY INTO CHINA WITHOUT A VISA. 

The visa process our teachers must go through is extremely convoluted, so instead of reading about it here, promising applicants will be guided through it step by step when the time comes.