School Communication

When you are first given your options for teaching positions, there are two things that are very important to consider: location and school communication. The first may be an obvious, but just because a school says it is located in a certain city does not mean it will be IN the city. Being in a foreign country, it is always comforting to be around people that you know. Though probably will expand beyond your Concordia friend circle, it is comforting to know that these people are going through the same cultural adjustments, school workload, and teaching dilemmas as you are. After getting settled in, you will find it easier to explore and make friends.

Communication with your school administration is also key. I can't speak for all of the schools, but as for ZUST, communication is minimal. Each person at ZUST has different responsibilities so you must develop relationships with at least a few different people to get things done. Nyeve is your girl for school administrative business. She can help you with classes and scheduling. Mr. Li is your man for anything related to your teaching contract. He takes care of your paycheck, visa, and housing contract. If you need something fixed in your apartment, you have to talk directly to the housing ladies in charge of the international students. Ironically, they don't speak a word of English. I suggest you either practice your charades skills or snag a Chinese-speaking international student who can usually be found loitering around the dorms anyways. 

Julia is the Dean of the Languages and Literature School. I've only met her once. She is very friendly, but never really available.

Your greatest resources will be the other foreign teachers living in your apartment. The couple who have worked here the longest will be leaving next year, but there are others who will be more than happy to lend a helping hand. 

To be quite honest, working at ZUST has been frustrating. I've had to re-write a final exam 4 times because they didn't hold up to the 'specifications' that the department required, of which, I was never informed of. ZUST, like other Chinese universities and businesses, informs us of events, important dates, etc. on the last minute. People give the excuse that "it's just China." Either way you look at it, it is very frustrating being on the receiving end and having to change your plans for them. I've heard the same thing from other classmates about their workplaces. Some are worse than others. 

First Month in China

My first month in China has been a pleasant experience. I cannot say the same for other members of my cohort. This is not a declaration of my classmates' emotional well being. I only want to make it clear, that everyone will have a different experience. China and teaching ESL is far from perfect, but I would ask you to consider; what isn't?

If you work at a university you will work between 15-20 hours per week. I make 4,400 RMB or $700 a month. The pay is the lowest, but so is your workload. I don't have any bills aside from food costs.

 Don't think this is any different from most other countries. In Korea, I worked 25 hours per week and made $2,500 per month (apartment provided). My friends with true professorships that worked 10 hours a week, made a mere $1,000. It's normal, so don't think China or Concordia is cheating you. HOWEVER, I have a couple friends working in Shanghai that make less than half of their co-workers. Maybe its b/c Concordia sold them out, or maybe it's a probationary pay period. Find out, do your research on your job. Get in contact with current employees at your prospective employer.

So far, I've had a good time. The only suggestion I have for you is to have enough money in your US bank account to pay any bills while you're gone. Also, bring enough money to cover any immediate costs to get you set up when you get here. Bring $500-$1000 for the first month. Sounds like a lot, but trust me, you don't want to bring too little.

First Week in China- ZUST

For those of you who will be working at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (ZUST), it is a beautiful university located West of West Lake. You can take a bus to the city (310 bus and the 41 or the J12 on the weekends only) and it will cost you 4 yuan. Yesterday, it took me 55 mins to get there, but it can take as long as 2 hrs depending on traffic. You can also take a taxi there which takes about 40 mins and 45-60 yuan. There is a school bus that goes from the city to ZUST that is free, but I haven't figured out the schedule yet.

Most of the foreign teachers are 40-60 yrs old and there are only a handful of them. It seems like most of them are married.

Class size ranges from 25-60 students. Each "class" lasts 2 periods (45 mins each). I went to observe students at Hangzhou Dianzi University (HDU) and it was surprising how much they participated in class. Most of my students are international trade/econ and engineering majors so they don't like to participate in English-speaking activities. Classes start as early as 8am and the last period of the day ends at 8:55pm.

Unlike the city (near West Lake), the area around ZUST is not very developed. Some restaurants have pictures on the menu so you can point to what you want and if you're really lucky, you'll find a restaurant with English translations. Those places are usually cleaner and a little more expensive. There are a lot of western commodities you won't be able to find out here, so you'll have to make a trip to the city for things like bleach, oil (non-Chinese oil), western food, etc. Students here at ZUST organize weekend shopping trips for international students and teachers, which is convenient.

Housing: All foreign teachers are provided housing on campus next to the foreign exchange students. The apartments are surprisingly spacious since the building used to be a hotel; however, because of the humid weather here in China, don't be surprised to find a little mold and a few insects waiting for you when you first arrive. Standards of cleanliness are not the same here as in the States, so I spent about 2 days cleaning. Also, these guest houses were not made with kitchens, so the "kitchen" (closet turned kitchen) is a little hard to cook in. You are provided a microwave, toaster, hotplate, and washing machine. There is no wifi, but each room has one internet outlet you can connect to.



Unlike the city, you will not run into too many foreigners on the street or very many people who can or are willing to speak English to you, especially if you look Asian. Learning numbers and carrying a translator or dictionary on your smartphone with you at all times is very helpful.

Education Track (Summer Session)

EDUCATION TRACK: 

Week 0: online 
Like the business track, the education track also had a one week online session before summer session actually started to reduce the in-class workload. The one week online session included reading assignments from online journals, watching videos/movies, posing questions about assignments, and replying to colleagues' questions on Blackboard. Nothing too strenuous. Professor Wyman mainly uses online journals/resources so students don't have to buy as many books.



Week 6: in-class 

Readings: 
Classes usually began with a 2-hour discussion of the readings of that day's assignments and review of the summer readings/reflections. After discussing the articles, in groups, the entire class would re-group and answer questions posed by the professor. Each small group was assigned a question that corresponded to the reading and would go through the worksheet as a group.

In-class Movies:
The later half of the class was spent watching education-related movies. About 2 hours of class time was spent after lunch watching a movie and taking notes, upon which, a 1 hour discussion of film analysis ensued.

Movies:
Beijing Bicycle, Not One Left Behind, Together, The Return Home, 187 (Samuel L. Jackson)

Article Contribution: 
For homework, each student is required to bring a scholarly journal to class which was relate to the major theme of that day (i.e.: Mao, Confucius, Deng Xiaoping, Socialism, etc.) and summarize the article's significance to your peers in small groups for 1 hour in class. Though the professor claimed that the significance of this activity was to create an archive of scholarly articles that our colleagues would be able to use as resources for their final paper.  Google scholar or the articles that you thoroughly read in the summer (Week 0) were probably the most useful.

Homework activities: 
Homework activities were entirely group project-based. Here are the homework assignments for each day.

Day 1. Timeline Poster: Create a poster of 10 important events/people that influenced Chinese education.

Day 2. Analects skits: Created skits based on sayings from Confucius' Analects. After watching the skit, the class has to try to guess which 3 Analects quotes your skit was based on.

Day 3.  Little Red Book Posters: Draw propaganda posters that reflect quotes from Mao's Little Red Book.

Day 4. Video Montage Project: Create a powerpoint presentation using video clips provided to juxtapose themes, teaching practices, or historical/culturally significant observations in Chinese classrooms. This project was actually interesting and pertained relevant information related to Chinese education. While the rest of the activities and discussions conducted by the professor maintained at a on-the-surface level of discussion (most information which was covered in the Cultural Class taken in the previous weeks), these video clips were our first real insight into what a Chinese classroom was like.

Guest Speaker:
The most interesting part of this class was an interview with Professor Yu who shared his experiences of growing up in China and experiencing the Cultural Revolution. We were able to ask him questions and hear his feelings about Mao and the changing policies that China went through when he was growing up.

Final Paper:
If you write anything related to education and Mao, Confucius, and Deng Xiaoping, you will get an A on the paper. The final paper is 5-8 pages, double-spaced, and the format he requires makes it very easy to get to 7 or 8 pages because Prof Wyman breaks down different topics he wants you to cover. The paper topic is very broad and everyone gets an A on it if you turn it in and use 6 academic sources and 3 videos (of the videos watched in class).

Research Course

Lit Review:
For most of the assignments you will assigned partners, so make sure you sit next to someone you can count on.You will have the option to find a topic. I would suggest you do an easy surface level topic that is simple to write on. After you and your partner find five scholarly journals, you will need to synthesize your journals to one paper that is five pages long. Again, you need to find a partner that is dependable. The course uses APA 6th Edition format, so become familiar with it. Content for whatever reason is not near as important as your APA format, including sources.

Reading Assignments & Forum Questions:
You will have assigned readings for each day and will be required to ask two general questions on an online forum (Blackboard) in reference to the textbook for the class or APA format booklet. Your professors will differ in their grading, but I can tell you that if I asked "what's your favorite color?", I would have received full credit.

Survey & Methodology:
You and your partner will have to create a survey on the topic you chose for the lit review. You also need to explain your methods, which you will learn about in class or by reading the text. Some good advice would be to put your survey on google docs and pass around to everyone you know, it's far easier that going person to person on the street and bugging them to fill out a survey. I sent it to every contact in my email.

Quantitative & Qualitative Research:
If you don't know what these are (who would?), do some research, it will help you through the dizzying lectures.

Research Findings:
After your survey is complete, you and your trustworthy partner will have to create a powerpoint presentation consisting of charts and graphs that are used from your survey. If you're not familiar with Excel, get a little training; youtube could be a good source for that.

Final:
The final is a little bit out of the thesis hand book and mostly out of the APA guide. They will actually give you a copy of the APA test.

End of Week 2

Now that we have completed our first class, I can give some feedback. There are three two week classes. The first and second week are either a History & Culture course or you can choose to take a research course. The third week will be either and education or business course depending on your concentration. In my dorm there are three other guys. They all took the research course and were pulling their hair out for the entire time.

I am a history major, so the History course I took was a cake walk. I'm sure that the research course can be manageable if you keep up with the homework. One thing I can recommend is, KEEP YOUR FOCUS! I began slipping away into drinking with classmates in the dorms and going to the beach. This summer they allow alcohol on school grounds, but for those reading this, you will be welcomed to a dry campus as CUI is moving to a more Christian oriented academic experience.

While taking either the History or Research course on MWF, you will also take Mandarin Chinese TR. On top of that, you have to take a TESOL class. The TESOL is on either Tuesday or Thursday and is from 3:30 to 8:30. Luckily I am a T.A. for TESOL because of my experience. I'm still required to go to class, but I don't have to do any of the homework.

So, your schedule for the six weeks will be MWF 9-5, TR 10-2, and either T or R from 3:30-8:30. It's unbelievably difficult, but when everyone around you is busting their ass, it's very motivating. I've been here two weeks and I know all sixty people by name simply because we all study together out of necessity.

Nearly everyone lives on campus which makes study groups easy to organize. I haven't written anything on here yet because I have been consumed with class. I did go to Newport Beach, which is 15 minutes away and had my fair share of social gatherings in our room. We've been leaving our door wide open, this has kept an inviting environment for our living area.

Week One of Summer Semester on Campus

I chose to stay in the dorms on campus. I never had this experience in my undergrad and in this fast track program it has pushed us all staying here to get acquainted with each other very quickly. The work load they have given us this week seems insurmountable. In the Culture/History course we have a 30 min power point presentation to give. Some have to give it two days after it is assigned but by luck of the draw I am doing mine nine days after it is assigned.

They boast on how you can get this degree so quickly, but let me assure you, this is no easy task. Prepare yourself for long nights and early mornings. I'm certain that in six weeks I'll look back and wonder how I survived.

The overall organization of the professors seems poor. Nearly everyone I have talked to has expressed some kind of concern for lack of explanations given or just not understanding their teacher due to their accents. Having lived in Asia before, I just fill in the grammar gaps and assume they meant to use the plural form of nouns when they forget.

We had to take a Mandarin placement test today that did not go over well with everyone. The test was nearly all in Chinese. The vast majority of us signed our names at the top and handed the test in. The day seemed to be a large waste of time and very unorganized.

I feel we are all on high alert regarding stress. I'm doing my best not to waste time (consider this entry a great sacrifice in my time) and focus on completing what is asked. I have yet to take a test or turn in any assignments. I have a feeling we are all working too hard on these projects. I wrote ten pages of notes for a five point quiz I have to take tomorrow. I think we all need to make adjustments from producing undergrad quality work. I'm sure they take into account that we barely have time to comlete assignments.

Socially, we are all bonding and growing through everything. I can say that I have become very comfortable around all of these people with similar mindsets. I'll post more later in the week to update how things went as far as grades and standards of work.

The Early Bird.... (first week of online classes for summer)

Today I noticed a lot of my fellow business concentration classmates scrambling to get assignments done today. It's the first day that we are required to turn something in. The professor gave us the syllabus over a month ago. This is AMPLE time to finish these projects early. My suggestion to those reading this, don't wait till the last minute!

Most of them are flying out or trying to finish up their travel arrangements this week. There is just too much going on the week before you move into the dorms. I'm an excellent procrastinator and even I foresaw the trouble of putting things off.

Summer Costs-Dorms, Tuition, Books, Etc.

When you are in Irvine you have the choice of either living on campus or at the dorms. They are apartment style and I'll post more about what they look like in a couple weeks. I chose the dorms because I like to wake up later and just drag ass to class.


If you make the same decision you are required to use their meal plan which is $725 for six weeks. You also are required to have insurance on campus for a five week period, that cost is about $200, unless you are already insured. I bought my books for the summer on Amazon for about $150. I've done my time in school and know that old editions are rarely any different from new ones. I would suggest getting the books as soon as the list is posted. I got the Bricks to Jade book for only a few bucks, the cheap used ones were shortly all sold at that price and my classmates only found them for $75 and up.

Financial aid from FAFSA only covers half of your tuition. Most grad students get around 20K or so for school per year. That amount is spread out equally for the summer, fall, and spring semesters. You are left finding a 6K deficit to pay for tuition, room, books, and board alone. You will also need $$ for your flight and other miscellaneous expenses. I took out a loan from Sallie Mae for 12K to cover me for any expenses while I'm gone and when I'm in California. If you're reading this in December, start saving! You'll be glad you did.

Once you are in the program you get the feeling that these expenses are piling up. Though they are, I have the mindset that the investment for my future has no price. I know this program is geared for me and I'm looking forward to it. Besides, nobody goes to grad school because it's any easy option.

Looking For More

Friday, June 1, 2012

Introduction and Before We Get Started

My name is Andrew and I am enrolled in the MAIS program at CUI. I have created this blog to give insight for those considering this program, those who are enrolled, and anyone interested in life abroad. First I'll give some background information on myself and tell you what I have done thus far in regards to the program.

I taught ESL in Korea for two years. I taught at a well know university where the second year I held the position of Head Teacher. I taught all levels from beginner to fluent speakers, and all ages from six to sixty. I left Korea hoping to put my feet in the ground. I have my undergrad in History and with such a basic liberal arts degree I had great difficulty finding work that I felt was worth of my time and experience. Occasionally I would look at Dave's to see what ESL jobs were around, reminiscing about my former expat life. Eventually I came across a graduate program that interested me. I applied for early enrollment and was given an interview.

I felt as though every single question that was asked of me, I had the perfect answer. Dr. Schuler even mentioned that I should consider writing a book, having read my essay for entrance. I felt like everything made sense.

I was accepted and finally had something to look forward to in my life. I asked all the questions I could about the program. I began taking Mandarin lessons, started looking for viable thesis topics, and read anything that pertained to China and it's place in the modern world. I did everything I could to get ahead. There is a six week intensive semester that I knew would be no picnic.

After all the applicants had been chosen, a Facebook page was opened. As of right now there are 35 members actively posting. We talk about where to get textbooks or the cheapest way to get flights. Some volunteered to do airport pickups. I have started to get a feel for the people in my cohort but nothing short of meeting someone in person can really determine the character of my classmates.

 By this time nearly everyone has gotten a job. Nearly everyone was interviewed. Myself and two others were simply emailed contracts. Some students had to get medical exams and loads of other chores to complete in advance before they get to China. I don't really know what makes my job easier on logistics but I'm glad it is. I only have to get a medical exam when I get there.

To my knowledge everyone got the city they asked for. (I chose Hangzhou simply because I know Shanghai would have little culture to offer me.) What they don't tell you is if you are offered a job and you don't like the contract details and you decide to decline the offer, you're on your own. You will have to sort out your own employment. So you're kind of at the mercy of the professor in charge of hiring.

Right now I am finishing my last week of waiting tables (hopefully forever) and will be taking a nice little road trip to Irvine. For the business concentration kids you have to do a week long online portion the week before you move into the dorms. The professor sends you a syllabus a month in advance and you can do nearly all the week's projects ahead of time. This is really all the information I have as of now. I will continue to update this blog in the year to come, I hope you find it helpful.