Teach 10 hours of English lessons per week in our school and we will give you the same amount of Mandarin lessons. (English lessons range from 20 to 100 minutes in length.) We might occasionally offer you overtime teaching, for which you will be paid. Teaching hours are flexible from week to week, with the total being counted at the end of the month. Any hours in excess will be paid then.

The Language Exchange Project is open to anyone who is interested in Chinese language and culture. It is perfect for current undergraduates and recent high-school graduates but we also welcome participants who are older and have life and professional experience. Participants not only gain teaching experience with us, but have a unique opportunity to study Chinese in very small classes and to cover in two months what most students would cover in a year's worth of college classes.

Sample Schedule:
Week 1:
Arrive in Shanghai or Nanjing, one of our staff picks you up at the airport.
Tour of Wuhu
Observe experienced teachers' lessons
Basic Chinese lessons (how to order food, how to ask where things are, etc.)
Dinner out with all of the new students, teachers and Aston staff.
Social events, such as movies, outings, etc.
Week 2:
Begin teaching
Begin Chinese classes

Term Dates

2009 Spring Term:

09 February to 15 February – Training and Preparation

16 February to 21 June – Teach English and Learn Mandarin

22 to 23 June 2009 – Trip to Jiuhuashan

Fall Term

29 June to 03 July 2009 – Training and Preparation

04 July to 26 August – Teach English and Learn Mandarin

29 to 30 August 2009– Trip to Jiuhuashan

2009 Autumn Term:

31 August to 06 September 2009 – Training and Preparation

07 September 2009 to 10 January 2010 – Teach English and Learn Mandarin

11 to 12 January 2010 – Trip to Jiuhuashan

2010 Spring Term:

28 February to 06 March 2010 – Training and Preparation

07 March to 28 June – Teach English and Learn Mandarin

29 to 30 June 2010 – Trip to Jiuhuashan

Term dates may vary depending on enrollment. 

Requirements:
1) Currently enrolled university students, or people who are interested in Chinese language and culture.
2) Native English speakers preferred.
3) Teaching experience an asset, but not essential (training and teaching materials provided).
4) Easy going personality, responsible and patient with young children.

Cost of Participation:
1) Return flight/Round Trip (from London or another UK city to Shanghai), cost around £350 (GBP) with a student’s ID.
2) Single entry VISA, £30 for British nationals, 16 Euro for Irish nationals, $100 for US nationals.
3) Overseas Travel Insurance (optional).

The school provides:
1) Free Accommodation. A private single room and a living/dinning room, bathroom and toilet shared with other tutors. Home-stays are available.
2) No bills to pay, internet, gas, electricity and water are provided (the use of air-conditioner and telephone charges must be paid for by the participant).
3) Free lunch from Tuesday to Sunday.
4) Airport pick-up at either Nanjing or Shanghai airport.
5) Pocket money of 500 RMB per month, or 1,000 RMB per month if you have a BA degree, TEFL qualification or at least 1-2 years teaching experience.
6) Free two day trip to Jiuhuashan.
7) Help with booking train tickets and hotels.

To apply for our Language Exchange Project please send a CV, photocopies of your passport and degree certificate and a cover letter via e-mail to: chufang01@yahoo.com.cn
Caroline Huang, Director
Aston Language Centre, 6th Floor, 34 Chun-An Road, Wuhu, Anhui Province, P R China
Postcode: 241000
Telephone: ++86-553-3834699 ext 805, Mobile: ++86-13003034247
Fax: ++86-553-3828710
Website: www.astonedu.com