Beijing University of Technology (formerly called Beijing Polytechnic University) is offering one-year renewable positions for 4 to 5 teachers of English with advanced degrees. The field of the advanced degree may vary, but teaching experience is necessary. Married couples, if both wish to teach, will receive preference. BeijingTech has strong programs in Engineering, Business, Architecture, Industrial Design, Computer Science and a broad range of other topics. Depending upon the expertise of the applicant, part of the teaching load might be in the area of specialty.

Proficiency in English is required of the students in several disciplines and the students study to an advanced level. Courses range from beginning English to intensive reading and conversation. Beijing University of Technology offers a challenging curriculum and has high standards for its students.

The normal teaching load is twelve hours but additional teaching hours may be negotiated. Since most classes are two credit hours, this results in six (6) classes. Class size is normally 30 to 35 students. There should be no more than two writing classes and the remaining classes should be either oral or listening. The teaching load is heavier for foreign teachers than for the regular faculty.

An apartment near campus is provided.

Applications for the 2008-2009 year will be reviewed in June 2008.

All applications should include:  1) a vita, 2) the names of at least three references, 3) and some indication of teaching experience and proficiency. You should include a cover letter describing how your experience can be applied to teaching advanced English. Applications should be in English.

Applications should be directed to Wu Wenying, Interim Director of International Exchange.

You may e-mail your application to Wu Wenying (Ms. Woo) at: bpuiec3@bjut.edu.cn in both text and HTML format. The office uses Eudora Light. You may also choose to attach it in .txt or .doc format.

Or write to:

Ms. Woo
International Exchange Programs
100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District
Beijing University of Technology
Beijing University of Technology (English)
Beijing, CHINA 100022

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Here's my take on it. I have met many of the foreign English teachers over the years. For instance, there were two couples from Canada, three couples from the States and a single woman from the States. Teachers live in an apartment complex adjacent to the campus. Their apartments have a nice sized living room, private bath with shower, small kitchen and a bedroom. The teachers were all high-energy, curious, friendly, outgoing people. They had a strong interest in China and used every opportunity to travel and explore. Their teaching assignments varied from standard classroom preparations to special classes for the staff of the University. They participated in and supported extra-curricular activities for the students, ranging from English conversational groups, to plays put on by the English Club.

Because there are two large (over 40 members) departments which teach English on campus and there are English speakers throughout the faculty, the foreign teachers have ample opportunity to speak English. The students have had 9 to 12 years of English and speak quite well, and read and write English even better. So, do you need to know Chinese? No. Most people pick up phrases but are more interested in spending their spare time experiencing the culture and learning history.

Why are couples preferred? It is a simple matter of economics. There are a limited number of apartments available and a teaching couple results in two teachers for one apartment.

What are the students like? The students are what make it worth it. They are fun, shy, outgoing, kind...they are just like students anywhere. They like soft-rock music, movies, and dancing when they have spare time. Great kids. I made a lot of new friends while I was teaching there -- most of them students.

What about food? The foreign teachers may eat in the hotel restaurant or cook in their apartment. There is a local market within two blocks where you can get all of the fresh vegetables and fruit you could desire. A large grocery store/super-market was completed in 1998 and more have been added every year. You can get everything from light bulbs to music CD's without getting on a bus. There is a western-style bakery on campus where you can buy bread, cakes, and rolls. There are hundreds of small restaurants within biking distance to provide variety. If you long for a taste of home there is a full range of restaurants offering international cuisine from France, Italy, Korea, India, and the U.S.A. McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Folgers, Maxwell House, Hershey, Tobler, Coke and Pepsi are all too present as well as a host of other familiar products. You won't starve.

There is still challenge and adventure, and while the apartments are pleasant, it is not the Ritz. Flexibility and good humor are absolutely required. People who want to take a break from the mundane, retired couples who really weren't ready to retire, people who love to teach, and people who have an interest in China should consider it.

The pay varies depending on the degree achieved (M.A., Ph.D.) and the specialty. Translated into European or U.S. currency it is unthinkable, but in China it is possible to live simply and do a little traveling without additional funds. No one goes into teaching for the money.

When can you start? Next August. The contract is for a year. If you start in August, you will have a month off between terms to travel and explore. The second term starts at the end of February. China. Did you ever think it was possible? It is.

I don't handle applications, but should you have any questions about the school or area, you may e-mail me (Marilyn Shea) or write to:

The Current Chinese Exchange Professor
% Dean of Arts and Sciences, International Exchange
111 South Street
University of Maine at Farmington
Farmington, ME 04938

The central quadrangle is a great place to read too.

The Audio Building is undergoing a complete renovation.  Listening and oral classes are taught here and in other multimedia classrooms on campus
 

This is one of the new dormitory buildings.  

The Foreign Exchange office is located in the new Administration Building.

A large quadrangle separates the Administration Building from the library.

The new library is the center piece of the campus.  The quad in front is a favorite place for in-line skating.