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Why should I go with an EDGE Program?
You
will be a part of a special team of volunteers who have a common
vision. We offer experience, support and
value. We often go at the invitation of the local government and mostly
to programs or areas where there is an existing support base.
Will I be paid?
Most
of our positions for service are without pay.
While we have standards and expectations for the program, participation
without pay allows The Edge to control the content of the teaching
materials.
How much does it cost?
Because we are often the guest of our Host organizations,
they usually cover housing and food during the program. The biggest expense is
airfare, shots, and personal spending money. Approximate fees: $2,000-$2,400.
Where will we stay?
For
the University programs, we stay usually stay in the Guest Faculty
Dorms. These are modest rooms with AC, Western Bathrooms, and a small
refrigerator.
Middle school teachers usually stay in a hotel close to the school.
Where will we eat?
The
Chengdu University program has a cook on staff
who prepares the meals. Middle School teachers may eat in the hotel. In
other places
you may have to find your own meals! You will be asked by students to
go out. They will offer to pay but you should always pay for your own
meals. You may also be asked to eat in the home of a student.
Do I need to be a teacher?
No,
you do not need to be a teacher for most of our programs. However, you
should have some kind of teaching or presentation experience. You will
be teaching 3-6 hours a day and need to be
able to handle different situations. The Edge has developed a lesson
plans
and materials as a guide and outline to help in your preparation.
What other training do I need?
Because
each county and city is unique, we ask that all new volunteers attend
an orientation workshop or watch our training video.
What can I bring?
While
the weight limit on International flights is two 50 pounds, for flights
inside China, you are limited to one bag and 44 pounds.
You can buy almost everything you will need over there.
Your teaching materials and supplies will be most of your weight. You
will not need
lots of clothes. Laundry is often available or free or very
inexpensive.
What is one thing I really need to bring?
You will want to have pictures of family photos.
Relationships are very important. You may want to 8x10 color copies and put
them into plastic sheet covers. You can share so much about your family and holidays with your personal photos.
Will I be able to contact home?.
Email
and phone service is getting much better across China. You will want to
establish a NEW Hotmail or Yahoo account to use since
these are more common to be found. For security reasons, you do not
want to use
an existing e-mail account while you are in China. Also, Some servers
may not work well in China or may be blocked. You need to tell people
not to send attachments in their letters. You will learn more about
communication and E-mail during the orientation sessions.
What will my classes be like?
That
is always the biggest unknown question. You can have anything from
basic vocabulary to full discussions. You will have bewteen 30-50
students in your class. At Sichuan University, we have put a cap of 40
students per class.
Mengzi has been out smallest program with about 20 students per
teacher.
What shots do I need?
You
should be up to date on your Tetanus($35) and MMR ($50). Hepatitus A
($70x3) and B ($70x3) are wise. (YOU NEED TO PLAN AHEAD FOR SOME SHOTS)
Typhoid$(60) is also good to have. These are average costs - Yours
might be higher or lower. Some Insurance plans do
not cover shots for travel.
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