Whitman in China
The Program
The Whitman in China program (WIC) was established in 1982 by Professor David Deal to provide Whitman College alumni an opportunity to spend one year in China teaching English at a Chinese university. Over 100 Whitman alumni have participated in the program to date. By living and working in China, program participants witness the rapid modernization of this important nation and experience Chinese culture first hand. At the same time, Whitman in China teachers give Chinese university students the rare opportunity to study English with native speakers.
Job Description
Whitman in China English teaching and intern positions last one academic year beginning in late August and ending by mid-July. Typically WIC teachers are assigned to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in English conversation, writing, American culture, English literature, or business English. The teaching load is 12-16 class hours per week.
The compensation, provided by the Chinese university and Whitman College, includes the following:
- Modest monthly salary to cover basic living expenses in China
- University accommodations in China
- Roundtrip international airfare from the U.S.
- Travel stipend to help cover miscellaneous expenses such as immunization costs, visa fees and medical exam and hotels in transit
- Medical insurance for China
- Mandatory three-day teacher training prior to departure
University Placements
The Whitman in China Program offers positions at three universities in China:
- Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an
- Shantou University in Shantou
- Yunnan University in Kunming
Candidates offered a position will be placed at a university by the Whitman in China Committee.
Each location has a destinct regional flavor. Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in southwest China, is a city undergoing rapid modernization in a province known for its ethnic diversity and scenery. Shantou is a medium-size port city located on the east coast of Guangdong province near Hong Kong. And Xi'an, located in Shaanxi Province, was the Chinese capital for centuries and boasts many important historical sights such as the Terracotta Warriors.
Eligibility
- All Whitman College alumni are eligible to apply regardless of year of graduation.
- A minimum of one year of Chinese language study is recommended but not required.
- The Chinese universities prefer candidates who have had some teaching experience (even informal teaching is helpful) and/or coursework in how to teach English. A background in literature is also beneficial.
- Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to teaching university-level English, maturity, flexibility, and a willingness to live in conditions less comfortable than those in the United States.
Conditions in China
The physical environment and infrastructure in China are very different from that of the United States. Some medical and other resources commonly available in the United States may not be available at all in China. Moreover, the conditions in some parts of China, such as air pollution, may exacerbate some medical conditions. If you have a special need such as a physical disability, chronic medical condition or dietary restriction, we suggest you consult with the Study Abroad Office staff early in the planning process so that you will be fully informed of the conditions in China and the resources available to you there.