Essentials
Applicants must be Graduates, in any discipline. Those with PGCE or an RSA TEFL qualification are particularly welcome, but other experience with young adults is also helpful, as is a proven interest in China and/or in development issues. (TEFL courses will be provided for successful candidates, if needed).

Christian Commitment
The successful candidates must have a close association with a Christian church or Christian fellowship in Britain or Ireland (or another European country which does not have its own Amity programme) and will be prepared to support the church in China in its concern for post-denominationalism and self-determination. It is hoped that teachers will join local churches for worship and other activities (language skills permitting). The Amity Foundation believes that Christian witness in China can best be given by service and through dialogue. Teachers are expected to live and work within local Christian guidelines as interpreted by the Amity Foundation and national laws. Conversion and proselytizing are not permitted, though Christian behaviour and presence may provoke questions about faith and its implications – and discussion and debate are encouraged at this level. BIATG will not accept anyone who does not have a sympathetic understanding of the aims of the Amity Foundation in its support for the development of China.

Teachers will be working and living in a culture very different from their own, and will be expected to have professional and personal qualities which demonstrate adaptability, tolerance and an inclination to learn and share as well as to give. Although teachers are usually placed with at least one other expatriate colleague, we look for an ability to cope with cultural isolation and deal with cultural differences. It is hoped that teachers will foster healthy working and social relationships which contribute to an atmosphere of understanding of each other’s cultures and an appreciation of the Christian faith. Evidence of creativity and commitment to development of professional skills is expected. Prior overseas experience is not essential, but may be an advantage.

Contract
Each teacher is appointed to a two-year post.

Salary
Conditions do vary from post to post but a basic allowance of a minimum of 2000 RMB (ca. 15 RMB to £1.00) per month is payable plus US$ 675, payable quarterly, and an annual travel allowance of 2200 Yuan, payable 6 monthly. Accommodation and utilities are provided free and this allowance is adequate for living in China and travelling in vacations. (As China begins to relate her currency to a group of western currencies, these figures may change).

Benefits
In addition, the following benefits are provided:

• Tuition cost of a recognised TEFL course

• Return airfare to China

• Baggage allowance of £100 outward

• Resource allowance

• Free accommodation

• Medical costs in China (within agreed limits)

• Pre-departure vaccination costs

• Accident and emergency medical insurance policy

• Class II (Voluntary Development Worker) National Insurance contributions and life assurance cover

• Resettlement grant

Cost of Appointment
Your own costs will only be travel to the initial interview and a portion of the health checks (e.g. a visit to the dentist for medical insurance purposes). However, the cost of taking each teacher to the appointment stage is around £2000, which cost is borne by contributing churches and mission agencies in Britain and Ireland. Please help us to keep our costs down by making careful decisions at each stage as you continue with your application.

Recruitment Process
Applications are welcomed from single people or couples without children who are both applicants. Occasionally a non-teaching spouse may be considered. Applications are accepted from people up to the age of 68 at the time of departure (August 2007). Applications need to be received by 9th December. initial

Stage 1

To begin the application procedure, applicants should send to Christians Abroad:

• The completed application form and CV.

• A written letter of application (a statement of c.500 words explaining the motivation for wanting to work in China and particularly for wanting to teach TEFL).

• Names and contact details of three referees.

Stage 2

References will be requested. The reference form asks detailed questions and it important to give the names of people who know you well:

A professional or academic referee. The person in pastoral oversight of the church you attend. A mature person who knows you well.

Please let us know if you do not want professional referees contacted at the early stage.

Stage 3

When at least two of the above references have been received:

All candidates who meet the basic profile will be invited for an interview in London. Interviews may also be held in Cardiff, Belfast or Edinburgh. A short-list will be drawn up and those selected will be invited to final selection in London, for which travel and accommodation costs will be paid. From this point onwards successful candidates will relate to a coordinator appointed by BIATG, who will deal with practical and pastoral matters and remain in touch during your time in China.

Stage 4

Recommendation and preparation:

• A recommendation will be sent to the Amity Foundation, which will make the final decision.

• The UK recommendation is normally accepted.

• At this point a thorough medical examination will be required.

• A compulsory preparation week is held in Easter week (9 - 13th April 2007).

Training focuses on:

• a country and project briefing

• an introduction to Chinese

• expectations, attitudes and relationships

• teaching with Amity

• spiritual support

• basic domestic matters: health, departures and arrivals

• A TEFL course is paid for if needed, usually in June or July

• Departure for China will be around the last week of July

• A further three-week preparation, including language study, is held in China on arrival in early August

Costs for all preparation courses, travel and other essential requirements will be met by BIATG

Pastoral and practical care
Christians Abroad is responsible for all stages up to the panel interviews, but from that point one of the BIATG members is appointed coordinator for each year’s group of selected teachers. The coordinator will be present at preparation and will get to know the teachers, is in contact with Amity, and assumes care of teachers in both a pastoral sense and in practical arrangements. Christians Abroad arrange travel and health insurance while you are overseas, and another agency will deal with National Insurance. At least one member of BIATG visits China each year, visiting new techers where possible and with all teachers will attend the annual ‘spring’ conference for Amity teachers. Amity also arranges good local care from its own expatriate “long-term teachers”, whose job is partly to be in touch with and offer help to new teachers. Conferences of Amity teachers are held annually both for personal support and further training.

Return and Reorientation
A resettlement allowance of £500 per year of service is paid. On returning home, each person will attend a de-briefing conference (this is part of the contractual requirement) run by Christians Abroad or another agency. This gives returned teachers an opportunity to share their experiences with people who have worked in other parts of the world. There is also a “Report Back Day” when teachers are expected to brief BIATG and other invited people. A free “One to One” careers counselling service is also available to help returned teachers consider future options. Christians Abroad runs these, using skilled external consultants.

The Amity Foundation
The Amity Foundation was established in 1985 on the initiative of Chinese Christians for the purpose of promoting health, education, social service and rural development projects in the People's Republic of China. It is an independent Chinese voluntary organisation, (NGO) which has received the support of Churches and missionary societies overseas. The Foundation represents a new form of Christian partnership, service and witness in Chinese society. The Teachers Programme is a part of this venture.

Though “missionaries” have been excluded for some time, "foreign teachers" have been able to go to China and there have been various student exchange programmes taking place. The Amity Programme is different from both of these: