WKU-CI Volunteer Teacher Handbook
Third Edition
Effective July 2012
WELCOME TO THE CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE AT WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY!
Our mission is to enhance cultural and scholarly exchange between the United States and China,
develop high quality Chinese language and culture programs and increase the ability for citizens from
both countries to better understand one another. Working under the guidance of the Office of Chinese
Language International (Hanban) in Beijing, WKU-CI strives to offer a variety of Chinese language
courses, cultural exchange programs and scholarly activities for the local community and K-16 students
and faculty.
Western Kentucky University provides an ideal intellectual and institutional environment for the
Confucius Institute. Our strong and active Asian Studies faculty are proficient in a diverse number of
disciplines such as anthropology, business, education, geology and geography, public health,
architecture, fine arts, history, linguistics, political science and religion. We are confident the Confucius
Institute will benefit and flourish in such a supportive environment.
We welcome you to our program, our institute, our city and our university community and look forward
to having you as the newest member of the Western Kentucky University Confucius Institute family.
WKU-CI Contact Information
WKU-CI Office: 270-745-2836
Dr. Wei-Ping Pan – wei-ping.pan@wku.edu - 270-745-2272/270-792-3776
Director
Mr. Terrill Martin – terrill.martin@wku.edu – 270-745-2530/270-792-9330
Associate Director of Business Development
Ms. Betty Yu – betty.yu@wku.edu - 270-745-2836/270-799-8807
Assistant Director for Educational Outreach
WKU-CI - www.wku.edu/ci/
International Student and Scholar Services – www.wku.edu/isss/ - 270-745-4857
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF WKU-CI
2.1 - Visa Paperwork, Documentation and DS-2019
2.2 - Orientation by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
2.3 - The WKU-CI New Teacher Orientation and Workshop
2.4 - WKU ID
2.5 - Placement with Host Schools
3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VOLUNTEER TEACHER
3.1. TEACHING
3.1.1 - Attendance and Reporting to Work
3.1.2 - Being Prepared for Teaching
3.1.3 - Dressing Appropriately
3.1.4 - Conducting Yourself in a Professional Manner/Proper Communication
3.1.5 - Proper Attitude
3.2. DAY-TO-DAY LIVING
3.2.1 - Cable TV and Internet Services
3.2.2 - Cell Phone
3.2.3 - Cleaning
3.2.4 - Holidays
3.2.5 - Housing
A. - Apartment Rent, Security Deposits, Utilities
B. – Host Family Stays
3.2.6 - Meals
3.2.7 - University Computer Account
3.2.8 - University Library
3.2.9 - Visa Status
4. - RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL SITES
4.1 - Medical Insurance
4.2 - Physical Exam for Employment
4.3 - Emergency Certification for Incoming Teachers
4.4 - Social Security Card
4.5 - Transportation
4.6 - Teacher Performance Evaluations and Teaching Supervision
5. - PERSONAL
5.1 - Smoking
5.2 - Dating
5.3 - Time Off/Vacations
5.4 - Family Visiting/Travel
5.5 - Driving/Driver’s License
5.6 – Facebook and Other Social Media
APPENDIX: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF WKU-CI TEACHER HANDBOOK
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INTRODUCTION:
WKU-CI has prepared this handbook to familiarize you with important and useful information that will
help you acclimate to living in South-Central Kentucky and give you guidance for a safe and healthy work
environment during your stay in the United States. The guidelines presented in this handbook are not
intended to be a substitute for sound management, judgment and discretion but can be a start to help
you have a successful and productive experience.
We are here to make your transition smooth and pleasant. That means we all must work together to
make your experience happy and meaningful. WKU-CI encourages all teachers to work together to learn
from one another, as well as individually, to meet the needs of their district or position. There are times
when you will work alone and other times when you will work as a group. Often we have volunteer
activities that require all teachers to come to Bowling Green and participate in larger CI-related events.
These include events such as visits of prominent faculty or administrators from Hanban, ceremonial
events, cultural programs or Chinese holiday celebrations. By working together we can provide high
quality events while also promoting understanding and respect for everyone engaged in WKU-CI
activities.
Our goal at WKU-CI is to ensure active, creative, meaningful learning for everyone involved: your
students, your districts and you. While the administrative efforts of the institute fall to the staff of WKUCI, it is our belief that the real Confucius Institute is you, the visiting scholar/teacher. Our responsibility
is to create an environment in which you can succeed. Your success is our success, and we are here to
ensure that this is a reality for you. Your responsibility to us is to uphold our principles of accountability,
cooperation and respect for your fellow teachers, students and administrators. Together we will create
a Confucius Institute that will be a leader among other CI’s that are working to establish and promote a
love for and knowledge of Chinese in our students and community members.
It is not possible to anticipate every situation that may arise or provide information that answers every
possible question. In addition, circumstances may require that policies and practices described in this
handbook change from time to time. In such cases, WKU-CI reserves the right to modify, supplement,
rescind or revise any provision of this handbook as it deems necessary.
If any statement in this handbook is unclear to you, please do not hesitate to contact the WKU-CI office
for clarification. It is very important that you communicate clearly and directly with us so that we can
help you.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF WKU-CI
Before and after your arrival in the United States there are many different documents, forms and
logistical issues that will have to be addressed. WKU-CI staff will help you with the following:
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2.1: Visa Paperwork, Documentation and DS-2019
To live and work temporarily in the United States, all CI Volunteer Teachers must have a valid U.S. visa.
Most visiting teachers come to us under the designation of J-1 visiting scholars. A J-1 visa has very
specific limitations regarding your employment status, your ability to accept salary outside of salary
given to you by Hanban, and the length of your stay in the U.S. WKU-CI will work with you to secure all
necessary paperwork, oversee the completion of documents at this end and be responsible for any
changes or alterations. In order to make the process of completing your application run smoothly, we
ask that you respond quickly and efficiently to our requests for specific information.
The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office at WKU will issue your DS-2019 Certificate
of Eligibility form that you will use to pay the SEVIS fee, obtain the J-1 visa, and to enter the U.S. In
addition, ISSS will provide you with a handbook that has clear instructions on how to pay the SEVIS
fee of $180.00 which you are responsible for and how to have a successful visa interview.
2.2: Orientation by ISSS (International Student and Scholar Services)
You are required by U.S. federal law to participate in the Orientation given by the ISSS office at Western
Kentucky University. WKU-CI will make an appointment with ISSS and inform you of the date, time and
location where the Orientation will be held. At this Orientation, ISSS will explain your rights and
responsibilities for maintaining your J-1 status in the U.S. Please understand that while Hanban pays
your salary, you are responsible for maintaining your status. A requirement of your J-1 visa is that you
must engage in the activity described on your DS-2019 which is “teaching Chinese language and
culture.” If an outside institution or individual asks you to teach Chinese in addition to your current
responsibility, you must first gain the permission of WKU-CI and ISSS.
Immigration Specialist, Ms. Beth Murphy, is WKU-CI’s contact person. She can be reached at 270-7454858 or beth.murphy@wku.edu. Information on international admissions, immigration services,
international social and cultural programming and Western Kentucky University arrival information can
be found at ISSS’s website http://www.wku.edu/isss/.
2.3: The WKU-CI New Teacher Orientation
All incoming teachers to WKU-CI are required to participate in a WKU-CI orientation. The purpose of the
orientation is to provide you with additional Professional Development, train you on how to administer
Kentucky’s language proficiency test (STAMP), help you obtain a cell phone, get familiar with the local
environment and answer any questions you have about information within the CI Handbook.
2.4: WKU ID
You will be issued a university identification card (WKU ID) upon arrival. This ID gives you special
privileges such as access to the Western Kentucky University library system, an ability to use all WKU
databases, book borrowing privileges and a WKU web access account. WKU-CI will make arrangements
for you to obtain your WKU ID at the Downing University Center. You may reach the ID Center at 270745-2417 or idcenter@wku.edu. Additional information can be found at
http://www.wku.edu/Info/General/IDCenter/home.htm.
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2.5: Placement with Schools
WKU-CI will oversee the placement of teachers with their schools. This means WKU-CI will interview
potential schools, meet with senior administrators and work with the schools directly to create
appropriate curriculum. While WKU-CI oversees the placement of the teachers, it is the schools
themselves that will be the day-to-day supervisors of the teachers (see “Responsibilities of School
Sites”). Any questions you have within your district regarding your teaching schedule will be handled
by you and your school district. Any problems you have with your district should first be handled by
you and the school. If you cannot resolve an issue yourself, then it is your responsibility to contact Ms.
Betty Yu so she may meet with the school to help resolve your issue.
3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TEACHER
The primary responsibility you have as a WKU-CI teacher is to your students and your school district. In
order to ensure that you have a productive experience, you will be required to abide by the rules of the
schools in which you work. This will include such things as arriving to work on time, being prepared for
the lessons of the day, dressing in an appropriate manner, handling yourself in a professional manner,
and greeting your students with enthusiasm and respect.
3.1 TEACHING
3.1.1: Attendance and Reporting to Work
Please be punctual and arrive to work on time. This may require that you arrive early to the school in
order to get your classroom in order. An American sense of punctuality is critical to the overall success
of your teaching. Americans seem very easy-going but are actually quite serious about being on time. If
you are running late for some reason, it is your responsibility to contact your in-school supervisor and
explain your situation. If you are unable to work, are sick or have an emergency, please be certain to
contact your supervisor. Communication is vital. Always communicate by telephone and e-mail with
your school if you are unable to attend work.
3.1.2: Being Prepared for Teaching
Every day you will be required to create lessons and teach your students. Your school districts will have
teaching plans they may ask you to fill out so they can monitor your progress. All this is good for you
since it helps you to stay on task and reach discernable outcomes for your students. Preparing lessons
will take up a good portion of your work day and may require that you grade papers in the evenings.
This is common for all teachers in the U.S. It is very important to always be prepared and to ask your
school supervisor for help if you need some guidance. We encourage you to be creative and use
alternative resources from the web, library or your own personal experiences.
3.1.3: Dressing Appropriately
Dressing in a professional manner is an important aspect of your job. Appropriate dress for men is a
collared or button-down shirt (clean and pressed), dress slacks, belt and leather (not sports) shoes. On
occasion you may need to wear a blazer or dress jacket. For women appropriate dress would be nice
slacks, closed-toed shoes (not sports shoes), sweaters, blouses, skirts and dresses. Clothing should not
be too tight, too short or too revealing. You should ask your school supervisor about casual days and
what the dress code is for teaching staff and follow their guidelines. As a rule, jeans are usually not
allowed on a daily basis but you should check with your schools to be certain.
Shopping for clothes in the United States is very difficult for female Volunteer Teachers. Our sizes are
much bigger here, so please be sure to bring enough clothes with you to wear during a full work-week at
school.
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Autumn in the United States lasts much longer than in China, so please be sure to bring enough clothes
for cool (not freezing cold) weather. Bring one pair of winter boots with you, as well as a winter coat,
hat, scarf and gloves.
For male Volunteer Teachers, please be sure to bring with you at least ONE BUSINESS SUIT. For female
Volunteer Teachers, please be sure to bring with you at least ONE BUSINESS SUIT AND/OR A QIPAO.
On occasion you will be asked to attend formal events, and you will be required to wear a
professional business suit or a qipao to the event.
3.1.4: Conducting Yourself in a Professional Manner/Proper Communication
Your attitude about being a teacher is one of the most critical things you will bring to a classroom every
day. If you are enthusiastic, your students will be enthusiastic. Conducting yourself as a professional
means that you must understand that your students are young and impressionable, and you need to be
friendly while maintaining a respectful student-teacher relationship. It is also important to treat all
students equally. The rules regarding teachers in schools and their behavior with students is a highly
sensitive subject, and you will be required to follow the guidelines and regulations of your school
district. Inappropriate behavior of teachers with their students will be dealt with by both the supervising
school and WKU-CI. While after-school clubs and activities with your students are encouraged, it is
highly inappropriate for CI teachers to date their students. Please consult with your school supervisor
and go over carefully the schools’ policies and procedures.
In the United States, immediate communication with colleagues and students is expected and required.
That means if you receive an email request/question or a phone request/question, an answer will be
required of you within a 24-hour period. If you do not have an immediate answer, respond that you
have received the email/phone call and that you will provide the information as soon as you can. If you
have questions or concerns with either a Host Family or school colleague, you must be certain to
communicate that concern to the person directly. Problems cannot be solved unless people know about
them. If you have a question concerning whom you need to speak to about a problem or a question
about social hierarchy when it comes to addressing concerns, please contact Betty Yu.
You will meet many new people in the coming year. It is O.K. to introduce yourself to someone you do
not know. You do not need to wait for a formal introduction. It is also O.K. to ask someone that you do
not know well to go for a coffee. In fact, it will be welcomed.
Unlike China, if you ask a friend or colleague to go out to lunch/dinner/a movie, either a male or female
friend, it is assumed that each person will pay for his/her own meal and entertainment. It is often
uncomfortable trying to get to know new people, especially in another country, but we encourage you
to invite people out for a coffee or meal. Americans can often be shy talking to people from another
country, so it might be up to you to make that first step.
3.1.5: Proper Attitude
We bring this up several times in this handbook because we believe your attitude toward teaching will
be the thing that makes for a successful year. We do not expect you to know everything and being a
little nervous is fine, also. What we mean by proper attitude is a willingness to learn, an eagerness to
help your students work hard, and a feeling that you are contributing to a great cause. As we stated
earlier, the CI-WKU is YOU, and we want you to love your job and learn and grow along with your
students. If at any time you feel overwhelmed or confused about your mission, please contact CI-WKU
staff or your host school supervisor so we may help you.
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3.2 DAY-TO-DAY LIVING
3.2.1: Cable and Internet Services
There are many different options and packages for both cable and Internet service. Different counties in
Kentucky have different programs, so will need to research cable and Internet options. If you are living
with a Host Family and your Host Family already has a cable/Internet service, you may be asked to
contribute towards the monthly bill for the service. If you are living in a house or apartment, you will
need to pay in order to get cable/Internet access. It is not unusual for there to be wireless cafés or
restaurants in the counties you will be living, so again, be sure to ask other people for more information.
3.2.2: Cell Phone
You are required to have a phone so CI-WKU staff and other people can communicate with you. All costs
related to cell phones (services, international dialing, texting and the phone itself) are your
responsibility. In the U.S., both incoming and outgoing calls are charged. There are a variety of plans
available. The WKU-CI will take you to a phone store to make arrangements to secure a phone service
for you. Please understand that contracts for cell phones in the U.S. are for a 2-year period. In order to
buy an iPhone, you first need to have a Social Security Card. You may not apply for a Social Security Card
until you have been in the United States for 10 days. Once you have applied for a Social Security Card, it
will take between 2 to 4 weeks to receive the card. Once you have received the Social Security Card, you
may then buy an iPhone. Until that time, there are many short-term options and plans.
3.2.3: Cleaning
You are responsible for keeping your apartment or room (if you are with a Host Family) clean at all
times. You are required to clean your apartment very well before departure, including mopping the floor
and vacuuming the carpet. For those staying with a Host Family, it would be nice if you could offer to
help around the house with tasks such as dishes and/or dusting. For those of you living on campus in
Visiting Scholar Housing, your house/apartment will be inspected once-a-month for cleanliness.
3.2.4: Holidays
You will follow the holiday schedule of the school where you teach. Please ask your host school official
for a copy of the school schedule before classes start. If you plan to take a vacation, please be courteous
and notify WKU-CI staff of your schedule via email. If you plan to leave the U.S. to go home or to visit
another country, you must notify Ms. Beth Murphy at ISSS (270-745-4857) and take the proper
documentation with you on your travels.
3.2.5: Housing
Your Host School will help you find an apartment or set you up with a Host Family. If you are renting an
apartment on your own, it will be your responsibility to review the lease carefully and understand the
terms before you sign it. A lease is a contract between you and the landlord. If you break the lease, you
will lose your security deposit, usually the equivalent of one-month’s rent. Also, please know that the
WKU-CI cannot be a signator for any lease for a Hanban Teacher.
A. Apartment Rent, Security Deposits, Utilities
CI teachers will have rent provided by their Host Schools if the school initiates an apartment rental
agreement. However, you may be required to pay part or all of your utilities and all or some of your
Internet access. If you rent an apartment on your own with the assistance of the school, you will be
required to put down an additional one month’s rent as a guarantee. Please know that the WKU-CI
cannot be a signator for any lease for a Hanban Teacher.
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B. Host Family Stays
For those of you with a Host Family, you will be provided with a room, breakfast and dinner, and
sometimes transportation to and from school. The school districts are responsible for the Host Family
placements and therefore, if you have an issue with your Host Family, please talk to your district
supervisor. WKU-CI does not oversee Host Family placements, but we will be available to talk to you if
problems arise.
3.2.6: Meals
For the most part, CI teachers are required to pay for their own meals unless otherwise noted. In some
cases (Host Family stays) some meals may be provided. Some of you may receive lunch from the
schools and this will be given to you in the form of a meal plan or ticket from the school. This is
optional for the school and not a requirement. Many volunteers prefer to pack a lunch. Typically there
is a room where teachers can eat together. For those of you that do not know how to cook, this will be a
great chance to learn!
3.2.7: University Computer Account
After your information is entered into the university system, you will be eligible to have a university
computer account. You will be given a user name and a password. You may change the password to
your own when you log in on-line the first time. There are many policies concerning what can and
cannot be printed legally. You may find this information at
http://www.wku.edu/infotech/index.php?page=350.
You should also be aware about the policy on File Sharing. File sharing is the practice of making files
available for other users to download over the Internet and smaller networks. Peer-to-peer programs
are often the preferred method of users that want to download and share files. While P2P programs
have legitimate uses, using peer-to-peer (P2P), ftp, irc, or other applications to download or distribute
copyrighted materials is against the law and against University Policy. WKU takes copyright violations
very seriously and responds accordingly to each incident and violation.
3.2.8: University Library
With your WKU ID, you will be able to use the university library. Through your university computer
account, you will be able to connect to the university’s online library. If you have any questions, you may
contact the library at 270-745-6125 or http://www.wku.edu/library/. Please remember to return books
on time. If your books are late to the library, you will be required to pay a late fee. You will not be
allowed to borrow any other books until the fee is paid.
3.2.9: Visa Status
You are required to follow the U.S. immigration laws that apply to your visa status. Please contact ISSS
(270-745-4857) if you have any questions regarding your visa status and working after-school hours.
Violation of the U.S. immigration laws will lead to termination of your job in the U.S. and deportation.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL SITES
The following is a list of responsibilities that the Host Schools have to you. This is a partial list and may
be different for each of you depending on the funds available by each school. As of the writing of this
document, however, all schools are required to provide housing, health insurance and transportation
allowances or transportation to get to and from work and other school-related activities.
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4.1: Medical Insurance
You are expected to have medical insurance upon arrival to the United States. Your school is responsible
for paying that insurance and will have already done so by the time you arrive. At your first day of
orientation, you will fill out J-1 Health Insurance Forms. As stated before your insurance has already
been paid for the entire year, but the insurance company needs these forms to get you into their
system. Further information regarding insurance is available at ISSS (270-745-4857) and at Student
Health Services (270-745-5641). You may also contact the following health insurance company:
Academic Health Plans, Inc.
PO Box 1605
Colleyville, TX 76034
(888) 308-7320
(817) 479-2100
(817) 479-2101
www.AHPCare.com/wku
***DENTAL SERVICES ARE NOT COVERED!***
We ask that you please have your teeth checked thoroughly before you leave. If you have a cavity or
teeth that need to be pulled or any other dental problems while you are here in the United States, you
will need to pay for those services yourself.
4.2: Physical Exam and TB Skin Check
In the U.S. teachers are required to pass a physical exam and a TB skin check before they are allowed to
teach in elementary, middle and high schools. You will not be allowed to start teaching in the schools
unless you have both the physical exam and the TB skin check completed. We ask that all teachers have
a physical done in China. Please bring all documentation relating to your physical exam with you. You
may ask your physician to give you a “Certificate of Health Examination for International Traveler”
booklet, which will have all the necessary information for the schools in it. Your TB skin check test
must be completed in the U.S. This will happen during your first few days in the U.S. Please make sure
that all documents are translated into English.
Because of the type of TB vaccine used in China, 50% of Volunteer Teachers have a “false positive”
reaction to the U.S. TB skin check test. If you receive a “false positive” result, you will be required to
have a chest X-Ray and blood work. While your health insurance DOES pay for the chest X-Ray, it DOES
NOT pay for the blood work. That means you, the Volunteer Teacher, will have to pay for the blood
work, a total of 50 USD. Please be sure to bring with you 50 USD for the test.
4.3: Emergency Certification for Incoming Teachers
The school districts themselves are responsible for seeing that you comply with the teaching standards
developed by the state of Kentucky Department of Education (DOE) and will help to secure a temporary
or emergency certification so you may teach in the schools. This is a state law and your school
supervisor will ask you to fill out several different kinds of documents. Again, the more quickly you help
out and comply with the documentation system, the easier it will be to get your paperwork in order.
WKU-CI can help provide some documents, but for the most part it is the responsibility of the school to
submit all the necessary paperwork.
To aid in this process you are required to bring all your original and university-certified academic
credentials in Chinese and English, including your degree and graduation certificates and transcripts
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for all of the programs completed, e.g. a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and/or a PhD.
“University-certified” documents refer to photocopies with university’s red seals or the original
documents certified by the school.
4.4: Social Security Card
After you have been in the United States for 10 days, you may apply for a Social Security Card (SSC). A
SSC is comparable to a personal identification card in China. ISSS will provide you with a letter so that
you may apply for a SSC. WKU-CI will assist you will obtaining a SSC. If you live in the Bowling Green
area, you may go to the office located at 2724 Chandler Drive, Bowling Green, KY. Additional
information can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov. A WKU-CI staff person can help you fill out the
form and take you to the Social Security office if you need help. If you live outside of Bowling Green
your school contact person is responsible for helping you to complete the forms and secure a SSC. If you
plan to do anything related to living in the United States (obtaining a driving permit, accepting
honorarium for various kinds of work) you will be required to have the SSC.
4.5: Transportation
Schools have agreed to arrange transportation for you to and from your school. Travel outside of your
regular work, such as shopping, visiting friends, etc., is your responsibility. However, if you are living
with a Host Family, they may offer to take you grocery shopping or sightseeing.
4.6: Teacher’s Performance Evaluations and Teaching Supervision
The job of overseeing your day-to-day teaching will be accomplished by your school and a designated
administrator in that school. We ask that you be open and cooperative and try to accept suggestions
regarding your teaching methodology from this trained professional. American students in general are
very sensitive to criticism and do not always respond well to being judged, denigrated, embarrassed or
compared directly to other students. It is very important to treat all students equally and to be very
clear in your communication with students. This method is slightly different from traditional teaching
methods in China where students are often encouraged to compete directly with one another. If you
handle your students in a nurturing way, you will have greater success. If you have any questions
regarding teaching methods, please ask your supervisor for some suggestions or contact the WKU-CI
staff so we may help you. Again, we do not expect you to know everything, so ask us and we will be
happy to work with you. Your school will conduct a performance evaluation each semester. Results of
the evaluation will be sent to WKU-CI and added to your personnel record. In addition, WKU-CI asks that
you submit an end-of-year summary of your teaching program. We will request this of you toward the
end of your last semester. We ask that you submit these documents in a timely manner so we may
forward them to Hanban.
5. PERSONAL
The following information is provided to you to give you a cultural perspective of several things that are
unique to the United States.
5.1: Smoking
You may or may not realize that smoking in the U.S. is a complicated issue. Smoking has become
controversial in the U.S., and many organizations no longer allow smoking in or near buildings. This
includes nationally all federal buildings, all airports, all public buildings, libraries, museums and usually
places of recreation such as amusement parks, movie theaters, public buses and many hotels. Obviously
there is no smoking in all public and private schools, which includes school grounds, outside areas and
parking lots. There is no smoking allowed in any building at Western Kentucky University or in any public
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and private places of employment in the state of Kentucky. In general, unless an area is designated as a
smoking area (including sidewalks) then smoking is not permitted and might be enforced by a fine of up
to USD $250.00. We highly recommend that if you smoke, you figure out the places where it is allowed
and do not try to smoke in any other area. If you are with a Host Family or in an apartment that does not
allow smoking, you may not smoke in those places. We mention this here because many people in the
U.S. are very strict about people smoking in their homes or even in their backyard. It is best if you are
with a Host Family or even a guest in someone’s home that you do not smoke in their house. It goes
without saying that smoking anywhere at your place of employment (the school) will not be tolerated
because many schools do not want their students exposed to role models (teachers) who smoke. If you
are in a situation where you violate the smoking policy and you are fined, you will be responsible for the
fine. If you are with a Host Family or in an apartment where you violate the smoking policy and are
asked to leave, you will be responsible for finding a new place to live and may be required to pay your
own rent. The non-smoking policy is particularly tricky in hotels where guests have been fined for
smoking in their rooms and only found out later when a charge was added to their credit card after they
check-out.
5.2: Dating
WKU-CI believes you are here as adults and have the rights and privileges of adults. You obviously have
the right to date while you are here and to go and have fun with your friends. We bring up dating
because, as mentioned above, there are two circumstances that may affect your personal life.
The first is regarding your students. As said before, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES is it permissible to date
your students. Dating your students is grounds for dismissal, disciplinary action on the part of the school
and WKU-CI and deportation.
The second item to be aware of concerns members of your Host Family. For those of you living with Host
Families, you may want to give your Host Family some information regarding your comings and goings to
and from the house. If you do not plan to be around on weekends, please let them know. Again, you are
adults and do not have to act like nor be treated as someone’s child. However, being polite and telling
your Host Family your schedule regarding evenings and weekends prevents them from worrying that
something has happened to you. If you have any issues regarding your schedule with your Host Family,
please contact either Betty Yu or any WKU-CI staff so we may talk to the family on your behalf.
Please be aware that unlike China, if you ask a friend to go out, either a male or female friend, or if
someone asks you to go out, it is assumed you will pay for your own meal and entertainment.
5.3: Time Off/Vacations
You will have many holidays during the course of the year including a four day break for Thanksgiving in
late November, a week or more off at Christmas (December 23 usually to January 1), a spring break in
March or April and several days here and there. There are some days that students are not required to
attend school, but teachers will attend. You are to follow the schedule as any normal teacher would
and not assume days off for students are your days off. We encourage you to see as much of your area
as you can, take small trips to other cities and take advantage of any trips that Host Families or schools
offer to you. Please be aware that you are not here on a multi-entry visa and if you plan on leaving the
country (this includes Canada!), you will have to meet with ISSS and get everything cleared in advance of
your departure. Please do NOT leave the country without clearing your trip with ISSS or you might risk
NOT being allowed back in. Many of you will be asked to run summer Chinese courses for your schools,
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usually the first two weeks of June. Please be aware that summer classes are part of your normal
responsibility as part of your contract to WKU-CI and to Hanban and will be determined by your school.
5.4: Family Visiting/Travel
We understand that you are working away from home for a significant period of time and some of you
may have family that will visit you while you are here. You are allowed to have family visit as long as you
understand that your job is your first priority. If your family visits when you do not have scheduled
vacation time within your school, you may not take time off to travel with them. Also, if you are living
with a Host Family, do not assume that your family member will be welcome to stay unless you clear this
in advance with your Host Family.
Please know that as long as you are working with WKU-CI, you may at no time have a family member
come to the United States to live with you. That includes spouses, boyfriends/girlfriends, children,
parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc.
5.5: Driving and Drivers Licenses
All of you are being provided with transportation to and from your place of employment. However, any
other trips in cars (to the grocery store or to go shopping) are provided only as a courtesy to you and are
not required of your Host Families or of your schools. Public transportation in the United States can be
seriously lacking. Bowling Green and the surrounding areas are no exception. Taxis are rare and very
expensive. For those of you living in rural or suburban areas, public buses may be rare or not exist at all.
We suggest that you consider getting a drivers license while you are here just for the convenience of
being able to rent a car on occasion. WKU-CI does not provide driving lessons or insurance to cover
those who choose to learn to drive, but some schools do give driving lessons to our volunteer teachers.
This is something that is not required of your schools and if you are lucky enough to have someone
teach you to drive, please be respectful and grateful. You will be required to take a written drivers test
and a road test. The Kentucky driver’s license test is difficult, and you will have to study hard to pass it!
5.6.: Facebook and Other Social Media
It is certain you will establish a social media account of some kind, whether that be Facebook, YouTube
or other social media sites. The following are some rules to follow in order to protect yourself from
lawsuits and Identity Theft:
1. Never, never, never post account names, passwords, phone numbers, addresses, Driver’s
License number, Social Security Card number, etc., on any of your social media sites or in an
email. If you need to provide someone with that information, CALL.
2. It is illegal to post any pictures of your students on your social media sites unless you have
written permission from the parents of that student.
3. Never complain about your school colleagues or your students on your social media sites. Some
teachers or administrators at your school may check your social media site regularly, so you
want to be careful about what you post. A good rule to follow is to never write anything about
yourself, your colleagues, your students or your friends that your family wouldn’t be happy or
proud to read about.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF WKU-CI VOLUNTEER TEACHER HANDBOOK
I, _______________________________________, acknowledge that I have received and read the WKUCI Teacher’s Handbook. I also acknowledge that I understand fully my roles and responsibilities as an
Instructor for the WKU-CI Volunteer Teacher Program.
___________________________________________
Signature
___________________________________________
Date
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