BACKGROUND
2006 American Chinese Communicative English Camp (ACCE-camp) is hosted by The American Chinese Civic Exchange, a national non-profit organization based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A. ACCE-camp has a twofold purpose: Our main goal is to teach communicative English to Chinese students, who already have a basic knowledge of spoken and written English. These students can range in age anywhere from elementary to high school. Our secondary purpose is to provide an opportunity for both Chinese and Americans to share their cultural heritage and develop a mutual respect and friendship that will benefit both countries. This mutual exchange will allow both Americans and Chinese the opportunity to grow in tolerance and understanding of each other's cultures, a life-enriching experience.

ACCE-camp
ACCE-camp will consist of a team of American teachers visiting selected cities in China. The teaching sites are still in the process of contracting and details will be finalized by early May. The possible sites for 2006 ACCE-camp include Hunan Province and Zhejiang Province. The program will last for one month beginning around July 7th to the first week of August, with three weeks of teaching. There will also be one week of travel and sightseeing in selected cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and/or Xian. According to the regulation of Chinese government, participants will work as voluntary English teachers in the program. There is no short program for those who merely want to go for two weeks of teaching.

HOST ORGANIZATION
American Chinese Civic Exchange (ACCE) is a non-profit organization that has the primary goal of strengthening friendship, cultural exchange and economic ties between China and the United States, through good-will and professional services. ACCE is now registered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A., and is in the process of applying for its non-profit status with the IRS. In 2002, former U.S. Congressman Bill Redmond of New Mexico, who currently serves as ACCE’s Senior Officer of Public Affairs, along with some of ACCE’s senior officers, were received in Beijing by high-ranking Chinese officials, as well as the U.S. Ambassador to China. These visits have paved the way for engaging the Chinese local and regional governments in supporting ACCE’s projects, and have prepared some official ties to facilitate ACCE-camps.

ELIGIBILITY
To participate in ACCE-camp, applicants must be U.S. citizens or native English speakers. Applicants should have some minimum teaching experience in any formal setting, such as language, communication, sports, entertainment, and/or life-skill training. Those who are experienced in leading non-professional small group discussions, activities, and projects are also welcomed to apply. Licensed school teachers are cordially invited to apply.

Applicants should be of good health and at least 19 years of age, with at least two years of college education.  All applicants will be processed and evaluated using the same standard: formal education and life experiences. ACCE will evaluate the suitability of each applicant before his or her formal acceptance into the program. Applicants that do not readily fit into the above categories should contact ACCE’s office for special review and consideration. All applicants must participate in four sessions of formal training between May and June, and obtain a certificate in order to qualify for this program.

It is rather unfortunate that some Chinese institutions have put age limits on foreign teachers, fearing some health-related complications. It is the responsibility of each applicant to make sure that his or her overall health is good enough for international travel and teaching. ACCE will inform applicants of the age limit as soon as it reaches the final agreement with the local Chinese institution.

PROGRAM FEE AND COST
The program fees for 2006 ACCE-camp participants will be about $550, including: three weeks in-program room and board, local sightseeing, pre-program training and certification, on-site ACCE staff support, administrative support both in China and in the US, one way travel expenses from the teaching site to the departure city, after program five-day tour and activities, such as Shanghai. The program fee will not cover international travel expenses (from LAX to the teaching site), visa processing fee, or travel medical insurance.

Travel to other major cities, such as Beijing and Xian, will require a little extra individual budget and will vary from case-to-case. Travel arrangements can be made through ACCE which will provide services to coordinate schedules, transportation, translation, and accommodation for those who plan their additional travels.

Participants will need to provide their own means to arrive at LAX prior to international travel. The estimated total cost for participating 2006 ACCE-camp would be about $1600. However, each individual may vary with his or her personal needs and spending. Please consult our office for assistance in planning your personal budget.

ACCE-camp strongly suggests that applicants find some financial support through UNM scholarship sources, foundations, local business, friends, churches, and other organizations that have interests in China-related cultural exchange programs.

FURTHER INFO
For more information regarding 2006 ACCE-camp and other programs, please contact us via the information below. You are welcome to join us for our information meeting at the SUB Siesta Room (3rd floor), University of New Mexico. The meeting will be on Thursday, April 27th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Beverages will be provided.