Major FAQ

Arrival Information

All participants should arrive at the Qingdao Liu-Ting Airport (code TAO) via Beijing or Shanghai. Alternatively, participants can arrange international transportation to Qingdao from any of the following cities: Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka (in Japan), Seoul, Busan, or Daugu (in South Korea).

Transfer from Airport to Accommodations

Tuition DOES cover airport pick-up and reception services. However, Global Crossroad does not offer airport/railway/bus station drop-off/return service. Should participants require assistance in arranging transportation, Global Crossroad can do so upon request.

Upon completion of Global Crossroad’s TEFL program, transportation expenses from Qingdao to assigned, host schools is usually covered by host schools. Methods of transportation will be subject to the decisions/discretion of assigned, host schools – this is usually determined by the length of the participants' commitments, distance in-between, etc. In the event that a participant’s teaching placement is a significant distance away from Qingdao, it may be necessary that the participant pay his/her own domestic transportation costs.

How can I contact the school if I arrive earlier?

In the event that participants arrive before the start of their program, they are advised to call Global Crossroad’s offices upon arrival in Qingdao. Details providing the address and telephone numbers of Global Crossroad's Qingdao offices will be included in the final placement details/pre-departure booklet which participants will receive prior to their arrival in Qingdao.

Living Accommodations/Meals

For the duration of the course, Global Crossroad offers accommodations in local apartments within a one-block radius – approximately a 5-minute walk from the TEFL institute. TEFL participants share bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen, toilet, washing machine, etc. (same gender – if not, please specify otherwise). Within the apartment, participants are able to prepare their own meals (participants are required to cover their utilities – approximately $50 per month). Participants may also purchase SET MEALS at a price of about $150. This includes lunch and supper for the entire duration of the 4-week studying period.

Participants need not worry about a lack of proper meals due to the various restaurants within the precinct and nearby city – offering varied menus, excellent service and very economic options. Participants can often eat for as little as $5-$15 per day (also: the food at the central markets is NOT to be missed). NOTE: there are numerous excellent international restaurants; notably, establishments offering the always-exotic Korean cuisine.

In the event that participants wish to reside in a nearby hotel for the duration of their studies, this can also be arranged. The costs of hotels usually range in price from $25-150 depending up on the quality and distance from the TEFL institute – participants may also be required to take a taxi from their respective hotel to the TEFL institute.

Shandong cuisine, tracing its roots back to 2500 years ago, presents its food (usually deep-fried, braised, roasted or stewed) with a strong emphasis on soy sauce, shallots, and garlic. Qingdao, often regarded as "the cradle of Shandong Cuisine," puts a spin upon the usual Shandong dishes with its concentration on seafood (sea cucumber, scallop, conch, prawn, and red porgy). Well-known dishes include "sea cucumbers stewed with shallots," "stewed salted fish" and "celery with a creamy soup" – these dishes are usually available in most restaurants.

Internet/Telephone/Medical Facilities

Qingdao is the business center of the Shandong Province and a very modern seaside city in China. Internet services are provided at the TEFL institute office at no cost during office hours (8:00 am – 5:00pm; Monday-Friday and 9:00 am – 10:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday). Internet cafes are very popular in Qingdao, with locations throughout the city area. Local telephone calls can be made at a reasonably low price. International phone-calls, which may be placed at nearby phone booths, usually cost US$0.50/minute. Medical services are available at the Qingdao City Hospital (Eastern Section) and is a very westernized hospital offering medical examinations/services – approximately a 30-minute ride from the TEFL institute.

Climate

Qingdao enjoys a temperate, semi-humid climate. The best time to visit is from June to September, when the temperature usually remains between 20-28 degrees Centigrade. In late August in particular, the waters are quite warm – offering an optimal time for swimming and sunbathing on the coast (NOTE: the Qingdao International Beer Festival is August 12-16). Outside of summertime, the city can get a little windy – with temperatures sometimes dropping to freezing levels in December and January. Participants are encouraged to bring a coat if arriving during this time!