ESL teacher means English as a Second Language teacher. Actually ESL teacher is a popular job all over the world as there are lots of English Language Learners in different countries in which English is not the countries’ first language. Between these non-English speaking countries, China has the biggest need for ESL teacher.
ESL teachers are Urgently Needed in China
China, as a big country packed with cultural, economic and geographical diversity, has open itself up to the whole world for economy development including implementing the Reform and opening up policy in 1987, joining WTO (World Trade Organization) in 2001. These economy policies have helped China develop at an incredible speed and become the second largest economy in the world. In order to follow the globalization trend, China’s government puts great value on English education on no matter children or adults. English classes are adding in children’ study and adults are encouraged to learn English for further development. So this is where the huge hiring need for ESL teachers comes from. And the hiring parties cover public schools from primary schools to universities, language training centers and overseas education agencies.
The Working Requirements of ESL Teachers in China
As most expats may know, China has improved the teaching requirements of ESL Teacher in China. In past, many expats become ESL Teacher in China because of good accent of English. Thing has changed now that there is a relative high threshold of being an ESL Teacher in China. According to the regulation, a qualified ESL Teacher should own 2 years of working experience with at least bachelor degree. Moreover, relative teaching certificate like TEFL/CELTA/TESOL certificate is also needed for ESL Teacher in China. Last t but not least, there is new regulation that only native English speakers can apply for work visa for working as ESL Teachers in China. So this means that non-native English speakers cannot work as English teachers in China.
The feeling of being ESL Teachers in China
So you may wonder what‘s the feeling of being an ESL Teacher in China. First I like to point out that being an ESL Teacher is definitely a good career choice for expats in China. You will get competitive salary with other benefits including free insurances, free accommodation, free flights for home leave no to mention adding bonus, paid Chinese official holiday, lunch and free internet. After checking the salary and benefits, you must be so excited to have a try for being ESL Teachers in China. While you have to know that being ESL Teachers in China will be a challenging job for you as you will live in a totally different country and suffer with culture shock. It will have a hard time for you to conform yourself in living and working in China. But do not worry! These questions also shared by other expats who first come to China, you can find them in your colleagues or find them in some work groups in facebook to communicate with them which definitely will help you to live a better life in China.