In comparison to other Asian nations, the prerequisites for becoming an ESL teacher in China are very simple, with university degrees and teaching experience not generally required. Teaching employment in China may be an excellent possibility for all sorts of instructors, thanks to a diverse range of places and schools. Not to mention the fact that the nation itself has a lot to offer in terms of culture, language, travel options, and cuisine!
Teaching in China may be a life-changing experience with the correct amount of planning and preparation. So, before you go, here’s everything you need to know!
Know the major employment kinds before teaching ESL in China.
If you meet the following criteria, you’ll be able to check off all of the boxes for teaching English in China. There are teaching possibilities in China for:
Looking for their first job as a recent graduate
Non-degree holders who want to get a certificate (Yes, you may teach English in China without a bachelor’s degree.)
Teachers who are searching for a change of pace.
Professionals seeking a career transition from other sectors
Teachers who are new to the profession or who possess a TEFL certificate and want to earn teaching experience
Those who have just graduated from high school and are seeking a job that would provide them with a sense of Gap Year of work experience
Non-native English speakers with strong English abilities who want to improve their language skills.
Because not all of the options for becoming an ESL teacher in China are acceptable for all sorts of people, it’s crucial to do your homework before you go. In general, there are two sorts of teaching jobs available in China, depending on your qualifications:
Teaching Positions (Full-Time)
These roles are most suited to experienced instructors and experts, and they’re also the toughest to come by in China since you’ll need to:
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Work experience of at least two years in any area is required.
You must be between the ages of 24 and 55 years old.
Being a natural English speaker is a dream come true for many people.
These criteria differ significantly based on where you want to work. Popular cities like Beijing and Shanghai, for example, have stricter restrictions.
The majority of full-time teaching jobs need a one-year commitment and have the following perks:
Monthly income ranges from 6,000 to 15,000 RMB (depending on location and experience)
Airline ticket reimbursement
Bonus for completing the task
A place to stay or a stipend for housing
On work days, meals or a meal stipend are provided.
Try internet job boards or recruiting agencies if you are qualified for full-time teaching employment in China but don’t know where to search. However, keep in mind that evaluating the quality of roles and colleges might be challenging. Job scams definitely occur in China, so make sure you’ve done your homework and signed some type of contract before flying halfway across the globe.
Another alternative is to use an agency to assist you in finding a teaching job in China, which would make the process (much) easier. Teach abroad organizations normally charge a fee, but they will arrange everything for you, from your teaching post to your housing, and they will offer you with 24/7 assistance once you get in China.
Do not despair if you do not satisfy the full-time teacher requirements or do not desire to commit to a full year of teaching in China. There’s another possibility…
Internships in Education
Teaching internships are an excellent approach to see whether teaching English as a second language in China is suited for you. This sort of teaching position is suited for persons from all walks of life! You do not need a degree, teaching experience, or to be a native English speaker to intern at a school in China; nevertheless, you will require a TEFL certificate.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a TEFL certificate yet. Many teaching internship programs in China allow you to either earn your TEFL certification online before you arrive or receive it on the spot with a month-long training session.
Internships in teaching normally last six months and provide the following benefits:
Allowance for living expenses
Accommodation
On workdays, three meals are consumed.
Bonus for completing the task
Although teaching internships in China are generally expensive up front, they enable you to live in China on a shoestring budget while acquiring professional credentials and getting real-world teaching experience. If you do not qualify for full-time teaching positions in China, teaching internships are a great choice.