Businessmen, students, and tourists from across the globe are flocking to Shanghai right now to take advantage of the city’s growing prospects and to learn about a culture that has only just been made accessible to the rest of the world. Teaching is more than just a chance to have fun; it’s an opportunity to learn new skills, advance one’s career, and broaden one’s horizons. For those interested in teaching English, there are a number of work opportunities available. There seems to be no end to the demand for English education and native speakers.
Everyone’s Got a Job.
Shanghai has something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer. General English and business English instructors are in high demand at both kindergartens, universities, language institutions, and individual pupils. A wide range of ages and academic levels may be accommodated by both local and foreign schools. It’s possible for a Shanghai teacher’s week to include anything from daytime university courses to Saturday children’s activities.
About 20 hours a week are required for full-time employment. Teaching, conducting English corners, and other school tasks take up much of the day. Class preparation time is not included, however collecting your materials and arranging your sessions may only need a few additional hours a week. Books, CDs, DVDs, and other extra aids are usually accessible at most schools. In addition, computers and the Internet are widely accessible.
Freelancing is another possibility. The flexibility of working as a freelancer means you may choose your own schedule, accept just the pupils you want to work with, and set your own rates. RMB 150 (approximately $18) per hour is the minimum.
Shanghai is a great place to become certified.
Depending on your level of expertise, salaries in Shanghai might vary from 10,000 RMB ($1,500) to 18,000 RMB ($2,700) each month. A teaching credential and some experience are required for the higher-paying positions. The fact that it is recognized by other countries is irrelevant to many educational institutions. Decide whether you want to teach full-time or only for a few months before investing in a TEFL course. If you’re just in Shanghai for a few months, consider taking a local training course. Doing ESL teaching hours at certain schools may lead to free training and certification. Shanghai is an excellent place to get a great career, even if your degree isn’t recognized abroad.
Job Search
Many schools are cashing in on the English craze by focusing on profit rather than on their pupils, foreign instructors, or language acquisition. Find schools on the Internet and ask the directors for the email addresses of the instructors. On the surface, many colleges seem to be more impressive and promising than they really are. You’ll have a better understanding of what it’s like to be a student at the school and whether or not it’s right for you based on the instructors’ perspectives.
Schools provide a variety of options for students. Others provide free Chinese language lessons, free hotel accommodations, and even payment for air travel expenses. As soon as you arrive, you’ll find that everyone is eager to assist you in adjusting to your new surroundings. Even if your school doesn’t provide housing, they can help you find a real estate agent and learn the language.
Hiredchina, for example, is a good source for information about Shanghai employment opportunities.
Be sure to check out the job forum on www.hiredchina.com, where you’ll discover plenty of Shanghai-related posts. As a teacher, you’ll want to know what schools are safe and which ones aren’t.
How to Obtain a Visa
Arriving on a 90-day tourist visa is the norm for most aspiring instructors. Upon arrival, the institution assists students in obtaining visas for up to a year. Wait a few months to see whether you enjoy the school before allowing them to acquire you a student visa. Visit www.china-embassy.org for further visa information. It’s easy to find out everything you need to do to apply for a visa at the Chinese Embassy’s website.