Despite the fact that the majority of foreigners working in China are educators, it would be a mistake to group them all together. You may begin and finish your career in a variety of ways, and the business is considerably more diversified and sophisticated than most people know. We’ll take a look at a few of the most common job choices for Chinese instructors right now.
Recruiting and Orientation
The two most common ways for foreign educators to enter China are via a recruiter or by responding to a job posting on a job board. It’s common for the first discussion to begin with a CV and copies of a degree and teaching certificate. First-time instructors in China often sign up for a one-year or even a one-semester contract after passing an online video or phone interview.
Chinese new teachers are more likely to be in their early twenties and have limited teaching experience. A modest salary is thus expected, particularly in the case of rural employment.
If you’re looking for a path into China, you may also try a private ESL school like English First. A year-long contract is typical, however individuals with advanced teaching credentials like DELTA or CELTA might expect a greater salary. It’s very uncommon for multinational firms to operate TEFL training programs in their home countries, with the promise of a job in China if they succeed.
Migration of Experts
When your first contract expires, you’ll have to make a choice. What’s the best course of action for you? It’s time for those who just come to China for a change of scenery or a break from the routine to return home. In China’s teaching business, this is an opportunity for advancement.
For those who opt to remain after their original contract expires, migration is at its peak. Most people choose to avoid a low-paying employment in a dingy public school in China’s remote hinterlands. Expat English instructors tend to migrate in two distinct ways, frequently at the same time.
The first is a journey from a rural area to a metropolitan area. The bright lights of Beijing, Shanghai, and the like are enticing to younger instructors who have had a taste of China’s rougher side and want a taste of the country’s contemporary face.
The second way to go ahead is to increase your salary as a teacher. Teachers who have previously worked in China may be able to earn a greater salary if they switch to university roles or private language firms. However, the hiring procedure is more time consuming. Most language schools and universities prefer to see potential instructors in person and conduct an interview with them at the very least. In certain cases, prospective teachers may request a practice session in front of their students.
Reaching the Top of the Mountain
It is possible to go up the career ladder even higher by remaining in China for an extended period of time. Some students may go on to attend Wall Street English, a high-end private language school. In certain cases, they join the ranks of some of China’s leading international schools or rise through the ranks to become managers or principals within their own institutions.
More prominent China teaching positions pay far more, but getting one of them is very difficult. Advanced teaching certifications, as well as many years of experience ideally gained in-country, are often required for employment with most of these organizations.
Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to a position at a prestigious educational institution such as this one. You have to put in the effort to get to the top in any field, anywhere in the globe.