Employing yourself in China is a big enough adventure even if you’ve never been to Asia before. Choosing how much of a challenge you’re prepared to take is the first step. Even while cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong may be exciting and cause culture shock, you’ll always be able to locate your favorite foreign comforts, like fast-food chains, international cuisine, and translation services if you ever get lost.
Is teaching English in China easy?
In other provinces, you’ll discover beautiful scenery, less traffic, and kind residents who are delighted to welcome visitors to their town if you’re seeking a more challenging lifestyle.
Our list of the top cities in China for foreign teachers may help you narrow down your search for a place to call home.
To locate a reliable company or school while looking for teaching jobs in China online, you must go through half of the websites that appear. Recruiting companies like Reach To Teach, CIEE, and Set in China may assist you in narrowing down your job search by specifically searching for a position you’re interested in.
Of course, the school where you choose to work will provide you with a unique teaching experience. Salary levels at international schools in China tend to be higher than average, but they are highly sought-after jobs. It’s easy to locate English teaching jobs in China since most foreign schools have their own websites.
The best time to get a job in China is in November, with a start date in February. Schools in China employ English instructors all year round. You may, however, get recruited and begin working as a teacher within a month! Start looking for a job on the Go Overseas career site.
Teaching in China requires certain qualifications.
An English-speaking passport and criminal background check are required for anybody who wants to work lawfully in China. A bachelor’s degree is also required, as is a TEFL certificate. Many programs provide free TEFL certification as part of the perks if you don’t have one yet.
It is possible to teach in China if you have two years of teaching experience and are a licensed teacher in your home country even if you do not have a passport from a native English-speaking nation.
Obtaining a Work Permit in China and Finding Sponsors
A Chinese work visa (Z visa) application may be time-consuming and costly without the appropriate documentation and support from an established institution. With these two things in place, getting your Chinese work visa should be simple. The college will assist you in obtaining a work visa by providing you with a letter of admission. Additionally, you’ll need a residency permit, TB/HIV clearance, and any other medication exemptions in China, in addition to your work visa. Be careful to check your contract to see whether your employer will cover the cost of your visa and any related costs, since each employer is different.
China’s Wage and Cost of Living
According on the kind of school and previous teaching experience, salaries in China may vary significantly. First-year ESL school teachers may expect a monthly salary of $1,200 plus free housing. Teachers earning more than $1,600 a year are unlikely to have housing covered. Your monthly pay will range between $2,800 and $4,300 if you are hired to teach English in a private international school. Additionally, several institutions provide a free round-trip airfare from China to students.
Depending on the location, quality, and whether or not you have roommates, the average monthly cost of a cheap apartment ranges from $350-$650 including utilities. Also, bear in mind that you’ll be required to make a five-month down payment. Plan on spending between $6 and $15 a day on food, plus more for special occasions and upscale dinners and drinks.