The fact that native English speakers have an easier time obtaining job in China is common knowledge; if nothing else, they can always work as English teachers. What if, though, English is not your native tongue and you don’t hail from one of the big English-speaking nations? What kind of job openings can you look forward to in China?
Understanding Jobs for Non-Native English Speakers in China
ESL
Non-native English speakers have lots of teaching options, however they may not be the greatest. Non-native speakers are seldom a hindrance while educating children, particularly young ones. English-language learners are common in kindergartens. As a non-native English teacher, your income may not be as high as your native speaking peers. However, unscrupulous institutions will take advantage of non-native speakers, especially instructors from Africa and the Philippines, by giving insultingly low compensation and near exploitative circumstances. No of the color of your passport (or complexion), if you’re a foreign teacher, you should make at least as much as your native-speaking colleagues.
Translation
Non-native English speakers’ biggest advantage may be their original language. While Chinese-English translators are common, three-language translators are rare. A Vietnamese lady in Kunming perfected her Chinese and English to become a freelance translator. A Dane opened a translation firm in Shanghai and hired translators from across the globe. Arabic or Italian, languages not generally learned in China but not obscure, may be a huge benefit in the translation sector.
Consultancy
Many individuals of different nationalities have benefitted from China’s rising economic might and become advisors for international firms trying to grow into China. Have consultant skills? Having home-country contacts helps. After early success in the marble sector, a group of Italian friends started a consulting firm. Their firm guided Italian customers around Guangzhou during the yearly trade expo. Consulting may be rewarding for people with the appropriate blend of talents, personality, and contacts.
Childcare
English-speaking nannies are in demand in China, albeit not as much as translation or consulting. Since most native English speakers earn more money teaching than babysitting, Filipina women do this employment. In Beijing, Filipina nannies (ayis) start at 50RMB per hour and typically get housing and board. This is double what local nannies earn. Nannying for rich expats in Beijing or Shanghai might be a fantastic second job for non-native English or Chinese speakers.
Superstardom
If you’re talented, try leveraging it in China. Many foreigners in Chinese cities including Kunming, Chengdu, Beijing, and Guangzhou have become DJs. Foreign-looking women may secure dancing performances without much expertise, while foreign males can pass as rappers if they look the part. Fire-dancers, drummers, singers, strippers, saxophonists, and even Beijing opera and xiang sheng artists earn significant money in China. If you’re skilled, great, but for many, faking it well is enough. Films and TV programs typically hunt for international extras, while marketing companies seek foreign models. Foreign and half-Chinese youngsters who enjoy the camera may be good candidates for child modeling.
You can establish your own future in China, whether you’re from the UK or Ghana. Finding a solid career or a steady income may be harder for non-native speakers who don’t teach English, but there are alternative options that may be even better.