China has emerged as one of the preferred destinations for foreign language teachers particularly those of English, French or Spanish origin. Given increased globalization of the Chinese economy and rising need for employees who know at least one foreign language, the demand for foreign teachers rises significantly. However, these various experiences are not available to educators in all the cities. The city has the potential to significantly influence the aspects of your job satisfaction, well being, and social network. Now, let’s look at the 5 Chinese cities that are most favorite among foreign language teachers, and why so.
1. Beijing: The Cultural Hub
In China, Beijing is not only the capital city of the country but also the city of unique attractions and historical sites. In Beijing, which is one of the most ancient capitals in the word, you will be teaching in a modern city but at the same time you will be talking in palaces, temples, and gardens that are hundreds of years old.
Job Opportunities for language teachers
In Beijing there are many different international schools, private language teachers schools and public schools which are always in search of native English speaking or other foreign language teachers. The demand is high here because of the city’s international status and in order to get the best talent, schools can offer good salaries.
The advantages of living in Beijing
As you live in Beijing, you can discover the story of China but at the same time have access to contemporary facilities. This means that the public transportation is well developed thus easing the movements within this relatively expensive city. Also, Beijing has a large community of expatriate residents hence you are never really out of touch with familiar places.
Challenges
Housing in Beijing is relatively cheaper but they are pricier than other provinces, and pollution is still an issue. Nevertheless, the population of expatriates is still numerous as people are ready to suffer various difficulties in exchange for the uniqueness of cultural life and numerous vacancies for job seekers.
2. Shanghai: The Economic Powerhouse
If you want to be a cosmopolitan person who enjoys the life of working in a global city, Shanghai is suitable for you. Being the most famous city of China, Shanghai possesses many tall buildings, historic construction, and remains as one of the famous cities of the world for its powerful nightlife scene.
language teachers Roles in Shanghai
This is because Shanghai accommodates so many global players including both business and multinational corporations hence there is emphasis on teaching languages especially English. Foreign teachers are wanted, not only at school but also in business organizations for teaching Business English.
Why Expats Love Shanghai
Shanghai is one of those cities that will never leave you bored because it is cosmopolitan. There are countless things to do in this city, whether it is visiting art gallery commercial areas or taking cruises at the river. Shanghai has been known to be one of those cities that has a better standard of living, embraces diverse ethnicity, tasty and diverse foods, and entertainment.
Lifestyle Considerations
Shanghai is slightly more costly than many of the other cities in China but they tend to pay their workers slightly better wages for the most part. However, you should incur an expense on housing because the cost will vary depending on the area you wish to live in, preferably amongst fellow expatriates.
3. Guangzhou: The GateWay to Southern China
Guangzhou is one of the important cities of china which is situated near to Hong Kong and Macau and rich with international trade tradition. The other is known to have a population from different parts of the world, which increases its popularity when it comes to recruiting teachers from other countries.
Teaching Opportunities
There are many local and international schools in Guangzhou, therefore there are many opportunities for teachers coming from overseas. The English teachers are in high demand because the city has been expanding as an international city.
Expat Lifestyle
It is also a cosmopolitan city, therefore the international community is well represented, and can offer many resources and contacts. It also has wonderful Chinese restaurants and good food that includes Dim Sum and Cantonese food which makes for an added bonus on the tour.
Considerations
Some of the challenges include, subtropical climate and sometimes language barrier since they are Chinese. In conclusion, Guangzhou is one of the best places, which has facilities of the contemporary world and Chinese culture as well.
4. Chengdu: The Rising Star
It is not as globally popular as Beijing or Shanghai, but the city is gradually becoming a centre of attraction for foreign teachers. Also famously known as the panda city, and the city that is famous for the spicy Sichuan food, the city of Chengdu is relatively slower in its pace as compared to the cities on the coast.
Job Prospects
Language schools and international institutions are increasing in number in Chengdu and therefore the options are good for teachers who are willing to teach outside the mega cities of China. It remains unfortunately cheap to live here, although the wages are fair.
Unique Charm of Chengdu
What really sets the city of Chengdu apart is that it has all the trappings of the new China and at the same time remains quite relaxed. If your goal is to walk through panda wildlife conservation centers or simply take a cup of tea in one of Lhasa’s teahouses, you will feel welcomed.
5. Shenzhen: The Technological Hotspot
A small village a few decades ago, today Shenzhen is one of China’s most developed and progressive cities. That is why there are so many technology companies such as Huawei and Tencent, and language teachers and technology experts love the place.
Teaching in Shenzhen
As the rapid growth in the Information Technology industry the need for English lessons both in the classroom and business environment in Shenzhen has risen. Most of the teachers here are inclined to teach business English specially for technology employees.
Living in Shenzhen
Shenzhen has been considered to be one of the border cities to Hong Kong, thus providing international passage to people. The city itself is modern, effectively planned, everything is built and constructed, so living here is beneficial if you like innovations and progress.
An ever increasing demand for foreign language teachers in China
The increase in the capability of China in international diplomacy has put a high demand on the education of foreign languages. Since Chinese parents and professionals value language teachers’ proficiency, especially in English, the demand for teachers in the native-speaking countries is increasing throughout China.
Analyzing The Sphere Of Private And Public Schools
There are two main types of schools where you can work as a foreign language teachers in China: independent language teachers institutes and public schools. The private schools will entitle candidates with more flexible working hours and higher remunerations while the public schools will present constant hours and conventional education. The latter one is individual, depending on the choice of a particular person and what he/she wants to get in this process.
Conclusion
Therefore, the appropriate selection of the city determines the kind of teaching experience that one can have in China. Cultural attractions seem to attract people to Beijing, whereas business like environment and opportunities attract people to Shanghai or innovation and creativity attracts people to Shenzhen. Spend some time thinking about what type of life and work you want to have; it’s possible to have a great teaching job in any of these amazing cities.
FAQs
- It might then interest you to know how much foreign language teachers are paid in China.?
Wages are dependent on place of work and university, but average from $2 000 to $4 500 per month.
- What are the requirements for being a language teachers in China, is Mandarin necessary?
It is not mandatory, yet, some understanding of mandarin will improve the daily experience and ease your stay in China.
- How much are people able to spend in the areas of food, clothing and other necessities in these cities?
Shanghai and Beijing cities are more expensive than the cities like Chengdu, Guangzhou and so on.
- What are the requirements to be a language teachers in China?
It’s standard practice that most teaching jobs demand a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certificate and that the teacher is a native speaker of the language the students are using.
- Thus, is teaching in China a sound long-term investment?
Yes, teaching in China can produce good results in terms of career development because of the need for foreign language teachers.