Many foreign instructors are employed in China, however it would be naive to classify them all under the same roof. You may begin and finish your adventure in a variety of various ways in the business. This is something that most individuals don’t comprehend.
Recruiting and Orientation
There are two ways that most instructors come in China; one is via a recruiter, and the other is through a job posting on a recruitment website. A résumé and a scanned copy of a degree and teaching certificate are generally all that is needed to begin the discussion. 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.
In China, new teachers tend to be younger and less experienced than their predecessors. Consequently, wages will be minimal, particularly if you are assigned to work in a remote area.
A private English teaching organization like English First is another option to enter China. 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 Professionals
It’s time to make a choice when your original contract expires. Is it better for you to remain or leave? If you come to China for no other reason than to get away from the usual, you should say your goodbyes to the Middle Kingdom and return home. Others will see this as an opportunity to advance in China’s teaching profession.
Those expats who opt to remain in the country after their first contract expires are the most likely to migrate. In the vast heartland of China, most people prefer not to work in a low-paying position at a dingy public school in a remote location. 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 migration is to a higher pay scale for teachers. A relocation to a university or private language company may be an option for public school instructors who want to earn more money in China. The recruiting procedure will normally be a bit more complicated, though. Prospective instructors should expect to be interviewed in person at the majority of language institutes. In certain cases, prospective teachers may request a practice session in front of their students.
Getting to the Top
It is possible to go up the career ladder by remaining in China for an extended period of time. Wall Street English, for example, is one of the most prestigious private language schools in the United States. Others go to large foreign schools in China‘s main cities, or work their way up the corporate ladder to become supervisors or principals there.
It’s difficult to get one of these more renowned teaching positions in China, but the money is worth it. Most of these organizations will demand advanced teaching certifications and many years of experience, ideally in-country.
It’s unfortunate, but there are no shortcuts when it comes to this sort of high-end teaching position. There is no substitute for hard work in any field, no matter where you are in the world.