Relocation is exciting and challenging at the same time! More so when you plan to live and teach in China in the next season of your life. With the high and growing demand for English teachers in China, English teaching jobs in China are not difficult to chance upon.
Here are some tips we find useful for prospective expats looking to teach English in China.
Tip 01: Get certified
Having a Bachelor’s degree alone is insufficient. Teaching English in China requires teachers to have a degree and a:
- Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification or;
- Teach English to Speakers of a Second Language (TESL) certification or;
- Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA).
These certificates are often generally categorized as English as a Second Language (ESL) and broadly used and interchangeable with the above acronyms.
On this note, it is also important that teachers complete 120 class hours requisite before applying for ESL jobs in China.
If you do have a TEFL or TESL certification, teachers must have at least 2 years of teaching experience to substantiate their applications.
Your new employer may pay for your TEFL or TESL certification and this saves you some outlay in the beginning. In return, you may have to accept a lower salary as part of the agreement. Consider forking out on your own to be ESL certified as these certifications will be a bargaining tool when it comes to pay packages. In the long run, it may help you get a headstart salary-wise.
Tip 02: For a better job-hunting experience, use a recruiter
If you are a huge fan of adventure, you may apply for jobs on your own at either public or private schools. This may be a good or bad experience despite the amount of online research about a school. As a foreigner, there is always an element of surprise when things are done on your own as expectations may not be aligned to the local way of life. Online information may not always be the most accurate and job scams are a possibility. As a first-time teacher in China, this route of career exploration is best for those of a brave heart.
Using a recruitment agency is a more conservative yet assured approach to looking for an ESL job. The recruiting company has a database of schools and vacancies which can be matched to your strength, skillsets, and career objectives. With a recruiter, you may be recommended to jobs at renowned schools or language academies that can give you a better impression of China upon arrival.
Using a recruiter can save you the hassle of looking for a job independently, and on the upside, recruiters can help you negotiate better employment terms with their knowledge of the local job market.
Tip 03: Pack some personal items especially preferred toiletries
Tier 1 cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen are probably easier to adjust to as the cities have a large population of expats and provide accessibility to international brands.
However, the price points may be different compared to those from your country and you may end up paying more for the same brand.
Personal toiletries for ladies such as moisturizers, tampons, and skincare products can be expensive due to the taxes levied on import goods. You may consider bringing enough for the teaching commitment you have and adjust along the way.
Basic toiletries such as shampoo and soap are definitely readily available but then again, it is dependent on how particular you are with the brands you are used to.
China has no lack of shopping and clothes are readily available at any turn and corner of the street. You may purchase an entire wardrobe or bring sufficient to last the next 3 months while you get acclimatized.
Tip 04: VPN and WeChat are your new best friends
China is famous for blocking sites such as Google. WhatsApp and Facebook. Also known as The Great Firewall, VPNs are the only way to circumvent the blockages and access western sites.
Not all VPNs are effective in China, here are some of the best VPNs:
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
- ExpressVPN
- VyprVPN
- Hotspot Shield
Even so, there are times where there are blockages and glitches from these providers. To get in touch with the rest of the world from China, we suggest getting yourself acquainted with Chinese apps such as WeChat, the equivalent of WhatsApp, and Renren Network, a social networking site, similar to Facebook.
The Chinese use WeChat for pretty much everything! From social networking, instant messaging, to mobile payments, WeChat is free to download and actively used across all of China.
On a side note, the Chinese are big on technology and wireless payments through QR code scanning or mobile apps have largely overtaken cash. Make sure that your mobile phone is unlocked and has memory space for more app downloads.
Tip 05:Go with an open mind, heart, and mouth
China is generally safe to visit, work, and live in. The culture is relatively reserved and much oriented toward hard work. Prepare yourself for a work culture that may not value counterproposals but focuses on getting tasks done even if it means listening to your bosses and managers’ instructions that may not make sense.
Nonetheless, teaching English in China can be rewarding especially if you are seeking to expand your horizons and gain more experience. Not every teacher may dream to build a career in a snazzy private school. Teaching English in a public school or smaller Chinese city is likely to give you a more immersive experience. The job market is less competitive compared to Tier 1 cities, but the expat community is still present and vibrant. Students are probably more eager to learn and excited to have a foreign teacher.
China provides one of the most diverse gastronomical experiences. Living and teaching in China allow your tastebuds to sample spices and even meats that we may think of as discards. Do not be alarmed if the markets you visit prides itself on fresh food; seafood hauled from the tank and literally gutted on the spot.
Travelling within the great country of China is also an incredible way to see the world. With more than 600 cities, China offers an unparalleled explorative journey that includes the wild Mongolian desserts to the bustling financial capital Shanghai where modernity and heritage coexist.
All in all, teaching English in China as an expat is fun and exciting. Even if you do not speak an ounce of Mandarin, you can still survive in China.
