Blogs by Mike Cairnduff
Is it safe to teach in China in 2021?
Opinion
January 04, 2021
Lots of people are asking whether it’s safe to teach in China this year. In this blog, I’m going to summarize teaching in China from a safety perspective and what you need to consider. I’ll keep it fairly concise so you can ma...
My best advice for your Teach in China contract
Advice
December 29, 2020
If you’re looking for information on China teaching contracts, you’re in the right place. I’ve taught English in China before, and I’ve recruited many teachers who’ve landed great positions in China. I’ve the...
Want to teach English in Hangzhou? 6 tips for first timers
Advice
August 29, 2020
Hangzhou is a great place to teach English. This modern city is home to top schools and eager students, and just an hour away from Shanghai by fast train. Most importantly, Hangzhou is one of China’s most beautiful cities. There’...
What is the best online TEFL course?
Reviews
July 15, 2020
I'm asked this question a lot. So, what is the best online TEFL course? Well, like many things in life, there’s no simple answer. Course quality, features and cost all come into the equation. What I can tell you, however, is there are...
Want to teach English in Beijing? 5 tips for first timers
Advice
June 18, 2020
Beijing is a great place to teach English. It’s the cultural capital of China, so you’re guaranteed to have an authentic experience. You’ll get to see the majestic Great Wall, discover the Forbidden City and try delicious Peki...
How do you immerse yourself in Chinese culture?
Daily life
September 21, 2019
Teaching in China is not just about teaching. It’s about all the experiences you’ll have outside the classroom too. One of these experiences is soaking up the Chinese culture. As one of the world’s oldest cultures, it’s...
92 tips for teaching English in China (a full list for the smart TEFL teacher)
Advice
February 14, 2019
You’ve probably heard a few tips when it comes to teaching English in China. “Prepare for a different culture” and “pack the right clothes”, the so-called experts tell us. These tips are neither helpful nor insight...
Planning your trip to China just got a whole lot easier
Reviews
January 24, 2019
Planning a trip to China is exciting. It’s home to the Great Wall, the panda sanctuary and the intriguing Terracotta Warriors. While it’s good to research the places we’ll visit before we get there, we often skip the most impo...
7 basic, fun games to engage your Chinese students
Classroom activities
January 20, 2019
Everyone loves playing games. For young learners especially, games are a crucial part of learning a foreign language. There are many benefits to playing games in the classroom. Students become more engaged, taught content is reinforced and clas...
How to teach English in China in 6 easy steps
Advice
November 05, 2018
If you want to teach English in China but don’t know where to start, this blog is for you. As simply as I can, I’ll explain how to teach English in China in six easy steps. By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s required...
