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 to make your teach abroad dream a reality.
So let’s get into it!
Step 1 – Check your eligibility
China is a land of contradictions. Getting a teaching job in China is no exception.
For example, a rule which applies in one province may not apply to another province.
Generally speaking, however, there are certain requirements to teach in China. They are:
- You’re a native English speaker from USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand
- You’re under age 55
- You’ve got a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certificate
- You’ve got some work experience
- You’ve got a clean bill of health and don’t have any criminal convictions.
These requirements may slightly differ between schools and recruiters. For example, some schools accept native English speakers from South Africa.
To find out if you can teach in China with Hello Teacher!, simply use the eligibility checker. It only takes about 10 seconds!
How do you teach English in China? First, check your eligibility.
If you’re graduating from university soon, you can still apply to teach in China.
Just make sure you get your degree certificate as quickly as possible because it’s part of the visa procedure for teaching in China.
Don’t have a degree? You can technically teach in China without a degree by doing an internship.
I won’t be covering internships in this blog, however, as they’re different to actual teaching positions.
Step 2 – Complete a TEFL course
You can skip this step if you’ve got an education or teaching degree.
For everyone else, you’re going to have to complete a TEFL course to teach in China.
Choose a course that’s at least 120 hours in length. This can be done online, face to face, or both (called a combined course).
A popular option is a combined course where you do approximately 100 hours online and 20 hours face to face. It’s the best of both worlds!
The face-to-face component could be done on Skype or even in person in your city. It all depends on the type of course you choose.
Getting real teaching practice in your TEFL course is a good idea.
Hello Teacher! has a TEFL store where you can compare top TEFL courses from leading providers all in one place.
You can check out the TEFL Store here.
The courses are competitively priced and, provided you choose one that’s at least 120 hours, are ideal for China.
An alternative to doing a TEFL course is a CELTA course. It’s more rigorous but more expensive.
You will have other expenses if you want to teach in China, so my advice is to opt for the cheaper option (TEFL).
Step 3 – Decide how you want to find a teaching job
Go it alone
If you’ve got plenty of time, know exactly what you want, and can navigate your way through the complex Chinese education and employment market, then you could decide to go it alone.
By going it alone, I mean contacting schools in China directly to find work.
SEE ALSO: TIPS FOR TEACHING ENGLISH IN CHINA
The problem with this is knowing which schools are reputable, which schools have hired foreign teachers before, which schools arrange the proper visa for you – the list goes on.
Even finding the right person to speak to (i.e. the foreign affairs hiring manager) can be excruciatingly tough.
Most people don't have the time and know-how to contact individual schools in China.
I’d probably only recommend this option if you’ve taught in China before and you know exactly what you’re doing.
Given you’re reading a ‘how to teach English in China’ blog, I’d say you probably don’t fall into this category!
Work with a recruiter
One of the best ways you can find a teaching job in China is by working with a reputable recruiter (like Hello Teacher!).
A recruiter can help you find the ideal role based on your needs. You can choose from a range of roles in different kinds of schools all across China.
So how do you choose the perfect recruiter?
Go for one that’s objective, trustworthy, and can help you with the visa arrangements and any questions you have along the way.
And be wary of recruiters who only recruit for their brand or chain of schools. Your choices will be very limited!
Use a job board
Another way you can find a teaching job in China is by using a job board.
You can sign up for job alerts and have jobs emailed straight to your inbox.
You have to be really careful with job boards as anyone can post an advertisement. Do your homework and research the school thoroughly.
Working with a trusted recruiter is the safest option.
Step 4 – Narrow down your preferences
To say “I want to teach in China” is a broad statement (but a great start!).
You need to narrow down your preferences. This will help both you and your recruiter to find the most appropriate teaching job in China.
The three most important questions to consider at the start of your job search are:
- What type of school in China do you want to work in?
- What part of China do you want to work in?
- What salary and working conditions will you accept?
An international school in Jiangsu province, eastern China.
It’s ok if you don’t have any particular preferences straight away. Your recruiter can help you decide.
In this blog I won’t go into detail about each of these questions. That’s because I’ve written a dedicated blog about narrowing down your preferences for teaching in China here.
Step 5 – Make a good impression
Your resume
It’s easy to make a good impression with your recruiter and school.
For starters, make sure your resume or CV is up to date and error-free.
Think about it – you’re applying for a teaching job in China where grammar and spelling are important. If your resume is littered with mistakes, what kind of impression do you think this makes?
Additionally, make sure your resume shows your relevant work experience. It’s ok if there are gaps in your employment, but explain why.
At interview
Your interview will be conducted on Skype or over the phone.
Making a good impression at your interview is even more important than perfecting your resume.
If you're serious about teaching in China, try to make a good impression in your resume and interview.
Try to speak clearly and articulate why you would be a great teacher in China.
Make sure you’re ready for your interview on time. If you’re not on time, or have to reschedule more than once, what do you think this says about the way you work?
If you're having a Skype interview, remember to dress appropriately (check out this helpful blog for other Skype interview tips).
First impressions are often lasting impressions.
Step 6 – Sign a contract and start preparing
When looking for a teaching job in China, it’s not only the salary that you need to consider.
Things like the type of school you’ll be working at, whether housing is included and how many hours you’ll be working, are equally important.
Once you’re happy with a particular teaching role, sign the contract you’ve been given.
Upon signing the contract, the Z visa process for teaching in China can begin. This is a critical part of your preparation.
Ideally, you should start the visa process three months before you start teaching, provided you have all your personal documents (such as your degree) ready to go.
Most teaching jobs in China offer a reimbursement of your airfare, up to a limit. So when buying your tickets, you don’t have to scrimp on the cheapest airline.
How do you teach in China the right way? Make sure you're working on a Z visa.
In case you didn’t know, most major Western websites and apps are blocked in China. This includes WhatsApp, Google, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
To get around this, make sure you get a virtual private network (VPN) app on your phone and laptop.
SEE ALSO: THE CHINA APPS YOU NEED TO HAVE
It’s super important to do this before you arrive in China because you may not be able to download a VPN once you’re there.
Finding the best VPN for China isn’t hard as there are a number of providers that are reputable and used by teachers in China.
You can check out my review of some of the best VPNs for China here.
Finally, make sure you bring enough money. You may need to wait a month until you are paid depending on the school’s pay cycle.
Housing is included in your salary package when you teach in a public school in China.
However, if you teach in a private language institute you will need rent money upfront.
Your teach abroad dream is now a reality
So now you know how to teach English in China!
As you can see, it’s not hard. Provided you’re eligible to teach in China, it just takes a little effort and time to get things in order.
The more prepared you are, the sooner you can get excited about this awesome adventure overseas!
What do you think of this step-by-step guide on how to teach English in China? Please comment below.
