Teach English in China blog
Welcome to the Teach English in China blog!
Here you will find real stories, practical advice and opinion pieces about teaching English in China - all written by past or present teachers.
If you would like to contribute to the blog, please contact us and we'll be in touch.
So make yourself a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy reading. You may even decide to teach in China!
Why do Chinese people spit (and do other weird things)?
Daily life
August 13, 2017 by Alex Moore
I remember my first hour in China. Through immigration at Beijing Capital Airport, reunited with luggage, on the bus to the city I’d be teaching in and looking forward to sleeping off some jet lag – everything seemed pretty norm...
10 things about China that may surprise you
Daily life
August 06, 2017 by Mike Cairnduff
China is synonymous with giant pandas, ancient temples, the Great Wall and lots of people. However, there are a number of things about this intriguing country that may surprise you, particularly if you’re a first-time visitor. 1. Half of the...
Using a Guttman Chart to help your students in China
Teaching strategies
July 23, 2017 by Nicholas McKay
I swear by using a Guttman Chart when teaching large classes. It's a tool designed to ascertain a student’s 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD), otherwise referred to as 'what they are ready to learn next'. There will...
Meet the woman whose been teaching English in China for 13 years!
Interview
July 22, 2017 by Mike Cairnduff
Arleen Cotas has been teaching English in Jinan, northern China, for 13 years. It’s a stellar effort, so naturally I wanted to interview her. Arleen, you’ve been teaching in China for 13 years. What’s your secret for longevity...
Using movies in your ESL classroom in China
Teaching strategies
July 16, 2017 by Sarah Bucknall
Using movies in your ESL classroom in China is really worthwhile. But for me, it wasn’t as easy as just clicking on ‘play’. It was 8:30am and I felt it was too early to be having a debate. We had just had our lesson plans chec...
How to help students with academic difficulties
Teaching strategies
July 09, 2017 by Nicholas McKay
Experiencing difficulty with the content is the main reason behind why students act inappropriately. Fortunately, however, there are some strategies you can use with students experiencing such difficulties. These strategies may help you...
10 questions you should ask before accepting a TEFL job offer
Advice
July 02, 2017 by Kim Ooi
The dreaded job interview – you’re trying to appear confident and professional whilst your heart is beating like a sledgehammer. And why wouldn’t it be? The outcome of the interview could have a major impact on your life. Accepti...
How TEFL in China can open up career doors
Personal stories
July 01, 2017 by Mike Cairnduff
In this blog, I talk to Jonathan Arthur, ex English teacher and now a marketer for English First (EF). Jonathan explains how TEFL in China can open up career doors. Jonathan, can you tell us about your career journey so far? I graduated from un...
When the students control the curriculum
Teaching strategies
June 26, 2017 by Sarah Bucknall
Teaching English in China takes me back to being at school. Some subjects caught my attention, others not so much! With many ESL teaching jobs in training centers, the topics may not be relevant to the students. Or, the topics may be relevant but...
Share bikes are wheelie taking off in China
Daily life
June 25, 2017 by Mike Cairnduff
When it comes to getting around in China, foreign English teachers have got it good. Whether you want to check out nearby provinces by bullet train, dart around the underground subway or simply travel a few blocks by bus, taxi or rideshare, transp...
