Teaching English in Wuxi, China
Report submitted on 28 July, 2015 by Nidia Nel.
Teaching English in Wuxi, China:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in Wuxi, China?
There are many ways.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools, teaching at private international schools, teaching at colleges / universities, teaching at community centers, etc., private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.)
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
The standard requirements are: BA degree in any field, TEFL or TESOL or similar and at least two years experience teaching, any age group. But young children are the highest demand jobs.
What teaching requirements would you recommend?
A love for children is a must.
A lot of patience.
A lot of creative thinking to keep classes entertaining.
What are the levels of payment?
Depends on the city, but you should not get less then 100rmb (approx. US$16) per 45 min – 1hour class.
How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
25 hours per week
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
All public holidays
Christmas is also given
and possibly 5 or more leave days, more if you are lucky
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Wuxi, China to teach English?
Make sure you have all your stuff sorted in your home country before you come here. Getting things done with banking and things like that is a schlep and a half. So make sure all your bank cards, licenses, policies, passports, etc are up to date, or expires well over 2-5 years.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Wuxi, China?
Wuxi is a nice, well developed city that offers a lot for foreigners in the food and entertainment department. So its not like living in a town with nothing but fried rice and noodles with something resembling meat in the vaguest form to eat….
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Wuxi, China?
You are constantly stared at like you are something from another planet….and sneaked photos of you is something you cannot avoid.
You may not like all the cultural mannerisms….. (spitting and conditions of some of the public toilets being the biggest thing to get used to).
What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Local language. BIG challenge to learn Chinese and just be understood. LOL.
Living in Wuxi, China:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
You need a work sponsored VISA, don’t try and work on anything else, it will catch up with you eventually.
What is the cost of living like in China?
Pretty good, you can save a lot and still have enough to enjoy all amenities.
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Accommodation allowance but you have to pay for your utilities
They assist in finding a place for you before you get here or you stay in a hotel till they find something suitable.
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Wuxi, China?
The BEST sightseeing EVER. With such an ancient history, no matter where you go there is so MUCH history and things to see and learn.
Just amazing.
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Wuxi, China?
Small amount of other foreigners, and you tend to get a bit “over familiar” and bad stuff can happen.
My city has high humidity with a lot of rain…..if you are used to it then fine. 🙂
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Wuxi, China?
Don’t have any expectations. Enjoy it like you would a new experience and don’t let the negatives get you down.
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Decent MEAT. 🙂
And, because I love to cook, ALL my spices and herbs. Its very limited here and if you do get at expat stores, its SO expensive.
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
Restaurant service. Food is served quickly. Hardly EVER have to wait long for anything. *wish other businesses worked like their food industry*
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Deodorant
Perfume
Sanitary thingys – the girls will know what I mean.
Shavers and blades, the Chinese things don’t last or stay sharp longer than two uses….
Anything you do not use as a cheap fake….brand name clothes, shoes, blah blah….in china you can get almost everything fake…..and still be charged genuine price, unless you know how to bargain.
About Me and My Work:
My Name: Nidia Nel
Nationality: South African
Students I’ve taught in China: Toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), adults
Where I teach: Web International – Happy Goal Kids English in Wuxi. Teaching for 1 year.
My school facilities: Adequate – Classrooms need proper air conditioning that works, or rather – the Mall where its situated needs to make it work properly.
Staff tea room is not hygienically suited for proper consumption of meals….
Need to consider updating their curriculum to more modern standards….
Teacher support is available at my school: training / workshops, lesson observations, teacher evaluations, peer support / training.
Do you teach English in China?
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