Teaching English in China – Beihai

Published: 12 October, 2018  |  Last updated: 12 October, 2018

Teaching English in Beihai, China

 

Report submitted on 03 Mar, 2018 by Dalton kelly.

Teaching English in Beihai, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Beihai, China?
Contact me on daltonkelly2016@gmail.com

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Degree
TEFL
criminal background check
recommendation letter

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Native speaker.

What are the levels of payment?
200 RMB (approx. 28,90 US$) /Monthly is from 10.000RMB -15000 RMB (approx. 1443 – 2165 US$) depending of the teacher’s experience.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
20 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Chinese NEW year.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Beihai, China to teach English?
Do a good research about the city before coming.
Be prepared to be a good teacher.
The locals are very friendly.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Beihai, China?
Not very busy when compared to other cities.
Cost of living is quite reasonable.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Beihai, China?
Try not to sign contract with schools that can’t afford to give you a work visa.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Many students in the classroom and language barrier.

 

Living in Beihai, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Teachers must have a work visa.

What is the cost of living like in China?
Accommodation 1500 RMB (approx. 216,50 US$).

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
School provide free accommodation or house allowances.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Beihai, China?
The weather here is very good.
Beautiful beaches.
Seafood.
The air quality is good.
Good transportation system.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in scenery, China?
Language barrier,
facebook and Youtube are all blocked.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Beihai, China?
come and be prepared.
Be ready to learn the language.
Not many speak English.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Food.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
My students.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Medicine.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Dalton kelly

Nationality: Cameroon

Students I’ve taught in China: toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), adults

Where I teach: Training center, Beihai. Teaching for 8 years.

How I found my current jobs: davescafe.com
 

My school facilities: Good. The school provide all the teaching resources.

What kind of teacher support is available at your school/s?
lesson observations

 

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Teaching English in China – Shanghai

Published: 12 October, 2018  |  Last updated: 12 October, 2018

Teaching English in Shanghai, China

 

Report submitted on 07 Jan, 2018 by Julia.

Teaching English in Shanghai, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Shanghai, China?
Through job applications.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Part time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.)

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Good pronunciation and knowledge go English, teaching diplomas and certificates.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
I’d recommend getting different kinds of teaching certificates.

What are the levels of payment?
150-200 rmb (approx. 21,70 – 28,90US$) per hour.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
5 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
National holidays.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Shanghai, China to teach English?
Be prepared for culture shock.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Shanghai, China?
I love the people of this country.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Shanghai, China?
Not so much.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Difficulties with pronunciation.

 

Living in Shanghai, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Yes, there are.

What is the cost of living like in China?
Varies.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Agencies help.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Shanghai, China?
It’s a megapolis.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in scenery, China?
No holidays.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Shanghai, China?
Be kind.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Internet, dairy products.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
People.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Medicine.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Julia

Nationality: USA

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, business

How long have been teaching here: Teaching for 1 year.

How I found my current jobs: Through the Internet.
 

My school facilities: Good. Classrooms are good.

What kind of teacher support is available at your school/s?
training / workshops, lesson observations, teacher evaluations, peer support / training

 

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Teaching English in China – Harbin

Published: 11 October, 2018  |  Last updated: 12 October, 2018

Teaching English in Harbin, China

 

Report submitted on 20 Oct, 2017 by Paula K.

Teaching English in Harbin, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Harbin, China?
Dave’s ESL Cafe
eChinacities.com

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools, teaching at private international schools, teaching at colleges / universities, private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.), Volunteering for non-profits or for-profits catering to low-income university students, such as Brian English.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Generally, a native speaker from one of the big six: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.
Uni and HS jobs require Bachelor’s degree, TESOL certificate and experience.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Experience. You can volunteer in the states to teach ESL to get experience. I recommend a hand-on TESOL program, like Will-Excel TESOL in Harbin, a Canadian run, 150-hour excellent program. It’s really comprehensive and includes the TPR and communicative approach methodologies. It’s a month-long seminar, and after 500 hours of evaluated teaching, you’ll get a diploma in TESOL!
Also, a real passion for the culture is essential. You’ll have more friends than you can imagine!

What are the levels of payment?
Uni is really cheap at about 5000 RMB (approx. 724 US$) per month, 5500 (approx. 796 US$)with a master’s degree.
Language schools start at about 6000 (approx. 868 US$) per month and go up to about 13,000 (approx. 1881 US$).
Int’l K-gartens go upwards of 20k (approx. 2894 US$), depending. But these require you to be onsite 40-hrs per week and teach maybe 30 classes.
I work at a public high school and make 16k (approx. 2315 US$)with a housing allowance of 1500 (approx. 217 US$)which covers my rent. I work 14 class periods and have free time for private students, 8 of which are my co-worker’s children.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
4-5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
20 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Depends where you work. I have Jan/Feb free, paid half salary during these times. I also have half salary for the months of July and August, which again, I have free.
Language schools vary, but typically hold classes all but the governmental days free. February, spring festival, is a week long event and often vacation days for language school teachers.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Harbin, China to teach English?
Be healthy – don’t have asthma as we hit the #1 most polluted city in the world sometimes. Over 1000 on the AQI. This is due to the heating systems and usually only lasts a few days per year. The city burns coal to heat homes…
Electricity is about 15 rmb (approx. 2,17 US$) per month, and I cook everyday!
Don’t be sickened by foul odors, because you’ll smell the WCs and garbage periodically! Also, there are some fruits and foods that just smell, well, yucky.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Harbin, China?
Feel appreciated for doing a great job!
Build confidence!
Get exposure to all facets of teaching: TOEFL, IELTS, adults, kids, uni students, high school students…everything.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Harbin, China?
Students have learned the F*** and SH** words and like to use them in class. (This happened only once…so make it part of your first day rules!)
Class sizes are unusually huge, like 62 in my largest class. This varies according to type of school.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
You’ll get used to the common pronunciation errors, though over the years I’m finding the general population has gotten much better at pronunciation. I believe this is due to early childhood exposure to English.
You will have too many offers to teach independents. Don’t undervalue yourself and don’t accept them all…you will need your free time to enjoy the city/country!
Students attend high school from 7 am to 10:30 pm Mon through Fri and keeping them awake is often a challenge. Use activities and games to get them up!

 

Living in Harbin, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Oh yes! It’s an ever changing, tedious process. Don’t let anyone tell you to come over on a tourist (L) visa! It must be a business (F, but I believe this has or is changing) or teaching (Z) visa. Then the school turns that into a resident permit. In this initial phase of the process you will receive a foreign expert’s certificate. Be sure to take possession of this document, as the school cannot cancel your resident permit without it. Sometimes when you want to change schools the foreign exp certificate is lost!
Follow all the requirements: these change often and are inclusive of having your bachelor’s degree notarized BY THE CHINESE EMBASSY, getting a criminal history report and providing a health check certificate from you doctor which includes some odd tests and the doctor to stamp and initial each page of the report. Like I said, a little tedious.
The good news is, once you jump through all those hoops, it’s easy to turn your visa (which is actually a resident permit) over for another year.

What is the cost of living like in China?
CHEAP!! You can find spendy apartments (3500-7500 rmb (approx. 506 US$-1085 US$) per month) but these are new and in gated communities with a view. I have an apt for 1500 per  (approx. 217 US$) month and it’s a walk-up 5 flights. It’s in a great neighborhood with a night market (meat, vegetables and fruit) on my path to and from school! A head of beautiful and fresh broccoli is 4 rmb (approx. 0,60 US$)
You can find street food for cheap, too, though I cannot eat MSG so don’t. MSG is everywhere…I cook for myself and still save tons of cash each month. And I buy organic meat at Home Park grocery.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Uni provides a nice dorm on campus. Language schools offer free accommodations or a housing allowance. People will help you find a place. They’re super friendly in the north! Generally the housing issue is covered in the ad.
It’s also a good idea to talk about it in the interview.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Harbin, China?
SHOPPING!!!
High-speed trains!
Learn Chinese!
It’s SAFE. No one (save for the armored car drivers) has a gun.
Banks are open seven days a week!
Taobao shopping is amazing!
Bargaining!
Beer is cheap – about 4 rmb (approx. 0,60 US$) for a magnum of the local Harbin or Snow beer.
We have an IKEA store. And Metro for western products.               Meet friends!
See China!
Meet friends!

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in scenery, China?
China is dirty.
Harbin is 300 miles (as the crow flies) from DPNK.
Harbin has two seasons, winter and summer. It’s fall and spring for about five minutes.
Winter is seriously cold; cold enough to play host to the Harbin Ice & Snow festival since 1985. It’s an amazing thing: the workers pull chunks of ice from the Songhua River and haul them to Sun Island where competitors assemble them (including a lighting system within each and every single block) to build ice sculptures.
Yeah, mighty cold. Sometimes as low as minus 30 degrees F!
Food safety is an issue, as is pollution, but they’re working on it! It’s not nearly as bad now as is has been in the past.
Students talk during performances. It’s just part of the culture, as is picking their nose in front of you and belching, farting. But don’t pick your teeth in front of them!
Stores close early, as do many things.
There are lots of fake goods out there, so shop wisely and carefully.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Harbin, China?
Research your area and school. I’ve had many different jobs here and have never had visa problems or been unpaid. Well, once I was not paid for a month, but it was partly my own fault…communication misconception.
Don’t sign on for more than one year until you’ve checked out the school and your coworkers, students, etc. You may end up in a district way the heck outta town and feel isolated from the goings on elsewhere!

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
TV/movies. There are a handful of films in English, so I don’t get to be too choosy.
I miss Taco Bell and gluten-free beer!

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
Friends and the insanely cheap massages!

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
You can pretty much get whatever you want these days, though I don’t recommend coming and thinking you’ll get a prescription filled. I take thyroid medicine, and in China it’s in a box and I have to CUT IT to the correct dose. This is difficult to do because it’s a tiny pill to begin with…ugh. I bring enough for a year.
Same with aspirin-like products and vitamins. If you’re fussy, bring enough for a year.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Paula K

Nationality: American

Students I’ve taught in China: babies (0-2 years), toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), university, adults.

Where I teach: #1 Experimental High School of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, HLJ People’s Republic of China. Teaching for 4 years.

How I found my current jobs: Dave’s ESL cafe website. Great reference and job boards!
 

My school facilities: Adequate. Broken podiums.
Chalkboards and chalk, not white boards.
One computer in room.
Crowded rooms.
SMELLY WCs
No hot water for hand-washing

 

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Teaching English in China – Weihai

Published: 26 October, 2016  |  Last updated: 26 October, 2016

Teaching English in Weihai, China

weihai_china

Report submitted on 18 Oct, 2016 by DKL.

Teaching English in Weihai, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Weihai, China?
There are several agencies that can help place teachers in China.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, teaching at private international schools.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification, bachelor degree, 2 years experience. Natural speaker from usual country set (Canada, USA, Australia, Britain, South Africa).

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Requirements are low but the higher paying positions do have stricter requirements. Degree in education is preferred, Masters will get you into better paying positions if you lack experience.

What are the levels of payment?
Payment runs from 8000 to 16000 RMB (approx. 1,180 US$ ~ 2,360 US$) per month with perks making up the balance. Apartment is supplied by many schools, residence is often close to school so commuting costs are zero to low. Cost of living sharply lower then major Chinese cities so less of your money will go towards living costs. Work week 20-25 hours and overtime is paid at any legitimate school.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
20 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Holidays may or may not be paid depending on contract and school. Vacation time again negotiated. As you become more skilled your negotiating position sharply improves.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Weihai, China to teach English?
Weihai is a very good place to teach English. The city is fairly affluent and there are many students wanting to learn. There is a good mix of grade school, high school and adult students.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Weihai, China?
Low cost of living, very good climate (4 seasons with light winters and cooler than average summers) International airport and easy access to major areas in China, Korea and Japan. Cost of living is very low and easily offsets comparatively modest wages. Low cost of travel means visiting the rest of China is reasonable and convenient.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Weihai, China?
Wages. If you need a job to pay bills in another country it will not be ideal. If you want to keep the money local you will be living quite well.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Younger students provide the same challenges in any country, you must have the temperament to work with them. Older students have remnants of being taught “Chinese English” by non native speakers and modifying pronunciation and vocabulary can be difficult.

 

Living in Weihai, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Yes, the schools usually handle the cost of the residency visa. Z Visa cost incurred by teacher before arrival. Visa requirements may vary depending on country.

What is the cost of living like in China?
Pay is low in comparable currency BUT cost of living is sharply lower. The position pays very well if your plan is to remain long term.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Accommodation usually supplied by school. No or partial cost passed on to teacher. Average cost of very good accommodation between 1000 and 2000 RMB (approx. 150 US$ ~ 300 US$) per month. 1000 RMB (approx. 150 US$) average.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Weihai, China?
Weihai is one of the best places to live in China. It doesn’t suffer from problems of larger city centers and more industrialized regions. Foreigners are still unique and the local population are very generous and helpful.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in scenery, China?
There are very few foreigners and the isolation is at times difficult.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Weihai, China?
Learn some of the local language before coming, basic survival level not anything approaching fluency, when you get here you will be busy and around people speaking English at work which, oddly enough, makes learning Chinese a little difficult. You can survive well and easily learning hello, thank you and smiling and pointing but learning some simple phrases will make life easier.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Tim Hortons.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
The people. They are very easy going and make living here very easy.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Comfortable clothing and general medications (cold, flu, Imodium, general pain stuff) to make the transition easier. Your body will have to adapt to the new environment and it will be easier with meds you are comfortable with.

Other comments (about teaching or living in your country)?
I had read many horror stories and had researched some reports on you-tube. I was very happy that I have yet to have a bad experience. I am happy with the way this career change has worked out.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: DKL

Nationality: Canadian

Students I’ve taught in China: Elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), university, adults, business, other.

Where I teach: — Teaching here for 1 year.

How I found my current jobs
Through Job agency in Canada.

My school facilities: Very good – Classes are smaller than some reports I’ve seen. All supplies and books supplied by the school. Working hours are above what I contracted for but overtime was requested not demanded. Contract hours are 20 per week (80 per month) and overtime has been paid for all hours worked over that amount. Time off to Travel was accommodated without any issue.

What kind of teacher support is available at your school/s?: Training / workshops, lesson observations, teacher evaluations, peer support / training.

Have we missed any important questions?: It is hard to stress enough the difference between Weihai and most major Chinese cities. Clean environment, beautiful city and good people. Cost of living is ridiculously low when compared to any North American city. They are always having trouble attracting teachers but most who do arrive remain for years.
 

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Teaching English in China – Chagsha

Published: 16 September, 2016  |  Last updated: 16 September, 2016

Teaching English in Chagsha, China

chagsha_china

Report submitted on 13 May, 2016 by nana.

Teaching English in Chagsha, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Chagsha, China?
I applied through World Teacher which is a volunteer teaching program. We are trained in the summer and then we teacher with a lower salary.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, teaching at state schools, teaching at colleges / universities, private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.)

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
College degree, western english speaking passport, TEFL.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
The ones above are all you need. the requirements aren’t so high.

What are the levels of payment?
I make 3,000 rmb per month (approx. US$ 450). I have heard the average for public schools is 6,000 (approx. US$ 899).

How many teaching days a week is normal?
4 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
20 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
In a public school 3-4 weeks in the winter vacation, a week in the fall and a week in the spring semesters.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Chagsha, China to teach English?
Its a lower standard of living, have to be ok with living in a “third world country” and also being very flexible since they are very bad at planning the school schedule in advance.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Chagsha, China?
Very cheap so you can save money. you can practice speaking mandarin since not many people speak english. Its very convenient everything is nearby and good public transportation.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Chagsha, China?
People will stare at you, the winter has bad air pollution and its gloomy.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Big classrooms make lesson planning a challenge. About 60 students per class in a public school.

 

Living in Chagsha, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Yes you need a residence permit which you get through your school.

What is the cost of living like in China?
A meal is 10-25 rmb (approx. US$ 1.50-3.75) if you eat locally. Bus is 2 rmb (approx. US$ 0.30).

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Provided by the school.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Chagsha, China?
Affordable. Practice chinese. Convinience of everything around you. Lots to see and explore.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Chagsha, China?
Chinese people stare, also there are fireworks that go off all the time.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Chagsha, China?
Specific foods like cheese, pizza, guacamole. you can purchase these things but they are more expensive.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
My cute students.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Specific food like peanut butter and american candy.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: nana

Nationality: American

Students I’ve taught in China: Junior high school (12-15 years)

Where I teachworld teach, Changsha. Teaching here for 1 year.

How I found my current jobs: Through the world teach website

My school facilities: Good – All resources are available, just the quality isn’t very high.

Teacher support at my school: None. 
 

Do you teach English in China?

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Teaching English in China – Xinsheng, Zhengzhou

Published: 15 September, 2016  |  Last updated: 03 November, 2016

Teaching English in Xinsheng, Zhengzhou, China

xinsheng-zhengzhou_china

Report submitted on 1 Apr, 2016 by ShenHai2016.

Teaching English in Xinsheng, Zhengzhou, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Xinsheng, Zhengzhou, China?
visit www.academicsinasia.com

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 private international schools, teaching at colleges / universities.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Degree holder, certificate on TESOL or TEFL training, and at least 2 yrs teaching experience.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Must be a fluent speaker (just like a native speaker of English, if not a native speaker).

What are the levels of payment?
4,000 TO 7,000 RMB (approx. US$600-1050) DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
4 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
9 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
PAID ONE-MONTH WINTER VACATION (JANUARY) FOR THOSE WHO SIGNED A MINIMUM OF 1-YEAR CONTRACT.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Xinsheng, Zhengzhou, China to teach English?

Must have confidence in doing the job and humble enough to submit to the one in authority.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Xinsheng, Zhengzhou, China?
Students here are trained to really obey and they are more serious to learn.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Xinsheng, Zhengzhou, China?
You have to exert effort to learn the student’s native language in order to be more effective as their teacher in English.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
The need to have of a complete module in teaching English just like the one that I have found out in your website.

Living in Xinsheng, Zhengzhou, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Work Permit, Invitation Letter, and Work Visa.

What is the cost of living like in China?
It’s provided by the school – free of charge.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
It’s provided by the school – inside the school campus.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Xinsheng, Zhengzhou, China?
It’s a peaceful environment.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Xinsheng, Zhengzhou, China?
Most of the people here could not speak English.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Xinsheng, Zhengzhou, China?
Be of good courage, and always be happy.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
It’s our food supply (organically grown vegetables, fruits, poultry & livestock) coming from our own farm.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
The wonderful accommodations, friends and work in the school.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Just simple personal belongings.

Any other comments (about teaching or living in your country)?
There are more than a hundred foreign teachers here coming mostly from the USA. They use the american-English curriculum.

About Me and My Work:

My NameShengHai2016

Nationality: Filipino

Students I’ve taught in China: Elementary (6-12 years), university.

Where I teachSias International College of Zhengzhou University, Xinsheng, Zhengzhou City, Henan, China. Working here for 1 month.

How I found my current jobs: A friend gave me the website of the school and I applied directly on-line.

My school facilitiesExcellent. I compared it to my previous teaching experience in Thailand.

Teacher support at my school: Training / workshops, lesson observations, teacher evaluations, peer support / training.
 
 

Do you teach English in China?

Tell us about your experiences – click here to submit your report about teaching English in China.

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Teaching English in China – Qijiang

Published: 13 September, 2016  |  Last updated: 10 September, 2018

Teaching English in Qijiang, China

qijiang_china

Report submitted on 20 Feb, 2016 by Dr. Laurence J. MacDonald

Teaching English in Qijiang, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Qijiang, China?
Its becoming increasingly more difficult with the new policies of the CCP. However, I have several contacts as well. If my school increases its enrollment, I too will be looking for a foreign teacher to teach English as a second language.

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 state schools, teaching at private international schools, teaching at colleges / universities, teaching at companies.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
I hold a PhD abd, but have never required it even when I taught at University. Many high schools and middle schools require a teaching degree and B.A. in education. However some, in very small villages will take any foreign language speaker with TEFL, and some with nothing.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
I’m a traditionalist, and would hope that most individuals seeking to teach in foreign countries have at least a degree in education or professional courses in TEFL. They should also be from a native English speaking country, without a strong accent. i.e. Canada, US, UK, Australia, NZ, I have heard teachers before from countries such as South Africa, India and the Philippines, where they speak English, teach, however, their accent is so strong, the students pick it up and this could lead to problems in the future.

What are the levels of payment?
Usually, most enterprises in the business of teaching English pay on a monthly salary basis. Depending where you are, the pay can be anywhere from 4,000 rmb(630.00 US$) to 10,000rmb..(approx. 1500.00 US$). Some provide housing some don’t. Many Middle Schools and High schools offer meals. The only hourly rate here is for private teaching. I command 200 rmb(35.00 US$) per hour.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5-6 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
4-5 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
The days and hours I have stipulated depend on where you are teaching. e.g. pvt English schools demand more of your time as they pay much more. High schools and middle schools pay less and try to demand more. I have been here several years now, and still have never understood how they set the holidays here. In China, you only borrow the holiday but must pay it back by teaching weekends. The only solid holiday is Chinese New Year and Spring Festival. If you teach in the public school sector, you will have off the summer but without salary.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Qijiang, China to teach English?
Pick up some basic language skills, be tolerant of some of the culture, be ready to relinquish many of your freedoms, ie. Facebook, You Tube, impartial news broadcasting. Spitting, smoking in public places, very poor drivers, very few driving rules. Further, many Chinese teachers resent foreign teachers because they seem to get more perks and higher pay but teach less hours. Remember, in China its what is NOT said that is important.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Qijiang, China?
I love the people, but mostly the kids, I am a former professional basketball coach from Canada and do many clinics with young kids for free here in my city. China is a provocatively interesting country and presently, there are many changes taking place. I am over 70 and am present to witness these changes.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Qijiang, China?
I think if you read my previous answers, you will see the negatives of teaching here.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
The most obvious is not knowing the language. In my small school, I hire an English speaking Chinese teacher to translate my words. However, insure you hire a good one because many things you say may get messed up in translation. Its is always good to learn some of the language. I would be classified as an upper beginner. Other challenges are of course the parents. The one child policy has populated the country with spoiled kids with a sense of entitlement. As China gets richer, you will now have to deal with spoiled rich kids.

 

Living in Qijiang, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Absolutely, to teach here, you must have a valid Z visa which allows you to work. However, they want you to get it in your own country but you must have a valid contract in order to secure one. Best bet, secure a position, get them to send you a contract, take this to the Chinese Embassy in your country and apply for a visa. NB if you acquire a Z visa (working visa), it will be registered to the company that offered you the contract and can only be used for that company or school. You can also acquire a 30 day visitor visa which could give you time enough to scout out a job, if not most times it can be extended.

What is the cost of living like in China?
Much much cheaper here than in the west. I will only site what I pay for here. Qijiang is a city of approx 1 million. My wife and I go out to dinner with the approximate cost being around 50-60 rmb (9.00 US$) that is for local dishes, ie. hot pot, meat dishes and veggies etc. However, many foreign restaurants and hotels are much pricier. I can buy a quart bottle of beer in a store for 3rmb (less than 1.00 US$) and if eating out it ranges from 5-10 rmb (just a little over 1.00 US$). Bars can be costly, 20.00 rmb (2.50 US) for a small bottle of local beer, or 30.00 rmb (4.50 US$) for imported beer. Beware of the alcohol here, its called Bi Jo made from rice, tastes horrible, and ranges in alc. volume from 50% to 61%. Nasty stuff.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
The company or school you work for will usually aid you in finding accommodation. Here I own a home, but rent my school space. The rent is 1300 rmn (200 US$) per month. For that I get three bedrooms, two bathrooms, but in an older building. My house cost us 2000 rmb (308 US$) per M2. The houses here are not like in Canada and the States. All are high rises you rarely see individual housing on a piece of property except in the country and on farms.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Qijiang, China?
I dislike the winters here, they are cold dull and grey with the sun showing about 10% of the time. However, the summer is extremely hot daily in the mid to high 30’s. As I love to travel to places of interest, from here it is very easy. Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, are easy and cheap to get to. I don’t drive here as I am afraid to do so. but the cost of transportation is very cheap. Taxis begin at 3.00 transportation (0.40 US$) and buses are 1.00 rmb (0.15 US$).

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Mostly I miss the food. Here in Sichuan Province, the food is so spicy I can hardly eat it. Also I miss being able to add to a conversation because of my limited language skills, that is difficult. Also I must be careful what I say here but I miss the freedom of speech, being able to criticise government policy openly. But most of all I miss Christmas, here its abused hostile and noisy.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
I will die here, my father was with the Flying Tigers who fought in China during the second world war (1943), he was killed in Chongqing in 1943. I came here initially to coach but also to find out what the attraction was for him. A Canadian Indian fighting against Japanese aggression……for what reason?

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Other than the obvious, food items which you can’t get here but cannot bring in. You will need electrical socket converters as the plugs here are quite different than in the west. If you are a large person like me, clothing to fit. The sizes here are different I wear XXL in China but L to XL in the west. Get a good VPN on your computer as you are not allowed Facebook or YouTube bring enough money to live on until you find a position. I would recommend enough for six months. This all in US money….Housing for six months 6X300 US$ + 1800 US$, FOOD, 6 x400 US$ (for this amount you will eat well, Figure on bringing about 5-6000 US$ unless you have a guaranteed job here.

Any other comments (about teaching or living in your country)?
Although, in some of my answers I have painted a somewhat negative view of teaching here, it is not that bad. Once you get used to the culture, learn some of the language, meet new Chinese friends, things are quite normal and satisfying. My suggestion is don’t take things too seriously, go with the flow, don’t try to change things and stay away from the forbidden T’s, Taiwan, Tibet and Tienanmen Square, you will be fine. In public do not question the government or its leaders.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Dr. Laurence J. MacDonald

Nationality: Native Canadian

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), high school (15-18 years), university, adults, business.

Where I teach: Interpersonal TS, Qijiang. Working here for 5 years.  I also teach private lessons and volunteer with tourism board to edit publications

H.I.G.H.E.R. International English Academy, Qijiang.  Working for 7 years.

How I found my current jobs: This is my company. As stated earlier, I began coaching here in the CBA, however, once I turned 65, I was no longer eligible to gain a Z visa as they don’t allow you to work past 65. My wife is the Head Mistress of our school, I am merely a consultant that does not get paid.

My school facilities: Inadequate. Because the facilities, classrooms, play areas ARE mostly inadequate. It is getting much better however, when I began teaching here in the high school system, it was like teaching in Tom Browns School Days. In the winter, there is no heat in the classrooms so you teach with all your winter clothing on such as a warm coat and gloves. In the early summer, no air and it is very HOT.

Teacher support at my school: Teacher evaluations, none.

 

 

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Teaching English in China – Bazhong

Published: 05 July, 2016  |  Last updated: 16 September, 2016

Teaching English in Bazhong, China

 bazhong-china

 

Report submitted on 23 Jan, 2016 by Louis.

Teaching English in Bazhong, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Bazhong, China?
They can search online for esl jobs in China. If they are lucky they can be signed directly by the schools but in most cases , it’s better to get through an agent to avoid the hustles of obtaining a residence permit.

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.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Ba in any field.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
The desire and willingness to settle in a communist country. Lots of challenges but worth the try. Being a native English speaker is an advantage.

What are the levels of payment?
No standard rate but your experience earns you more and when you are settled, you can negotiate your part time jobs.

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?
National holidays, winter and summer holidays are off especially for teachers in public schools but training schools demand more work time because they pay more.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Bazhong, China to teach English?
Not to have worry much.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Bazhong, China?
Easy to make friends.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Bazhong, China?
Needs time and patience.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Most kids are shy and not fluent or good at English.

 

Living in Bazhong, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
You should have clean criminal records.

What is the cost of living like in China?
Cost of living is affordable so is accommodation.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Working through most agencies, you have free accommodation with all bills paid for. Private schools pay you more but you look for a place to live and you pay your bills.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Bazhong, China?
Friendly people.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Bazhong, China?
Nothing i know of.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Bazhong, China?
Be ready to meet people who are not so fund of using English.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
My dishes.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
My friends and my students.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Things are easy get online.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Louis

Nationality: USA

Students I’ve taught in China: Junior high school (12-15 years).

How I found my current jobs: Through an agency

My school facilities: Good.

Teacher support at my school: teacher evaluations.
 

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Teaching English in China – Gap ming

Published: 21 June, 2016  |  Last updated: 03 November, 2016

Teaching English in Gap ming, China

ming-gap, china

Report submitted on 6 Dec, 2015 by Sonya McGriff.

Teaching English in Gap ming, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Gap ming, China?
Go to your browser at the top of your computer and type teaching abroad.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
You will need at least a BA preferably in English, or any field preference in the education field, with a CELTA or any TEFL 120 hour certificate.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
You will need at least a BA preferably in English, with a CELTS or any TEFL 120 hour certificate, and if you have a background in Math and Physics you will find many jobs in that field. If you are certified in your field that makes a huge difference in salary. If you only have a BA and you would like to teach don’t be discouraged there are a few jobs you can get with just a BA but you must look for them. As anywhere the more credentials the better the job salary and position.

What are the levels of payment?
Not by hour by month, you get paid once a month , then you can break it down and do the math. The pay can start as low as 400 RMB (approx. US$ 62) to 25,000 RMB (approx. US$ 3,800) per month. Some jobs can be higher but it goes back to experience and education and what region.

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?
If you are in an international school all the same American holidays plus Chinese, I recommend this type even though I don’t work for an international school, because it lessens your chance of homesickness, you get to travel more, and above all you tend to love your job, you stay longer and you get more time to travel and go back home if you like or study to obtain more credentials.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Gap ming, China to teach English?
Be open minded, know what you want and looking for, (for example do I want to live in a big city or small city, do I want to work with small kids or big kids etc.) research your company and what’s around it and be ready to have fun.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Gap ming, China?
You get to meet people from another culture, you get experience working in your field in another country, travel to locations you never been before, meet amazing kids.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Gap ming, China?
If you’re not at a certain type of school you only get the Chinese holidays and don’t get to recognize your family holidays from your birth place, example I work on Christmas. I live an hour from the main city and 3 hours from Hong Kong so it can be challenging to travel, I have many steps I must take to get there. Banking sometimes is also a challenge.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
I guess trying to make sure you get your message across so they can understand. I teach 4-6 years old children.

 

Living in Gap ming, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Yes, you talk directly to your company or employer to see what it is they need – they will direct you then go to your local Embassy to obtain your Work visa. Please go ahead and obtain a local or FBI background check which is better. That’s important.

What is the cost of living like in China?
The cost is very cheap 60% less than America, yes so true. But if you live in a bigger city it is a little higher, more things to do so you spend more. But apartments may run about 300 – 500 US dollars per month but most companies have living quarters available to you if you like. The food is very cheap 3 – 10 US dollars.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
It depends on the company, for instance I have a 2 bed room single accommodation. Your company may have shared, if you work for a high school you will live on the campus, but of course if you don’t like it you can find your own but you will pay for it.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Gap ming, China?
Friendly people and the ability to save some money.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Gap ming, China?
Not finding certain items you normally use (food), homesickness no family around to go places with.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Gap ming, China?
I say again now what you want to do is research and come prepared with items you need and it’s very important if you have someone at home who will mail you the items you need that helps a lot.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
The food Italian, pizza, Mexican, turkey etc.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
The kids, the cozy small town and some friends.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
They have mostly everything here just not that good of quality sometimes, if they don’t have it you can travel to Hong Kong. I would just say whatever is special to you like lotions and perfume.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Sonya McGriff

Nationality: USA

Students I’ve taught in China: toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years).

Where I teach: I teach at a private kindergarten for a manufacturing company in Gap Ming China. Teaching here for 2 years.

How I found my current jobs: Through school while in school they often give you websites then you go from there.

My school facilities: Adequate – Teaching resources, technology access.

Teacher support at my school: lesson observations.
 

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Teaching English in China – Beijing

Published: 16 November, 2015  |  Last updated: 16 November, 2015

Teaching English in Beijing, China

Beijing, China 

 

Report submitted on 17 September, 2015 by Will.

Teaching English in Beijing, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Beijing, China?
Through word of mouth and the “Beijinger”.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at private international schools.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
A degree in any subject, a TEFL certificate.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
A degree, TEFL certificate, 1 year experience.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
20 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
This is set by government. You often have to work extra days because you had a holiday. Anything else is unpaid leave

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Beijing, China to teach English?
It is very hard to teach here, unless you speak Chinese.  The schools are not well organised, and often under staffed or without basic materials.  You will be asked to work extra days and hours with no extra pay, timetables will be changed without notifying you, parents or teachers will sit in your class without prior warning.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Beijing, China?
Nice kids and cheap to live here.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Beijing, China?
See previous advice comments.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Local language is not easy to learn.  The lifestyle is very different.

 

Living in Beijing, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Yes, a visa.

What is the cost of living like in China?
Apartment 700-900 pounds sterling (US$1,060 – US$1,370) per month plus bills.
The cost of food and living 300 pounds (US$455) per month

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Through the school or arrange yourself.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Beijing, China?cheap to live here
It’s cheap to live here and it’s an interesting pace to live.  The people are friendly.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Beijing, China?
Pollution, very different way of life, dirty, unsafe living conditions/ wiring etc.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Beijing, China?
Prepare for a big change.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?higher standard of living
Food, drink, housing all far better at home.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
Seeing interesting sights, people are very friendly and curious about foreigners which is fun.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Bring some food from home for when the local cuisine gets too much.
Bring a laptop with teaching materials on it.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Will

Nationality: British

Students I’ve taught in China: Toddlers (2-4 years).

Where I teach: Sun Kids school in Beijing. Teaching for less than 1 year.

How I found my current jobs: Through LoveTEFL.

My school facilities: Adequate – Basic teaching resources are missing. No pens, paper, card, etc. to make flashcards.  No understanding of children’s needs.  Timetable changed frequently.

Teacher support is available at my school: none.

 

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