Teaching English in 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.
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.
Do you teach English in China?
Tell us about your experiences – click here to submit your report about teaching English in China.
