Teaching English in China – Zhengzhou

Teaching English in Zhengzhou, China

Report submitted on 5 November, 2014 by mpooley.

Teaching English in Zhengzhou, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Zhengzhou, China?
Dave’s esl cafe.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full 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?
At the present:
1) be a native speaker
2) have a university degree
3) other qualifications a bonus.

What are the levels of payment?
I am getting 5500 RMB (approx. US$900) per month.  Pay is depended on location.

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?
Chinese holidays.  Some places will allow Christmas.  You do what you please.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Zhengzhou, China to teach English?
In China I say go for it! A good place and friendly people.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Zhengzhou, China?
A lot of students will come and talk to you, take your picture. You will draw attention in some of the more remote places. A lot of free time.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Zhengzhou, China?
very few people outside Beijing Shanghai etc., speak English. Pay is less than home country.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Those involved in teaching in a foreign country.

Living in Zhengzhou, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
A work visa. A school for an introduction letter.  In country Residency permit foreign experts certificate.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Accommodation will be supplied by the school.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Zhengzhou, China?
Friendly and very helpful people. Opportunities for travel, and you can learn about another people (culture, language).

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Zhengzhou, China to live?
Think very carefully about this.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
A decent steak. The major cities will have the usual fast food outlets.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Clothing. I have trouble buying larger than normal clothing. Bring from your country or buy, with help, on the Internet.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Zhengzhou, China?
I will miss the people.

About Me and My Work:

My Name: mpooley

Nationality: Australian

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.

Where I teach: I have a contact in China who helps me get a position. At present at an university in Zhengzhou. Working here for 9 years.

My school facilities: Good – they are adequate. The staff helps a lot.

Do you teach English in China?

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