Teaching English in China
China is the most populous country on the planet and is home to more than a 5th of the world's population. It has a history unparalleled anywhere else on the planet and the richness of it's past offers a truly unique travel experience. From the foothills of the Himalaya's to the banks of the mighty Yangzi River, from the jungles of the tropical south to teeming streets of Shanghai, China offers a breadth of experiences to foreign visitors.
The TEFL market in China is large and growing on an almost daily basis. Chinese interests overseas are expanding as it takes a wider role in international trade and politics, so its need for English speakers is rapidly increasing. Add to that the fashion amongst the growing Chinese middle classes to send their children to private English lessons and it is safe to say that China needs all the English teachers it can get.
A Few Details...
By using the free job placement service for China included in the 100-hour TEFL course, you will earn up to $760 a month, plus a significant bonus upon completion of your contract. You will also be given free accommodation in a shared house and free Chinese lessons.
What can you expect in China?
- Salary: Up to $760 per month.
- Bonus: USD$100 - US$1,150 bonus on successful completion of contract.
- Accommodation: Private bedroom in rent-free fully furnished shared accommodation.
- Locations: Guiyang, Hangzong, Kunming, Yinchaun, Yan'an, Yanliang, Weinan, Xianyang, Lianyungang, Wuhan, Zhengzhon, Dalian, Jinan, Xian (requires 2 years teaching experience), Dandong, Shenyang, Tangshan.
- Contract length: 6, 7.5, 12, 13.5 months Departure Dates: September & March (6 or 12 month contracts); January & July (7.5 or 13.5 month contracts).
- Student age range: 4-50 years old.
- Chinese lessons: Free Chinese classes in the school provided by a qualified Chinese teacher.
Requirements for China
- Native English speaker - Must be a holder of a native English passport eg. UK, Irish, Australian, New Zealand, USA, Canadian.
- TEFL qualification (100-hr TEFL Course included).
- University degree holder.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in China
1. What age and level of students will I be teaching?
You will need to be prepared to teach all levels and all age groups. Most students are aged 4-15.
2. How many students will there be in each class?
There will be a maximum of 18 students per class
3. How long are the classes?
Most classes are 2 hours long with a break in the middle
4. Are there teaching resources available?
Yes, institutes are well-resourced. You may also like to take photos and pictures of your home country, family and friends.
5. Will I be teaching alone or team teaching?
For most of the children's classes there is a Chinese teacher in the class working with you. For higher level children and most adult classes you'll be working alone. However, you will have the guidance and support of other teachers and your manager.
6. What kind of school will I be teaching in?
You will teach in a private language institute.
Frequently asked questions about employment in China
1. How much will I be paid?
Your monthly salary will depend on the number of hours you choose to work a week as follows:
- 15 hrs: 3500RMB / USD$430 / £230 / €350
- 20 hrs: 5000RMB / USD$610 / £350 / €515
- 25 hrs: 6200RMB / USD$760 / £430 / €640
You will be paid in RMB into your local bank account (you will be assisted in setting this up on arrival.) The tax rate is 0-10%.
The cost of living is approximately 3000RMB approximately $360 per month (please note that this is a guide only).
2. Do I receive a bonus or flight re-imbursement?
You will receive a bonus of 100 - 1150 USD on successful completion of your contract. (This bonus increases with project length and contracted hours.)
3. How many days holiday will I receive per year?
You will receive two weeks unpaid vacation for 13.5 / 12 month contracts and one week unpaid vacation for 6 / 7.5 month contracts. There are short end of term breaks for those on 13.5 / 12 month contracts. There are also 6 unpaid days for Spring Festival and 10 Chinese National holidays per year.
4. What are my working hours?
You can choose whether you work a 25 hour week, a 20 hour week or a 15 hour week. Each contract requires you to work up to 8 hours on both Saturdays and Sundays. Some classes are held in the evening. The number of days off you'll have depends heavily on the contract you sign. A 15 hour teacher will only work 2-3 days a week. A 20 hour teacher will only work 3-4 days a week. A 25-hour teacher will have 2, non-consecutive days off a week.
5. Can I renew my contract?
Your contract may be extendable; you would need to discuss this with your school.
6. What happens if I need to break my contract?
As the work visa has been applied for by the school, to break the contract would directly cause your stay to be illegal. You would lose your bonus and any other related payments.
7. What will my accommodation be like?
You will have a private room in rent-free fully furnished accommodation, usually shared with other English teachers.
100 Hour TEFL course
Our most comprehensive TEFL course not only gives you in-depth theory and practical training, but also specialist courses for every teaching situation. Increasing the number of hours of study will also give you more confidence, make your CV more attractive and maximize your earning potential.
- Internationally Accredited Certificate
- 20 hour Weekend TEFL Course
- 20 hour Specialist Certificate in Grammar
- 40 hour Online Course
- Video & audio tutorials
- Personal 1 to 1 tutor support
- Lifetime Access to Teaching Helpdesk
- 20 hours in 4 Specialist Certificates
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