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"Everyone in China is being exposed to the English language in one form or another. At any given moment at least 600 million Chinese citizens are studying English, which is more than twice the number of people living in the United States of America." (http://www.usingenglish.com/)
With such a demand for learning English in China, opportunities abound for native English speakers from the United States and Canada to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in China. This paper will focus on teaching conditions, living conditions and job opportunities for ESL teachers in China.
The first step in acquiring a teaching position in China is to do a thorough job search. Word of mouth, or knowing someone can be a good means of obtaining a job. Alternately, one can go to the country and look for a position once there, but this oftentimes does not avail employees to the same benefits as those who acquire a position before going to the country. An example is the school/company may not reimburse roundtrip airfare which is a common benefit. Job database websites list job openings and offer opportunities to post resumes. Online placement agencies are often "one-stop-shopping" websites that not only offer listings and opportunities to post resumes, but also provide additional detailed information about the country, company or school, teaching and living conditions, and more. These agencies are extremely helpful, but it is not necessary to pay for their services. It is advisable to work with an agency that requires an employer-paid fee, not employee-paid fee. There are a number of factors to keep in mind while conducting a job search. Among the top considerations are available teaching locations, qualifications and requirements, salary, teaching conditions and living conditions.
Teachers have the opportunity to teach in a variety of settings such as businesses, universities/colleges, private, public or private language schools. The school system in China is made up three levels. First, basic education consists of preschool, primary and secondary education. Preschool takes from one to three years to complete, and primary and secondary education is completed in 12 years. Students have an option of specialized/vocational/technical secondary education which lasts from two to four years. Next is higher education and includes junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities. Finally, adult education spans the higher education tier.
Qualifications to teach abroad vary by site, but most require some sort of certification. Examples include the CELTA certification, a TEFL certification such as one offered through a distance learning program, MA-TESOL programs or there are school-affiliated programs that offer certifications. It is not a requirement to know Chinese to teach in China as most schools want courses to be taught using English only.
A Z-Visa (Expert Work Visa) is required to teach in China. If a teacher receives a job offer, the school/business
will often help with all the necessary paperwork including the Visa application. The following documents are
required to obtain a Z-Visa :
There are numerous teaching positions, both volunteer and paid, in China. The Peace Corps and the China Volunteer Program , for example, both offer volunteer teaching opportunities. Compensation for paid teaching positions varies. A key point to keep in mind when considering salaries is that the cost of living is significantly less in China, between one-tenth to one-quarter of that in North America. Thus, salaries do not compare to those that are offered and expected in the United States. Visit www.china-tesol.com for more information about salaries.
Teaching conditions also vary throughout China. "Classes in China usually are large (45-60), so the teaching is demanding, but rewarding." (ChinaProgram.org) Working hours vary by contract. Due to the extended education hours, teachers may be required to teach nights and weekends. Sometimes hours are split during the day with a few hours in the morning and a few in the late/afternoon evening. Since China offers a National course curriculum there are set course/text books. Other teaching resources include access to libraries, language labs, computers, over-head projectors, etc. Teaching materials can often be supplemented with the resources that the teachers bring with them.
Living conditions also vary throughout the country. Most English schools provide free housing for ESL teachers. Basic necessities are generally provided: furniture, TV, refrigerator and a washing machine (no dryer as it is common to hang clothes to dry in China). The cost of living, as mentioned, is considerably less than that in the U.S. or Canada, so the cost of food and the like will be so reflected. As with anything, there are exceptions. Western food and drink, such as McDonalds or Coca Cola are significantly more expensive than those made in China.
While researching this paper, I found there a plethora of websites available on job opportunities, teaching conditions, living conditions and much more. The ones I found most helpful, in addition to the ones referenced above, are the ones that provided "one-stop-shopping." For example, Footprints Recruiting is an online recruiting agency that contains a wealth of knowledge on China including cost of living, culture, living and teaching conditions. Even if you dont use their agency, I would highly recommend looking at this website. Another example is China-TESOL.com . This extensive job database features detailed information on qualifications to teach English in China, the culture, and frequently asked questions. It has a link to the SAFEA Guide for Foreign Experts Working in China as Consultants. This document provides further extensive information about job opportunities, salaries, teaching and living conditions, and cost of living.
China TEFL Network is truly a network that provides job listings, information on living and teaching conditions, medical and transport/travel. The highlight is the extensive list of schools complete with pictures and contact information. TEFL Asia provides a Regional Knowledgebase that provides useful information about working, living and traveling in China.
I was very excited to find TEFL China Teahouse. This website provides first-hand accounts from EFL teachers who have taught in China, on such topics as reactions to the culture, teaching and living conditions. This is a "must-visit website" for professionals considering teaching in China. It provides insights from real-life teachers in China.
Journey East.org offers 1, 3, 6 or 12-month opportunities to teach English in China. This website furnishes realistic and detailed information on the serious commitment one must make to teach in China, and is full of testimonials. Even if one doesnt choose to work through Journey East, it would be beneficial to check out this website.
Finally, the last "must-visit" website I recommend is Transitions Abroad Magazine . This online magazine offers articles in four main categories: working, living, studying and traveling abroad. This website offers international job opportunities and personal accounts of working and living conditions people experience abroad. The site also offers numerous resources for training to be an ESL teacher, and lists many job placement opportunities.
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Teaching Jobs for English Teachers
Teaching jobs in China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Based out of Australia, this website gives
extensive information about living conditions in China. Includes an ESL Forum and an ESL Blog.
China Teaching Program offered through Western Washington University
Teaching and living conditions in China. The site offers extensive reading and internet links for reference.
Careers in Asia
Job database features career opportunities in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore,
Taiwan and Thailand. Highlight is the listing A-Z of Employers detailing company profiles. Offers job
hunting advice and useful links.
Benxi Future English School
This English Training Center website offers several pictures of living conditions in China. Also
provides a typical, detailed teaching contract.
Cathay Teacher China's Job Board for the English Teaching Professional
Job database features jobs in China, including full-time and part-time positions. Provides an opportunity
to post a resume online.
Teach China - Everything you need to know about ESL (English) teaching jobs in China
Extensive job database features detailed information on qualifications to teach English in China, the
culture, and frequently asked questions. Links to
the SAFEA Guide for Foreign Experts
Working in China as Consultants. This "must-visit" website provides further extensive
information about job opportunities, salaries, teaching and living conditions, and cost of living.
Everything about Teaching English in China
Job database. "China-TESOL.org purports to be the only Chinese Government information website about
teaching in China." (http://tesol.net/articles/qiang_wolff/).
Features include a section on Chinese Law and an extensive Reference Library with Official answers to 199 employment
questions. Highlights are the sections of Maps of China and Travel Guides.
ChinaJob.com
Job database lists hot jobs and other teaching positions in China. This website offers an opportunity to post
resumes online and provides information on TEFL training in China. Highlight is the section that answers 56
Frequently Asked Questions.
English Teaching Program Shenzhen, China
Teach English and learn Chinese. It begins with a three-week intense training program in China. You learn
English teaching methods and earn a TEFL certificate recognized in China. The Chinese language instruction
has four levels with no prior experience with the language required for the beginning course.
China TEFL Network
Network with job listings, information on living and teaching conditions, medical and transport/travel. The
website answers questions about dress code, teaching resources and qualifications. It also addresses the most
common reasons for people to teach in China and the end goals for Chinese people who learn conversational English.
The highlight is the extensive lists of schools complete with pictures and contact information.
Amity Teachers Program
Non-government based program provides voluntary missionary teaching opportunities in Chinas poorer, rural areas.
Offices are based out of Nanjing, China and Hong Kong. Christian faith, native speaker, flexibility, and the
willingness to embrace a simple lifestyle are among the qualifications for applicants.
Council on International Educational Exchange
Work and study abroad opportunities for U.S. students and graduates in China, Chile, Spain and Thailand.
Teaching opportunities in China are at the elementary, middle or high school, college or university level in
either an urban or rural school.
Cross Cultural Solutions
Volunteer English teaching opportunities are available in Xian, China as well as 10 other countries throughout
Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. No previous teaching experience required. Also provides
cultural and learning activities.
Cultural Embrace
Opportunities to teach (paid or non-monetary positions), work, intern or volunteer abroad. The objective is to
embrace the local culture and interact in the community. In China, one completes an online TEFL program then
teaches 20-35 hours a week in private academies, public elementary and secondary schools, universities or in the
professional ranks.
China Education and Research Network
Educational system in China. Covers research and development, statistics and opens the windows to campus.
Resources include the list of the top 100 Chinese websites in 10 categories.
Teaching English in China with English First
With 60 centers throughout China, English First provides detailed information regarding teaching opportunities
including employment packages, cost of living and general information about China. Classes consist of a maximum
of 20 students who vary in age and are generally more affluent members of Chinese society.
ESL Job Center
Job database posting international jobs with particular interest in China and Korea. This site offers an
opportunity to post resumes online.
ESL Job Find
Job database offering international job listings and an opportunity to post resumes online. Highlight is
that the website promotes communication among teachers including articles, blogs and forums, and personal
accounts of overseas teaching experiences.
International Living ESL-JOBS.com
Mission program offering volunteer and paid ESL teaching opportunities in China, Taiwan, Japan, Europe and
Latin America. Requires a two-week TESOL training which produces a TESOL a certificate.
Ellies ESL Plaza
Job database offering native English speakers international job listings with particular focus on China and
Korea. The site offers an opportunity to post resumes online. Highlights include a forum and chatroom providing
opportunities to speak with other ESL teachers about their overseas teaching experiences.
Footprints Recruiting Inc
This "one-stop" website contains a vast amount of information one needs to know about teaching and
traveling overseas. It is a job database offering free job placement worldwide in ESL jobs. This "must-visit"
website provides detailed information about the chosen country including living and working conditions, cost of living
and visa requirements.
China Volunteer Program
Begun in 1995, this private, non-profit international volunteer program offers opportunities to teach English to
both children and teachers in China. The highlight is the amount of information on the people, culture, history
and geography of China provided, complete with beautiful pictures.
Hunt ESL.com - Teaching English Worldwide
Overview of teaching English abroad, travel advice, resources and a job board listing international English
teaching positions available, including those in China. The country profiles section provides information on
teaching, pay and living conditions, and visa requirements.
International House
London-based language school network. Recruits EFL teachers in over 40 countries and 130 schools including China.
Offers opportunities to teach and study abroad, and teacher training. Highlights include information on your
chosen country and school profiles.
JobChina.com
Links to other websites regarding career and employment searches, as well as other relevant, popular and related
links. This is a resource that lists other resources to aid in finding job opportunities.
JobChina.net
Job database with job postings in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, China. Also provides
an opportunity to post resumes online.
JobsAbroad.com
Job database with worldwide opportunities to study, volunteer or work abroad. This website provides information
on embassies, accommodations and features a currency converter. It is associated with a travel guide,
Go Abroad, a "must-visit" website for international travel.
Journey East.org
1, 3, 6 or 12-month opportunities to teach English in China. Provides realistic and detailed information
on the serious commitment one makes to teach in China, testimonials and discusses money matters. Even if one
doesnt choose to work through journeyeast.org, it would be beneficial to check out this website.
Linguistic Funland
Directory of "resources for language and linguistics teaching and learning." This website offers
job postings in a variety of countries, including China. The site is easy to navigate and offers a vast number
of useful resources. The section containing articles and essays by other English teachers provides insight
into living and teaching conditions abroad. One particular article, China EFL/ESL Jobs: A Case of False Advertising
http://tesol.net/articles/qiang_wolff/ describes personal
experiences of teaching conditions in China.
Ministry of Education of the Peoples Republic of China
Details the education system in China. Includes information on laws and regulations, planning and statistics and
provides a list of Chinese higher education institutions.
One Stop English Career Center
Extensive English language teaching resource website. The Career Centre offers career advice, international
job listings including those in China, and links other job posting websites.
U.S. Department of State - Teaching Overseas
Detailed information from the Department of State on teaching overseas. The site provides a directory of
American-sponsored overseas schools, including China, recruiting organizations and other resources.
Teach-in-China.net
Job database featuring classified ads for ESL jobs in China. The website provides an opportunity to post ESL
resumes online and offers links to various ESL resources.
Teach in China
Free service to help place native English speaking ESL teachers in China. It provides realistic accounts and
pictures of living conditions, schools and students. This is a useful website to visit even if you do not use
their services.
TEFL Asia
Job database listing TEFL positions in China, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Fellow teachers
provide personal accounts of their English teaching experiences. Highlight of this website is the Regional
Knowledgebase that provides useful information about working, living and traveling in China.
TEFLChina Teahouse
First-hand accounts from EFL teachers who have taught in China. Topics include reactions to the culture,
teaching and living conditions. This is a "must-visit" website for teachers considering teaching
in China, to receive a realistic expectation of real life of teachers in China.
Transitions Abroad Magazine
Articles in four main categories: working, living, studying and traveling abroad. This "must-visit"
website offers international job opportunities and personal accounts of working and living conditions people
experience abroad. The website also offers numerous resources on training to be an ESL teacher and job placement
opportunities.
US-CHINA Education and Culture Exchange Center
One semester, half-year or full-year opportunities to teach English in China. This program is based out of,
but not affiliated with, the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut and works with offices in Beijing and Hangzhou, China.
Global Volunteer Network
Volunteer opportunities worldwide. Although based out of New Zealand, it is not a requirement that volunteers
hold citizenship in New Zealand. The opportunities in China include teaching English in either urban or rural areas.
WorldLink Education. Teach in China Live, Learn & Experience China
Education program offering opportunities for native English speakers to teach in China. The website provides
extensive information on teaching and living conditions offered through this program. Most notable on this
website is the detailed information on the travel and medication insurance offered in the country.
World Teach
Volunteer program offering native English speakers opportunities to teach English to secondary students in Hunan
Province, China. The primary focus of instruction is on conversational English.
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Information shown on this website is the result of a collaborative effort by Dr. Rod E. Case and the EDS491/691 Special Topics in Teaching English
as a Second Language Class, Wintermester, 2007. |
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