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Frequently Asked Questions
China is recruiting Teachers from all educational levels with a minimum of a High School Degree. There are many positions available if your possess a High School Degree and English is your native language. Secondly, many Students who have some College/University, but have not as yet graduated can also be placed. If you have a College/University Degree then you are a preferred choice. Advanced Degrees, Teaching Experience, and Teaching Certifications create even more opportunities.
It is always an advantage when you have additional education or training. But, it is not a requirement for most positions. Obtaining Certification can be done prior to arrival. There are many types of certifications and many levels of quality for the certification.
CELTA is apparently more widely recognised than TEFL. TESOL is an American qualification. See http://www.ihes.com/bcn/tt/tefl_tesol.html
No, there are no real limits, but there are realities in The School’s preferences and choices. In Some Provinces and School Systems there are age limits. The preferred age is between 20 and 45, but being active and healthy are an important criteria. There are thousands of positions available for anyone over 18 and anyone in their 60’s and even 70’s.
None. Bring your manners and your desire to be a part of the International Community. Always be diplomatic.
China is very safe, but always use common sense. You will always feel very safe, comfortable, welcome, and respected in China.
Some Placement Services charge Fees. These Fees range from a few hundred to maybe a thousand US Dollars. Schools do not charge you any “upfront” Fees. You will have the initial expense of a Visa and your Round Trip Air Fare. Many programs reimburse you for your Airfare upon the completion of your contract.
In most cases, yes. It will not be the “Ritz,” and you should find out as much as you can about your living accommodations and the proximity to your School.
No, these are your expense, but these costs are very modest by Western Standard.
Meals outside school lunchtime and private travel in the evenings or at weekends.
You will be responsible for your “Round Trip” Airfare. In most cases, this is refundable to you upon the completion of your contract.
Yes, Your Chinese Employer will assist you in securing your visa by providing your with the necessary documentations. They will also assist you in registering with the local government authorities once you have arrived.
SAFEA is the Chinese Agency that regulates the hiring of foreign teachers.
You will probably not earn enough to come under the Chinese tax system for one or two semesters. You are still responsible for your taxes, if any from your home country, but you will have heavy deductions.
Yes, you are provided with a suggested curriculum, but you have a lot of flexibility. Remember, you already speak English.
The school will provide you with all the necessary books and teaching materials.
This will depend on the nature of your school. Kindergarten and Elementary School class sizes are very large with as many as 40 to 50 students.
Around 18 to 22 hours per week with occasional lunchtime activities.
Under normal circumstances you will have the weekend free..
This depends on the Program. In some cases Health Insurance is available for a modest fee. This should be part of your consideration in choosing a position.
Most accommodations are close to your school, where they are not, transportation is typically provided.
You cannot accept outside “employment,” but you in some cases you can tutor “on the side” with both Students and Adults. This can be very lucrative. You will have to decide whether you want the money or the free time.
Be casual-smart. You are teaching, so look the part. Sloppy dressing suggests sloppy work.
Some money for the first month is essential until your first payment, but after this the average person gets by with no problem. Some even save. Remember, in most cases your room and board are paid for. And, in most cases, your seemingly modest salary exceeds the average salary of the Chinese in your community.
A beer can cost anything between 3 and 30 Yuan. A bus journey is usually 1 or 2 Yuan. A good meal might cost between 10 and 50 Yuan. (6.8 Yuan to 1 USD). Tipping is not a part of China. Save your money.