How can I teach English in China without a degree?

Think about it like this. You finally make it to China after packing your bags and flying halfway across the globe. It's your first day of teaching and you enter the classroom with trepidation. Twenty pairs of fresh youthful eyes are peering back at you.

Views of windows and the courtyard outside catch your eye as you wander around. Both are popular daytime hangouts for youngsters. The room has light blue walls with a smattering of books and toys at the rear. Now that the children's chatter has subsided, everyone is listening to you. This is your first day on the job as an English instructor, and you're all set to go.

How'd you get up here, exactly?

Choosing to work in China as an English teacher may be a difficult choice. If you're a recent graduate, this may be a career you never imagined you'd be interested in.

There are probably 100 questions in your head now, as I had a lot of them myself. In any case, what are the prerequisites for working as an English teacher in China?

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We'd want to dispel some popular misconceptions regarding teaching English in China.

"I don't need a degree to teach English in China."

Nope! You're not going to be able to. At the very least, not any more. This is the reason:

There is no need for prior teaching experience or a formal teaching certification for the Z visa, although the Chinese government has tightened requirements recently. Nowadays, in order to be considered for a respectable teaching position in China, applicants must have a bachelor's degree.

Brief summary of Z visa requirements

Okay, I hear you. Let me back up for a second. Exactly what does a Z visa consist of?

Unfortunately, the Z visa is the only kind of visa that enables foreign instructors to operate lawfully in China. It goes without saying that having the appropriate legal status while operating in China is essential. As a result, you'll have to comply by Chinese rules if you want a visa to enter the country. It's all very normal.

As a result, be wary of schools or recruiters that say you don't need a degree to work in China as a teacher.

Scams targeting English as a Second Language (ESL) workers in China

The truth is that some schools insist on hiring English teachers who don't have bachelor's degrees, and this is bad for the students they serve. Scams abound, despite the Chinese government's best attempts to stamp them out, many of which prey on would-be English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors on the internet. We don't want you to get entangled in one of these situations.

To be safe, avoid schools or recruiters that want a deposit in advance. The teaching positions you're looking for in China probably don't exist.

The worst-case situation is that you will not get paid the same as your colleagues with degrees if you are a victim of an ESL teaching job scam in China. The worst-case scenario is that you'll be in violation of China's visa regulations for foreign workers.

Oh! Also, don't fool yourself into thinking you can get by with a phony degree (even if we know you wouldn't). All credentials must now be apostilled in China, according to the authorities. If you're curious, this method of certifying papers is widely accepted throughout the world.

"I'm not competent to teach English since I didn't major in it."

This can't possibly be real!

For recent graduates, teaching English overseas is an excellent option. China is no exception. When it comes to hiring schools in China, your major makes no difference.

The rise in the number of individuals in the nation desiring to improve their command of the English language implies that supply is growing at a quicker rate than ever before. As a result, there is an increase in the need for instructors. Teaching jobs in the United States are in great demand, especially for native English speakers with a wide range of educational backgrounds.

Can you teach English in China with a Bachelor of Arts, Science, Engineering, Dance, or Environmental Studies? Yes! You have a number of choices.

That being said, bear in mind that the finest teaching jobs (those with the greatest salaries and most generous perks) are highly sought-after. Consider getting your TEFL certificate in addition to your undergraduate degree to give yourself an edge in the job market.