How To Teach In China Without A Degree

China is the world's largest job market for English teaching, and the demand for English teachers is very high. Language schools in China often offer foreign English teachers the advantage of free reimbursement of airfare, housing subsidies, medical insurance, paid leave, etc. after one year. Perhaps you would think that no one would offer you a visa without a degree. However, it is possible to work as a foreign teacher in China without a college degree. You will have to devote more time to finding a job, and you may not get the same salary and benefits as your colleagues, but if you are determined to see the world and teach in China, there are many ways to do it.

The Law

The Chinese federal government requires teachers to have a four-year college degree to obtain a Z visa, and the laws and standards for foreign teachers in China are set by the State Administration of Foreign Experts (SAFEA), which states that foreign teachers should have a bachelor's degree and at least two years of work experience. While it may seem difficult to get a job without a Z visa, countless schools and parents are eager to have a foreign teacher who will hire you anyway. The main difficulty is finding a way to stay in China and deciding which visa to get.

Work Visas

In China, it takes at least 4 weeks to process a work visa and once your school has submitted all the required paperwork, you will be required to process a business/tourist visa until your work visa is approved. Then, you need to go to the Chinese consulate/embassy in Hong Kong, Seoul or other cities for 1-2 days to apply for a work visa and re-enter China with a work visa. Be sure to talk to your school about whether they will pay the fees or visa fees for this trip, or whether you will have to pay those fees. The policy for changing visas at nearby consulates changes frequently and varies from one region of China to another, as well as depending on the teacher's country of origin.

Student Visas

Many students teach English part-time in English language training centers, kindergartens, or work as tutors. These jobs are all part time and pay up to $38/hour! About 2 years ago, China changed the law, so if you have a 1 year student visa and have written authorization from the school that issued the student visa, then you can take that letter to the local PSB (police station) and apply for authorization to teach 20 hours a week. If you are not already in China with a student visa, you can sign up for a local Chinese class and they will give you a student visa. Many people use language classes as a way to stay in China and then find part-time English teaching jobs.

Business Visas

If you travel to China for a conference, it is possible to obtain a business visa. Business visas are for individuals who remain in China to work, but are not paid by a Chinese business or school. Some schools in China may try to hire you by claiming you are an expert on a business visa.

Tourist Visas

Although it is definitely illegal to teach with tourist visa in China, many people do so. Try to get the longest travel visa, but most people only get multiple entry visas for 60 days.

In the absence of a degree, the main difference in completing a task in China is that you will not be able to obtain job security and minimum legal protection, which is taught through large, well-developed courses such as English first or Disney English.

In addition, if you are caught working on a tourist or business visa, your school will be fined, and you may be fined, imprisoned, deported and banned from China, so weigh the risks ahead of time.

How To Teach In China Without A Degree？

Steps to Find a Teach Job In China Without A Degree

Online Search

Recruiters like Teachers of English China and job listing sites, we suggest you check them out before you get your TEFL certificate, because some recruiters like Teachers of English China to provide all teachers with 120 hours of free certification in TEFL/TESOL.

TEFL/TESOL certified

Although not all schools in China require an English teaching certificate, it will often help you find a job or increase your income. However, individual coaching jobs are usually more concerned with your experience than TESOL/TEFL certification.

Networking and establishing connections

The longer you stay in a country and the more friends you make locally, the easier it will be to get a job. Tell them you're in the market for a job, and if something pops up, let them tell you. Also, don't underestimate the power of LinkedIn in building a network of people.

job interview

Yes, you should dress for success, whether it's for an online video interview or an initial meeting at a Chinese school. If you're teaching kids, you can dress down, but still make an effort to look neat. Remove facial piercings, cover tattoos, don't wear too much makeup, eliminate unnatural hair color, cut a conservative haircut, and even shave your facial hair for added advantage and a higher salary. A conservative and intelligent appearance is much more important in China than in the West!

Where there is a will, there is a way. Don't wait to see the world. If you want to teach abroad without a degree, then go for it!