Is it easy to get a job teaching English in China?
Teaching English in China may be a wonderful way for digital nomads to supplement their income while traveling, a great way for students to fill their "gap year," or a terrific way for expats to make money while living overseas. No matter why you've decided to leave everything behind and go teach English in another country, we're certain you'll have a wonderful time.
Teaching English in China may seem like a difficult job if you've never had to pack up your whole life and go there. And it's easy to see why. If you move to another country, you will have to learn a new language, adapt to a new culture, as well as a new way of life, which includes the cuisine.
However, if you accept that things will be different from what you're used to backing home, you'll be able to appreciate the culture shock more. We all travel for different reasons, but isn't that the main one? to get fresh knowledge?
Here are a few things you can do to increase your chances of finding rewarding teaching positions in China.
Get a TEFL/TESOL Certificate
What on earth is this document? Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) are both acronyms for the same thing: "Teaching English." As well as helping you get a well-paying job in China, this piece of paper will also provide you with valuable teaching experience.
Getting your TEFL Certificate online is something we recommend. Fast and simple are two words that best describe this process. You may find a wide range of online courses, from business to English to IELTS prep courses for non-native speakers.
Possessing a TEFL Certificate greatly improves your employment prospects while looking for work abroad.
Identify a Reputable English-Teaching Institution
Finding a job as a teacher in China may be a daunting task. You never know which recruiter you can rely on or which colleges are reputable unless you try them.
Even if you decide to go it alone in your job hunt and use a recruiter, be on the lookout for questionable recruiters and institutions. We're helping Shane English Schools (the school where we worked in China) recruit new school instructors right now. Please go here for additional information and to apply if you are interested in working as a teacher in China at a reputable school.
In any case, be sure to do your homework and check into the school's reputation online by reading student reviews and blogs.
Obtain a Work Permit (Visa Type "Z") For the country of China
To be honest, it's not all that easy. You should be able to get plenty of help, though, if you have agreed to work in a certified English school.
Get Your Move On!
If you're planning on relocating to a new city, we suggest talking to a local. Request the email address of a current teacher at your selected school after speaking with the academic manager or principal.
As a bonus, this will offer you the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the school as well as the city's facilities and what is available.
Find a Place to Live
You won't discover anything online before arriving in China, and what you do find will be expensive. You should be able to make several appointments to look at flats in the city via your school. Also, because you'll likely be replacing a departing instructor, you should keep an eye out for their residence.