Is it Safe to Teach in China in 2021?
Teachers considering moving to China often ask, "Is China Safe to teach in?" In 2021, the answer to this question will matter more than ever before.
It's a wonderful and eye-opening experience to be a teacher in China. It's also a frightening prospect for anybody considering their first overseas teaching assignment.
Then, China is safe? For the most part, the answer is "YES, 100%." The short answer is that China is a safe place to teach as long as you follow the proper procedures.
How Safe Is It to Be a Foreign Teacher in China?
More than 500,000 foreign instructors currently live and work in China. Despite this, almost two-thirds of the workforce is illegitimately employed. The majority of these instructors do not have a natural command of the English language, and as a result, they are unable to teach in China under Chinese labor legislation.
If you fall into this category, you can expect to run into some kind of issue sooner rather than later. If this turns out to be a deportation issue, it may become a major one. If you can, get a valid visa and you won't have to worry about anything.
If you're able to get a Z visa, be certain you educate in China according to the correct procedures. Obtain employment at a well-known college or university and make sure you apply for a Z-Visa. Only those with a Z visa may work lawfully in the United States.
Safety is a major concern for everyone who comes to China to work as a foreign language teacher. If you make the right choices, your stay in China will be trouble-free.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Cannot Affect China Because China Is Safe
It's well knowing that the coronavirus epidemic began in China in 2020. Of all countries, it was the only one to take such extreme steps when it came to protecting its citizens. The current state of affairs is steady, if not upbeat. The drawback of these measures was that they sealed off the country from the rest of the world.
If you were planning on staying put in China, this was welcome news. Teachers' wages increased as a result of the labor scarcity after the long lockout ended with schools reopening. Those who wanted to return or visit China for the first time had their hopes dashed. Almost everyone except Chinese citizens was barred from entering China during this time period.
Slowly, flights have risen and more visas have been granted since July 2020. However, Chinese officials changed their decision in November as the number of COVID-19 cases imported grew. Although the borders haven't completely closed, traveling into China has become more difficult.
If you find yourself in the midst of this, it may be very irritating. At this point, individuals may go about their daily lives without fear of contracting COVID-19.
China is uncompromising when it comes to COVID. Returning instructors are quarantined for 14 days in a centralized facility, with some schools imposing an additional 'stay away' restriction of seven to fourteen days. Instructors are complaining that kids, parents, and teachers are all being subjected to onerous rules. They have been successful so far.
Stress levels are about the same whether you're working or living in COVID – China. Because there aren't any COVID instances, it's really a lot less stressful.
Even with these limitations, it's safe to claim that things are back to the way they were before COVID.
COVID Toughens Things Up in China
Because of the government's quick response to the epidemic, China is much safer than Europe or North America at this moment. As a result, China's government has the authority to make sudden changes to rules. Another western country just cannot (and will not) do.
For example, 9 million people in the seaside city of Qingdao were tested for the outbreak's 21 cases. It seems that the Chinese authorities are doing all they can.
As a result, you won't have to explain your wish to wear a mask, not shake hands, or maintain your distance in the local culture. The majority of the Chinese population lives in the same manner. Most of your day-to-day activities will not be disrupted by the removal of social distance regulations and masks from the school environment... and the need to disinfect your hands 135 times daily.
China is one of the safest places to live in the world because of the very severe punishments meted out for major crimes. Even in major cities, people report feeling very secure. If you're worried about strolling alone at night anyplace in the world, don't go to China. There's no denying that the proliferation of cameras across cities serves as a significant crime prevention tool.
Theft on the small scale, on the other hand, is quite frequent in highly crowded areas. During rush hour, markets and public transportation are prime targets for pickpockets. If you're visiting China for the first time, be on the lookout for tea house scams.
Stolen scooter or eBike batteries are a frequent crime against foreigners. It's not the end of the world, but it is a major inconvenience.
It's not tough to stay away from these kinds of irritants. Try to store your bicycle in a visible location, such your front yard or the lobby of your apartment building. Consider using a lithium battery if you can afford it (they are more costly, but lighter). Because litium batteries are both costly and easy to hide, criminals are always on the lookout for them.
Amid general, you'll be OK if you're aware of your possessions in big crowds. This kind of safety notice is applicable worldwide, not only in China.