How do I become an ESL teacher in China?

For those who desire to teach English in China but aren't sure where to start. I'll describe how to teach English in China in six simple stages. By the conclusion, you'll know precisely what you need to do to teach overseas.

So let us begin!

Verify your eligibility

Conflicts abound in China Working in China is no exception.

To teach in China, you must have specific prerequisites. Them:

You're from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

You are under 55

You have a BA and TEFL certification.

You have work experience

You're in good health and have no criminal records.

You may still apply to teach in China if you are about to graduate.

Just acquire your degree certificate promptly since it is required for teaching in China.

No degree? Internships allow non-degree holders to teach in China.

Take a TEFL course.

If you have a teaching degree, you may skip this stage.

For everyone else, a TEFL course is required to teach in China.

Pick a course that lasts at least 120 hours. This might be online, in person, or both (called a combined course).

A common choice is a 100 hour online + 20 hour in-person course. Best of both worlds!

How to Find a Teaching Job

Alone

If you have lots of time, know what you want, and can negotiate the convoluted Chinese school and job market, you could consider doing it alone.

By doing it alone, I mean personally contacting schools in China.

The issue is understanding which schools are respectable, which have recruited foreign instructors previously, which will organize your visa, etc.

Finding the proper individual (the foreign affairs recruiting manager) might be difficult.

We suggest this option if you have taught in China previously and are confident in your abilities.

You're not in this group if you're reading a blog about teaching English in China!

Hire a recruiter

Working with a trustworthy recruiter (like Hello Teacher!) may help you locate a teaching position in China.

A recruiter can help you locate the right job for you. You may select from a variety of jobs at schools around China.

Why not hire a perfect recruiter?

Choose one who is impartial, trustworthy, and can assist you with visa arrangements and queries.

Keep an eye out for brand or school-specific recruiters. Your options are restricted!

Job boards

A job board is another option to locate a teaching job in China.

You may sign up for job notifications to be notified about new openings.

Job boards are tricky since anybody may submit an ad. Do your research about the school.

Working with a reputable recruiter is safer.

Focus your preferences

“I want to teach in China” is a big goal (but a good start!).

Your tastes must be honed. You and your recruiter will benefit from this information.

What sort of school in China do you wish to work in?

Where do you wish to work in China?

What will you accept in terms of pay and benefits?

It's OK if you don't have any immediate preferences. Your recruiter can assist you.

impression-making

Resume

It's simple to impress your recruiter and school.

To begin, ensure your resume or CV is current and error-free.

Consider applying for a teaching position in China where grammar and spelling are critical. What impression does a CV full of errors make?

Also, ensure your CV reflects appropriate job experience. If you have gaps in work, explain why.

Examinees'

Your interview will be by Skype or phone.

Perfecting your résumé isn't as crucial as nailing your interview.

Try to explain why you would be a wonderful teacher in China.

Arrive early for your interview. What does being late or having to reschedule say about your work ethic?

Remember to dress correctly for a Skype interview (check out this helpful blog for other Skype interview tips).

First impressions frequently linger.

SIGN A CONTRACT AND PREPARE

When searching for a teaching career in China, consider more than just the pay.

Important factors include the sort of education, whether housing is provided, and the number of hours worked.

If you like a teaching position, sign the contract.

Upon signing the contract, the Z visa application procedure may commence. This is a crucial step in your prep.

Start applying for a visa three months before you start teaching, assuming you have all your personal documentation (including your degree) available.

Most teaching positions in China compensate airfare up to a certain amount. So when booking tickets, don't go for the cheapest airline.