Teaching English in China

Teachers' advice / China

The Chinese people are very different from Westerners. Their sense of business is very different too. They are all about "give me some money and I will see what I can do." But they can also be very nice and caring and gentle. Just watch your back! The place is also very dirty. If you can get past the spitting in restaurants, smoking everywhere (including hospitals), going to the toilet everywhere, then you will be fine. I have been here for more than a year, and I love it. All I can say, is if you get culture shock, hang in there. It really isn't as bad as it seems. Get to know lots of foreigners, as they will be your new family. And once again, watch your back with the school you work for. Enjoy yourself and have fun!"
Liz, 14/11/05
If you're not used to roughing it, get work in a city like Dalian, Shanghai or Beijing. It's really beautiful. Another reasonably modern and safe city is Anshan. Be prepared for a fair bit of pollution, a lack of modesty and hygiene (except for Dalian) and (in the smaller cities) very friendly, curious locals. Overall the Chinese experience is wonderful. Try and get with a well-established reputable foreign language school and ask for contact with other teachers within that school before you go. I really enjoyed my 3 month trip to China but I'm not sure how I would have faired any longer than that :) Pre-study in the Chinese language is invaluable during your time here. Good luck if you decide to come to China!"
Emma, 27/11/05
I often work with students from varied ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. With growing minority populations in most parts of the country, it is important for teachers to work effectively with a diverse student population. Accordingly, some schools offer training to help teachers enhance their awareness and understanding of different cultures. Teachers may also include multicultural programming in their lesson plans, to address the needs of all students, regardless of their cultural background.

Most kindergarten teachers still teach two kindergarten classes a day. I work the traditional 10-month school year with a 2-month vacation during the summer. During the vacation break, those on the 10-month schedule and teach in summer sessions, take other jobs, travel, or pursue personal interests. Those wishing to find work can go about the task in a number of ways. Firstly you can begin before you actually move to China by using the internet to search for suitable vacancies or potential employers. You can also contact local and Chinese, as I do, employment agencies and present them with your CV and covering letter which should details the types of work you're qualified for and are seeking. Once you move to China you can also make use of the Chinese employment service agency where you'll find details of jobs available, training courses you're eligible for etc.

Once you move you can remain living in China for up to three months so long as you have a valid 10 year passport and are from one of the EEA countries as previously mentioned. After your three months are up, if you wish to remain living and working in china you have to apply for your residency permit. With all your permissions in place you're free to continue working in china or seeking employment. If you become resident and fully employed in China you will have to pay income tax and for this you will need a tax number which you can get from the local tax office."
Moses
I have a lot of suggestions and recommendations on my web site that you might be interested in contractadministrator.net/globaltutor

I was in China for 14 months. I lived and worked in Guangxi and Guangdong provinces. You can see a picture of my Chinese wife and I on page 3.

I researched a lot of the provinces for a warm climate. I found the southern provinces to be good year round. There is a short cold spell in Jan and Feb, but not that bad. In the areas I was in there was a lot of good food. Of course I like the side walk cafes. Really cheap. If you can't handle a wide variety if eating habits then you will be eating at the local restaurants. I want to return to China and live out my days. I didn't have a problem with the people, young and old. Maybe it was because it was because I was with my wife most of the time. In the countryside the people are very curious if you understand the language. In the open food markets, which I like, you can find just about anything; beef, pork, fish, chicken, eggs, vegetables. They seem to think that Americans are rich and have lots of money. The vendors will try and sell you something 2 times more than what the local people pay.

I would say that the train, bus, and airport are similar to everywhere else. There are people that speak English and will try scam money from you; helping with luggage, converting money, taxi, directions.

If you haven't seen the school contract before you went to China then you will have problems. Some of the school officials will try and change what the contract says. Read what you are getting or not getting. Be a good negotiator.

Above all be flexible."
William, 28/11/05
Read "River Town" by Peter Hessler. His story is from 1996 and is a different region but I found things are very similar throughout China. Chinese is a hard language but it would really help to know a little of the language. The kids are great but very loud in a group. Materials might be more plentiful in an International school, however in the regular schools they are very limited. Bring some things of your own. I haven't found any inexpensive colored paper here. Bring a laptop if at all possible. We don't have a computer for our use at the school. Printers are inexpensive but computers that work come from the US, thus they are no bargain. Bring some warm clothes even in the subtropical areas - the humidity makes it very cool and central heating is rare. The people are the same as worldwide - some are kind and some are inconsiderate. The pollution is a definite problem so stay in the country if you can't deal with it."

Get "River Town" from Amazon in the UK | the US | Canada

Paula, 28/11/05
Chatting with students is easy, but getting them to speak fluently is another matter. After four years of teaching in China, I have come up with some useful techniques for practical teaching that really make a difference. Go to www.teacherjoe.us/teachers.html and send email if you have any questions or comments."
Joe, 19/12/05
"My advice is for those who are intending to teach at a state middle school away from the coastal cities. I'm a New Zealander and have found winters very cold - bring thick socks and thermals. A few basic medications come in handy - nurofen, aspirin, vicks etc! When you first arrive bring some local currency - I couldn't access ATM's with my cards. If you are a reader stock up on novels or whatever as English books are few and far between.

Classes are big - sixty plus - resources are few so bring some simple music tapes - most schools don't have CD players. Also search out some English texts that have games and other classroom activities - they will come in very handy.

Make sure you know what the school wants of you as a teacher. The Chinese English teachers are very good at teaching the subject but are not good at getting the students to use it. I only try to "Activate" the language they already have been taught. You will often be referred to as "The oral English Teacher" at the middle school level and that is usually what they want you to do.

Just remember China is not a Western country - be prepared to adapt and be VERY flexible and you will have a wonderful experience."
John, 19/12/05
China is a wonderful country and the people are nice also. I have lived and taught here for over four years. Much business is done by relationships, who you know not what you know. Leave your own country's idealisms behind and you will do fine. Learn the people and culture. Do not try and impose your couture on others. One other thing, carry wet wipes and toilet paper at all times. If you teach, chose your terms, a short contract, say 4 to 6 months. This allows you time to look around and see how you like the location, school etc. Enjoy yourself and have a safe trip: andyesl.com"
Andy
I went to China in 1994 for six months to teach English. I just wish I had taken more American English material as much of the books there were from England with British spelling.

I was at a private school which treated me very well. The kids were receptive to everything I threw at them.

Be sure to bring enough things from home to take care of you for your time there. Also phone calls were very costly, but times have changed so maybe not now. Relax and just be a good American and I'm sure you'll be treated fairly."
Dori, 17/04/06
It's better if you learn Chinese first and then come to China. The local people are not very good at English, but they are learning fast. Chinese will help you to teach; especially kids. Places such as Beijing, Shenyang, Hong Kong, Shanghai are exposed to English and as a teacher you don't need to concentrate on Chinese. The main thing is that although Chinese people know English, they are afraid to speak as both their accent and pronunciation are not parallel to L1 speakers. The Chinese are hard working people. Students always do their homework. They respect teachers. They are easily controlled. But you have to make sure that you are as friendly as you can be.

The day I had to go to X'ian in order to learn basic Chinese, was the worst day of my life. I was on the train going from Beijing to X'ian. Everyone was looking at me because I was something from out of town. They bombarded me with thousands of questions and all I could say was "I don't speak or understand Chinese". When I arrived in X'ian, I got a lot of taxis - they knew my first time, how? still remains a mystery. They all charged me triple for my destination, which I had felt instinctively. I said no, no and no again to them. In five minutes each and every Chinese taxi driver surrounded me. They laughed and started their own conversation, yes, they were talking about me. I was afraid, I was cornered, a tear trickled and I knew I was going to burst into tears. Lo and behold! without much fuss I managed to get onto a bus which took me to the University.

From that day, I just wish I had known enough Chinese so that I could have tackled the situation. But now I am really good at it! So whenever I go back to China I will be on top, I will not be afraid and the culture shock won't bother me. Although I know this barrier will exist throughout my stay, I will stand up to it. At the end of the day I know I am good at English and I can understand Chinese. That is enough for my survival.

Please if you have more questions I would love to venture the answers."
Muhammad Ruman Khan
Learn some Chinese and keep on studying once you're there especially if you travel alone and travel to smaller places. Not knowing the language can frustrate you and keep in mind that Chinese people are never in a hurry. A very very laid back and relaxed attitude is what you need and that is a personal thing. My advice is only useful if you have the attitude to implement it. Don't visit hookers. HIV rate is pretty high here. Don't drink the bai jiu but try the jinjiu.
Remember: don't want things done right away and be very patient."
Rampan, 19/04/06
If you have an open mind and get a job from New Times International in China you will not go wrong, trust me I have been here for three years, they are the best paddy"
Patrick, 18/11/06
I have been in China for 3 years. I would like to point out that if you are looking for an apartment. Take your time and get some help. I see too many get an apartment right away and it is too expensive. Remember you are the foreigner and they think we are all rich!

Guys be careful on dating the chinese women. They get attached really fast and serious. Unless you understand this you need to tell them of your intentions and still they will want to get married. They are not like foreign women.

The hygiene here is terrible! Some don't bath for weeks they only wash. The people with money have a better habit of hygiene. Wash your hands regularly!

Enjoy all the history and sites while you are here. Buy some books like The Mandarin Phrasebook, it is a great help with some Chinese translation and information. It's one of the best ones I have found so far. And I have a few!... enjoy yourself!"
Pam, 19/02/07
I worked last summer in China as an EFL teacher and can say that the people, the culture and life is great there."
Anonymous, 19/02/07
My wife, son, and I have been living and working in China for at least 7 years now, 6 years in Tianjin (near Beijing), and 1 year in Taiwan. A VERY important skill is being able to communicate in Chinese. If you come here and you can't, you'll most likely be constantly cheated in one way or another. Plus, you'll be so frustrated all the time from not knowing what's going on around you. Actually, that can have it's good side, because when you DO understand what the people around you are saying, you might end up at the police station for punching someone in the face. (Believe it or not, I haven't done that, yet)

If you're overweight or black, be prepared for the impolite treatment you will also most likely receive. George is one of our black African friends. He told us that he is treated rudely all the time. And he is studying medicine and working at an intern in one of the hospitals here.

Be prepared for dirt, pollution, and a severe lack of personal hygeine. If you hate pollution, stay away from all of the big cities. And dirt is EVERYWHERE! You must get used to the spitting. They spit everywhere, even on the restaurant floors. Hospitals are very unsanitary. Cockroaches crawl around on the operating and delivery tables. No lie. Wash your hands all the time and carry wet wipes and toilet paper with you. It's a terrible thing to get stuck in a Chinese toilet with no toilet paper. And don't be surprised if you see someone whip their pants down and start peeing on the sidewalk.

Bring winter underwear. In the northern part of China, winters are usually dry, windy, and very cold. The wind cuts through the bone. In the mid section of China, winters are very cool and wet. The cool dampness sinks into your bones.

The Chinese think that foreigners are rich, especially Americans. Whatever price they tell you, cut it down by 60 to 70% and offer them that.

Chinese don't have the work ethics some of us Westerners have been brought up with, so you can't expect too much out of them. They might do the job and they might not. They might do it right and they might not. And they typically don't want to assume any responsibility for anything that might go wrong or has gone wrong. They are also not in a hurry, so if you are, you're going to be angry again. They don't know how to wait in lines, so don't get to upset about that. If you know Chinese, you can openly talk to them about how to stand in line and wait your turn.

They typically don't have the idea that lying, cheating, and stealing are wrong. So, if you have a very high standard in these areas, you're going to be upset again.

Be careful of taxi drivers taking you around Robin Hood's barn to get you somewhere. If they give you trouble, get out your notebook and pencil and start writing down his/her license plate number and other information. Tell him/her that you're going to call the police and that usually takes care of that.

When renting an apartment off of campus, PLEASE remember these things: First, you MUST find the local police department in the location where you are moving and notify them that you are moving there, in writing. Then move. Then you have 10 days to take your rental contract, passport, and 2 photos to that same police station and REGISTER. This is Chinese law and if you do not do this, they will bite your bottom good.

When renting an apartment off campus, check with local Chinese friends to see what kind of rent you should really be paying. They will try to charge you twice what other people pay and make SURE to have a Chinese friend help you with the contract. The landlord should pay the tax on the rent. Don't let them bully you around. If you use a real estate company to help you, again, be careful. We even went to an internationally-known real estate agency here to get help finding an apartment. We thought, "Oh, look, we know that agency! It's from America!" The name was from America, but that was all. The people there cheated us terribly and even cheated our landlord terribly. Several months later, we found out that the Tianjin branch CEO had that branch owner thrown in prison here because they were cheating so many people.

Be VERY leary of job placement agencies that are not under the direct control of the local government. It is common knowledge here that many of the private ones are run by crooks and hooligans. Some of them offer services such as creating false education credentials to making fake passports.

Also, take the monthly salary and figure out what the amount is per class. If the school is supplying you with an apartment and you are a bonafied ESL/EFL teacher, don't accept anything less than 80 yuan per class. If you are getting your own private apartment and you are a bonafied ESL/EFL teacher, don't accept anything less than 100 to 120 yuan per class. These amounts should be even higher for cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and ShenZhen. And stay away from any schools that try to make you teach more than 20 to 25 classes per week, plus sit in the office, plus do extra-curricular activites, etc, etc. and only offer you 4,000 to 5,000 yuan per month... unless you want to be their dog.

HIV is a big, (supposed-to-be-a-secret) problem here. Beware.

Well, I've said all that I've said, but, let me tell you one more thing... China has to be experienced to be believed. I'm sure there isn't another place on earth like it. If there is, we're all in trouble. :-)

Oh, did I mention that the food is wonderful!!!?"
DingBat, 01/03/07
I'd like to suggest a valuable resource for this page on living and teaching in China. The name of the website is Middle Kingdom Life and it is a not-for-profit educational website offering the comprehensive Foreign Teachers' Guide to Living and Teaching in China located at middlekingdomlife.com The guide is the culmination of over two year's worth of work and it is updated frequently. I believe anyone who is thinking about teaching English in China will find it to be very useful.
Greg, 13/07/09
Sure, you could read all the negative comments about China and decide it's not for you, that you wouldn't cope with the spitting or smoking or the food, or that maybe Japan or Korea might be a better choice as they're more developed.

You could decide that you think you'll give teaching a try next year, that this year you'll concentrate on some other things, and so you'll stay at home, stay in your boring job, daydreaming about doing something exciting.

Orrrrrrr you could decide to just take a chance. Save up a little money first, do a teaching qualification (4 weeks max), get online and research the history, language and culture of China, and then make that dream become reality by flying out here and becoming one of the few people that can say I lived in China. Who knows, like me, you might come here for just one year, but fall in love with the place, end up staying much longer, and see your life change in so many wonderful directions.

All I'm saying is give it a try!
PJ Senior, 28/09/09

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