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Teaching English in China
Teachers' advice > China
teaching english in china
"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!!!?"
Posted by DingBat, 01/03/07
"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
"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!"
Posted by Pam, 19/02/07
"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"
Posted by Patrick, 18/11/06
"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."
Posted by Rampan, 19/04/06
"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."
Posted by Muhammad Ruman Khan
"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."
Posted by Dori, 17/04/06
"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"
Posted by Andy
"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."
Posted by John, 19/12/05
"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."
Posted by Joe, 19/12/05
"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
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Posted by Paula, 28/11/05
"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."
Posted by William, 28/11/05
"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."
Posted by Moses
"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!"
Posted by Emma, 27/11/05
"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!"
Posted by Liz, 14/11/05
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The Rough Guide to China - 4th Edition
With over 1300 pages and 150 maps, the
Rough Guide to China
is the
essential handbook to this vast and extraordinary country. In-depth coverage of
the entire country, from buzzing Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai to the ethnic
minority regions of the southwest and Tibet.
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