A Helpful Panda’s Tips For Teaching In China
Tips For Teaching English In China
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Mike Cairnduff from The Helpful Panda website got in touch to tell us that they’ve listed every recruitment agency for teaching in China. We thought he’s a helpful fella and decided we should push our luck and ask him for some tips too.
One of the agencies is Mike’s own, Hello Teacher! which specialises in placing Australians and New Zealanders in public and private schools all over China. Native English speakers from the UK, Ireland, USA and Canada can be placed too. Based in Melbourne, Australia, you can rest assured knowing you have local support with international expertise. Even if you’ve just graduated from university, they can help you find a great teaching job in China.
China only recently reopened its borders to foreigners and foreign experts should soon be welcomed back into classrooms across the country. Here are some of Mike’s tips for teaching in China:
You really do need a degree
Only dodgy schools hire teachers without a degree. The only exception is if you’re teaching in China as part of a reputable internship program. Interestingly, ABC Australia recently reported that two-thirds of the 400,000 foreigners teaching in China in 2017 were unqualified.
Beware of dodgy schools and job boards
Job boards like Dave’s ESL Café have loads of ads for teaching in China. While there are some good jobs available from reputable schools, make sure you do your research. There are plenty of teach in China scams.
Beware of dodgy agents and recruiters
Slimy agents or recruiters may receive a portion of your salary every month, without you even knowing it. Avoid these unscrupulous providers at all costs.
Over 55? China is not for you
If you’re over age 55, your chances of getting a teaching job in China are slim. Although the official limit is 60, unless you’re already working in China as a mature-age teacher, you’re better off looking for a TEFL job in another country. The requirements to teach in China are getting tougher.
If you’re a non native English speaker, expect hassles
The major, reputable teach in China recruiters (including Hello Teacher!) do not hire non-native English speakers. This is due to the strict guidelines set down by China. But as they say, where there’s a will there’s a way – you’ll still see job board ads that accept candidates who don’t meet the guidelines.
First impressions are lasting impressions
Make sure your resume is up to date and error-free. If you do get an interview, speak clearly and articulate why you would be a great teacher in China. And remember to dress well if your interview is on Zoom or Skype.
Ask lots of questions
To ensure you get the job and conditions that are right for you, ask your recruiter as many questions as possible before accepting a TEFL job offer. And once you arrive in China, ask the locals questions. The more you ask, the more you’ll discover!
Consider teaching in a third-tier city
Although he works in bustling, modern Shenzhen, British teacher Tim Robinson believes smaller cities in China are worth considering. “You can save the same on half the salary in a third-tier town and have twice the experience, but you will have to be more adventurous,” he says. You can even go one step further and teach in rural China.
More of Mike’s tips for teaching in China can be found at https://www.helloteacher.asia/blog/tips-for-teaching-english-in-china.
Teaching English Resources
Are you ready to begin teaching English abroad? PremierTEFL guides new teachers through the process of finding that first teaching position with their paid internships. Check out our boards for their latest vacancies in Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, and other exciting places worldwide. They also provide a range of TEFL courses.
Even better is moving from one beautiful location to another and taking your job with you. Magic Ears can help with this. They pay up to $26 per hour to their online teachers.
Both before and once you have earned your first paycheck you may want to start moving your money around. We've saved hundreds of dollars by using Wise - all the more so when combined with a local bank account to save on high ATM fees. Use this link and Wise will give you a free money transfer of up to £500.
We will be using SafetyWing when we start travelling again. Their policies are aimed at nomads like you and us and both their travel and health insurance include cover for Covid19 so we can spend as much time abroad as we please.
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