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Get in Touch or Find Answers
This is the place to contact us or find answers to common questions. Please check the FAQ before reaching out – your question may already be covered.
Applicants: If you’re contacting us by email, be sure to include:
• A scanned copy of your passport ID page
• A scanned copy of your degree
• A scanned copy of your TEFL certificate
• An introduction video
• A demo teaching video
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What qualifications are required to teach in China?To legally teach in China, you typically need to be a native English speaker, hold a bachelor’s degree, and possess a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. Some provinces may have additional requirements, such as a minimum of two years of work experience. It’s advisable to check the specific criteria of the region where you intend to teach.
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How do I obtain a work visa (Z visa) for China?Securing a Z visa involves several steps: • Obtain a job offer from a licensed educational institution in China. • Gather necessary documents, including your bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate, and a clean criminal background check. • Have these documents notarized and authenticated by relevant authorities in your home country and then by the Chinese embassy or consulate. • Your employer in China will provide a work permit and invitation letter, which you’ll submit along with your visa application. The entire process can take several weeks to months, so it’s advisable to start early. Follow this link for Foreign Teacher's guidance on the visa application procedure and requirements for those from one of seven recognised native English speaking nationalities.
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What are the typical salary and benefits for foreign teachers in China?Salaries vary based on factors like location, institution type, and your qualifications. On average: • Public schools: ¥8,000–10,000 RMB/month in smaller cities; over ¥10,000 RMB/month in larger cities. • Private institutions: Up to ¥30,000 RMB/month for experienced teachers in major cities. Benefits often include free furnished housing, health insurance, flight reimbursement, and paid public holidays.
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Will I need to learn Chinese to teach effectively?While not mandatory, learning basic Chinese can enhance your daily life and classroom management. Many schools prefer immersive English environments, so your teaching will primarily be in English.
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What is the cost of living in China, and can I save money?The cost of living varies by city. Generally, foreign teachers find that their salaries allow for a comfortable lifestyle, including dining out and travel, with opportunities to save money, especially in cities with a lower cost of living.
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What is the duration of a typical teaching contract?Most contracts are for one academic year (10-12 months). Some schools may offer shorter-term contracts, but longer commitments are often preferred.
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What are the working hours and class sizes?Teaching hours typically range from 16 to 20 hours per week, with class sizes varying from up to 15 in private training centres to 40 or more in public schools.
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Are there opportunities for professional development and promotion?Opportunities for advancement depend on the institution. Some schools offer pathways to senior teaching positions or administrative roles, while others may provide professional development workshops and training.
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What support is available for finding accommodation?Many schools provide free furnished housing or a housing allowance. Employers often assist in finding suitable accommodation and navigating rental agreements.
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Will I have health insurance while teaching in China?Employers typically provide basic health insurance. However, coverage may be limited, so it’s advisable to consider additional international health insurance for comprehensive coverage.
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What is the process for obtaining a criminal background check?The process varies by country: • UK: Obtain a Basic Disclosure, have it notarized, authenticated by the Foreign Commonwealth Office, and then by the Chinese embassy. • USA: Apply for a state or federal background check, have it notarized, authenticated by the U.S. Department of State, and then by the Chinese embassy. • Other countries: Procedures are similar; consult your local authorities for specifics. Follow this link for Foreign Teacher's guidance on the visa application procedure and requirements for those from one of seven recognised native English speaking nationalities.
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Are there any costs associated with the recruitment process?There are no costs for Foreign Teacher's services, or the services of our agent associates. Candidates are generally responsible for organizing and covering the cost of required documents for the visa application. Employers often reimburse the visa application fee and cover expenses related to the application process in China.
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Will someone meet me at the airport upon arrival?Many schools arrange for staff to meet incoming teachers at the airport and assist with the transition to their new accommodation. Confirm this with your employer before departure.
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What vaccinations are recommended before moving to China?Consult with a travel health clinic or your healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations based on your health history and the regions you plan to visit in China.
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Is it possible to send money home while working in China?Yes, it’s possible to remit money home. You’ll need to provide documentation of your income and pay applicable fees. Your employer or bank can guide you through the process.
Find our Blog by clicking this link | Teaching Skills | Opinion | Life in China | Discover |
Posts
A Go-To ESL Resource - Master English Grammar | Changsha: A Hidden Gem for ESL Teachers | Feedback Reimagined: Dialog Beats Monologue | Land Jobs in China with Free ESL Recruitment Service | Shenzhen: The Gateway to China's Future | Teach ESL in China: A Guide from A to Z Visa | Teaching Adults ESL: Entertainer vs. Teacher | Total Physical Response (TPR): Are You Using It? | Understanding English Grammar: Features and Rules | What is the Duration of a Typical Teaching Contract? | Working Hours and Class Sizes in Chinese Schools
Harbin Ice Festival | Historical Beijing Tour | Inner Mongolia Grasslands | Shanghai and Surroundings | Suzhou and Nanjing | Gulin and Yangshuo | Guangdong and Hong Kong | Xi'an and Shaanxi Province | Chengdu and Sichuan Province | Tibet | Xinjiang | Yunnan Province | Fujian Province | Hainan Island
Attraction Details
Harbin Ice Festival | Historical Beijing Tour | Inner Mongolia Grasslands | Shanghai and Surroundings | Suzhou and Nanjing | Gulin and Yangshuo | Guangdong and Hong Kong | Xi'an and Shaanxi Province | Chengdu and Sichuan Province | Tibet | Xinjiang | Yunnan Province | Fujian Province | Hainan Island
Quick Guide | Step 1: Preparation | Step 2: Demo, Interview, WPN | Step 3: Application | Step 4: In China
Beijing | Changsha | Chengdu | Chongqing | Dongguan | Guangzhou | Hangzhou | Hefei | Nanjing | Ningbo | Qingdao | Shanghai | Shenzhen | Suzhou | Tianjin | Wuhan | Wuxi | Xi'an | Zhengzhou
A1
"Be Verb" | Singular/Plural Nouns | Basic Adjectives | Articles (a/an/the) | Simple Present Tense | Subject Pronouns & Possessive Adjectives | There is/There are | Demonstratives | Basic Prepositions of Place | Can for Ability
A2
Past Simple (Regular & Irregular Verbs) | Comparative & Superlative Adjectives | Present Continuous for Future Plans | Adverbs of Frequency and Manner | Countable and uncountable Nouns + Quantifiers | Modals for Obligation and Advice | Present Perfect | Past Continuous vs. Past Simple | Future Forms (will vs. going to) | First Conditional
B1
Past Perfect | "Used to" and "Would" for Past Habits | Gerunds and Infinitives | Relative Clauses | Reported Speech | Second Conditional | Present Perfect Continuous | Passive Verbs (Present and Past) | Phrasal Verbs | Modal Verbs for Deduction
B2
Mixed Conditionals | Inversion in Conditionals & Emphasis | Future Continuous & Future Perfect | Cleft Sentences for Emphasis | Participle Clauses | Modals for Speculation & Criticism | The Passive (All Tenses & Advanced Structures) | Relative Clauses with Prepositions & Omissions | Reported Speech with Shifts in Time & Modals | Phrasal Verbs
C1
Advanced Conditionals | Causative Structures | Emphasis and Inversions | Advanced Passive Structures | Nominalisation | Ellipsis and Substitution | Hedging and Vague Language | Reported Speech (Advanced) | Discourse Markers and Cohesion | Advanced Modal Verbs
C2
Complex Conditionals and Mixed Time References | Advanced Cleft Sentences for Focus and Emphasis | Nominalisation for Formality and Conciseness | Ellipsis, Substitution, and Cohesion in Formal Writing | Advanced Modal Verbs for Degrees of Certainty and Hypotheticals | Inversion for Rhetorical and Stylistic Purposes | Embedded and Layered Relative Clauses | Advanced Passive Structures | Discourse Markers for Advanced Argumentation and Persuasion | Stylistic Register Shifts and Pragmatic Awareness
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Living and Working in China | Pre-Departure Preparation | Work Life | Daily Life in China | Social and Cultural Adjustments | Navigating Challenges | Travel In and Around China | Long-Term Living in China | Resources
Module 01 - Introduction to TEFL | Module 02 - Understanding Language Learners | Module 03 - Classroom Management | Module 04 - Language Systems and How to Teach Them | Module 05 - Language Skills and How to Teach Them | Module 06 - Lesson Planning and Syllabus Design | Module 07 - Teaching Methodologies and Approaches | Module 08 - Error Correction and Feedback | Module 09 - Teaching with Limited Resources | Module 10 - Teaching English Online vs. In-Person | Module 11 - Assessing and Evaluating Students | Module 12 - Teaching Young Learners vs. Adults | Module 13 - Teaching Business English | Module 14 - Teaching Exam Preparation Classes | Module 15 - Cultural Awareness in TEFL | Module 16 - Reflective Teaching and Professional Development