Fast Tips for Teaching English in China

Teaching English in China has fast become a popular career choice for adventure minded travelers looking to gain experience abroad. This shouldn't be a surprise given the obvious benefit of living abroad in one of the fastest growing and lucrative economies in the world. In 2010 the ESL market in China still shows a strong demand for English teachers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Teachers should be aware, however, that the market has changed from even five years ago, and now many schools require more than just a four-year degree.

Here are five points to consider as you research English teaching jobs in China.

1. Do your research.

Go beyond what a school is telling you and find out what kind of reputation the school has before signing a contract. If possible, get in contact with teachers already at the school, and search and post questions in online forums. Most likely someone has a valuable opinion about teaching at the school you're interested in.

2. Know where you want to live.

China is a vast country with many different climates and cultures. Teaching in Shanghai will be a very different experience than teaching in Guangzhou. Get to know as much as you can about China before starting your job search and firmly decide this is a country you want to live in.

3. What age do you feel comfortable teaching?

Think about this carefully and really imagine yourself in the classroom. It is possible to teach kindergarten through university level English in China, all with minimal qualifications.

4. Understand your contract.

Read it carefully and ask questions you have before you sign it. Understand what is and what isn't expected of you and the consequences should you or your school break it.

5. Become culturally aware.

Most likely you will be paid a significantly higher salary compared to your Chinese colleagues, and entitled to certain perks. Don't be that foreigner that takes this all for granted. Become a part of the community, invite your colleagues to dinner, and learn Chinese. This will make the experience of teaching in China more rewarding and leave a positive impression on your hosts.

Good luck! I welcome any and all questions and comments below about teaching abroad in China.