About Teaching in China

How does it work? Why are there so many jobs in China?

The People's Republic of China

China is at least 3000 years old, however the PRC is a young country, only established in 1949, which has seen tremendous economic growth and social reform in just the last 30 years. 30 years ago there wasn’t a TV or motor-vehicle to be found in all of China. Now the country has become an economic superpower and is a world leader in manufacturing and technology.

It also has a population of more than 1.43 Billion people. Due to this speedy economic expansion China has an increased need to communicate with the rest of the world and as such is sorely in need of English teachers to help make that global expansion possible.

China has been a closed community throughout history and there are currently estimated to be 1 Million foreigners in China, thats approximately 1430 Chinese to 1 Foreigner.

So is there a job for you to teach English? Yes, there most certainly is.

Don’t think you have what it takes to be teacher?

Think again.

There are 1000’s of jobs for foreign teachers in China, which require all levels of skills. Some schools require highly proficient teachers trained in teaching English, Maths, Science, Geography or even Life-skills. There are positions for sports coaches and PE teachers for high schools and universities.

Colleges in China generally require teachers with a Masters Degree and teaching experience. These teachers are expected to be experts in their fields, able to add value to the college syllabus.

However, many schools don’t have such stringent requirements. Many schools just need a teacher, fluent in English, who is hard-working, patient and interesting

Primary schools generally need teachers who are young, energetic and fun. It goes without saying that these teachers should enjoy working with kids. There’ll be basic learning of nouns, verbs and adjectives with a great emphasis on creating a fun environment for the kids.

English is the national second language in China, All Primary Schools in China have Chinese-born English teachers who deal with all tests, grammar and grading. Many times all the foreign teacher needs to do is “Make English Fun”, so playing games, singing nursery rhymes, dancing and keeping the energy high is the name of the game.

On the other hand, Kindergartens need loving, patient and responsible people. Having great qualifications or a high-level of English fluency is not the main emphasis here. What these kids need is another mother, someone caring, protective and gentle, to have fun with them and kiss their booboos, to keep them entertained and occasionally keep them in line.

By the way, discipline in China is incredible. Chinese parents and teachers keep kids on a tight leash. So there is generally very little cause for concern. These are the most respectful classrooms and students you’ll ever find!