| emand for English teachers all over the world is | | | | invaluable tool at this point. Contact schools, universities, |
| growing quickly. As more countries interact with each | | | | businesses and job boards to determine which jobs |
| other through business and other types of | | | | are right for you. Once you’ve selected some |
| communication, the need for English speakers in | | | | companies that you want to apply to, follow their |
| foreign lands is growing. And nowhere is this need | | | | guidelines for the application process. |
| greater than in China. | | | | 4. Talk to your college. Many universities will have |
| If you're considering teaching English in China, you've | | | | arrangements with Chinese schools; these "sister |
| chosen a challenging and competitive field. Every day | | | | school" programs allow you to teach English in China |
| language students choose China as their career field, | | | | while a Chinese teacher visits your school. The |
| but the need still far outweighs the available teachers. | | | | organization where you get your ESL certification will |
| For those who plan to teach English in China, there are | | | | also most likely have a job placement assistance |
| a few basics you should know before beginning a job | | | | program. |
| search. | | | | Know What to Expect |
| Qualifications | | | | Keep in mind that if you choose to teach English in |
| All you really need to teach English in China is a college | | | | China, it won't necessarily be the most financially |
| degree and fluency in English. Many countries require | | | | rewarding career available- at least, not at first. Many |
| language teachers to have TEFL or ESL certification; | | | | Chinese universities will only require you to teach 14-15 |
| however, China does not consider this a requirement. | | | | classroom hours a week; however, you will be |
| Nonetheless, it's wise to get certified before you begin | | | | expected to be available for office hours and other |
| your job search. It'll put you far ahead of the pack. | | | | types of responsibilities. |
| Getting certified in ESL is an easy process. Many | | | | Don't be afraid to negotiate terms. Although your |
| colleges and community schools offer month-long | | | | paycheck may not be very impressive, most |
| certification programs. If you're planning on teaching | | | | universities or companies will provide you with airfare |
| overseas, it's best to arm yourself with a certificate | | | | to and from China. Some universities will offer paid |
| just in case the job hunt is a little more cutthroat than | | | | housing for foreign teachers, which eliminates the |
| you had expected. | | | | hassle of finding and paying for an apartment or |
| Steps to Finding a Job | | | | house. |
| 1. Study the Chinese culture. Keep in mind that when | | | | If you have a master's degree or a doctorate, you |
| you teach English in China, you'll be living in China for at | | | | may qualify to work as a Foreign Expert in a Chinese |
| least the length of a school term, so you'll want to | | | | university. Foreign Experts teach higher level classes |
| know as much as possible about your future home. | | | | and generally get a higher pay rate than Foreign |
| 2. Research the Chinese school system and decide | | | | Teachers. |
| what level you'd like to teach at. English is taught from | | | | Choosing to teach English in China is not just a career- |
| grade school all the way up through university level. | | | | it's a major commitment, so it’s important to |
| Some businesses will also hire you to teach their | | | | think carefully before making your final decision! If you |
| employees English skills, or you may be interested in | | | | love the Chinese culture; if teaching English is your |
| teaching conversational skills to adults in general. | | | | passion; if you're unafraid of new and challenging |
| 3. Make the necessary contacts. This may require | | | | situations- then you've quite possibly found the right |
| some international phone calls. The Internet will be an | | | | career field. |