Frequently Asked Questions

●What is the advantage of the Program?
It is an excellent way to learn about Chinese culture, customs, and behavior. You can teach English to the Chinese and share your culture with them, but also can learn Mandarin Chinese from them. Through the program, you will gain valuable life experience. Besides, you will make many friends with both the locals and other foreign teachers and build a useful network. It is especially helpful if you want to pursue an international career in the future, as China is a rapidly developing country and is playing a bigger role in the world economy and politics. Besides, you will be offered free accommodation, a salary, and in some cases, free meals, airfare reimbursement, and free excursions!

●Am I able to teach in China without any prior teaching experience?
Many teachers who come to China to teach have no prior teaching. It is fine as long as you have the motivation and patience to teach. If you do not have any prior teaching experience and have never been to China before, we will suggest you participate in TEFL training and orientation program before the start of your teaching program. The training course will be taught by experienced certified teachers and will cover various teaching techniques. There will also be seminars discussing Chinese students learning characteristics and cross cultural barriers as well as living issues in China. Crash courses in Mandarin Chinese, local excursions, and social events will also be included. Some schools will also provide extra training when you arrive.

●How about the teaching hours in China?
Teaching hours in China is vary from school to school, but often is between 12 and 24 hours a week.

●Is it safe in China for us foreigners?
The crime rate in China is very low. The Chinese people are very friendly to all foreigners. However, you still need to take some precaution while on crowded buses or in busy shopping centers in order to protect your belongings against pick-pockets.

●Will there be opportunities to learn or improve my Mandarin Chinese during the teaching program?
Yes, many schools in China offer Chinese language courses for foreigners, which you can take in your spare time. Some schools may offer you free lessons or tutoring services at a discounted price. You can also find a private tutor or share one with other foreign teachers. Private tutors may ask for between RMB 30-40 an hour. We find the best way to learn Mandarin and Chinese culture is to find a local Chinese student or teacher as a language exchange partner. Many Chinese students and teachers are eager to teach you Mandarin in exchange for your help in English.

●Can I have another part time job or teach in my spare time to earn extra income?
Yes, as long as you fulfill your contracted teaching hours and responsibilities, most schools will allow you to earn some extra money through another job or more teaching in your spare time.

●How do I get paid? Do I need to pay tax to the Chinese government?
You will be paid at the end of each month in direct deposit or cash by your participating schools or institution. Salaries are tax free to the Chinese government if you earn less than RMB 4,800 a month. If you earn more than that, you will have to pay some tax, but the rate is quite low. Some schools may pay the tax for you, and it will depend on your teaching contract with the school.

●Can my partner go with me?
You can usually take your wife or husband with you if you have been offered a legal job with visa and working permit. However, she or he may not be allowed to work. If, however, your partner also can teach English, you could probably both find work in the same school or town.

●What kind of schools can my children go to in China?
Usually we’ll assign you to teach in the same school that your children attend, either a foreign language school or an international school, which also depends on the availability of your children’s grade.

●How to apply for a work-visa?
Once you are offered a position, you may obtain a Z (work) visa from the Chinese embassy / consulate in your country .Of course, if you come to China or have been already in China with other visas (non-work), the school in China and the State Bureau of Foreign Experts also can help you to get Z visa.

●Is it possible for me to work more than one academic year in China?
Yes. You are welcome to renew your contract with your host institution, or you may ask us to assign you to another school or another city/province in China.

●Can I find some other kind of jobs in China other than teaching English?
Yes. If you want to find a job in certain subject/specialty areas, please make it clear on your application. If you are a native speaker of other foreign languages, we might also place you in China to teach your native language other than English.

●What should I take with me to teach English in China?
The host institutions will offer you bedding, cooking utensils, TV, furniture, etc. for free. Clothes are much cheaper in China. You only need to take about one-month’s change of clothes. If you have extra room in your suitcases, you may put in a few more pieces.

●Can we choose which city or school we want to go to?
You may let us know your preference and we will try to work something out with the schools. But we can not guarantee your specific choice.