Requirements for English/ESL teachers in China

Requirements for English/ESL teachers in China

China has always been attractive for people with itchy feet. Competitive salary, awesome locations and decent work conditions are such things that create the most lucrative market in the world for English/ESL tutors. There are so many vacancies, which you may look through on the Internet. Focus on your preferences and key points to choose an appropriate. There is the biggest amount of English learners. Chinese population is so big, so there is a fat chance, you won't find a job. Every company and school there has their own vision and perspective regarding a diligent candidate. Required qualification and other things change from institution to institution. But once you have decided to move to China, you must get familiar with some points that you shouldn't look the other way. In order to be locked and loaded, it's better to weigh everything up. We have chosen the most important requirements, which help you get ready. Don't forget, there is something else beyond a list of advisable elements, it's your personality. Don't hesitate to stand out of the crowd with some professional or personal achievements.

Video about requirements for ESL teachers in China

Citizenship requirements

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Intend resolutely

Satisfying this criteria seems to be biased, especially for non-native English speakers. Why is having a passport from approved countries so important? There are a lot of professionals around the world, who have great teaching knowledge, proven competence and even international experience. So, why does Chinese government stick to the idea of hiring only passport holders of certain nationalities? It is believed that native speakers know a little more in comparison with non-natives. Accent, humor and other historical bits and bobs play important role. Tutors from English speaking countries can teach not only grammar and vocabulary, but also pronunciation, collocation and cultural details. A famous motto, sound like a native, is getting popular each year.

You will go through the first stage of consideration if you are from those countries:

  • UK,
  • Ireland,
  • US,
  • Canada,
  • Australia,
  • New Zealand,
  • South Africa.

If you don't fit it, it's not the end of the world. You always have a chance to try and send your resume. Describe your professional development and results in the best way to prove your competence.

Z-visa

Process of obtaining a work visa seems to be daunting at the first glance. You just need to follow main points. Teaching ESL in China is so popular, so there are a lot of scammers. Everything in this article is vital to get Z-visa. Don't fall into a trap, when agencies promise way too much. You can't work legally in China on tourist or another type of visa. You will be deported and fined. When it comes to nationality and mother country, such criteria is pretty flexible.

Steps of obtaining the visa after you've got a job offer:

  • Sending your documents such as copy of your passport and a notarized copy of any degrees and certifications.
  • Then you receive a foreign work permit and Z-visa application process starts.
  • The Z-visa takes 3-7 business days to get accomplished, and you’ll need it to move to the country.
  • You’ll have only 24 hours in China to apply for a Residence Permit at a local police station.

An institution, where you are going to work, must sponsor your visa application. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic situaton, you need to check travel restrictions and accepted vaccines in China.

Bachelor's degree

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Applicants for teaching in China must prove their right to work abroad. The shortcut to do that is a bachelor's degree. Your specialty might have nothing to do with English. If you have a diploma of engineering, you are still eligible to teach English in China. There is no way to obtain the Z visa without proven education. Before moving, you will be required to send a copy of your original diploma from your university. A kind of degree doesn't matter. It must be notarized by the institution to prove its originality.

Is it possible to teach without a degree?

If you don't fit such requirements to teach ESL in China, there is only way to get a part-time job and do that legally without education. It's internship. There are a lot of programs, which can offer some terms and conditions, while you are studiyng. It's not the best way to make a fortune, however it's a plan to get international experience. Be careful, if you face some schools, which are ready to bend the rules regarding the work visa. We don't recommend you working under the table. We suggest non-degree holders checking out our article about it.

Teaching certification

Another strict requirement that any applicant must fit to work legally. As you know, your major isn't important, you can be English tutor. But, it doesn't exclude a necessity in having teaching confirmation. There is a variety of exams you can take in order to prove your excellent English and teaching comprehension.

  • TEFL certificate is the most popular and accepted around the world. 120 hours of it is enough to become a professional. Due to the pandemic restrictions there are two ways to get it completed. Online and offline courses are equal in terms of knowledge. It gives you an opportunity to teach English to non-natives worldwide.
  • TESOL certificate is similar to TEFL. There is one difference. Having the last one you may teach in both types of countries, English speaking and non-English speaking.
  • CELTA is a Cambridge exam. It is considered one of the most complexed tests. Theory and practice will provide you with possible situations and difficulties, which your learners might have.

Whatever you choose, all of them are accepted around the world.

Terms used:

CELTA, ESL, TEFL, TESOL

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