Teaching English in ChinaNow Hiring

Teaching English in China gives you the opportunity to learn about a fascinating culture while gaining an extremely rewarding teaching experience. Cities such as Shanghai are booming centers for economy and trade, and the demand for ESL teachers is extremely high.

Many aspiring ESL teachers have learned that it is always peak hiring season for teachers in China. That being said, it is notably easier to find a teaching job at schools between July and September.

Public and Private School System

Every Chinese child must have at least nine years of education in China. The materials delivered in a Chinese classroom are set by the Chinese National Education Council's national curriculum. Typically Chinese classrooms are much more crowded than those in America, with an average of 45 students in a classroom. Schools within the Chinese public education system typically deliver their teaching in Chinese only. Students are more likely to learn English in a private school as opposed to a public one.

Private Lessons

In addition to the high number of job openings in schools, there are a lot of prospective Chinese students interested in hiring an English teacher for private lessons. It is recommended that a teacher interested in providing private English lessons live in China for some time before they start. If a teacher has knowledge of the Chinese language, they can expect to make more money than someone without this competency.

How to Find Jobs Teaching English in China

Graduates of Oxford Seminars receive our Job Placement Service with exclusive access to established schools and recruiters around the world.

Finding a job in China is much different from other ESL markets due to the many options available to English teachers. There are public, private, and post-secondary institutions all actively seeking TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certified instructors. Prospective English instructors must decide on what they are looking for and ask themselves the following questions:

- What appeals more: living in a rural or urban environment?
- Which age group would be the best fit?
- How many working hours are acceptable?
- Is traveling and time off an important element of the ESL experience?
- How much of a factor is salary and included living expenses such as apartment space, paid flights, etc.?

Once a teacher decides which elements of an ESL teaching job in China appeal most to them, it is time to begin the job search. Like in the USA, a job-seeker's best tool is usually the Internet and there are plenty of job listing sites that may offer some help.

Please take some time and review the following online resources:

- Oxford Seminars' English Language Schools Directory
- Dave's ESL Cafe - http://www.eslcafe.com
- Cathay Teacher - http://www.cathayteacher.com
- Craigslist - http://beijing.craigslist.com.cn/
- China Expat - http://www.echinacities.com/

Largest Chain Schools in China

Many ESL teachers living in China find that an international chain of English schools may be the best way to begin their teaching careers. In general, smaller private schools are looking for fewer qualifications when hiring a teacher and are usually happy to hire a native English speaker with a TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certification. There are international private English schools scattered throughout China and many are looking to recruit.

Buckland International Education Group
With 56 locations throughout China, the Buckland International Education Group is always looking for new ESL teachers. Usually a TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certification is all it takes to qualify for a teaching job. Teachers are given money towards their flight, and accommodations are included.
http://www.bucklandgroup.org

Web International English
Web International English has been in business since 1998 with over 142 training centers in 62 different cities across China. These private training centers work with students ages 10 and up. The focus is on improving English fluency through an open and integrated learning environment. To date they have helped almost a million students learn English.
http://www.webi.com.cn/

American International School of Guangzhou (AISG)
One of the largest and oldest international English schools in China, the American International School of Guangzhou (AISG), attracts the attention of many English teachers. There are over 1,000 students from 52 different nations enrollled in the school. Lessons at the school are based around an English curriculum. Students range from kindergarten to grade 12. The school promotes an active lifestyle with their many sports teams and clubs. English teachers thinking about applying to this school must be well qualified, as the school asks for a minimum of a Bachelors Degree, TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certification, and teaching experience.
http://www.aisgz.org/

Additional ESL Resources to Help Teach English in China

Many ESL teachers find that preparing to travel to the other side of the world to live and work is a lot to handle, but there are plenty of online resources out there to make this transition a little easier. It's important to research things like language, food, and other elements of Chinese life, but be sure to research possible travel destinations and other recreational activities.

The Internet gives future ESL teachers a chance to read about the experiences that other English teachers have had while working in the People's Republic of China. Not only is there text about teaching in China, there are also videos and forums which allow the ability to communicate with others.

Please note that these are merely examples of the resources available and they may not suit individual teaching needs.

- Oxford Seminars' ESL Teaching Resources
- Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China
- Chinese - English Dictionary - http://www.mandarintools.com/worddict.html
- Middle Kingdom Life - http://www.themiddlekingdom.org/

Tips for ESL Teachers in China

- Taking some time to learn words and phrases to help make daily life run smoother will be worth the time and energy.
- The Internet can be a great tool to save money when an ESL teacher is booking a flight to China.
- Always remove any outdoor footwear upon entering someone's home.
- Being open-minded and spending some time exploring China is an excellent way for an ESL teacher to learn about their new 'home-away-from-home'.
- Be accepting and adaptive of Chinese culture.
- Learn about Chinese currency before leaving. Study the coins and paper yuan that make up the Chinese money system.
- Have someone with a good understanding of the Chinese language write out common phrases.

Teaching Requirements for ESL Teachers in China

The requirements and guidelines below are listed for ESL teacher applicants to China who are citizens of: United States, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.

Minimum Requirements to Apply for Teaching Positions in China:

- Oxford Seminars TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
- Bachelor's Degree
- High School Diploma (For Internships)

Types of Applicable Visas:

- Z Visa (Employment/Work Visa) - Ideal work visa for an ESL teacher in China
- L Visa (Tourist) - Sometimes used for entry into China while Z Visa is processed
- D Visa (Permanent Residency) - Designed for those who intend to live permanently in China

Important Visa Information:

- It is preferable to get the Z Work Visa processed while in one's home country prior to relocating to China.
- Some applicants enter China on a tourist visa with the assumption that they will be granted the proper Z Work Visa; however, some find that it is not granted because they do not have the necessary qualifications or documentation.
- If asked to apply for any visa other than the Z Visa, it is prudent to be vigilant in ensuring the legalities of it based on the contract received.
- Visas will only be granted if there is sufficient time remaining on the applicant's passport (typically six months, however this should be confirmed by local Chinese embassy/consulate).
- In addition to obtaining a visa, an entry permit is required. The option is given to purchase a single entry permit or a multiple entry permit. It is best to consult with one's school/recruiter to determine the most appropriate for the particular situation.
- Applicants with AIDS, contagious tuberculosis, venereal diseases, or other such infectious diseases, along with those who suffer from a mental disorder, will not be granted a Chinese visa.
- One must apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in their own country unless they have permanent residence in the country from which they are applying.
- One must apply for a visa in person or send a trusted person to apply in person on their behalf.

Standard Process for Obtaining Legal Documentation to Work Legally in China:

- The applicant secures a contract with a legitimate school.
- The school applies for a work permit on behalf of the applicant.
- The applicant applies for an Employment/Work Visa at their local Chinese embassy/consulate once they have received confirmation of a work permit.

Standard Required Documents for Visas:

(Important to check with a Chinese embassy/consulate as variations in requirements sometimes occur)

- Completed visa application.
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining with at least one blank page.
- Recent passport photos (Specifications should be confirmed with local embassy/consulate).
- Copy of contract.
- Visa Notification Form issued by Chinese government department or government agency.
- Proof of legitimate status in country of residence.
- Foreign Expert Work Permit issued by Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, or Alien Employment License issued by Chinese Ministry of Human Resources.
- The embassy/consulate retains the right to ask for additional documentation during the application process.
- Diplomas, degrees and certificates applicable to your employment will need to be notarized and then authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate.
- Health certificate (Q2 Physical Examination Record for Foreigners - downloadable from embassy website). This may not be required initially.
- For Former Chinese Citizens: Original Chinese passport and any passports with Chinese visas must be submitted when applying for visa.

Embassy and Consulate Information for China

The American Embassy and Consular Offices in The People's Republic of China

United States Embassy of Beijing, China
No. 55 An Jia Lou Lu
Beijing 100600, PRC
City: Beijing
Phone: 86 10 8531 3000
Fax: 86 10 8531 4200
Email: BeijingWebmaster@state.gov
Website:https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/embassy-consulates/beijing
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm

U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai
Main U.S. Consulate General Building
1469 Huai Hai Zhong Road
(Near Wulumuqi Nan Lu)
200031 Shanghai, PRC
City: Shanghai
Phone: 86 21 3217 4650
Fax: 86 21 6217 2071
Email: ShanghaiACS@state.gov
Website: http://shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am -11:30am

U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu
4 Lingshiguan Road
Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PRC
City: Chengdu
Phone: 86 28 8558 3992
Fax: 86 28 8554 6229
Email: consularchengdu@state.gov
Website: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/embassy-consulates/chengdu/
Normal Hours: Monday to friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang
52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District
Shenyang, 110003, PRC
City: Shenyang
Phone: 86 24 2322 1198
Fax: 86 24 2322 2374
Email: ShenyangACS@state.gov
Website: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/embassy-consulates/shenyang/
Normal Hours: Monday and Tuesday 2:00pm - 4:00pm

U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou
43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town
Guangzhou 510623, PRC
City: Guangzhou
Phone: 86 020 3814 5000
Fax: 86 020 3814 5572
Email: GuangzhouACS@state.gov
Website:https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/embassy-consulates/guangzhou/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 11:30am and 1:00pm - 3:00pm (colsed Wednesday afternoons)

U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan
New World International Trade Tower I
No. 568, Jianshe Avenue
Jianghan District, Wuhan 430022
City: Wuhan
Phone: 027 8555 7791
Fax: 027 8555 7761
Email: USConsulateWuhan@state.gov
Website: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/embassy-consulates/wuhan/

Canadian Embassy and Consular Offices in The People Republic of China

Canadian Embassy in Beijing
19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie
Chaoyang District
Beijing 100600 PRC
City: Beijing
Phone: 86 10 5139 4000
Fax: 86 10 5139 4448
Email: beijing.consular@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/china-chine/offices-bureaux/index.aspx?lang=eng
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 11:00pm, 1:30pm - 3:00pm and Friday 9:00am - 11:00am

The Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong
8th to 9th Floor, Berkshire House
25 Westlands
Hong Kong
City: Hong Kong
Phone: 852 3719 4700
Fax: 852 2847 7516
Email: hkong@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/hong_kong/
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00am - 10:00am

Canadian Consulate in Chongqing
Suite 1705, Metropolitan Tower
Wu Yi Lu, Yu Zhong District
Chongqing, 400010, PRC
City: Chongqing
Phone: 86 23 6373 8007
Fax: 86 23 6373 8026
Email: chonq@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/china-chine/offices-bureaux/chongqing/index.aspx?lang=eng
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Canadian Consulate General in Shanghai
ECO City Building
8th Floor, 1788 Nanjing Xi Lu, Jing An District
Shanghai, 200040, PRC
City: Shanghai
Phone: 86 21 3279 2800
Fax: 86 21 3279 2801
Email: shngi@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/china-chine/offices-bureaux/shanghai/index.aspx?lang=eng
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday 8:45am - 11:30am, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

The Consulate General of Canada in Guangzhou
26/F TaiKoo Hui Tower 1
385 Tianhe Road
Tianhe District
Guangzhou 510620, PRC
City: Guangzhou
Phone: 86 20 8611 6100
Fax: 86 20 8611 6196
Email: ganzug@international.gc.ca
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Friday 8:30am - 12:00pm

British Embassy and Consular Offices in The People's Republic of China

British Embassy in Beijing
11 Guanghua Lu
Jian Guo Men Wai
100600 Beijing, PRC
City: Beijing
Phone: 86 10 5192 4000
Fax: 86 10 5192 4239
Email: consular.beijing@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm, 1:00pm to 5:00pm

British Consulate-General in Guangzhou
22 Floor Guangzhou International Finance Center
5 Zhujiang Road West, Zhujiang New Town
510623 Guangzhou, PRC
City: Guangzhou
Phone: 86 20 8314 3000
Fax: 86 20 8331 2799
Email: consular.guangzhou@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12:00pm

British Consulate-General in Shanghai
The British Center
17 Floor Garden Square
968 West Beijing Road
200041 Shanghai, PRC
City: Shanghai
Phone: 86 21 3279 2000
Fax: 86 21 3279 2005
Website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/find-an-embassy/asia-and-oceania/consulate-general-shanghai
Email: britishconsulate.shanghai@fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm

British Consulate-General in Chongqing
28th floor, Metropolitan Tower
68 Zourong Road
Yu Zhong District
40010 Chongqing, PRC
City: Chongqing
Phone: 86 23 6369 1500
Fax: 86 23 6369 1525
Email: consular.chongqing@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/other-locations/chongqing/contact-details
Normal Hours: Monday 9:00am - 12:00pm, 1:30pm - 4:00pm. Wednesday 1:30pm - 4:00pm, Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm. Tuesday and Thursday closed.

British Consulate-General in Hong Kong
1 Supreme Court Road
Hong Kong, SAR
City: Hong Kong
Phone: 852 2901 3000
Fax: 852 2901 3204
Email: hongkong.consular@fco.gov.uk
Website:https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-hong-kong/office/consular-section
Normal Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00am - 2:00pm (for personal callers) and 9:00am - 4:30pm (by phone). Closed Wednesdays.

Irish Embassy and Consular Offices in The People's Republic of China

Irish Embassy in Beijing
3 Ritan Dong Lu
100600 Beijing, PRC
City: Beijing
Phone: 86 10 8531 6200
Fax: 86 10 6532 6857
Email: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/china/contact-us/all-other-queries/
Website: https://www.dfa.ie/embassies/irish-embassies-abroad/asia-and-oceania/china/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm, 1:30pm to 5:00pm

Irish Consulate in Hong Kong
20th Floor, 33 Des Voeux Road
Central, Hong Kong, SAR
City: Hong Kong
Phone: 852 2535 0700
Fax: 852 2528 9330
Email: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/hong-kong/contact-us/
Website: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/hong-kong/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00am to 12:00pm, 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Irish Consulate in Shanghai
Suite 700A (West Tower) , Shanghai Centre,
1376 Nanjing Road West
200040 Shanghai, PRC
City: Shanghai
Phone: 86 21 6010 1360
Fax: 86 21 6279 8739
Email: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/shanghai/contact-us/
Website: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/shanghai/
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm, 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Australian Embassy and Consular Offices in The People Republic of China

Australian Embassy in Beijing
21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie
100600 Beijing, PRC
City: Beijing
Phone: 010 5140 4111
Fax: 010 5140 4230
Email: consular.beijing@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.china.embassy.gov.au
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm

Australian Embassy in Shanghai
Level 22, Citic Square
1168 Nanjing West Road
200041 Shanghai, PRC
City: Shanghai
Phone: 021 2215 5200
Fax: 021 2215 5252
Website: http://www.shanghai.china.embassy.gov.au
Email: consular.shanghai@dfat.gov.au
Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm

New Zealand's Embassy and Consular Offices in China

Embassy of New Zealand in Beijing
Sanlitun East 3rd Street
Chaoyang District
100600 Beijing, PRC
City: Beijing
Phone: 86 10 8531 2700
Fax: 86 10 6532 4317
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/
Email: beijing.enquiries@mft.net.nz
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm

New Zealand Consulate General in Guangzhou
Suite 3006, taikoo hui Tower 1
385 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District
510620 Guangzhou, PRC
City: Guangdong
Phone: 86 20 8667 0253
Fax: 86 20 8666 6420
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/
Email: gzh.mfat1@mft.net.nz
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

New Zealand Consulate General in Shanghai
2801-2802A & 2806B-2810, Corporate Avenue 5
150 Hu Bin Road, Huangpu District
200021 Shanghai, PRC
City: Shanghai
Phone: 86 21 5407 5858
Fax: 86 21 5407 5068
Email: shanghai.enquiries@mft.net.nz
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Chinese Embassy and Consulate Offices in the United States
Embassy of the People's Republic of China
3505 International Place NW,
Washington, DC 20008 USA
City: Washington, DC
Phone: 202-495-2266
Fax: 202-495-2138
Website: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/
Email: chinaembpress_us@mfa.gov.cn

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services.

Embassy and Consular Information Outside China

Chinese Embassy and Consulate Offices in Canada
Embassy of the People's Republic of China
515 St. Patrick Street,
Ottawa, Ontario, KIN 5H3,
City: Ottawa
Phone: 613-789-3434
Fax: 613-789-1414
Email: consulate.can@gmail.com
Website: http://ca.china-embassy.org/eng/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm
Consular Service District: Ottawa Region, Quebec, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services.