I compiled the list of Q &A's for those who are seriously looking for a teaching job in China.
Many of them are common sense. But common sense can help us avoid many unnecessary troubles. We have seen many sad things happen because of the ignorance or negelect of common sense by the people involved. Many negative things have been written by people who have suffered from overseas syndroms, and I will focus on the positive ones. For more questions or input, please email bjwellgo8@yahoo.com.cn

Q: What are the advantages of teaching and learning in China?
A: It is an excellent way to learn about the 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. Besides, you will make many friends with both the locals and other foreign teachers and build 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!

Q: What are the requirements of teaching in China?
A: In many cases, you just need to be a native speaker of English, have a college degree, have a passion for teaching and are healthy. In some cases, a native speaker with a high school education and TESOL/TEFL certificate are accepted to teach oral English to younger kids.

Q: I'm not a native English speaker. Can I teach English in China ?
A: Native English speakers are preferred but not required as long as you have a good command of the English language and do not have much of a foreign accent. There are many ESL/EFL teachers in China who were not educated in English speaking countries but teach very well.

Q: Am I able to teach in China without any prior teaching experience?
A: Many teachers who come to China to teach have no prior teaching experience, especially for shorter term programs. 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 in China before, we suggest that you participate in a TEFL training and orientation program before the start of your teaching program.

Q: How about the teaching time in China ?
A: Teaching time in China varies from school to school, but often is between 12 and 19 hours a week.

Q: May I choose a teaching-position freely?
A: Yes. You may choose whatever ESL Job is on any website and wherever the job is. But make sure that the school is registered with the government and authorized to hire foreign nationals. Teachers who are hired by an organization without proper authorizations may find themselves in financial and legal trouble.

Q: How do I know if a recruiting school is authorized to hire foreign nationals?
A: One simply way is to ask the school. If you are not sure whether you get a true answer, use an agent. Most agents do a background check of their clients and have good knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.

Q: How can I tell a reputable agent from one that is not?
A: First of all, you want to make sure that the agent is a professional company in this business. Check the database of the Administration of Industry and Commerce of the location where the agent is based to find out if the agent is registered with the government authority and in good legal standing. Use common sense. If the promises sound too good to be true, then they are not true.

Q: Is it legal for the school or agent to ask for my personal information?
A: It’s a standard practice in this business to solicit personal information. The employer will ask to see the applicant’s ID card or passport before handing out the offer. BUT no one except the government agency has the right to keep your ID card, passport or other official documents.

Q: Will there be opportunities to learn or improve my Chinese during my contract?
A: Yes, many schools in China offer Chinese language courses for foreigners that you can take at your spare time. Some schools may offer you lessons or tutoring services at a discounted price. You can also find a private tutor or share one with other foreign teachers. A private tutor may ask for between RMB 30-40 an hour. We find the best way to learn Mandarin and the 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.

Q: What about the compensation?
A: For your work at a school, college or university, you will likely be paid between 3,000 and 5,000RMB/month (roughly US$400-$620) in addition to free housing.If you commit to one year of teaching, most host schools will reimburse at least a one-way ticket and many schools will reimburse a round-trip ticket. Some schools will also provide a traveling allowance equivalent to half of a month's salary. 2,000-3,000RMB a month is little money by Western standards but it is far greater than what Chinese professors get paid. In any case, things are cheap in China and 2,000-3,000RMB is enough to cover your basic expenses. However people come to teach in China mainly for the experience with the culture and the people; there are also people who use the opportunity as an investment for their future career.

Private institutes, mostly under Western management, generally pay more than state colleges and universities. The pay ranges from $500-$800 per month. All of them reimburse a round-trip ticket to China if you commit to one year of teaching at least.