Why Working in a Training Center Is a Right Start in China?

9 May 2019 | Visitor

Introduction to Training centers in China

Generally speaking, training sector in China can be categorised into following groups by their target market: language training, overseas study preparation training, K12 subject training, IT training, management training, financial & accounting training and arts training (Hu, 2013).

It is interesting to note that, unlike traditional language training, innovative education such as subject English (teaching English in subjects), Drama English (integrating drama into English education), online teaching and other language teaching (Spanish, German, French etc) are emerging in current market.

As following, I listed few features of training centers in China:

Working schedule: Mon. – Fri. 1.30pm -8.30pm; Weekends: 8.30am – 6.30pm; Days off normally will be during the weekdays, consecutive days offer can be considered depending on the class schedule;
Student age: Normally it can be divided into teaching to younger kids (3-12 years old) and to adults (over 18 years old);
Location: Almost all centers are established in downtown area with convenient transportation access;
Class: Most likely the class size will be small, fewer than 25 students per class. There will be a teaching assistant who are Chinese help to manage and support the classroom;
Promotion path: Teacher - Senior Teacher - Head Teacher - Academic Manager/Curriculum developer.

Reasons to Work in Training Centers

First of all, working in training centers in China, is an EASY start. To become a teacher in training centers, you only need to meet following requirements. Even you are a fresh graduate, it only takes 1-2 months to receive a TEFL/TESOL certification.

Native English Language speaker from the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa
Bachelor degree or above
120 hour TEFL or TESOL certification

Maybe you are wondering what you can obtain from sacrificing you weekends, but here are some of the reasons from my candidates:

Unique: Unlike teaching same students/classes in schools, you can expect to meet different students when teaching. They come from different schools, difference education background, with different personalities. You are using your professional teaching skills to much more students than you can imagine;
Relax: Without numerous homework/exams from the teachers in school, students will truly enjoy your class and interact with you more directly. You can expect a more relaxing class atmosphere when you are teaching, sing, dancing, painting, etc. is always appealing to kids than sitting in the classroom;
Challenging: Working in a training center can also be challenging. As you are teaching students with a wide range of age, you need adjust your teaching methodology time to time which develop yourself in a very short time. It’s also challenging that you will have more chances to promote to a senior or even managerial roles in years. At that time, you need to equip yourself with both teaching experience and leadership.
Flexible: You can join in the training center anytime during year instead of waiting until February or August.

You will find out more advantages once you really enter a training center to be a teacher there!