Teaching English in China is one of the fastest-growing markets for foreign educators. It provides a wide variety of teaching job opportunities, high level of teaching salaries and living standards. Various teaching jobs, positions, and vacancies attract educators from different parts of the world to prestigious schools in China. If you are possessing all necessary qualifications and starting to look for a teaching position in China, we are here to help!

Finding a teaching job in China is not extremely difficult, however, landing a suitable employment may be time-consuming, especially if you’re aiming for a best-matching teaching opportunities with excellent teaching salaries and pleasant living environment. Here are few tips that help foreign educators to find a suitable teaching job in China.

Understand Your Job Preference and Research

First, we strongly suggest foreign educators to understand their job preferences, then conduct researches on teaching positions. Most international schools, private schools and schools for expats in K-12 stage are hiring for foreign educators, and many schools in China adopt international curricula, such as IB, AP, and IGCSE.

Here are a few examples of questions that foreign educators could ask themselves:
1. What kind of schools would I like to teach in?
2. What age range of students would I like to instruct?
3. Am I familiar with the IGCSE/A-level curriculum?

Self-check about Z-Visa Qualifications

The primary requirement to teach in China is applying for a work visa (Z-VISA), which require foreign educators to meet the following requirements:
1. A Bachelor’s degree or above;
2. Language requirements:
If you wish to apply for an English teaching position in China, you must be a native English speaker;
Non-native English speakers with a minimum of two years of demonstrated teaching experience also could teach in China, but only in subjects other than English.
3. Age range: 18 to 60 years old;
4. Teaching certificate: TEFL/TESOL/CELTA OR two-year proven teaching experience.

Earn a TEFL/TESOL Certificate

Earning a TEFL/TESOL certification is essential for increasing your chances of obtaining a suitable teaching job. Although some teaching positions do not require a TEFL/TESOL certificate, attaining one will open more doors. A TEFL/TESOL certification program will instruct you all the necessary teaching skills, such as how to interact with students, create effective lessons, and achieve high levels of performance.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Positivity and self-assurance are as crucial as an open mind. Do not be afraid to demonstrate your passion, excitement, and interest when seeking employment in China. Also, ensure that you are ready to adapt all the changing circumstances. For example, the school offers you a positions with attractive conditions to compete with the schools that locate in tier-one cities, it would be better if you hold a positive attitude about teaching in non-tier-one cities.

Build and Explore Network

Establishing networks with recruitment professionals and communities are also important. Professional is the significant link between you and your prospective schools. In addition, the professionals will utilize their resources to locate the appropriate teaching positions for foreign educators. Please do not hesitate to seek assistance.

Moreover, joining communities or organizations of foreign educators may be an efficient approach to discovering a suitable teaching position in China. These networks are filled with people who have had similar experiences. It may provide access to many employment options, such as social gatherings where you may meet new people and learn more about China's culture.

If you are struggling with how to find a suitable teaching job in China, be sure to prepare ahead and take into account of all requirements during the job hunting process. It’s essential to have a thorough grasp of yourself, your career preference, or your career plan, especially concerning the requirements of employers in China. Foreign educators should be conversant with the teaching employment market in China, including its present possibilities and trends. Furthermore, the resume plays a significant role in obtaining the desired position. Be specific and evidence-based when marketing yourself to a potential employer. Hopefully every foreign educators could find suitable teaching job in China.