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Miss Li's MUST READ Handy Tips for success in China.
The following frequently asked questions MUST be taken as a guide only. Some schools offer more than
others, some less than you would expect. My suggestion is to make your application and when TEACH
ESL IN CHINA advises a position, check out the employment terms and conditions (Contract Appendix)
when it is sent to you. The Appendix is not binding unless both parties sign. If you do not like what you
read, do not sign. All the major items are included and you will know exactly what to expect when you
arrive. China schools now have the option of including, reducing or leaving out benefits; including
airfares, medical care, the holiday bonus, and extended vactions.I have also included some extra suggestions with the most important questions.
Detailed information on the terms and conditions of your employment in China.1- Fixed Salary: [Refer "Salaries"] All expenses such as accommodation, the previous list of benefits, airfare reimbursement, Holiday bonus, health care,
Temporary Residency Permit, etc. are paid for or provided by your host university/school, in accordance with SAFEA
Regulations. The set-down salary will not be liable to taxation and is usually for 14-16 hours of face-to-face teaching per
week. Face to face hours worked in excess of these hours is usually paid as overtime.
For an applicant with first degree, minimum RMB 3500+, with PGD; MBA, Teaching Certificate etc. minimum RMB 4000+
and RMB 5000+ with a Doctorate. Your salary is negotiable and dependent upon your qualifications (academic
degree/diploma, etc. previous teaching experience, and ability to teach, etc.).Additional hours are usually paid as overtime at the rate agreed in Appendix A.
Miss Li's Handy Salary Tip
Salaries sometimes appear low by Western standards but the cost of living in China is very cheap.
Schools that offer very high salaries usually "trim" the benefits, but as you will be spending a long time in
China your personal comfort will very quickly become far more important than a few extra RMB. A cheap
bed, lumpy sofa and old computer with expensive dial-up will soon have you wishing for a better life.
2- Accommodation:
SAFEA Regulations stipulate that during your entire contractual period in China, you shall be provided rent-free a fully
furnished apartment of similar standard to a 3 Star Hotel. Usually the apartment will be on campus and include one
bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom/ toilet, etc. Do not expect too much and you will not be disappointed. You can
reasonably expect the inclusion of most of the following items, appliances and facilities (However please note: This is not a checklist
, only a guide). Most schools will provide a completed Appendix A for your perusal and signature as a condition of acceptance. 1) Color TV
(China has one official English language Channel, CCTV9) 2) Radio (not usual, but most schools will oblige if asked) 3) Air Conditioning
(in areas where it is deemed necessary) 4) Heating in all northern and western provinces, elsewhere in colder climes. 5) Personal Computer
with Internet Connectivity 6) Telephone (Most often. Please bring your GSM / CDMA Mobile Telephone. You can buy prepaid SIM cards for use
locally and for international calls) 7) Fax (usually at school and available for your use) 8) Washing machine 9)
Refrigerator 10) Microwave or oven and /or gas cooker. 11) China Daily or other English newspapers are usually available locally.
12) All kinds of cooking utilities (plates, glasses, cups, pots and pans) 13) Comfortable furniture 14)
Purified or mineral water 15) 24 hour supply of electricity/hot water/gas 16) A-Z miscellaneous
items (bedding, blanket, pillow, towel, sleeper, etc.)
Usually, you only pay the cost of long distant telephone calls, Internet usage and faxes; however, sometimes a
contribution towards Internet connection, electricity and gas maybe asked for. Miss Li's Handy Accommodation Tip
Check the Appendix that is sent to you, it will list all the main items. If you need more items than are
provided and they are not unreasonable requests, ask your employer, they will usually oblige. You are not
expected to bring household items. However, sometimes departing greedy teachers who are going
elsewhere in China after their contract term remove most of the small items and this has caused some schools to limit items provided, or ask for a security bond.
3- Contract for two or four semesters: Chinese universities/colleges/high schools normally require that you sign the SAFEA employment contract for at least
two semesters (each of 41/2 months, plus a paid six week holiday). If you cannot commit yourself for two semesters for
any reason, you may also be welcomed to sign a contract for only one semester. This is the minimum time requirement for
teaching; however, it is becoming increasingly very difficult to find schools that are willing to employ teachers for only one
semester, and then only because no one else wants to go to the particular school. In exceptional cases, if you have
special qualifications, a school may accept you for one only semester. The reason for this is that the curriculum is
designed to take the students who are assigned to an oral language class through one full school year, changing
teachers midyear often results in a downgrading of the student's academic standards.
Should you be selected as suitable for a single semester posting, you will only be reimbursed for one half the ticket
purchase price after teaching one full semester. Furthermore, you will have little say in the location of the school to which
you will posted and you will not be paid for the vacation period and some other benefits may not be available or limited. Miss Li's Handy Contract Tip
As the future of students is reliant upon their education standard, it is very important that teacher/student
relationships are established. This cannot be achieved in a couple of months. China is seeking
teachers who will commit to long-term contracts. It has been my experience that teachers who contract
for two semesters are treated very differently from those who can only stay for a short time. 4- What happens if I get sick?
There are hospitals in almost every city where patients can get treatment without having to travel too far. Foreign experts
may have the special treatment of Chinese traditional medicine. Foreign experts can buy the necessary medical insurance
abroad. Some particular issues concerning foreign experts' medical care may be covered in the contract.
Basic health care is provided by the clinic or hospital nominated by the school and they will usually ensure you are
covered for the costs of unexpected medical expenses should you suddenly take ill or have an accident. If you require
comprehensive insurance, we suggest you take out private cover before leaving home. EMERGENCY EVACUATION INSURANCE is suggested.
Domestic health cover does not (usually) extend to overseas residency, albeit temporary. Miss Li's Handy Medical Care Tip
Sometimes foreigners are hesitant to use Chinese health care facilities. You shouldn't be afraid, because
as a foreigner you will be given very special treatment - if you need it. The standard of medical services
in China is very high, while also very cheap when compared to Western services. I suggest that you have
evacuation insurance and maybe general health cover. An intensive care private ward at a foreign joint-venture hospital in Beijing is about 800 RMB ($US100.00) per day
5- Round trip international air ticket:
This varies among the institutions. Many will provide reimbursement for a round-trip international economy air ticket at the
completion of one academic year. Others will provide reimbursement for one-half of the international air ticket at the end of
one academic year. Some institutions provide one-half of the international air ticket at the completion of one contracted
semester. Normally, the terms are written into the contract. Reimbursement is in Chinese Yuan RMB and is not considered as part of the salary for conversion purposes. Miss Li's Handy Airfare Tip
This is the subject that causes the most arguments, it is also the thing that has been most abused by
foreign teachers in the past who have enjoyed holidays to or from China, or demanded the face value on
the ticket. It is also the most expensive item for the school. Please be sensible when buying your ticket;
economy class by the most direct route will rarely be challenged. You ONLY get round trip
reimbursement if you contract for two terms. Schools often use the reimbursement to ensure you stay for the contract period. 6- Possible source of additional income:
You are required to teach up to 16 hours a week over 5 days at your school in return for receiving the contracted amount
of fixed monthly salary. Apart from teaching at your own school/university, you may be afforded the opportunity of
additional outside "jobs" teaching work at other nearby universities/schools/night schools or local companies in your spare time.
Please note that the possibility of finding extra jobs and earning additional income is subject to approval by your school
administration. If you wish to earn additional income the prudent thing to do is sit down with the school head and discuss
your requirements. The actual amount that you could earn during your spare time varies from city to city and from school
to school. It depends on your own ability to communicate with and attract others to classes - students and other people wishing to learn/improve their English.
Miss Li's Handy Additional Income Tip
You will be expected to devote yourself to your students and teaching. The face-to-face working hours
are commensurate with those of West. Therefore, you may find it very exhausting to work two jobs. Your
salary is very high compared with Chinese teachers, and they are not permitted to have second jobs. If
you must work overtime or a second job, discuss it with your school, they can often give you extra work or suggest a local employer, but make sure it does not affect your teaching.
7- Local Transport: Should your accommodation be provided off campus and be in excess of ten minutes walking distance from the school,
your school will usually subsidize public transport. In most instances your accommodation will be provided on campus. 8- Holiday Bonus: A bonus of RMB 2,200 will often be paid during your school holidays (either summer or winter) to help offset the
additional expenses of your holiday within China. The allowance is only payable if you commit to two or more semesters.
Sometimes this is paid as a bonus at the completion of your contract, at other times, not at all if the school provides you with paid vacations within China.
9- Bicycle:
The schools quite often provide you a bicycle for your 'exclusive' use WITH UNLIMITED KILOMETERS ALLOWANCE.
However, repairs and maintenance will be at your expense, collision waiver insurance is unprocurable, and you will need
to provide an anti-theft device. Crash hats are not worn (by anyone), as they are not considered a fashion accessory,
nor are the bike rider's tights, that are so popular in the west. Remember this is China, and many things that are
considered OK elsewhere, can sometimes attract the unwanted attention. Bicycles in China are an essential and practical
mode of transport, but are very often stolen, especially in the evenings. New bike prices range from 100RMB; second hand 40 RMB.
Miss Li's Handy Bicycle Tip
Don't be too concerned if your school does not provide a bicycle, often they are a bigger liability than
they are worth, especially when they are stolen. If you want you can buy one and give it as a reward when leaving to your best and most attentive student. 100 RMB is only $US16.00.
10- Visits and Sightseeing: During the National Holidays, the school administration will normally organize various celebration activities and visits to
many of the significant and historical sites within the province, often providing you with free accommodation, transportation and meals. 11- Dress Standards: Ladies and Gentlemen should dress sensibly and avoid clothing that is suggestive and inappropriate given the normal
constraints imposed upon Chinese society. Tailored trousers and slacks are best, as are sensible length skirts and
dresses. Blouses should cover the shoulder. Shirts should be collared, preferably tailored. Jeans are not acceptable for
teaching and shoes should newish joggers or conventional shoes - no sandals or worn-out joggers.
Very, very short hair, although acceptable in most western countries, is not seen as acceptable for female teachers in
Chinese schools, conversely the same applies to men sporting very long hair, facial jewelry, exposed tattoos.
Miss Li's Handy "What to Wear" Tip
Chinese teachers are expected to set the standard for students in things like ethics, morals and appearance. Sometimes administration officials will make indirect
comments about "dress" so that you do not loose face. Although the teaching profession is amongst the most conservative sectors of Chinese
society, as a foreigner you will be afforded a lot of latitude in most things. Look around you and use common sense. 12- Can I open a Bank Account The foreign experts with Residence Card can open an account with any bank inside China by providing the number of
Residence Card, and therein after have liberty of depositing into and withdrawing from the bank account. With tax
payment certificate and supporting documents, the foreign experts can convert into foreign currency their legal income in
Chinese currency during their employment and remit the amount to overseas destination through banks handling foreign exchange business.
13- When should I apply for the job and for how long am I required to commit to China?
You can start your teaching job in China at any time there is a vacancy. Please do not hesitate to contact TEACH CHINA
whether you are available to start immediately or at some time in the future. To apply for a teaching position, simply apply for and complete the application forms.
Refer to the Checklist for Teachers document. 14- What documents/information am I required to provide to support my application to teach in China? Please read the "Jobs in China"
. Initially you are required to provide TEACH ESL IN CHINA with the two key documents ASAP:
Application form
CV/ Resume
A photocopy of your passport (just the first page that shows full passport information and your photo) either by Fax [+86
10 8775 8856] or by computer scanner. If faxing your passport details, please be sure your fax is set to Photo Quality.
Your Academic Qualification/Diploma/Certificate: Inform us in your CV/Resume what Academic Certificates you have and
send a copy of your most senior supportive document when requested. Medical Report (you can bring this when you come to China).
Please note: It is a strict Government Regulation, you must have to provide the Official Medical Report completed either by
your General Practitioner, a hospital or a Health Organization your country, which confirms that you are good health, be
strong of disposition and that you are not a carrier of any infectious diseases (such as: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, malaria, sexually transmitted disease, etc.)
Miss Li's Handy Application Tips
Many prospective teachers are reluctant to send documents, I still don't know why. You are applying for a
genuine job and as you will not be interviewed face-to-face it is essential that TEACH ESL IN CHINA and
your prospective employers know all about you academically and personally. Some people think that
religion is not important, but as most often meals are provided I am sure you don't want the school
officials to loose face by serving you a taboo food. Also, schools work weekends before national
vacations and some religions don't allow this. If the school knows in advance, they can work around it. OTHER POINTS TO BEAR IN MIND:
- There is no trial period.
- Clearly tell us your teaching experience.
- The most practical date you can start teaching in China
- Your salary will be determined only after receiving all the necessary documents from you.
15-What additional information must I have to include in my CV/Resume?
When you submit your application, please do not forget to provide the following list of information in your CV/resume. It is
crucial to the efficient processing of your application and arrangement of your Work Permit. If you fail answer all the questions your application may not be processed
- Full Name (Exactly as it appears in your passport)
- DOB (Date Of Birth):
- Citizenship:
- Gender:
- First language:
- MS (marital status):
- Your Present Address
- Your telephone number and mobile/cell number
- Your email address
16- When could I expect to receive my Official Invitation and Temporary Residency Permit?
If you are available to start teaching immediately, your Work Permit and Official Government Invitation may be ready within
15 banking days after you submit ALL documents/information AS LISTED Question 14. You will receive via fax an Official
Invitation and Work/Residency Permit. It is essential that you provide TEACH ESL IN CHINA with a fax number – the
Chinese Embassy/Consulate seeks to identify the documents' origin from the fax header imprint.
Your Official Government Invitation and WORK/ RESIDENCY PERMIT are issued by the Foreign Affairs Office - these are
official government document and therefore can take a little time to process. Please be patient. 17- What documents should I present to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate
for processing my Visa Application? You should submit the following list of documents to your country's Chinese Embassy or Consulate:
To apply for and obtain your Z-Visa (Expert Work Visa) you will need to submit the following:
- A completed Visa Application Form (you can obtain this Form from the Chinese Embassy or download it from the Internet.
- Your valid Passport (the validity of your passport should be longer than your desired period of commitment in China by at least six months)
- Invitation and Work Permit that you receive from TEACH ESL IN CHINA by facsimile.
- 1 Passport Size Photo ((color), two if your a citizen of the United States.
- Applicable Visa Application Fee - obtainable from Embassy or Consulate or Internet.
18-
Can I travel to China for teaching with a Tourist Visa? Certainly, if your presence in China is urgent or there is an unreasonable delay in the processing of Work Permits (as
occasionally happens), it is possible, but not recommended and can only be done at the request of your school, and if
approved by the Foreign Affairs Office. If you arrive without being previously authorized to do so, your application may
be refused and you will not be able to seek alternative employment. Miss Li's Handy Visa Tip
As it is becoming more and more difficult to convert travel "L" visas to work "Z" visas, only travel on a
travel visa if you are directed to do so by TEACH ESL IN CHINA, in which case it will have been approved
by the Foreign Affairs Office. Do do otherwise could result in big problems. 19- By what date am I expected to arrive in China? You are strongly advised to arrive in China on the date requested by your host institution. However, this is subject to
availability of seating with the airlines. In any case you should book your flight upon being advised of confirmation of your acceptance. 20- Who will meet me at the airport upon my arrival?
If you can read your name (and we certainly hope you can!!) you will begin your China experience with minutes of your
passing the final customs checkpoint at your China destination Airport. Upon your arrival at the airport an official of your
host university/school or by a representative of TEACH ESL IN CHINA will greet. You need to inform TEACH ESL IN CHINA
either by Email or fax of your flight number and date/time of your arrival airport as soon as these details are available to you.
In any case, please take comfort in the knowledge that out of THE MANY HUNDREDS we have organized, neither TEACH ESL IN CHINA has lost an inbound client.
Miss Li's Handy Meet & Greet Tip
I know many teachers get very anxious when they are about to depart. I get many telephone calls from
people who have "last minute gitters and doubts". We all understand it is a big thing in your life, but you
needn't be afraid, provided you have supplied correct flight number and arrival time information someone
will be at the arrival airport with your name printed on a board, they will also have your photo. So if you
can read your name (and we sincerely hope you can) you will not get lost.
21- Do I have to travel to my final destination on the same day of my arrival in China?
That depends on the flight's arrival time and distance from the airport to institution. Many teachers transit through Beijing
[at the schools request], in which case the school or representatives of TEACH ESL IN CHINA and you will overnight at a
Beijing 3 Star Hotel very near the CBD of Beijing before your departure to your final destination on the second day. If you
are met by TEACH ESL IN CHINA, you shall be invited to Welcome Dinner on your first night in China; however, TEACH ESL
IN CHINA does not meet all inbound teachers, most are met by their host school representatives and entertained accordingly. Miss Li's Handy Arrival Tip
Unless you have booked through to your final destination, TEACH ESL IN CHINA and your employer will
have organized your onward journey in China. This (usually) will be at your expense unless you are met
by school officials, but will be reimbursed after your arrival. If you arrive after the semester has started,
schools expect you to travel same day or next day. If you arrive before the start of a semester and want to
do some sightseeing first, this is usually OK, but will be at your expense and you MUST confirm hotel at which you stay and be ready for your onward journey when required.
22- Can I also bring my spouse (Partner) and child with me to China?
Certainly, some Chinese universities, colleges and High Schools welcome spouses and families to China. Chinese schools
will not be responsible for your spouse's expenses (air ticket, health insurance, holidays expenses, etc.)
Foreign experts working in China have many choices to give their children a good education. They can individually send
their young generation to some international schools and all sorts of other ones that have the qualifications to admit the
foreign students. (For more concrete information on admission, please directly contact the school considered.) Miss Li's Handy Tip for Families
Many teachers bring their spouse/partner and sometimes one or two children; however, only a few
schools have family accommodation so you must be prepared to take what is offered. Big families (more
than one child) are sometimes difficult to place. Any education fees are the responsibility of the teacher.
23- What am I required to teach?
Generally speaking, you are required to teach listening and oral/spoken/conversational English by correcting the
enunciation and diction, adjusting inflections and explaining the idiomatics and nuances of the English language to those
Chinese students in your classes, many of whom will be preparing to go either abroad for study or to a university. If you
are capable of teaching English Literature, Business English, Business Administration, Accounting, Math and Computer
Science, etc., you will be the most welcomed and may be offered a higher salary. Generally you shall be required to teach
3 hours/day (usually in the morning, but sometimes split) and classes often begin at 8 am. Class size in Chinese schools is normally between 30 and 35 students. 24- What teaching materials do I have to use for my teaching?
There are set course/text books and a National course curriculum for Chinese schools. So you do not have to worry
about the teaching materials. These will usually be readily available at your school. If you believe you may have superior
teaching aides, such as textbooks, you could bring a copy.. Additionally, you will have full access to all the teaching
resources at your school including library, language laboratory, over-head projectors and computer etc. 25- Where will I be teaching?
JOBS IN CHINA represents and recruits on behalf of the Central Government of China in cooperation with Provincial
Government Foreign Affairs Offices and SAFEA approved schools located throughout the whole of China. By carefully
examining and evaluating your application, CV/Resume and your past work experience as well as considering each
specific requirement of Chinese schools/colleges and universities, you are offered positions with schools that best suits
your abilities, qualifications and wishes. All postings are subject to vacancies. 26- How long do the school holidays last in China?
The School Year in China begins on the 1st of September. The Winter Vacation, which lasts about three weeks and the
Summer Vacation is usually 50 days and starts about 10th July. There are two other shorter holiday periods, starting May 1st and October 1st; these holidays last from 3 to 7 days.
Miss Li's Handy Holiday Tip
Officially, foreign teachers are only entitled to four weeks annual leave, plus National Vacations, same as
Chinese teachers. However, many schools are very generous with teachers who are compliant and considered valued members of staff.
27- Can I apply if I do not have an academic degree or teaching diploma?
The regulations state very clearly that all Foreign Experts, including teachers of English, must have a minimum education standard of 1st
Degree; however, where an applicant can clearly demonstrate an equivalent "academic" standard through
experience, sometimes the Foreign Affairs Office may approve such persons. All applications are individually assessed. 28- Can I apply if English is not my first language?
"Black cat and white cat are all the same as long as they can catch the mouse". If you are fluent
AND have excellent knowledge of English and only slight accent and have lived in the Australia, United
Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand or USA for some years, you are may be well qualified to get a very good teaching job in China.
Again, all applicants may be required to telephone China and submit to an oral examination. The telephone call is at your
expense and the time required in usually less than 5 minutes. If you are not willing to do this, you may not qualify for a teaching position. Miss Li's Handy Tip
Most schools prefer North Americans and English teachers. Many no longer employ Australians and New
Zealanders because so many have broad accents. Therefore, if you are a nonnative English speaker
you must prove you can teach with an absolute minimum of accent. Many non-English first language
speakers have been dismissed after arrival because the students could not understand them. 29- Is there an age or physical restriction? If you are between 20 and 60 years of age and in good strong health and stamina, you could well be qualified to teach in
China. Minimum height is 1.55cm for ladies and 1.65cm for men. Also, excessively overweight persons may be not suited
to teach in China, primarily because everything is designed for the small Chinese frame. Young ladies are especially
sought as the younger children relate better to the mother image. In China, as other parts of the world, the father is the
disciplinarian. TEACH ESL IN CHINA has placed teachers aged from 18 years to 72 years of age; however, the guidelines do stipulate the aforementioned age parameters.
Please note: By strict Government Regulation, you must provide the Official Medical Report completed either by your
General Practitioner, a hospital or a Health Organization your country, which confirms that you are good health and strong
of disposition and that you do not carry any infectious disease (such as: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, malaria, sexually transmitted disease, etc.).
The Medical Report form be obtained by direct request to TEACH ESL IN CHINA Beijing. The Report is in Word format but If
you do not have Simplified Chinese installed on your computer, some of the form will print as 'gobbly-Gook'. Please do not
be concerned, your medico needs only needs to read English.
Miss Yan's Handy Tip
This is a very difficult subject and applicants must be sensible. If you are too old to be employed in your
own country, the same can apply in China. Also, many older people do not have academic certificates, but a world of experience. Why not volunteer ?
30- What kind of airfare/ ticket should I buy when I travel to China?
You can buy either a round trip or one-way economy class ticket, which will be reimbursed at the end of your contractual
by your host school in accordance with the Regulations of China State Administration for Foreign Experts Affairs. Please
note that whatever ticket you buy; it should be an Economy Class only, for the purpose of reimbursement, which is limited to 7,000 RMB for a return ticket
if you do not produce a travel agents/airline receipt.
You must inform TEACH ESL IN CHINA your flight number, arrival airport, and date and time of arrival at least one week in
advance by EMAIL, otherwise we cannot guarantee you will be met on arrival. 31- What shall I have to do during the school holiday periods? This is entirely up to you. You can either travel within China as a tourist or teach English at one of the schools/training
camps which may be organized by your host organization or others, or you could learn Chinese language at one of various training centers where foreigners study Chinese. 32- Do I have to observe all the relevant regulations and laws during my stay in China? YES!
Please remember, you are a guest, and although you may be forgiven minor misdemeanors, any serious irregularities will be dealt with according to Chinese law. 33- In what currency will I be paid for my teaching in China?
You will be paid in Chinese currency, Chinese Yuan - Renminbi. However, your savings in Chinese currency can be
converted to a hard currency (Dollars, Pounds, etc.) if you wish, due your special status/privilege in China as a foreign
expert, as per the Provisional Regulation of China State Administration For Foreign Exchange. The current official (average) exchange rate in China is: 8.27RMB: $US1.00.
Usually you will be paid at the end of your teaching month. For example, if you start to teach on the 1st September, you
will be paid on 1st of October and each month thereafter. You shall be paid either by cash, check or bank transfer. After
you have signed the contract, ask the administration to organize a "friendly bank account" banking facilities for you at a
local bank. Chinese bank accounts cannot be organized from outside of China.
35- Can I apply for and pursue a degree course at a China university whilst I am still engaged as a teacher In China?
Provided you are a good time manager and so long as your studies do not have a negative impact upon your teaching or
your host organization, you are free to further your education in China as you please both within China or as an external student elsewhere in the world. 36- Can I lean the Chinese Language during my stay in China?
At some of the Chinese schools, you may be afforded the opportunity of taking Chinese lessons. If not, the school
authority will be very happy to arrange something for you at your expense. Often it is easy to exchange English lessons
for Chinese lessons. China has many television channels, but only one in English, CCTV 9, and only a couple of English
language newspapers; so for those who feel compelled to keep abreast with current affairs, other than via the Internet, learning Chinese can be a distinct advantage. Miss Li's Handy Tip for learning Chinese
My suggestion is to swap lessons with a Chinese English teacher at your school. "You teach me
Chinese for one hour, and I will help you improve your English." Otherwise, you will be helping everyone with their English and NEVER learn (other than a few words) Chinese.
37- What is the attitude of the Chinese people toward the foreigners?
The Han Chinese are the most hospitable, warmest, generous of people, equal to the friendliest people in the world, and
generally demonstrate a great deal of respect for foreigners. By comparison with some Western Countries, China is a
very safe country; however, as with any large group of people, and China has the biggest, there are differing opinions
and attitudes. Almost invariably teachers have the most wonderful and exciting experience during their time in China. Miss Li's Handy "Getting along" Tips
The days of foreigners being a novelty have passed. No more groups gathered around, no more staring
(except in remote areas). It is now important that you remember that you are a roving ambassador for
your country. It is best not to discuss Chinese politics, Japan's attitude to China, Taiwan Independence
or the 1999 incident. Also, avoid making statements that sound judgmental or demeaning of China; the Chinese will, but expect you to correct them, not agree.
38- What are the main terms and conditions of the Employment Contract that I sign with my school?
Your
SAFEA Employment Contract,
is a legal document, an agreement between the parties (the school and you) to
respect each other's benefits and entitlements. As a teacher of English you are expected to provide education to a
suitable standard, to cooperate with the school and other staff members, to be available for your roistered classes and to
stay for the duration of your agreed upon time in China. In return the school will honor its commitment to you. For legal
reasons the contract must be entered into and signed in China.
Please do not come to China and with a "trial-it" attitude. There is no trial period. You will be required to complete one or
two full semesters. Please commit yourself to teaching in China before you leave your country. There is a penalty clause
in the contract that states that if you suddenly and without due cause decide to prematurely terminate your services, the
school may recoup their costs and disbursements from you before approving your departure.
On the other hand, if you have a genuine desire to teach oral English to Chinese students, both children and adults; to live
in China in conditions that can sometimes be a little trying, to experience the cultural and traditional differences first hand
and to generously contribute to not only to your own life's experience but also to leave a lasting impression upon 100's of
Chinese - then please send your application today, you are the sort of person China needs. Miss Li's Handy Contract Tips
Please honor your contract. Many teachers look for the finer points of their contract if they think things
are not going well. Chinese contracts are very much "living contracts" between parties that respect each
other. Most of the problems have come from foreign teachers that have not previously been engaged
under an employment contract. If this is you, check out with your family and friends who are presently working under an employment contract.
39- What is the list of my main obligations and responsibilities during my teaching period in China?
Other than a commitment to teaching English in China, your main obligations and responsibility include the following:
- Observe all the applicable laws and regulations of China. Please do not come to China and play the prima-dona,
best you stay in your own country and take up acting. Antics may not be appreciated as you are a guest of the Chinese Government.
- Honor your contract and observe all those regulations of the school. If you expect the school to honor its side of the contract, please do likewise.
- Motivate your students to work very hard and to achieve the best results from their course in the shortest
possible time, especially in their spoken English, listening comprehension, understanding and the enlargement of their vocabulary.
- Evaluate and closely monitor the progress of your students with their English studies by arranging their
homework, setting targets and schedules, and by arranging necessary examinations on time.
- Motivate and teach/instruct your students on how to set ambitious goals for their future,
- Maintain a high moral and ethical standard; give your students something to aspire to. Create a good impression
with your fellow teaching staff and the school authority and as well as the local community.
- Seek selection as an exemplary foreign teacher by the Inspection and Assessment Bureau of local Provincial
Government, which it conducts twice a year – it is an inspection to assess the performance of foreign teachers.
40- What do I do if I have some disagreement at my school?
In the case of a disagreement or unhappiness due to cultural differences or misunderstandings, always remember that
you should try to be understanding and work with your school to resolve any problems in an amicable, friendly and kindly
manner. Should resolution of the situation appear impossible, please contact TEACH ESL IN CHINA either by email by
reporting all the details of your dissatisfaction or in an extreme case by telephone. It is often very easy and a great
pleasure for us to assist in resolving issues; however, please remember we cannot be the moderator; TEACH ESL IN CHINA can only mediate in disputes.
An unfortunate timing of events, is that contracts are generally negotiated at a time when newly arrived teachers are
adjusting to the alienation felt when first experiencing Chinese culture, with its unique language, often unfathomable
protocols, diverse lifestyle; and as is so often the case, travelling for the very first time into the heart of a foreign society.
Newly arrived teachers should stop, look and listen for the first month - not preach and proclaim the so-called virtues of
their society and attempt to change what has the support of 5,000 years of history. As in any situation or society, common sense and good manners will usually prevail.
TEACH ESL IN CHINA is the conduit through which you pass on your way to a Chinese school; TEACH ESL IN CHINA
recruits on behalf of Chinese Government host organizations (Schools); however, as with any group, there are good,
very good and excellent, and very occasionally not so good. Sometimes, a school official will become somewhat over
zealous in the execution of his or her duty, which can be very frustrating and annoying. If the school is in breach of their
contractual obligations, this is a matter to be taken up with the provincial Foreign Affairs Office, whose personnel will
usually assist you in resolving issues. TEACH ESL IN CHINA does not represent schools, nor does it recruit for schools
where officials have demonstrated an unwillingness to consider the well-being and goodwill of the foreign teacher's.
China is China. They do things differently to western style democracies. Contracts are somewhat more flexible than
those to which Westerners have become accustomed. The benefits you enjoy in China will be directly related to your
bargaining skills; everyone will get the basic entitlements, but those with more charisma and better bargaining skills may enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle. That's China.
China is officially non-religious
, but is quite tolerant of you practicing your own faith so long as you do so in private and do
not attempt to distribute or disseminate information pertaining to your beliefs nor recruit or entice Chinese to attend
meetings, services or other group discussions at which you discuss your beliefs. A breach of this Code will also
constitute a breach of your contract. Miss Li's Handy Dispute Resolution Tip
Disagreements between all people, everywhere are a fact of life. You are important to China, this is true,
but you are not indispensable. Please try and resolve any differences through patient, amicable
dialogue; not anger (only you loose face) or playing the prima dona. Remember all times that there is the
language (translation/interpretation) hurdle and you are a guest of China. However, sometimes I must admit the Chinese can be very difficult and stubborn, too.
41- What is the average cost of living in China? (For More info-Click here) Despite the remarkable achievements in its economic development and modernization for the past two decades, China is
still considered a developing country where resources and the cost of labor are very cheap. Average Chinese earnings
are comparatively quite low and therefore the cost of living is low. As a general guide, common food stuffs 1 RMB = $1
buying power. The cost of food, clothing, utilities, rent, electronics and public transportation, etc. can be very low indeed.
The highest average monthly salary of university graduates who have majored in English in large cities, such as Beijing, rarely exceeds 2,000 RMB for the first three years.
However, in so saying that, if you purchase imported products or products manufactured by western companies you can
expect to pay similar or commensurate prices with what you would pay elsewhere, outside of China. Coca-Cola, for
example, is very expensive when compared to local beverages, MacDonald's hamburgers could not possibly be described
as a bargain, and medicines manufactured by western pharmaceutical companies are often unaffordable for many Chinese.
42- What is the electrical power system in China if I bring with me some electrical appliances? Power Voltage in China is 220volt/ 50 hertz and plugs and sockets are mostly, 2pin flat (A)  or Australian ( i ) 3pin.
Power is supplied continuously 24 hours per day, except in some very remote areas. Being without electricity is unlikely to
affect you unless travelling. Electrical trades work, sometimes, is not necessarily up to Western standards and care should be exercised when handling some electrical wiring. --oOo-- We hope the listed 42 items of information have covered most of the questions you have been asking yourself. However,
if you do have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact TEACH ESL IN CHINA. We shall be very happy to provide you with all information that you need.
We look forward to welcoming you in China soon as one of our most important guests. BACK TO TOP
CERTIFIED providers to the Government of the People's Republic of China
Authorized Official SAFEA Recruiter of Foreign Experts No.0031
JOBS IN CHINA |
