Do I need to speak Chinese?
No. Your students prefer that you communicate in English only. If you are having difficulty in communicating, there will always be a person who can speak English.
Do I have to pay rent for my apartment?
No. You do not pay any rent, but you will be responsible for the utility bill.
Is there someone in China who I can contact if I have any problems?
Yes. We can help you adjust and to resolve any problems you may have.
When should I apply for an English-teaching job in China?
You can apply for an English-teaching job in China at any time of the year. It is highly recommended that you give us at least 40-days notice in advance of the date that you would like to begin teaching so that all necessary arrangements can be made.
What documents/information am I required to provide for getting a teaching position in China?
You are kindly required to provide us with the following key documents and information when you submit your application.
A letter of application and detailed resume
Copy of your educational certificate, diploma or degree;
One copy of reference/recommendation letter;
Copy of your passport with details;
Please note that you should state clearly the following in your application in addition to the other required information:
Your desired period of commitment in China;
The English level of students you would like to teach in the Chinese school/college;
Your earliest date of arrival and the starting date of your teaching in China;
What additional information must I include in my resume?
When you e-mail your resume, please provide the following information, which will be very important for efficiently and effectively processing your application and making arrangements for your stay in China.
Full Name:
DOB (date of birth):
POB (place of birth):
Citizenship:
Gender:
Native language:
MS (marital status):
Passport NO.:
DOI (date of issue):
DOE (date of expiry):
POI (place of issue):
Tel:
Fax:
Address:
Email:
Could I also bring my spouse and kids to China?
Certainly. Chinese educational institutions will be delighted to welcome all of your accompanying family members to China, but they will not be responsible to pay for your spouse and children's expenses (air tickets, health insurance, holidays expenses, etc.) unless a teaching assignment is also arranged for your spouse through us to teach English at a Chinese school, college or university. If you bring your children with you, arrangements can be made for them to study at one of the best Chinese schools at your own expense. Your spouse may also have opportunities to teach, either full-time or part-time, or may find other employment opportunities in some cases.
.What do I required to teach?
You are mainly required to teach listening comprehension, written and spoken English, intensive or comprehensive English courses. If you are capable of teaching English literature, business English, business administration, accounting, math and computer science, etc., you could most likely receive a higher salary.
What kind of teaching materials should I bring with me for teaching in China?
There are several textbooks and course curriculum used in each Chinese school, college or university, which are set by the Ministry of Education of China. Therefore, you need not bring the teaching materials that are already available at your prospective schools. However, if you know of a good textbook or other teaching materials, you could bring a copy with you and make a proposal to the school authority. If the school authority is willing to adopt the textbook that you recommend, they could place an order with your assistance. Additionally, you will have full access to all the teaching resources at your school, including the library, language lab, computer room, overhead projector and photocopying facilities, etc.
At which Chinese city/school shall I be placed for teaching?
Placements are available in many different areas. Most placements are in provincial capitals and large or medium cities where a huge demand for English teachers exists. After checking and evaluating your resume, as well as communicating with your prospective host organizations, we will place you at a school, college or university which we have determined is most suitable for you. This will mainly depend on your academic background and previous working experience. We recommend that you accept the placement location and the conditions obtained for you through our careful and considerate arrangements.
What if I have special requests regarding location, type of school, interest in a more specialized teaching position, etc?
You should send in a complete application stating all of your requests, preferences, conditions, etc. Efforts will be made to accommodate your requests, but no guarantee can be made to meet all of your requests. If your requests are difficult to meet, you will be notified and your options will be discussed case by case.
Will there be opportunities to learn or improve my Chinese? If I want to learn Mandarin, is there a specific region where I should request placement?
Yes, you will have a lot of opportunities to learn or improve your Chinese Mandarin in China. You could arrange a "language sharing" program with a local teacher, where you'd exchange an hour of intensive Chinese for an hour of intensive English.
What kind of air ticket should I buy when I travel to China?
You can buy either a round-trip ticket or one-way ticket. It is recommended that you shop around for the lowest possible fare. If you buy a one-way ticket, you will be reimbursed at the end of six months and your return ticket will be purchased for you by your host organization at the end of your 12 months term. If you buy a round-trip ticket, it should be a confirmed (OK) ticket. As an open ticket will be more expensive than the confirmed one, it can't be fully reimbursed. Please don't worry about buying a confirmed ticket if you wish to stay longer in China and are unable to return back home on the confirmed date at the end of your term.
What shall I have to do during the school holidays in China?
It is at your own discretion to do whatever you like during the school holidays. You can either travel widely within China as a tourist, or teach English at one of the schools/training center/firms/industries where a teaching position has been found either by yourself or by your host organization, or you could learn Chinese language at one of various training centers where foreigners study Chinese.
How much will I be paid for my work in China?
You will be paid between RMB3,000 to RMB10,000 per month, depending on your academic, educational background and previous working experience. You can also make extra income in your spare time and weekends by teaching English in other organizations if you wish to.
Could I have the privilege of taking a free Chinese lesson during my teaching period in China?
Yes, if your host college/university offers such courses or can arrange a tutor for you.
What should I do if I have some disagreement or am not happy with my situation at the school to which I have been assigned?
You may have a certain problem due to culture shock or misunderstandings, but always remember that you should try to be very nice and kind to everyone at your school and try to resolve your problems politely. The Chinese people are generally very friendly, hospitable and easy-going.
What is the average living cost in China?
Despite its remarkable economic achievements in the past two decades, China is still considered to be a developing country where natural resources and labor cost are extremely cheap. Therefore, the income level is comparatively low. Hence, the living cost is much cheaper than you can imagine. Especially, the cost of food, clothes, utilities, rent, electronics and public transportation, etc. are on the very low side compared with Western standards. The average monthly salary of a university graduate in large cities is normally around 1500-2000RMB in their first three years of employment. Most of the Chinese people enjoy their lives and live happily with this amount of money per month.
What about my accommodations during my teaching job in China?
Accommodations will be provided free to you, and you will be living in an apartment within a foreign expert building on or off campus, depending on the school. A single private room with decorations and furnishings will be provided to you with all the daily necessities, although hot water may be available only at certain times each day. Electric power, running water, gas, a heating system, and shower facilities are guaranteed.
Are there facilities for cooking?
In some accommodations, you may have your own private kitchen. Otherwise, you may share a kitchen with other foreign teachers living on the block. "Kitchen" sometimes means simply a refrigerator and 2 propane gas rings, and an oven as well. You can cook by yourselves, or the school authority may assign a cook for you; these arrangements vary from school to school. Many participants usually eat out all the time as this is very expensive in China. You may also eat in the school's dining hall with Chinese students and teachers.
What, if any, appliances will be provided?
Each participant's accommodation has a phone, TV and fridge, a bed, chairs and tables, and some will also have a radio, oven, microwave, and washing machine. However, you will have to pay your own phone bills and Internet fees. A quality living standard will be assured.
Are there facilities for washing clothes nearby?
In a foreign teachers block, there is a shared washing machine on the landing/hallway. Participants in self-contained apartments usually have their own washing machine. Laundry services are also available nearby the school campus.
What's the dress code in Chinese schools?
You may dress informally, except on special occasions. Short skirts and sleeveless tops are not suitable when teaching in class, and you are expected to wear shoes rather than sandals for classes even in the summertime.
What level of English do the students already have?
It depends. All university/college students have passed the entry examination given by the government education authority. They have some knowledge and experience in learning English, so they are not beginners. Some of them can speak good English. If you teach at a secondary or primary school, you will encounter some beginners.
How much will I need to bring with me?
Most participants found they changed between US$50-$100 into Chinese currency upon arrival, and needed no more until their first payment for teaching. You are advised to bring up to at least $300 if you do not want to buy relatively expensive items.
Will I be able to live on RMB 3000 a month?
Yes, and pretty comfortably too in most Chinese cities. Current participants say that because rent and bills (except telephone) are paid, you really don't have to spend much at all unless you prefer to eat at KFC, Pizza Hut, etc. all the time. A budget of RMB 750 (USD $90) a week covers expenses and allows for the occasional luxury or spending spree. Many participants find that with a little effort, they can save about a third of their salary every month towards traveling during weekends and holidays.
What kind of social life will I have?
It's up to you. After some initial shyness/reticence, Chinese students are generally very eager to make friends with foreign teachers. You can visit local factories, companies, and may also have a visit to the student or teachers' families, and make friends with them. Chinese people are the most hospitable people in the world, especially in the North and Northeast China. You will be able to make many friends in China if you are open-minded and sociable. Social life will be enjoyable and exciting in China.
How is the attitude of Chinese towards westerners?
No doubt, you will have a wonderful, exciting, and enjoyable impression during your entire stay in China, as Chinese are among the most hospitable, warm-hearted, generous and friendly people in the world. You will find that the Chinese people are always very helpful and show great respect to foreign English teachers.
What courses are required to a teacher?
Depending on the particular school you are placed in, you may be asked to teach some of the following courses: English & American literature, linguistics, reading, composition, grammar, cultural survey of English-speaking countries, conversational English and English for Special Purposes (ESP) such as business English. There are universities that need teachers to teach more specialized subjects such as accounting, international marketing and law.
Can you recommend teachers who do not hold TESL degrees/certificates?
No, we do not.
How to apply for a work-visa?
Once you are offered a position, you may obtain a Z (work) visa from the Chinese embassy/consulate nearest you on the official invitations by the university and the State Bureau of Foreign Experts in Beijing.
I have never worked overseas before. How will I cope with living in China?
All the schools are well experienced in hosting foreign teachers and will make every effort to assist you in settling in. As long as you keep an open mind, stay as flexible as possible and set out to enjoy your stay you should have the time of your life.
What is the exchange rate from Rmb to foreign currency?
About 1$ equals 8.00 Yuan RMB
How many students are in each class?
Classes have an average of 30 students. Primary school and semester classes can have 50 students in attendance. Occasionally, some teachers have a chance to teach a 5 to 10-student class, After-school classes have from 6 to 20 students.
How many students are in each class?
Classes have an average of 30 students. Primary school and semester classes can have 50 students in attendance. Occasionally, some teachers have a chance to teach a 5 to 10-student class, After-school classes have from 6 to 20 students.
Does TOSIC help teachers acquire work visas?
Sure, TOSIC will help you to get documents for your Z visa application. The employer is responsible for all your visa and residence requirements. We suggest teachers get their Z visa before go to China.
What is the difference between a tourist visa and a work visa?
A tourist visa allows a foreigner to travel in China, but it does not permit a foreigner to work in China. To obtain a work visa, a foreigner has to be sponsored by a Chinese school. This is standard practice in China and the People’s Security Bureau processes all applicants.
Does TOSIC help its teachers go to China?
Yes, if you are teachers, we can offer you service free and help you to reserve the hotels and air tickets and we will be pleased to help you in all the ways.
What material should a teacher, who has just been hired, plan to bring to China?
It is necessary for each teacher to bring two copies of their university diploma, resume, teaching certificate, and 6-8 passport sized photos to be submitted for the work visa and medical exam. Though not absolutely necessary, it is a good idea to bring along photos of friends and family, English magazines, and holiday paraphernalia, all of which make good teaching aids. A phrasebook and a guidebook are not bad ideas either. As for clothing, one pair of formal shoes is recommended for special events, a jacket, some sweaters, and long underwear are a good idea, and for the rainy season, a waterproof jacket is handy. Used or new stamps, coins, postcard etc. is always good for the future student.
.What immunization shots should a teacher who is going to China get?
Teachers should contact a health unit in their home country for current requirements. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, MMR, and Japanese Encephalitis are usually recommended. There are also several hospitals and clinics with English speaking doctors who can administer the shots for them, but they will not administer vaccination serums brought from outside of China.
Do teachers require a physical examination once they arrive in China?
A medical exam is required in order to obtain a work visa, and this is performed in local Hospitals. Two passport photos are needed for the exam.
.What resources does the host school have available for teachers to use?
The host school supplies every teacher with the following teaching materials: textbooks, teacher's manuals, cassettes, cassette player, picture cards, and other teaching guides such as master lesson plans. The head office also has computers, with internet access.
.What resources does the host school have available for teachers to use?
The host school supplies every teacher with the following teaching materials: textbooks, teacher's manuals, cassettes, cassette player, picture cards, and other teaching guides such as master lesson plans. The head office also has computers, with internet access.
Do teachers have a Chinese teaching assistant?
Generally every teacher is provided with a teaching assistant. They all speak English and help the teacher with conducting the lesson. They also help out through general administrative support, contact with students’ parents, and translation of communication booklets and end-of-term report cards to parents.
Does employer provide medical coverage?
Private health insurance is rare in China. We recommend that employees purchase their own health care before leaving for China
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