Q:Can I choose my own location?
A:Yes, although limited spots are available so it is best to choose 3 or 4 different locations that you are most interested in. We will send you more information about this in your application pack.
Q:Will there be other native English teachers nearby?
A:China is a very popular location for teaching English abroad. Therefore, there are lots of native English teachers from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa living and teaching in China. So, it is always possible to meet other native English teachers even in the more rural destinations.
Q:What happens at the orientation?
A:The 2 day orientation covers plenty of ground including essential tips on lesson planning, curriculum guidance and practice on how to teach English to Chinese students!
Q:What is an average weekly teaching schedule?
A:You would be teaching at a private language school, which students attend after their regular school day has finished for extra English practice. Schedules are determined on a need basis but the school will try to be as accommodating as possible when assigning classes.
25 hour per week teachers would typically have two non-consecutive days off throughout the week.
25 hour per week teachers would typically have two non-consecutive days off throughout the week.
20 hour per week teachers might work Friday, Saturday and Sunday and then be off from Monday through Thursday.
15 hour per week teachers would teach for 2 or 3 days per week.
Q:Would I need to teach at weekends?
A:As the schools cater to students who want to take supplementary English classes outside of their regular school day, classes would normally take place either in the evening or at weekends. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days with teachers having their days off between Monday and Friday.
Q:Is overtime available?
A:Overtime is optional but not compulsory.
Q:How many students per class would there be?
A:Classes are small with a maximum of 18 students per class. Students are grouped according to ability, ranging from elementary through to advanced.
Q:How long are the classes?
A:The classes run from 30 minutes to two hours including a break.
Q:Do I always teach the same students?
A:Children usually attend the school once per week so you’d teach each class of children one time each week. There are some adult classes and the adults would generally attend the school two or three times per week.
Q:What do I need to wear to work?
A:Casual dress is fine so jeans, t-shirts and sweaters are all perfectly acceptable.
Q:Will there be other native English teachers at my school?
A:In most cases there will be anything from 3 to 30 foreign teachers teaching at the same school.
Q:Is housing provided?
A:Shared accommodation is provided free of charge with each teacher having his or her own private bedroom. Apartments are fully furnished, and include kitchen, bathroom and living room.
Q:When is the salary paid?
A:Salaries are paid monthly on the 15th of every month.
Q:Do I need to pay telephone and utilities?
A:These charges are administered by the school but the teacher is responsible for the paying the costs. The telephone and utility charges are deducted from the monthly salary.
Q:What is the holiday allowance?
A:This depends on which contract option you choose. For 12 or 13.5 month contracts, teachers are entitled to 14 days leave plus Chinese national holidays.
For 6 or 7.5 month contracts, teachers are entitled to 7 days leave plus Chinese national holidays.
Q:When are the Chinese national holidays?
A:The three main holiday periods in China are: Labor Day (early may), National Day (early October), and Spring Festival (late January – early February). During these periods, you will also have paid holidays.
Q:How does the visa process work?
A:The school will be responsible for your work visa and will also ensure that you have the required invitation letters in order to apply for your China teaching visa. Once you have been issued a contract, the school will mail an appointment package to you which you take to your nearest Chinese Embassy / Consulate in order to pick up the teaching visa.
