Teaching in China is an extremely rewarding experience.  Below are some useful clarifying questions to get you on the right track…

What subject do you want to teach in China?
People who can teach conversational English are in high demand in China.  Most likely you will need an undergraduate degree for most positions.  If you would like to teach a specific subject, you may be required to have a Master’s degree in that subject.

How long would you like to teach in China?
The academic school year typically runs from early September through early July.  Contracts are renewed annually.  If you prefer to teach in China for a shorter term, many schools have special “summer sessions.”

Do you want to teach in China independently, or with an organization?
If you teach independently, you will need to negotiate your own contract with a Chinese school.  This includes obtaining an official “letter of invitation” that allows you to get the appropriate visa from the US consulate.  Teaching independently in China is “do-able,” but there are many opportunities for cultural misunderstandings and bureaucratic frustrations.

Unless you have a personal Chinese contact, you will probably do much better to teach in China with an established, US-based organization.  Such an organization can negotiate a fair contract (salary, class size and classroom hours), obtain the letter of invitation, and ideally, offer you cross-cultural training so that you can thrive in a new and unfamiliar environment.

Ready to go? Take the Next Step.
Start the Journey with TeachOverseas