ESL Teaching in China

by Peter Kablinger

Getting Started

Wishing to embark on a new career,perhaps travel the world? Teaching English has become one of the most popular ways to do just that. With native speakers of English in demand throughout the world, securing employment is rather easy. North Americans holding a valid passport are free to work most places except Europe without much difficulty. A North American may work in Europe but the process can wear down even the most hardy. Much has been written on the subject regarding the ability to travel while working part time, but adventurer beware.

Which county to find employment in depends primarily on educational requirements and desire. Somewhere in Asia is the present trend. Being new to teaching English the country with the least amount of restrictions is China. Available teaching positions in China are virtually limitless. Initial requirements are low and a job can be found even without a Bachelors degree. You will need to be sponsored by a company. The necessary documents will be sent via internet followed up by hard copy in the post. Note that to legally work in China as a foreigner you will need to get a “z” visa. Be leery of any school that says otherwise. China is not the place to try and circumvent the system. The process is quick compared to other countries. After receiving the necessary invitation and signed contract from the perspective school you can go to the nearest embassy to obtain a visa.

Salary varies greatly between government run schools and private. Private schools pay more per hour and usually include a free apartment. They also require and expect a teacher to work less hours per week. Other benefits such as use of a computer, Mandarin or Cantonese language lessons and amount of classes per week can all be negotiated. To state the obvious always read the contract thoroughly before signing it. Contracts are not given much weight in China. Actually getting a school to honour the contract becomes an art in diplomacy. On occasion the Chinese Foreign Affairs Department may help if they feel so inclined. Remember a school can terminate you without cause, make changes to your contract and generally do as they wish without any repercussions.

Cultural Differences

Many world travellers are accustomed to "culture shock" however in China there might be some things that are unsettling even to seasoned continent hoppers. Expecting cuisine and deportment to be unlike one is used to is obvious, although there are other intangibles at play. This is especially true when it comes to employment. Chinese employees are used to working long hours for little pay and without any say about the conditions. Chinese employees will live on or near the school grounds with as many as 6 in one room. Most foreigners will not accept the same type of environment and although it's somewhat better for the native speaker it is not without problems.

The apartment that will be provided will most likely be considered by North Americans to be unacceptable. They will be shared or single depending on what you have negotiated. Apartments in older buildings are chosen by the schools as they are the cheapest and usually located on the upper floors of the buildings. If there is a working elevator your all set, if not be prepared to walk many flights of stairs. Cleanliness is not on the top of the list nor is hot water and stable electricity. Broken appliances, leaking plumbing and garbage from previous tenants is normal. Complaints will be noted but very little if anything at all will be done about them.

Your schedule for teaching will most benefit the school and split shifts are common. Consecutive days off are non existent. To the school it is first and foremost a business and your happiness has little to do with it. A foreigner is a “necessary evil”, seen only as a vehicle to make money. Constantly changing schedules and no notice for overtime or new classes is standard. Nothing is set in stone and making plans after work ahead of time becomes futile.

Lessons plans and teaching an actual class are more than not in conflict with each other. Emphasis is placed on the teachers physical appearance and style of teaching. Entertainment value and being a performer outweigh academic objectives or marked progress. Most technical and grammar lessons are taught by Chinese "English speakers". Game playing and making the students like you is deemed more important for foreign teachers. You are there as a figurehead. Parents will pay six times as much to have their child taught by a native speaker, it is a sign of affluence and prestige. All this can naturally be disheartening if you take pride in your work and are in China to really teach. When in front of a class all that's missing is an organ grinder.

Errors in textbooks that are written and published in China are the norm despite the English names appearing on the covers. Any attempt to point out these mistakes is greeted with disdain and disbelief. It is viewed as an affront to the Chinese government. Employers there expect the employee to do as they are told without reservation, questions or suggestions are not wanted or entertained. Certain subject matter such as Taiwan, Tibet and Tienanmen Square are strictly off limits, punishable by termination and maybe even arrest.

Choices

When picking an area in China it is wise to stay within large cities where there are other foreigners present. Isolation with no one to turn to can have unwanted consequences. Having colleagues to turn to that know “the ropes” are invaluable. Make sure you have an “ escape” plan ready at all times, have sufficient funds for a return airline ticket and hotels should they be needed. Most teachers will encounter problems to one degree or another, some will have serious issues. Consulates can do very little at times due to diplomatic policies.

There are many places in the world vying for native English speakers to teach. Not all employers in China are out to take advantage of a foreign teacher but finding a good one can be a daunting task. Be prepared and arm yourself with as much information as possible. Pick your destination carefully and research it thoroughly. Speak to others in the chosen area or school if possible.