Hi, I'm Jema Perry and welcome to Mooncake.
So you're looking for a job teaching in China.
Well, todayI'm going to tell you everything you need to know to find the right job for
you.
The first thing to note when looking for a teaching job in China is that if you are a
native speaker who qualifies for the working visa, it is incredibly easy to find a job
here.
China has one of the biggest ESL job markets in the world and with the recent crackdown
on visa regulations and the industry as a whole trying to raise its standards, there
has never been a better time to find a teaching position in China.
However, finding a good job is easier said than done, and you need to know what to look
for to make sure you get the right job for you.
So where do we start?
Well, the first thing to note is that there are two main avenues to finding a teaching
position in China.
Direct application, or through an agency.
Now which one is best for you is dependant on you and your circumstances, and there are
pros and cons to both.
If googling teaching English in China you will get a mix of agencies and language schools
in the results.
And understanding the difference between the two is really important.
Now large language centers such as English First, have schools across the country and
invite you to directly apply with them.
However, agencies don't usually own any schools or language centers themselves but act as
a middle man to help connect you with those that do.
Now not all language schools you find online are going to be that great to work for and
there are certainly a lot of dodgy agencies out there, so what is it we need to look for?
Lets first talk about agencies.
Now, agencies usually work on one of two different business models.
Let's call it model A and model B. Now, model A is where a teacher signs a contract directly
with the agencies and not with the school at which they will work.
Teachers will be asked to sign a contract with the agency before the agency has even
found them a position.
Only once that contract is signed do they then start to interview for jobs.
Now, packages offered by agencies under this model usually include a monthly salary, a
visa, and housing.
Signing a contract under an agency in this model is great for those coming to China for
the first time, as you can fly to China knowing you've already got accommodation already set
up and help there if you need it.
However, this does come at a price and you will find that your monthly salary is significantly
lower than the going rate.
If an average teacher's salary is 20,000 RMB per month, you might find that you only receive
12,000 after the agency has taken their cut.
Now that salary should include housing, so do take that into consideration when reviewing
their offer.
However, depending on where you're going and whether you would prefer to live alone or
with others, you might be better off asking for a higher salary and finding accommodation
by yourself.
This way you can choose the rent that you want to pay, choose your own apartment and
those you want to live with.
Most agencies are quite happy to get you set up with the apartment but do bear in mind
that rent here is usually paid three months in advance and you would have to pay that
bill up front.
Another downside to working through an agency under this model is that you're not always
treated that well and because you're not directly contracted with the school that you will be
working at, you may find that your colleagues have benefits that you don't, such as an extra
holiday or sick pay.
Agencies also vary in professionalism and although there are some really good ones out
there, there's a huge number of agencies who just see you as a paycheck and may not give
you everything they promise at the beginning.
Researching the agency you want to work for is vital.
Do they have a website, what are other people saying about them online?
Make sure you do your research and don't get ripped off.
The second business model that agencies will use is where the teacher is introduced to
a school and then if hired the school pays a one-off finder fee to the agent.
This means that the teacher can sign a contract directly with the school at which they will
work.
Now, this model is considerably better than the last and a good agency will be able to
introduce you to a number of schools offering you the salary and packages you want.
Salaries under this model are usually much higher as the agency aren't taking a cut each
month and most schools will offer to house as part of the contract.
Now lastly is direct hire and this is where we cut out the middle man altogether and you
apply directly to a school or language center and sign a contract with them.
Okay, so we know the different ways of applying for a job in China, but how do we find a job?
Well, the first step is to research, research, research, research.
THink about the level of Englis you want to teach, be it kindergarten, secondary school,
university, or business English and start researching online.
See what institutions are hiring at the moment and if you find one, research that institution.
Would you rather go through an agency?
If so, you need to find an agency and when you do, research them!
What's their website like?
what are other people saying online about them?
Which business model are they following?
When getting in touch with these agencies or schools look at the level of English they
are using.
Is there an application form you need to fill out and a formal process for you to go through
in order to apply?
The way in which they communicate with you during this process can tell you a lot about
the kind of business they are.
Now no matter what method you choose to find a job in China, another aspect to consider
is salary and packages.
Now if you're a native English speaker who qualifies for the working visa you are going
to have no problem finding a well-paid job.
Make sure you research online to find out the average teaching salary for where you're
going.
Generally speaking, a good package would include a monthly salary, housing, a working visa,
and summer and winter vacation.
This, of course, will vary depending on your qualifications, experience and the area of
China in which you will be working.
Now salary aside, another aspect to consider is the environment in.
which you will be working.
Now, no matter if you're here for travel or for your career, finding a warm friendly in
which to work can make your experience all the much better.
So that remember salary is not always the most important thing.
Make sure you take your time, that the first offer may be exciting but it won't necessarily
be the right job for you.
So when looking for a teaching job in China, research is key.
Think about the level you want to teach, start researching for agencies or institutions that
can offer you positions with the salary and packages you want.
That's it for this video guys, I hope that you found it informative.
Let me know in the comments below, what would you like to know about teaching and living
in China.
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