Teaching English in China has long been a dream for many people. It offers a chance for a fresh start, to broaden one's horizons, and to immerse oneself in an entirely new culture. However, with the onset of COVID-19, plans for teaching in China were put on hold.
During the pandemic, it was possible to enter China, but it was a bit of an administrative nightmare. An elusive PU letter, a government-issued invitation letter, was required and only given out by employers authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This, along with China's zero-COVID policy and strict lockdowns, made things difficult for those interested in teaching English in China.
The lockdown did affect interest in teaching English in China, but for those who had their heart set on it, they made it work.
Now that we seem to be over the worst of COVID-19, international travel is possible again, and the doors to China are starting to open once more. For those considering teaching English in China in 2023, now is as good a time as any. Although China is still strict with its COVID restrictions, decent recruiters can help navigate them, and in-person teaching is still in high demand.
For those planning to teach English in China, it is essential to take time to look into all options and have a solid plan in place. However, there are a few things to consider, such as the difficulty of flights to China due to fewer flights and the war in Ukraine's effects. Alternatively, one could fly to Hong Kong or opt for a Chinese airline. It's also crucial to be wary of scams as teaching English in China is a popular career choice for many, and there are a lot of dodgy companies looking to take advantage of eager, inexperienced recruits.
When moving to China, keep in mind that things will be different, and it may be a bit of a shock to the system. Adapting to a new culture takes time, and it is important to stay open-minded and patient.
Another crucial consideration is document legalization. After securing a job offer, one will receive a list of documents needed for a Z-Visa application. All of these documents need to be legalized in their country of origin, and a police clearance from one's country of residence is required. Document legalization can be complicated and time-consuming, but services provided by us here at GLOBAL TEFL can take care of it.
When it comes to salaries for teaching English in China, it varies depending on the type of institution and the teacher's experience. A teacher with a bachelor's degree and TEFL certification but no experience can expect to earn $1,500 - $2,900 USD per month. However, experienced and certified teachers can earn significantly more, with plenty of opportunities for professional and personal growth.
In conclusion, teaching English in China can be a fantastic opportunity, but it is essential to do thorough research, stay patient and open-minded, and be aware of potential challenges such as document legalization and scams. Make sure your job recruiter has a website, a company and a corporate image. Also, check reviews online and do the due diligence.
