English is a hot demand in China nowadays, especially when the 2008 Olympics is just around the corner.  Jobs abound for the foreigner who can teach English.  With only minimal requirements one can teach in a good university or language school and get paid about ten times higher than the native worker’s salary.  All you really need is a bachelor’s degree and a native fluency in English.  An ESL (English as a Second Language) or EFL (English as a Foreign Language) training is a plus, but is not required.  You don’t even have to have previous teaching experience. 

There are a few things to be prepared for if you are considering a teaching job in China.  Usually the best time to apply for jobs in China, according to various sources, is September or February when vacation ends, but one can always apply 5 months earlier.  Making contact as early as March for the September openings would give you great advantage as well.  Just arriving in China and browsing through the ads in English news publications would give you tons of ideas on where to apply.  Big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are good places to start since they have the most demand for English teachers.  If you aren’t in China yet but plan to go there, there are numerous sites on the internet that can guide you on your quest of becoming and English teacher – visa, employment, lodging, assistance for foreigners, food and culture; these and more to prepare you on your trip. 

Once you have landed your first job and worked out the contract, you’re all set.  Schools and employers usually provide free and comfortable lodging, pay you around 4,000 RMB per month, arrange your work visa, and give you 16 classes per week.  These are the bare minimum and they expect the same from you.  After you have hurdled your first year and the culture shock has worn off, you would have gained new friends and contacts that could refer you to more jobs on the side.  Although it is prohibited that you take on more work other than that provided for you by your primary employer, things can be arranged and you’ll see that most teachers have on-the-side jobs. Jobs would keep coming after that, and you might find yourself teaching teenagers, businessmen, and summer schools at per hour rates. 

All in all, China welcomes English teachers into their country.  Students are eager to learn and are very respectful; living costs are one of the cheapest in the world. You’ll also get to experience a new culture, learn about China’s rich history and visit wonderful places in this large country.  This country has lots to offer for all people who would want to work here, and now is the best time to teach English in China.