There is a big demand for teachers in China today.  You are not limited to English language courses alone but many other fields that require English as a medium of instruction.

There is a big demand for teachers in China today.  You are not limited to English language courses alone but many other fields that require English as a medium of instruction.   

The doors to China are open and the opportunities are yours for the picking.  The best teaching jobs in China are offered by state-run universities.  China’s best students are enrolled here and they are very eager learners.  Most probably you will meet students who have worked very hard to earn them a spot in that university.  You’ll have a rewarding experience even if rates are lower compared to privately run institutions, and they make up for it in terms of teaching hours.  Often you get an offer of 12 to 16 hours as compared to 20 to 25 hours in other institutions.  The use of the remaining hours is up to you.  While teaching you can freelance on the side, learn Chinese or other courses in the same university, or just spend it exploring the area. 

Private universities and colleges offer higher salaries but may demand more teaching hours.  These are other options you might want to consider.  Standard benefits for teaching in both public or state-run and private universities include accommodations, some medical services, travel allowances, holiday pays, and even tickets to return to your country. 

Many kindergartens, middle schools, and international schools have openings for teachers too.  Make sure to check the requirements.  Some courses may only accept those with TEFL certification while others do not mind if you have one or not.  If you are going to take your teaching seriously however, consider getting a TEFL certificate, especially if you are eyeing higher level jobs such as assistant to the director of a course.  Even if you are going to teach long term in math, business, and other academic programs, the institution might just ask for a certificate so be sure to check. 

Another option for getting a teaching job is freelancing.  There are many families looking for private tutors in English and in other languages.  This set-up actually gives you more flexibility and more opportunities to choose the students you will be teaching.  There is normally no contract with schools and you’d get in through a business visa.  Rules on where you are supposed to get your accommodations are loosened as well.  You can get as much jobs as you want and manage time yourself.  Usually, there would be no need to cook up lesson plans and check homework and exams unlike working in schools.  Courses are diverse and there are lots to choose from.  There’s your Standard English, other foreign languages, courses and short lectures on business letter writing or presentations.  You may be teaching both school children and businessmen in the same day.   

All in all, it’s always better to do your homework and research before packing your bags and jumping in.  Make calls to potential employers and visit the campus or institution if possible.  You can never be too careful with getting new jobs, and you wouldn’t want to waste precious time and money if things don’t go as you thought they would be, so always be prepared.