Teaching English in Gap ming, China
Report submitted on 6 Dec, 2015 by Sonya McGriff.
Teaching English in Gap ming, China:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in Gap ming, China?
Go to your browser at the top of your computer and type teaching abroad.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions.
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
You will need at least a BA preferably in English, or any field preference in the education field, with a CELTA or any TEFL 120 hour certificate.
What teaching requirements would you recommend?
You will need at least a BA preferably in English, with a CELTS or any TEFL 120 hour certificate, and if you have a background in Math and Physics you will find many jobs in that field. If you are certified in your field that makes a huge difference in salary. If you only have a BA and you would like to teach don’t be discouraged there are a few jobs you can get with just a BA but you must look for them. As anywhere the more credentials the better the job salary and position.
What are the levels of payment?
Not by hour by month, you get paid once a month , then you can break it down and do the math. The pay can start as low as 400 RMB (approx. US$ 62) to 25,000 RMB (approx. US$ 3,800) per month. Some jobs can be higher but it goes back to experience and education and what region.
How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
25 hours per week.
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
If you are in an international school all the same American holidays plus Chinese, I recommend this type even though I don’t work for an international school, because it lessens your chance of homesickness, you get to travel more, and above all you tend to love your job, you stay longer and you get more time to travel and go back home if you like or study to obtain more credentials.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Gap ming, China to teach English?
Be open minded, know what you want and looking for, (for example do I want to live in a big city or small city, do I want to work with small kids or big kids etc.) research your company and what’s around it and be ready to have fun.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Gap ming, China?
You get to meet people from another culture, you get experience working in your field in another country, travel to locations you never been before, meet amazing kids.
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Gap ming, China?
If you’re not at a certain type of school you only get the Chinese holidays and don’t get to recognize your family holidays from your birth place, example I work on Christmas. I live an hour from the main city and 3 hours from Hong Kong so it can be challenging to travel, I have many steps I must take to get there. Banking sometimes is also a challenge.
What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
I guess trying to make sure you get your message across so they can understand. I teach 4-6 years old children.
Living in Gap ming, China:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Yes, you talk directly to your company or employer to see what it is they need – they will direct you then go to your local Embassy to obtain your Work visa. Please go ahead and obtain a local or FBI background check which is better. That’s important.
What is the cost of living like in China?
The cost is very cheap 60% less than America, yes so true. But if you live in a bigger city it is a little higher, more things to do so you spend more. But apartments may run about 300 – 500 US dollars per month but most companies have living quarters available to you if you like. The food is very cheap 3 – 10 US dollars.
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
It depends on the company, for instance I have a 2 bed room single accommodation. Your company may have shared, if you work for a high school you will live on the campus, but of course if you don’t like it you can find your own but you will pay for it.
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Gap ming, China?
Friendly people and the ability to save some money.
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Gap ming, China?
Not finding certain items you normally use (food), homesickness no family around to go places with.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Gap ming, China?
I say again now what you want to do is research and come prepared with items you need and it’s very important if you have someone at home who will mail you the items you need that helps a lot.
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
The food Italian, pizza, Mexican, turkey etc.
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
The kids, the cozy small town and some friends.
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
They have mostly everything here just not that good of quality sometimes, if they don’t have it you can travel to Hong Kong. I would just say whatever is special to you like lotions and perfume.
About Me and My Work:
My Name: Sonya McGriff
Nationality: USA
Students I’ve taught in China: toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years).
Where I teach: I teach at a private kindergarten for a manufacturing company in Gap Ming China. Teaching here for 2 years.
My school facilities: Adequate – Teaching resources, technology access.
Do you teach English in China?
Tell us about your experiences – click here to submit your report about teaching English in China.
