Teaching English in Weihai, China
Report submitted on 18 Oct, 2016 by DKL.
Teaching English in Weihai, China:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in Weihai, China?
There are several agencies that can help place teachers in China.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, teaching at private international schools.
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification, bachelor degree, 2 years experience. Natural speaker from usual country set (Canada, USA, Australia, Britain, South Africa).
What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Requirements are low but the higher paying positions do have stricter requirements. Degree in education is preferred, Masters will get you into better paying positions if you lack experience.
What are the levels of payment?
Payment runs from 8000 to 16000 RMB (approx. 1,180 US$ ~ 2,360 US$) per month with perks making up the balance. Apartment is supplied by many schools, residence is often close to school so commuting costs are zero to low. Cost of living sharply lower then major Chinese cities so less of your money will go towards living costs. Work week 20-25 hours and overtime is paid at any legitimate school.
How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
20 hours per week.
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Holidays may or may not be paid depending on contract and school. Vacation time again negotiated. As you become more skilled your negotiating position sharply improves.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Weihai, China to teach English?
Weihai is a very good place to teach English. The city is fairly affluent and there are many students wanting to learn. There is a good mix of grade school, high school and adult students.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Weihai, China?
Low cost of living, very good climate (4 seasons with light winters and cooler than average summers) International airport and easy access to major areas in China, Korea and Japan. Cost of living is very low and easily offsets comparatively modest wages. Low cost of travel means visiting the rest of China is reasonable and convenient.
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Weihai, China?
Wages. If you need a job to pay bills in another country it will not be ideal. If you want to keep the money local you will be living quite well.
What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Younger students provide the same challenges in any country, you must have the temperament to work with them. Older students have remnants of being taught “Chinese English” by non native speakers and modifying pronunciation and vocabulary can be difficult.
Living in Weihai, China:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Yes, the schools usually handle the cost of the residency visa. Z Visa cost incurred by teacher before arrival. Visa requirements may vary depending on country.
What is the cost of living like in China?
Pay is low in comparable currency BUT cost of living is sharply lower. The position pays very well if your plan is to remain long term.
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Accommodation usually supplied by school. No or partial cost passed on to teacher. Average cost of very good accommodation between 1000 and 2000 RMB (approx. 150 US$ ~ 300 US$) per month. 1000 RMB (approx. 150 US$) average.
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Weihai, China?
Weihai is one of the best places to live in China. It doesn’t suffer from problems of larger city centers and more industrialized regions. Foreigners are still unique and the local population are very generous and helpful.
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in scenery, China?
There are very few foreigners and the isolation is at times difficult.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Weihai, China?
Learn some of the local language before coming, basic survival level not anything approaching fluency, when you get here you will be busy and around people speaking English at work which, oddly enough, makes learning Chinese a little difficult. You can survive well and easily learning hello, thank you and smiling and pointing but learning some simple phrases will make life easier.
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Tim Hortons.
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave China?
The people. They are very easy going and make living here very easy.
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Comfortable clothing and general medications (cold, flu, Imodium, general pain stuff) to make the transition easier. Your body will have to adapt to the new environment and it will be easier with meds you are comfortable with.
Other comments (about teaching or living in your country)?
I had read many horror stories and had researched some reports on you-tube. I was very happy that I have yet to have a bad experience. I am happy with the way this career change has worked out.
About Me and My Work:
My Name: DKL
Nationality: Canadian
Students I’ve taught in China: Elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), university, adults, business, other.
Where I teach: — Teaching here for 1 year.
Through Job agency in Canada.
My school facilities: Very good – Classes are smaller than some reports I’ve seen. All supplies and books supplied by the school. Working hours are above what I contracted for but overtime was requested not demanded. Contract hours are 20 per week (80 per month) and overtime has been paid for all hours worked over that amount. Time off to Travel was accommodated without any issue.
What kind of teacher support is available at your school/s?: Training / workshops, lesson observations, teacher evaluations, peer support / training.
Have we missed any important questions?: It is hard to stress enough the difference between Weihai and most major Chinese cities. Clean environment, beautiful city and good people. Cost of living is ridiculously low when compared to any North American city. They are always having trouble attracting teachers but most who do arrive remain for years.
Do you teach English in China?
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