Foreign English teachers who want to teach in a Chinese University, now is the time to send electronic resumes.

University Foreign Affairs Offices that are understaffed and overburdened are just now finishing repatriation of last year’s foreign teachers. Now they have time to recruit foreign teachers for September 2010. Of course [...]]]> UPDATE July 25, 2010

Foreign English teachers who want to teach in a Chinese University, now is the time to send electronic resumes.

University Foreign Affairs Offices that are understaffed and overburdened are just now finishing repatriation of last year’s foreign teachers. Now they have time to recruit foreign teachers for September 2010. Of course these are NOT the best University jobs but they are adequate.

The best University jobs were filled by efficient Foreign Affairs Offices back in April and May.

The best foreign teachers were snapped up quickly.

After July 20 there has been a flood of job advertisements and recruiting efforts. Either there is change in the air or desperation. Provinces that have previously stated that they will not issue a Foreign Expert Certificate to any foreigner over 60 are suddenly relenting and issuing.

Prejudices against black teachers, foreign born Asian teachers, older teachers, experienced teachers, L2 English speakers,  and educated teachers are cracking under the realization of market supply and demand.

The insatiable demand for under 30, blue eyes, blond hair, with  guitar in hand to sing and chat, can’t be met so Universities are condescending and hiring real teachers.

Now is the time for second class teachers to apply for that second class job in a second class university. Of course, if you are a first class teacher, why do you want to teach in China?

September 6, 2009

Basically, any L1 English speaker with any kind of bachelor degree can find a job teaching English in China. Annually, China hires 150,000 (legal) to 250,000 (illegal) foreign teachers.

Illegal foreign teachers are those working without proper permits. They arrive in China on a tourist visa and stay to work. More often than not, these are not trained or qualified EFL teachers and they end up teaching at privately owned language mills where they are at the mercy of their employers. They are commonly referred to as “backpackers”, people on vacation who work to finance their extended vacation.

Properly trained and qualified EFL teachers, who enter China legally, usually end up teaching at a public school or a joint venture school. However, that is not to say that public schools only hire trained and qualified EFL teachers.

While there is a prejudice for blond hair, blue eyes, white skin; some L2 English speakers are hired through the legal process, as are some Asian L1 English speakers.

Basically, if you are determined to teach in China, you can find a job. For links, see our Teaching Jobs page in our main menu at the top of our main page or paste the following in your browser address window.

http://chinaholisticenglish.org/teaching-jobs/

If you are in the “trained and qualified” category, start applying half way into the prior school term for employment in the following term.  The good jobs are filled early.

If you are unqualified or L2, wait until 2 or 3 weeks prior to the term commencement, when schools start getting desperate.

Salaries are varied based upon qualifications, experience, and the academic level taught.

Qualified L1 teachers receive the highest pay at international schools, kindergartens, middle schools, primary schools, 2^nd tier universities, 3^rd and 4^th tier colleges and the lowest at top tier universities where it is your honor and privilege to be hired (you should be paying them).

Unqualified L1 and L2 teachers can expect a salary as low as 2,500 rmb (US$300) per month.

Base pay salaries can be very misleading. 4,500 rmb in Henan can be the same as 10,000 rmb in Shanghhai.

If you want to make big money, pay student loans or save money, look elsewhere!

Teaching conditions, housing and living conditions, social conditions, overtime pay, internal travel pay, air fare, medical coverage, work hours per week, office hours, and administrative support, can swing between non-existent to excellent. Be VERY careful.

It is seriously suggested that you go to our download page and read:

China EFL: Foreign Teacher Needed

China ESL: An Industry Run A Muck?

China EFL: The Unqualified, Teaching (sic) the Unmotivated, in a Hostile Environment

EFL/ESL Teaching in China: Questions – Questions – Questions

China EFL: Programming Human Robots

China EFL: Why Chinese Universities do not Provide an English Speaking Environment

China EFL: English Corner

China EFL: One Reason for Midnight Runners

The Journey to Nowhere on the Information Highway

Culture Shock

Chinese Business Institute Students Speak Out

China EFL/ESL JOBS: A Case of False Advertising

One last note: You may read or hear that your salary will be much higher than local teachers who only make 700 rmb per month. While true in its most basic sense, this is very misleading, irrelevant and inapplicable.  It is “bait” on a hook. BEWARE!