Teaching English in China - is it the right thing for you?
Asia could be one of those special dreams which we never seem to have the courage to make come true: firstly, because of its cost, then, because we never seem to have enough time, or simply because new horizons seem too far and too unlikely. Do you have the courage to undertake a big trip?
If the answer is yes, then why not try doing jobs in China for English speakers? Your mission will consist in teaching children, teenagers or adult students at an international school, getting a decent pay and traveling on weekends, meeting new people and discovering new culture.
For those with a little more ambition; there's the Workshop Manager openings, see more here.
Do I pay from my salary to be part of the program?
No! You don’t pay a cent, because all the expenses are covered by schools. There won’t be any salary deductions or hidden payments.
According to local Chinese ordinances, there is a registration fee to pay. However it is quite low, currently $45.
How much vacation/holiday time will I have?
During the first year of your teaching English in China, you normally have 10 days vacation plus 11 to 15 days of national holidays.
There are schools, that do not work during the Spring Festival, so if you are hired at one of those, there’ll be more weeks off in total, but beware, not the entire period may be paid.
What are the advantages in teaching English in China for native and non-native speakers?
Today, language teaching is extremely popular among people of different ages and nationalities, because it doesn't require a lot, but in return allows you to have a good quality of life, make new friends, and do what you love without being bound to a particular workplace or town. In fact, you get priceless cultural experience, making friends, and discovering exotic places in Asia, and all this because you can speak English and are ready to share and spread your knowledge, isn’t it amazing?
However, it may get difficult to find a reliable school with maximum bonuses, contacting the representatives and doing all the paperwork before the leave may take up plenty of your time and effort, that’s why trusting an agency such as MMA is a good idea. We are based in Shanghai, have American and British staff and have been here nearly a decade.
What exactly do we offer?
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Jobs for everyone: unlike many other agencies, we offer teaching jobs in China for non-native speakers as well as native ones. Therefore, if your English is good enough, we will find you a decent position.
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The highest rates: our purpose is to find a position that will pay more. You don't have to be a native speaker, we will negotiate the best salary for you anyway. ESL teacher salary can be different depending on the city or area population, as well as an institution you work for. Today, there are a lot of English teachers needed in China and the salary is twice as high as for native English speakers compared to Chinese teachers in public or private schools.
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Once registered, it is 100% free for you: once you sign up, you should not worry about any fees or obligatory payments. Our work is paid by schools, and our task is to find the best candidates and help them through the entire process.
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Assistance: although not all the schools provide places to live and some other additional services, we surely do our best to find a solution and negotiate maximum comfort for you. No worries about rentals or legal issues.
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Competent recruiters: our agents have answers to any of your questions, quickly find a solution to your problem and know exactly what to do.
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Only legal schools: we collect the most appealing China job opportunities for foreigners, and only collaborate with reliable and legal institutions. In other words, there is no risk of you being sent to China without an employment visa or sign a shady contract.
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98% satisfied clients: you’ll get the most suitable position according to what you are looking for, so you will never be disappointed with the result!
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We offer the Workshop Manager position where you teach business people privately in your free time. This activity can double, treble your income. See more.
Is China expensive to live in?
There is no unique answer to this question because it really depends on your habits and your lifestyle. However, the salary for teaching English in China is likely to increase your purchasing power remarkably and get a very decent and comfortable living. If you become a workshop manager your income will certainly double or more.
For instance, basic expenses like 1-bedroom apartment rent, bills, transport fees, and simple food will not exceed $600-$750. But if you eat out often and won’t accept Chinese food, be prepared to pay more. Most schools cover rent, bills, and your transport fees, so, if this is the case, you could save up even more of your monthly payments.
Especially if the school is located in one of the cities of the big four, sharing an apartment with another foreign teacher will be a good idea, because rent there can be quite expensive. Eating local food will also let you save more for traveling and entertainment.
Where can I read more about life in China?
Please visit our Testimonials page to learn more about work in China for English speakers and actual teachers’ experience.
In addition, we advise you to look for Youtube channels and personal blogs of those, who have already worked here and share living tips. This will help you prepare properly for the trip.
What do I do if I've got more questions?
Please fill in the application, so that we could get your contact information and contact you back to discuss the details.
You can also ask one of our recruiters about jobs for ESL teachers or anything you want to know or are unsure about. Your questions are very welcome, so feel free to ask! welcome@Less20.com
How much does teaching English in China salary pay?
That depends, but one thing is certain – today ESL teaching salary in China is considerably higher, than that of the local teachers.
This money will pay the rent, restaurant food, traveling and there will still be some cash left (teachers may return with as much as $20,000 after a 1-year contract).
Normally, schools pay $1,500-$2,500, we can offer positions, that go up to $3,000 per month. Plus, we’ll ensure, that you also receive a contract completion bonus (~ $1000-$1500).
If I want to teach English in China, must I have a degree? Is a EFL, TEFL or similar certificate obligatory to teach in China?
Bluntly, no it's not.
If you don’t possess a degree or TEFL certification, but really want to teach in Asia, that’s not a big deal, because it is easily arranged and we will still be able to provide you with a job. Today, hundreds of schools, kindergartens and tutoring centers in China need English teachers, and this is a great opportunity to find TEFL or TESOL certification jobs.
You simply have to be fluent in English, no other requirements.
A better option, of course is if a candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree so that he/she could apply for a more well-paid job. Fortunately, a degree in English or education is not necessary; it can be anything.
To earn more a teacher has to have a TEFL certificate with a minimum of 100 hours of training (120+ hours for some cities). Actually, TESOL and CELTA certifications are also accepted, since these are practically the same thing. We provide certification provide during the program so you will be able to increase your income with us.
Additionally incomes can be had via the workshop manager position only available via Chinese organizations, apply now.
I have more questions!
That's understandable and we are here to help in all ways possible.
If you still want to know more - fill in our contact form and we'll zing a response right back to you, pronto!
Can I really make a lot of money and save it by going to China?
Yes, you can. Simply doing an employed teaching job pays quite good. However MMA also has the workshop managers openings which are available on the same terms as for employed teaching. MMA is based in China, unlike many others and we have arrangements with many 2nd tier city administrators to fill their English language requirements/
How can I meet local Chinese people to help me teach in a workshop in non school hours?
MMA does introduce you to a 'sponsor' and other business contacts, as part of its workshop program.
The sponsor organizes all local events; books a teaching venue and does any interpreting required.
1. Register as a teacher, choose your city.
2. Make sure you book yourself in for a workshop operation in your chosen city.
3. Get hold of the special training manual, of about 40-50 pages, which explains everything for you.
Is health insurance included?
It is and it's a legal requirement. All schools, offering teaching jobs in China for native speakers provide insurance for them, so whenever you feel sick or in case of injury, you can see a doctor right away.
There are several types of insurance coverage to choose from: cheaper ones will cover medical visits and prescribed medicine at public hospitals, premium packages have extended coverage, including international medical centers. You choose the option and its cost will be deducted from your pay on a monthly basis. Ask about it at the interview with your school and make your decision.
Will I be provided with a place to live or some kind of good accommodation?
Schools have their own policies. Both in smaller (3rd tier cities) cities and big cities (2nd tier cities) housing is provided and rent and bills are often paid for by the employer.
All our ESL jobs in China go with free accommodation.
If it's a big city, most likely you'll get a shared apartment. In case of a smaller cities like Weihai, Harbin, Qingdao then you will be living in a studio apartment all by yourself.
How long does the teaching program last?
If you feel like going to China, be ready to spend at least 12 months there, because, due to visa conditions, teaching programs can't be shorter than a year.
After contract completion, you’ll receive a bonus. The majority of ESL teachers usually prolong contracts, because the money is good and the experience is priceless.
Some of our teachers opt for 18 months or even 24 months, as this commitment pays better salary wise.
Can I travel while working?
Yes, you can. You’ll have free weekends, national holidays and around 10 days of annual vacation. It’s not obligatory to speak any Mandarin Chinese during trips, because you can arrange a holiday with your local English-speaking colleagues or get on a tour for foreigners.
Traveling in China is very reasonable.
Where will I teach?
Schools have their own policies. Both in smaller (3rd tier cities) cities and big cities (2nd tier cities) housing is provided and rent and bills are often paid for by the employer.
All our ESL jobs in China go with free accommodation.
If it's a big city, most likely you'll get a shared apartment. In case of a smaller cities like Weihai, Harbin, Qingdao then you will be living in a studio apartment all by yourself.
Does my school offer sick leave?
Yes, according to the law, any employee – local or foreign – is entitled to paid sick leave. If your experience in this particular school is less than 2 years, you are likely to get paid 60% of your daily pay. If your contract terminates during your sick leave, the school will be obliged to prolong it until your sick-leave period is over and continue paying your daily wages.
What documents do I need for a job teaching English in China?
In order to get a Chinese visa, all you need to do is to call your local Chinese embassy and ask them what's needed. Most importantly, we can assist you with all documents and procedure and help you come to China faster and start working.
MMA does everything 100% legally according to the local law in China.
If you are seeking both a paid employed teaching job and a private tuition activity under the same visa, we suggest you apply directly via MMA.
Is a TEFL or similar certificate needed to teach in China?
Bluntly, no it's not.
If you don’t possess a degree or TEFL certification, but really want to teach in Asia, that’s not a big deal, because it is easily arranged and we will still be able to provide you with a job. Today, hundreds of schools, kindergartens and tutoring centers in China need English teachers, and this is a great opportunity to find TEFL or TESOL certification jobs.
You simply have to be fluent in English, no other requirements.
A better option, of course is if a candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree so that he/she could apply for a more well-paid job. Fortunately, a degree in English or education is not necessary; it can be anything.
To earn more a teacher has to have a TEFL certificate with a minimum of 100 hours of training (120+ hours for some cities). Actually, TESOL and CELTA certifications are also accepted, since these are practically the same thing. We provide certification provide during the program so you will be able to increase your income with us.
What is a typical work schedule like?
Normally, foreigners teach about 15-25 hours per week (in fact, they rarely work over 20 hours). If you sign a contract for 20 hours, it doesn't necessarily mean that there’ll be as many classes: if they don’t have enough students, there’ll be fewer classes, but this won’t affect the salary. Every week a teacher spends from 10 to 15 hours at the office, preparing for classes, planning lessons, writing feedback, answering students’ questions, and creating demo lessons for those, who wish to see what it will be like, after they enroll.
Side note: PRIVATE TEACHING
English teachers in China are allowed to tutor students when an additional clause is present in the teacher's contact. MMA arranges this, for its workshop teachers. Tutoring school clients/students is forbidden. Those jobs give extra cash and may slightly affect your schedule, too. It's better to enter the workshop manager's opening rather than tutoring privately as it pays much better.
Both positions for natives and jobs for non-native English teachers in China usually have a stable schedule: 5 days workweek and 2 consecutive days off. These are likely to be Saturday and Sunday, since local employees also stay at home on weekends. But this may be different, if you sign a contract with language courses, because then there might be work in the evening and on weekends. Anyway, days off are a norm, schedules are usually discussed before signing a contract.
Is my plane ticket to China paid for at my own cost. Can I get it refunded?
You’ll have to pay for the ticket yourself, but the money will be returned.
Every teacher gets a 7000¥ RMB (about $1000 USD) contract completion bonus by the end of a year program. Plus, we compensate 5000¥ RMB for the actual flight ticket. There will be someone to meet you at the airport too.
How can I teach for a year and save up to or even more than $50,000?
Take a look at the video - on the 'Informative Videos' page on www.MasterMakers.Asia
Several teachers are now - as we talk - well on their way to saving this amount. You can do the same if you're willing to work both in a school and to teach privately in out of school hours. The secret is to take on a workshop manager's opening, find out more!
Can I teach in a school and be employed AND teach privately in non school hours?
Yes you can,
You can arrange your own private students and teach them outside of school hours or you can register with MMA and secure a workshop after hours. The workshop is a regular thing perhaps once or twice a week. With this system you can triple your income while in China.
For those with a little more ambition; there's the Workshop Manager openings, see more here.
What are 'Corridor Cities'?
Teachers can start workshops when registered with MMA at the same time as they also teach in the private or state school.
They do this with the help of local contacts and specifically a 'sponsor' (this is someone MMA appoints to assist the teacher, with his or her workshops in all regards)
Corridor Cities: This is the same thing except that MMA is doing all of the organizing. MMA is getting in on the action, so to speak, just using the teacher to actually teach at the workshops. MMA, via its own sponsor and Workshops Controller, and locally appointed supervisors;
Workshops Controller & Oversight by Ms. Zhang Li. local supervision by Mr. Yin Hambin and the Accreditations Team.
In this scenario; the teacher is paid a percentage of the workshop incomes, not the full amount as with workshop he starts and oversees himself.
Obviously something has to be paid to the Workshop Controller and local supervisors, in this setup.
Even so the remuneration to the teacher is still substantial and he can still expect to be able to save $50,000 in 12 months service.
'Save $50,00 In 12 Month, Teaching English in China,' is MMA's winning slogan.
What's the difference between the workshop with 'Everyday English' and the one with 'Business English' or 'Export & Business English'?
Everyday English is just that. It's the English that you and your friends and family use. It's not American English, per se, but could be - It's not British English yet again it could be.
Everyday English can be the plain accent-less English we hear all over the world. Sometimes it does have an accent; sometimes we wish it didn't. Everyday English is the constantly changing world English that is spoken, written and heard everywhere. It's what we teach at our 'Everyday English Workshops.'
Business English is just the same as Everyday English, except that when we teach it we are concentrating on what words, phrases, sentences; the person engaged in business would use. The Business English at workshops is geared to the the entrepreneur or company employees; that use English are their means of communication with other businesses around the world.
Export & Business English is not different than Business English. In MMA circles, this term is used in two regards.
1. When MMA is negotiating the teacher's 12-month teaching contract, with the private or state school; it states that the teacher is free to teach privately to self-found students (not school-found students) and it does this to assist demand from smaller Chinese businesses who want help in communicating in English to do business; mostly if not wholly in exporting their products to the outside world.
2. This terms is used to coincide with Chinese regional (2nd and 3rd tier city) legislation, regarding the extra curricula activities of Z Visa English teachers.
Can I teach in a school and be employed AND teach privately in non school hours?
The tier city idea is a good one. However to explain it fully is tricky.
It is better done on English sites, originated by Chinese players;
Here.
https://www.chinacheckup.com/blogs/articles/china-city-tiers
and, here.