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Teaching English in China
Teaching English in China
Teaching English in China
Ebook107 pages53 minutes

Teaching English in China

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Interested in teaching English in China? Not sure how to find a job opportunity or what to do once you've found one? Wondering if squat toilets are actually a thing? (They are, by the way) Whether you have recently secured a teaching position in China or it's a merely a thought that has crossed your mind, this guide will help you prepare for and make the most of your experience in China. There are chapters with advice on finding volunteer positions and paid positions for those who have yet to begin their search. There's even a whole chapter on obtaining a visa (which can be an unpleasant experience without someone walking you through it). The author also provides useful information on culture shock, the cost of living, traveling within China, and teaching Chinese students.

Whether you're more excited about eating dumplings or visiting the Great Wall, this guide will be invaluable to you! Not only is it designed to help you prepare before heading to China, this guide also provides resources for your time in China, including a list of life-saving apps and sample lesson plans. Also included is valuable information about registering for Taobao, a necessity for expats planning to live in China for an extended period of time.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherKelli Dougal
Release dateNov 30, 2016
ISBN9781370356447
Teaching English in China

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    Book preview

    Teaching English in China - Kelli Dougal

    TEACHING ENGLISH IN CHINA

    The ins and outs of finding a job, reading a menu, and making the most of the Middle Kingdom

    By Kelli Dougal

    Copyright 2016 Kelli Dougal

    Smashwords Edition

    This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    INTRO

    CHAPTER 1— VOLUNTEERING

    CHAPTER 2 – FINDING A PAID POSITION

    CHAPTER 3 – THE VISA PROCESS

    CHAPTER 4 – CULTURE SHOCK

    CHAPTER 5 – THE COST OF LIVING

    CHAPTER 6— COMMON ENGLISH PROBLEMS FACED BY CHINESE STUDENTS

    CHAPTER 7 – TRAVELING IN CHINA

    CHAPTER 8 – PACKING LIST

    CHAPTER 9 – USEFUL APPS

    APPENDIX— TEACHING RESOURCES

    INTRO

    So, you’re interested in teaching English in China? AWESOME! I taught for a year and a half at a university outside of Shanghai and absolutely loved it. Since moving to China, and especially since coming home, I have had dozens of people ask me about my experience and how they might be able to secure a similar teaching position. This book is in response to all of you who have asked me about the difference between volunteer programs and paid positions and how to go about finding a job. Since finding a job is really just the first step, I’ve also decided to answer your questions about traveling in China, culture shock, and preparing to live there. I’ve tried to put together a comprehensive guide that will walk you through the initial steps of getting to China and then help you know what to do once you’ve actually made it there! Questions about visas, public transportation in China, or censored internet? (And what the heck is a VPN, anyway?) Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

    The first couple chapters focus exclusively on FINDING a teaching opportunity in China, whether you’re looking to volunteer or hoping to get paid. The rest of the book includes tips, teaching strategies, and even a packing list of things you probably won’t be able to find once you’re in China.

    I hope that your experience in China turns out to be just as amazing as mine was. I love the Chinese people, language, and culture and highly recommend living and traveling there. I’ve put a lot of hours into creating this guide and hope that it proves to be useful to you!

    Xoxo,

    Kelli

    CHAPTER 1: VOLUNTEERING

    Why would I volunteer to teach English in China?

    For many college students or recent graduates, coming to China sounds like the perfect escape from normal life. In order to get paid to teach English in China, the general rule is that you must have a Bachelor’s degree and often one to two years of teaching experience. More and more jobs are asking that you have a TEFL certificate. There are exceptions, and you may be able to find a job that allows you to come to China even without having two years of teaching experience…but most people don’t even know where to start in order to find these jobs.

    That’s why volunteer teaching programs have become so popular in recent years! It’s a chance for those without a bachelor’s degree to experience living abroad AND feel like they’re giving back. Plus, it’s also a great opportunity for those who want to pursue paid English teaching to get some work experience.

    Another perk? The programs usually take care of your visa paperwork and cover visa fees. Applying for my Chinese work visa was complicated and stressful. If you find a good volunteer program, you won’t have to worry about any of that.

    CHOOSING A PROGRAM

    There are hundreds of organizations that send volunteers to teach English in China. Type English teaching in China into Google and BAM! You’ll be presented with dozens of shiny options all promising you the best experience ever. While most of these organizations are probably legit, it’s hard to tell from their websites. Unfortunately, I can’t give you advice on every single volunteer program as I don’t have first-hand experience with most of them.

    During my time in China, I have come in contact with many teachers from two volunteer programs: China Horizons and ILP (International Language Programs). Although I haven’t done volunteer teaching myself, I interviewed over a dozen teachers in these two programs and asked for their feedback. The majority of the teachers in both ILP and China Horizons had positive experiences. In fact, many of the teachers were there for their second round of teaching since both programs offer opportunities for their teachers to return as head teachers for a discounted price. If you’re looking to volunteer, either of these could be a great place to start!

    Both programs are designed to appeal to college students who are looking to get away for a semester. The programs run for the course of one college semester, or about 4 months. Teachers who come for the fall semester arrive in August and leave in mid- to late December. Teachers coming for the winter/spring semester generally arrive after the Spring Festival holiday (meaning late February or early March) and stay through June.

    Based on my discussions with volunteer teachers from the two programs, here’s a quick overview of both of them.

    CHINA HORIZONS

    China Horizons is a great opportunity for adventure-seekers who want to experience China. The program caters to college students age 18+ and recent graduates who want to have a backpacker type experience. Both singles and married couples can apply. Teachers coming with China Horizons should be fairly independent and be able to take care of themselves. Although there are head teachers who act as mentors and can provide help when necessary, they may live in a different city. As a result, there is limited supervision. Some teachers are sent to cities where there is a large group of CH teachers; others find themselves in smaller cities with only a couple of fellow teachers.

    A huge perk of the China Horizons program is the low cost. For the typical broke college student, the promise of traveling to and living in China for less than $1000 a person is very appealing! Yes, you read that right! At the time of printing, the program cost for a semester abroad through CH was between $925 and $975 per person. This includes airfaire, visa fees, housing, and a monthly food stipend! (Note that the activities in Beijing during the welcome tour are NOT

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