Teaching English in China
Finding Work
Research the area where you are planning on going as salaries can vary greatly between regions. This is the same for the cost of living.
It is worthwhile arranging a job before leaving to China, doing this can often mean that your employer will reimburse your air fares. If you have a University Degree, no matter what it is in, you have a better chance of gaining employment. Also this greatly helps in getting you a working visa.
The Teaching
Over the past 5 years, China's economy has been growing and developing rapidly. Now teachers can expect similar standards of living to other Asian countries like Japan or Taiwan. Being a TEFL teacher, living and working in China can be an extremely exciting and rewarding experience.
A typical type of contract for a TEFL qualified teacher would be as follows: a one year contract working around 20.5 hours a week with classes ranging from young learners to adults. If working over 20.5 hours a week, it will be paid as overtime. You will earn around 8800RMB ($1.164) and overtime bonuses on top of that. Other benefits could include health insurance, travel allowance while teaching, a bonus if you complete your contract, help with accommodation and 22 days paid holiday.
Although the cost of living can vary in different parts of China, it is still relatively cheap anywhere if you are coming from the EU. Travelling and eating out is also cheap. After arriving you can begin networking. This is a good way to arrange private lessons which will really help to boost your income.
China offers so much for someone travelling from the EU: stunning and diverse scenery, an amazing culture, interesting cuisine and great employment opportunities. Overall, a great place for anyone who is up for an adventure.
Living
Be aware that youir salary in China will be roughly 4 times as much as a local's. Whenever you go to buy something, whether it be buying clothes or a snack on the street, you must bargain. Always ask what the price of what your buying is, then haggle. You will probably get them down to around half of what they asked for it. It will take some practice but this is a must.
Living in China can be done very cheaply, if you think and act like a local. Even in Beijing and Shanghai, Chinas most expensive cities, this is possible, although there are many temptations and it is easier to spend money, like going shopping and having nights out. In a small city you would be looking at spending around 1500RMB – 3000RMB.
Cost guide
Accommodation – 2 Bedroom apartment – 1500-4000RMB per month
Local transport – 1-3RMB
Sleeper Train – 400RMB per 1000km (roughly)
Domestic flight – 800-1500RMB
Meal for 2 in a restaurant – 40-100RMB
Shampoo – 10RMB
Beer in a bar – 5RMB
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