1. Be aware of the cost of living where you want to live, and how it compares with your salary.2. Understand that teaching in China can be an incredible opportunity for personal growth.
You should know this: The 3 Most Important Things to Consider Before Taking a Teaching Job in China
If you're considering taking up a teaching position in the rapidly developing country of China, there's much more to consider than just your salary or benefits. Here are three key things that will make all the difference:
1) Research Your Location Thoroughly: Salary vs Cost of Living
2) Prepare for Cultural Differences and Potential Isolation
3) Be Realistic About Workload and Expectations
Research Your Location Thoroughly: Salary vs Cost of Living
Fact #1 - Salaries vary significantly across different parts of China, even within the same province. A job in one city might offer double what another identical position would pay elsewhere.
When evaluating teaching jobs in China, it's crucial to consider not only your salary but also where you'll be living and how expensive that place is relative to other areas of China or globally compared with England for instance as an example from the author country. Living costs such as accommodation prices can vary drastically depending on which region within this massive nation they choose - especially when comparing major urban centers like Beijing versus smaller towns further inland.
To give you a better understanding, let's look at some examples:
- Shanghai: One of China’s most expensive cities
- Guangzhou: Less costly than the north but still pricier than many interior provinces
- Xi’an: Relatively affordable for an eastern coastal city
It might seem obvious to factor in expenses when considering any job offer; however, it becomes particularly important here due to China's diverse economic landscape and varying lifestyles across regions. Remember that even if two positions pay similarly upfront, living costs could make one significantly more attractive than the other.
2) Prepare for Cultural Differences and Potential Isolation
Fact #2 - The cultural gap between Western countries (like England where I come from) and rural parts of China can feel like stepping into a different world altogether. It's not uncommon to experience some degree of isolation, especially if you're placed in smaller towns or villages.
When moving abroad for work, no matter how excited we are about new opportunities, it’s natural to worry about leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and family back home – which often is the case for international teachers. What can be easy to overlook when imagining life as an expat teacher in China though (as I found out personally) are some of these less glamorous aspects:
- Language barriers
- Food culture that might differ dramatically from what you’re used to
- Traditional customs or social norms unfamiliar to foreigners
To make your transition smoother and more enjoyable, here are a few tips for adjusting better:
1. Learn at least basic Chinese phrases before arriving in China – it will help immensely.
2. Be open-minded about trying new foods (some of which might become favorites).
3. Research local customs so you're not caught off guard when interacting with colleagues or locals.
It's worth noting that this cultural immersion can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your teaching experience, offering valuable life lessons beyond what any classroom could provide!
3) Be Realistic About Workload and Expectations
Fact #3 - Contrary to popular belief about easy workloads for foreign teachers in China (a misconception I also had), many schools have high expectations from their international staff.
A common misunderstanding is that teaching jobs abroad, especially those requiring a degree but not necessarily extensive experience or certification as required by the UK for instance where the author comes from – are less demanding. However, this isn't always true:
- Lesson planning might be more involved than expected
- Class sizes can sometimes exceed 50 students per class (compared to say England)
- Extra-curricular activities may consume additional time
It's important not just to focus on what you'll earn but also how much energy and dedication your new role will require. Some schools, particularly those in smaller cities or rural areas, might have fewer resources available for teachers compared with large urban centers like Beijing.
Alternative Perspective:
Lena Lee, a British teacher who spent three years teaching English at Shanghai’s prestigious Fudan University International School shares her experience:
"I was initially surprised by how much extra work came from having to create detailed lesson plans that catered specifically to Chinese students' learning styles and curriculum needs. However, once I adjusted my approach and embraced the challenge of adapting my Western educational philosophy to better suit local standards, both myself as an educator and student outcomes saw significant improvements."
"Find Work Abroad Find Work Abroad"
A very useful resource for finding teaching positions in China is "Find Work Abroad", a platform that specializes in connecting international educators with schools across various countries including mainland China. They offer not only job listings but valuable resources on navigating the recruitment process and accl
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