INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
International School
There are wide range of International Schools with excellent reputation which practice western education curricula such as British, American or Canadian schooling system and classes have prominent cultural diversity. ESL Teacher in an International Schools are expected to be experienced and have certified teaching license. The class sizes tend to be small and the school offers greater variety of subject teaching from English to music, art, literature, and the sciences. Excellent overall teaching conditions make international school jobs highly coveted. Teaching different levels of International School like Kindergarten, Middle School or High School can be rewarding and challenging depending on the level.
- The age group in an International School can be Kindergarten to High School students and the average size of the class can be around 10 to 20 students.
- The week schedule for an ESL teacher for an International School runs from Monday to Friday with weekends off.
- The classes run from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm with 2 hours lunch break in between.
- The salary can range from 14,000 RMB – 40,000 RMB depending on several factors such as location (Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3), level (Kindergarten, Middle, High school) and experience of the teacher.
A typical week for ESL Teacher in an International School
The typical week for an ESL Teacher in any position of an International School is rewarding but comes with challenges. The work schedule for an ESL teacher implements a five-day week plan from Monday to Friday and the classes run from 8:30 in the morning until 5:30/4:30 in the evening with 2 hours break in the middle. The workloads in international schools can be high with extra-curricular activities and meetings for teachers. Teachers have to prepare lessons based on the students’ preference, interest and their abilities to make the class more engaging and interesting.
Is Teaching Position in an International School right for you?
There are numerous benefits of ESL Teaching in an International School.
- Competitive salary from 14,000 RMB – 40,000 RMB depending on several factors such as location (Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3), level (Kindergarten, Middle, High school) and experience of the teacher.
- Western-style accommodation: Private single bedroom, fully furnished with all the standard set of appliances.
- Flight tickets reimbursement: 6000 – 8,000 RMB per year
- Health insurance provided
- Performance based bonuses
- Chinese public holidays: 13 days
- Summer and Winter Holidays
- Initial and ongoing training provided
- Airport-pickup and meet and great on the arrival
- China work visa “Z” provided and some schools also reimburse the visa fee
- Extending the contract: Bonus or salary raise (offer depends on school for resigning)
TRAINING SCHOOLS
Training School or Training Centre
Training schools also known as Training Centre, Private School or Language School are dedicated ESL centres privately owned and highly regarded after-school or after-work language programs. The aim of these schools is to provide extra-curricular English-language classes to young and adults alike. The class size of Training Centre is much smaller, and each centre provides its own distinct curriculum and training material making classes easily manageable and workload quite minimal as very little individual research is required. Training Schools are considered great position for first-time teachers as many centres do not require prior experience and pre-set curriculum, small class size and low work hours makes it perfect for first-time teachers.
- The age group in a training school can range from 3 years old to 12 years old. And the average size of the class can be around 10 to 12 students.
- The week schedule for an ESL teacher for a Training School runs from Wednesday to Sunday. Usually Mondays and Tuesday are off.
- The classes run from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm with an hour lunch break in between.
- 18,000 RMB – 25,000 RMB (Tier 1); 16,000 RMB – 24,000 RMB (Tier 2); 14,000 RMB – 22,000 RMB (Tier 3)
A typical week for ESL Teacher in an Training School
ESL positions at Training Centres are most sought out due to all the benefits and ease including in-class assistant and pre-set curriculum making the job much easier for first-time teachers and much nicer classrooms with better facilities and amenities. The typical week for an ESL teacher at Training School is quite different from other ESL jobs as the teachers have to work for weekends and receive 2 consecutive days off during the week and never have early morning classes. Teachers at Training Centres will start their day around 1:00 pm to plan lessons and in-centre training and work will end around 7:00 pm. Also, training centres require teachers to be actively involved in admin work and marketing as well in some cases.
Teaching younger students gives teacher with more flexibility as they are more open-minded and can perceive new information eagerly. Teachers use various ways to keep the lessons interesting and informative using Pictionary and some vocabulary games which help children revise and train their memory. Whereas, Teachers for Middle or High schoolers will need to create a routine, setting goals and inviting active students to participate and encourage them to be active while making them comfortable.
Is a Training School Position right for you?
There are numerous benefits of ESL Teaching in an Training Centre.
- High salary: 18,000 RMB – 25,000 RMB (Tier 1); 16,000 RMB – 24,000 RMB (Tier 2); 14,000 RMB – 22,000 RMB (Tier 3)
- Western-style accommodation: Private single bedroom, fully furnished with all the standard set of appliances.
- Flight tickets reimbursement: 6000 – 8,000 RMB per year
- Health insurance provided
- Performance based bonuses
- Chinese public holidays: 13 days
- Initial and ongoing training provided
- Airport-pickup and meet and great on the arrival
- China work visa “Z” provided and some schools also reimburse the visa fee
- Extending the contract: Bonus or salary raise (offer depends on school for resigning)
UNIVERSITY
Universities
Universities are considered to be one of the most relaxing and stress-free teaching positions which provides the best work-life balance among all the ESL jobs. There is less pressure and more activities with students who are willing to talk and learn. However, it comes with its own challenges of teaching adult students. Most Universities are given more freedom regarding planning and delivery lessons and also teachers will be expected to design their own syllabus and assessments from scratch. Typical Chinese classes are largely lecture based, and teachers have to adopt appropriate methods to encourage students to speak but with a structure as Chinese University students are used to learning by rote. Teachers will have to use combination of different activities to include students’ preferred learning style, personality type and ability to keep the learning interesting, this can include Role-plays, watching videos, games like sentence auctions, story-telling relays, rocket ship, discussions and debates.
- The age group can in a University can range from 18 – 23 years old. And the average size of the class is 30 to 60 students per class.
- The week schedule for ESL teacher for a University runs from Monday – Friday and weekends are off.
- The maximum teaching hours for a University level is 16 hours per week and there are no office hours.
- The classes are usually conducted in the morning or early afternoon.
- 10,000 RMB – 14,000 RMB (Tier 1); 7,500 – 14,000 RMB (Tier 2, Tier 3)
A typical week for ESL Teacher in an University Teacher
A typical week for a University teacher is much more relaxing and stress-free as there is no office hours and provides the best work-life balance among all ESL jobs. Although the overall salary is not much high, the hourly pay is fairly good as less working hours, and it is fairly easy to save. University teachers have more freedom when it comes to planning and structuring the lessons. The classes run from Monday to Friday with three class per day of 90 minutes long and a 10-minute break in the middle. Classes are held in the morning or early afternoon with a maximum of 16 hours teaching per week.
Is a University Level Position right for you?
There are numerous benefits of ESL Teaching at University level.
- High salary: 10,000 RMB – 14,000 RMB per month (Tier 1); 7,500 RMB – 14,000 RMB per month (Tier 2, Tier 3)
- Western-style accommodation: Private single bedroom, fully furnished with all the standard set of appliances.
- Flight tickets reimbursement: 8,000 RMB per year
- Health insurance provided
- Performance based bonuses
- Chinese public holidays: 13 days
- Summer Holidays and Winter Holidays
- Airport-pickup and meet and great on the arrival
- China work visa “Z” provided and some schools also reimburse the visa fee
- Extending the contract: Bonus or salary raise (offer depends on university for resigning)
PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Pre-primary education (Kindergarten, Pre-school, Nursery)
Pre-primary education like Nursery, Kindergarten and Pre-school are considered to be an essential part of a child’s overall education, as it prepares the little ones for a head start for a successful academic future. These positions are for creative people who love kids, have a lot of energy, and know how to make learning fun.
Pre-primary positions are either for International school or Bilingual school and are the most rewarding, full of excitement and fun, typically requiring to stepping out of the comfort zone, being not just a teacher but a performer and a role model for kids.
- Age group can range from 2 – 6 years old. Nursery and Lower/Junior Kindergarten have ages between 2 – 4 years old. Pre-school and Upper/Senior Kindergarten age group is 4 – 6 years old.
- The class size for Nursery, Kindergarten or pre-school is around 15 students on the average.
- The week schedule for ESL teacher for Kindergarten or Pre-school is from Monday – Friday and weekends are off.
- The classes run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with a 2 hours lunch break roughly.
- 18,000 RMB – 25,000 RMB (Tier 1, Tier 2); 14,000 RMB – 20,000 RMB (Tier 3)
A typical week for ESL Kindergarten/ Pre-school/ Nursery Teacher
Although teaching young ones gives you more freedom and is very rewarding and fun, but it comes with some challenges as teaching kids with a different ability. The teacher needs to be patient, flexible and adaptable when it comes to teaching pre-primary schools.
At this age students do not have long attention spans and as such the day involves short and different activities. The morning typically starts with morning gatherings involving songs, storytelling, flashcard games, group instructions etc to orient the kids to the school day. Teachers do several English based fun exercises with students like sing together with kids, dance, watch cartoons or funny videos, colour picture books and anything else which is fun and interactive.
The day starts with a 30 minutes breakfast followed by some fun and interactive English based activities. Teaching kids is more flexible and can involve a range of different exercise prepared by the teacher. During the midday, teachers take young learners for some outdoor exercises for 30 minutes just before the lunch break and nap time which run from 12:00 pm to 2:00 and the day finishes off with some more fun activities involving crafting or reading a book.
Is a Training School Position right for you?
There are numerous benefits of ESL Teaching in Kindergarten or Pre-school.
- High salary: 18,000 RMB – 25,000 RMB per month (Tier 1, Tier 2); 14,000 RMB – 20,000 RMB per month (Tier 3)
- Western-style accommodation: Private single bedroom, fully furnished with all the standard set of appliances.
- Flight tickets reimbursement: 8,000 RMB per year
- Health insurance provided
- Performance based bonuses
- Chinese public holidays: 13 days
- Summer Holidays and Winter Holidays
- Initial and ongoing training provided
- Airport-pickup and meet and great on the arrival
- China work visa “Z” provided and some schools also reimburse the visa fee
- Extending the contract: Bonus or salary raise (offer depends on school for resigning)
PRIMARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Primary and Middle/Junior Secondary (International or Bilingual) Schools
Primary school education is compulsory and lasts up to 6 years and Middle school for 3 years. Creativity, adaptability and patience is considered key for Primary school position as teachers are no longer will be provided with Chinese assistant to translate. Teaching Middle schoolers can be a little bit challenging and requires experience. Curriculum is usually provided for Primary and Middle schools, but teachers may have to develop and tailor it to each class learning ability.
Teaching younger students gives teacher with more flexibility as they are more open-minded and can perceive new information eagerly. Teachers use various ways to keep the lessons interesting and informative using Pictionary and some vocabulary games which help children revise and train their memory. Whereas, Teachers for Middle schoolers will need to create a routine, setting goals and inviting active students to participate and encourage them to be active while making them comfortable. The key to excel teaching Middle schoolers is starting strong and instilling rules and regulations in the beginning of the year.
- The age group in Primary and Middle school can range from 6 – 15 years old. Primary school with ages from 6 – 12 and Middle school with ages from 13 – 15.
- The average class size in Primary and Middle Schools is around 20 to 25 students.
- The week schedule for ESL teacher for Primary or Middle school is from Monday – Friday and weekends are off.
- The classes run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for Primary School and from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm for Middle School with a 2 hours lunch break roughly.
- 18,000 RMB – 30,000 RMB per month (Tier 1, Tier 2); 16,000 RMB – 28,000 RMB per month (Tier 3)
A typical week for ESL Primary or Middle School Teacher
While teaching primary and middle school students can be deeply rewarding and has some fantastic moments but it also comes with challenges and hard work. A typical week for Primary or Middle School Teacher starts from Monday to Friday and the classes runs from 8:30 am in the morning until 4:30 pm or 5:00/5:30 pm in the evening with a break of 1 hour in between. Teachers will have to prepare the lessons and classes in advance depending the learning ability of the class.
For Middle Schoolers, lessons will need to be more structure and routine than Primary Schoolers. A typical day starts with staff briefing and attending the assembly. The class begins with review of previous classes’ materials and then introducing new topics, following that a mix of different activities like showing a video pertaining to the topic or vocabulary games and finishing the day off with a fun activity that reviews vocabulary, grammar points or other information taught that day. Whereas, for Primary Schoolers, the lessons will have to be manipulated so it incorporates less memorization, more speaking and preparing them for the Middle School.
Is Primary/Elementary or Middle School Teaching Position right for you?
There are numerous benefits of ESL Teaching in Primary or Middle positions in International or Bilingual schools.
- High salary: 18,000 RMB – 30,000 RMB per month (Tier 1, Tier 2); 16,000 RMB – 28,000 RMB per month (Tier 3)
- Western-style accommodation: Private single bedroom, fully furnished with all the standard set of appliances.
- Flight tickets reimbursement: 8,000 RMB per year
- Health insurance provided
- Performance based bonuses
- Chinese public holidays: 13 days
- Summer Holidays and Winter Holidays
- Initial and ongoing training provided
- Airport-pickup and meet and great on the arrival
- China work visa “Z” provided and some schools also reimburse the visa fee
- Extending the contract: Bonus or salary raise (offer depends on school for resigning)
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Secondary/Senior Secondary/High (International and Bilingual) Schools
The High School in China last for 3 years and is an important stage for Chinese students as it prepares them for going to college and they must sit an entrance examination (known as the gaokao) therefore, students are under a lot of pressure and may not appreciate a lot of games at lessons. Teachers will have to prepare lessons and activities that requires them to work in pairs and groups, as it is a great way to teach them to cooperate, develop creative and critical thinking and imply problem-solving through group-based activities. Also giving them tests to check their level and to make them aware of their strengths and weaknesses.
- The age group for Secondary School can range from 16 – 19 years old. And the average class size is around 20 to 25 students.
- The week schedule for ESL teacher for Secondary school is from Monday – Friday and weekends are off.
- The classes run from 8:30 am to 5:00/5:30 PM with a 2 hours lunch break roughly.
- 22,000 RMB – 40,000 RMB per month (Tier 1, Tier 2); 18,000 RMB – 35,000 RMB per month (Tier 3)
A typical week for ESL Secondary School Teacher
Similar to an average week of a Junior Secondary Teacher, the typical week for a Senior Secondary Teacher is rewarding but comes with challenges. The work schedule for an ESL teacher in Senior Secondary implements a five-day week plan from Monday to Friday and the classes run from 8:30 in the morning until 5:30 in the evening.
The academic year for a secondary school consists of 40 weeks, with 1 or 2 weeks in reserve and 10 to 11 weeks for holidays. The curriculum for high school consists of two part: subject courses and out-class activities and practice activities. Also, teachers will have to adapt different teaching methods when it comes to teaching and engaging high schoolers.
Is Secondary School Teaching Position right for you?
There are numerous benefits of ESL Teaching in Secondary positions in International or Bilingual schools.
- High salary: 22,000 RMB – 40,000 RMB per month (Tier 1, Tier 2); 18,000 RMB – 35,000 RMB per month (Tier 3)
- Western-style accommodation: Private single bedroom, fully furnished with all the standard set of appliances.
- Flight tickets reimbursement: 8,000 RMB – 10,000 RMB per year
- Health insurance provided
- Performance based bonuses
- Chinese public holidays: 13 days
- Summer Holidays and Winter Holidays
- Initial and ongoing training provided
- Airport-pickup and meet and great on the arrival
- China work visa “Z” provided and some schools also reimburse the visa fee
- Extending the contract: Bonus or salary raise (offer depends on school for resigning)
Note: All the values are for reference only