Frequently Asked Questions

What is a foreign expert?

If you have a master's degree or sometimes a bachelor’s degree, then you already are a foreign expert. Foreign experts get extras like higher salaries and return airfare. Sometimes your organization will pay for you to ship things to and from the host school.

What is a Foreign Expert Card?

This is not really a card, actually more of a book, given to most foreigners who are working as teachers in China. This can give you discounts on hotels and entrance fees to tourist attractions. The idea is that you pay the same price as ordinary Chinese people. Note: Not all hotels give discounts for the Foreign Expert Card, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

What are the qualifications to get a teaching job in China?

For young teachers, you have to have at least a BA or BS degree. If you are over 30, then your experience will count. In either case, submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should be brief and to the point as the person reading it will not likely be a native speaker of English.

How much money can I make?

Currently, foreign teachers start at about RMB3,000 and go to RMB8,000 per month depending on their qualification and assignment. Most state schools offer a vacation allowance of RMB1,500 at the completion of each semester. If you stay for one year and over, the host school will pay for the return airfare.

The Chinese, outside of big cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou, earn an average of RMB500 to RMB800 per month. With RMB3,000 you can lead a decent life in China provided your housing is free. You probably need to earn a little more if you live in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou.

What are the exchange rate and the cost of living?

The current exchange rate is US$1 = RMB8.279. It does not fluctuate very much. As for the cost of living, foreigners tend to eat out quite a bit and take more taxis than the local people. The actual cost depends on where you live. It is cheaper in the North than in the South, excluding Beijing. Perhaps now in the North an average of RMB15 to RMB20 a day is necessary for food. In the South, maybe RMB20 to RMB50 if you cook at home. Buses tend to be the cheapest form of transportation, normally RMB1 in cities of less than one million. Even in Beijing, it is a cheap form of transportation. The subways are convenient and inexpensive, just RMB2 to RMB4 to go anywhere. Taxies are also inexpensive, RMB10 for 5 miles in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, or RMB5 for 3 miles in small cities.

How long is the contract?

Most contracts are for one year, but it is possible to get them for only one semester (half year). Some schools offer summer programs. Contracts for these programs are only for two or three months or even shorter.

Is it possible to change the terms and conditions in the contract?

The contracts are standardized throughout China, as required by the State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs. However, you can always negotiate with the host school, especially if it is a private school, on the starting and ending dates of the contract, salary and benefits, and living conditions. It is hard though to negotiate these terms with public schools as they are owned and run by the government and all contracts will have to be approved by a higher level authority. Private schools on the other hand, are more flexible and open for negotiation on contract.

How many hours a week do I need to teach on average?

In most schools foreign teachers are in class for 16-20 hours a week. If you work more than that, you should be getting paid more than the normal rates. In most places, classes consist of two 50-minute periods. For example, if class begins at 8:00, then you would take a break at 8:50. The second half of the class would begin at 9:00 and go until 9:50.

Unless you are in a privately-run school, you can do what you like in your spare time. The foreign teachers in some provinces started holding office hours for an hour or so each week. The purpose was to help students, but they often just came by to visit.

What courses am I required to teach?

At the university or college, you may be asked to choose and teach some of the following courses: English & American literature, linguistics, reading, writing, composition, grammar, general survey of western cultures, conversational English, and English for Special Purposes such as business English. There are universities that need teachers to teach more specialized subjects such as accounting, international marketing, law and so on.

For teaching in any Chinese secondary school, you are mainly required to teach Conversational English, focusing on listening comprehension and speaking ability.

Should I teach subjects other than the teaching schedule?

It is always safe to teach your class according to the curriculum. You can include western cultures, history, and customs in your English language class. But never discuss politics and religion in class, even at the English Corner. The government takes this very seriously and so should you.

Can I take my family with me?

Yes or no, depending on the contract you signed with the host school. Some schools welcome the idea that your spouse come with you and teach in the same program. Then you can bring your children with you. This will have to be prearranged by the school. And of course, you have to produce a proof of marriage if you decide to come to China with your spouse.

What am I supposed to prepare before I leave for China?

No matter how well you have prepared yourself for the adventure, you will always encounter many surprises <link to TEFL China Teahouse>, both pleasant and unpleasant. We suggest you visit the websites <link to Useful Websites> that we have listed below to prepare yourself for the culture shock and keep an open mind.

Food and language will definitely be part of the challenge, but may not be the most challenging factors. Different people have different take on cultural differences. You will find a lot of information at these websites and the books we recommended on Chinese culture, customs and business etiquette, law, minority nationalities, and religion. Many things are done and perceived differently in China than in the US. You might be frustrated occasionally. But keep in mind that we are always available to help.

Chinese Business World

China Law

China-E-Travel

A Guide to Chinese Culture

Do I need to be able to speak Chinese?

It helps to speak some Chinese, but many teachers get away without speaking the language. If you are only going there for a year, we suggest that you learn some Chinese greetings to get by. Some foreign teachers are now in their third year and can still only say Ni Hao (hello). They seem to do okay and feel comfortable living in China. With few phrases they know, they can easily shop, ask directions and bargain with taxi drivers.

What is the best way to learn Chinese?

You may find that even though your heart is in the right place, most teachers feel difficult to find time to study Chinese <link to Learning Chinese Online > while actually teaching English. You will find there are more people who want to help you than you know what to do with. Those who come to visit you want to practice their English. The best way is to take a course or get a qualified teacher, rather than a friend, to work with you.

Is it possible to make friends among the people?

You will find that most Chinese people are very happy to meet foreigners. There are still many times when you will be the first foreigner a person has seen, especially in some small cities. The Chinese are not shy about stopping to stare at you or to follow you around for a while. Most Chinese are friendly, hospitable and willing to help. You can make some close friends whose friendships will be lifelong.