Teaching in China Archives – Page 2 of 2 – China Youth International Co., Ltd.

COVID-19: Future of English Language (ESL) Teaching in China 2020

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a huge impact in a very short space of time on the online English language teaching (ELT) industry in China.
With hundreds of thousands of students effectively unable to leave their homes, schools, brick-and-mortar language schools and existing online teaching companies rushed to get as many of them learning online as possible.
As with everything in China, the change from classroom-based teaching to online learning was incredibly fast, and while many people are now back at work, many schools have still not reopened. Primary and secondary schools started online classes in Shanghai as of March 2. Classes are delivered either via cable TV channels or through platforms like Ding Talk, a popular chat and video conferencing app (think a mix of WhatsApp and Zoom). Indeed, Ding Talk reports that more than 700,000 students in Wuhan alone are taking classes on the platform.

MARKET STRAIN

The market was difficult even before the outbreak, with competition from the new online language schools. This put a real strain on brick and mortar schools that were teaching offline. It was only in October of 2019 when Webi (Web International English), a large chain, went out of business leaving staff unpaid and students without reimbursement.

With the coronavirus, many language schools across China faced a huge problem. In an already challenging market, they were unable to operate. Faced with no income and potentially still liable for their ongoing costs such as rental and staff salaries, they have experienced heavy losses in what is traditionally a strong sales period after the Chinese New Year.

Moreover larger online providers like TAL have been looking to capitalise on the situation by partnering with over 300 public schools across China and others offering free or discounted classes.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE OUTBREAK IS FINALLY OVER?

While primary and secondary schools may return to school as normal, the situation could be very different for smaller language schools. Students may return and some may survive with a big hit to their annual income.

But while students may return in the short term to take classes they had already paid for, now that they have experienced online classes, which they may not have done before, will they continue to enrol in courses, or will they switch to online providers?

In the online training webinars I have run there is a clear fear among language schools that they have to adapt quickly to online teaching, not just during the coronavirus, but for the foreseeable future.

THE ATTRACTION OF ONLINE ENGLISH CLASSES

Online English classes are not a new phenomenon in China. EF, Education First, a big player in the Chinese market, has been running online classes as part of a blended/hybrid model (where students do some classes face to face and additional classes online) since the early 2000s.

The proposition is simple. As a student or parent, a decade ago, you had to enrol at your local language school, hope they provide a good teacher and spend a significant proportion of your income. Now you can enrol your child at an online school, pick and choose the teacher and not have to sit and wait in the lounge for the class to finish after work or on the weekend. If you are not happy with the school, you can simply switch to another provider.

CAN BRICK-AND-MORTAR LANGUAGE SCHOOLS SURVIVE?

Given this potentially accelerated competition from online, many schools are asking more than ever ‘what they can do to compete with purely online schools?’ A common strategy seems to be to try to move to a blended/hybrid model, the strategy that Education First has been using for several years.

There are challenges in doing this. Not only do brick-and-mortar schools need to differentiate from online schools somehow, the transition to online teaching, as many have experienced, is not easy.

While in the short term platforms like Ding Talk work as they can be deployed very quickly and cheaply, they are not really designed as online classrooms and don’t have the key features required for teaching (interactive class materials, student reward systems, drawing tools etc.) Nor do they have student and teacher management systems to handle scheduling, class feedback or customer service.

While parents will no doubt understand the expediency of teaching online via a platform like Ding Talk, it’s not a sustainable model long term (unless Ding Talk adjusts the platform quickly for its new user case!)

RECRUITMENT OF FOREIGN TEACHERS

There is an industry tied to the ELT industry that recruits foreign teachers into China. There is a lot of concern that the supply of qualified foreign teachers will become even tighter. In the short term at least, rightly or wrongly, China may no longer be seen an attractive destination for teachers due to the coronavirus. Given the Chinese government’s recent tightening of regulations on teachers’ qualifications and backgrounds, some smaller schools are going to need to reassess the feasibility of the foreign teacher in the offline classroom.

With no reduction in desire from parents and students for qualified foreign teachers however, new models for language schools will be needed if foreign teacher supply does indeed fall. One option that will need to be explored is an expanded role for high-quality local teachers teaching in the offline classroom coupled with an independent contractor foreign teacher teaching online. This could be either joining the classroom live via a teaching platform or as additional classes when students are at home.

AND THE REST OF THE WORLD?

The impact of the coronavirus will not just be felt in the Chinese ELT market, but many other countries that rely on China as a source of a lot of their students. With the travel restrictions due to the fear of a global spread Chinese students are not travelling to language schools and camps abroad. In the UK bookings have already fallen dramatically, and with other major sources of students, such as Italy and Japan, also reducing bookings the future is looking rather bleak for some businesses. They too will need to find ways to adapt to the changing future of ELT.

We have been saying it for years but the coronavirus may have just proved it. The future of language teaching not just in China, but globally, is online.

South Africans: 5 reasons you should teach English in China

I know it’s hard to believe – a teaching job with a decent salary and enough time to travel and explore? I thought so too when my friend told me about his experiences while teaching English abroad. But then I did some more research and decided it really was worth a try. Among other possibilities, I chose to teach English in China.

Why China? Well, with a huge population, a growing demand for learning English, and a rich culture, China offers both the job opportunities and the excitement any teacher would wish for.

As a South African you are from the start in a very good position to become a teacher in China. Being able to speak English as a native language is a valuable asset nowadays and more and more South Africans are using that advantage to find satisfying teaching jobs in China. There is a large South African expat community there and you may even contact some of the members if you have any questions about their life abroad.

Even though as a South African you enjoy a wide range of choice regarding the countries you can teach in, let me give you a few reasons why teaching in China was a dream come true for me and why it may also be the same for you.

1. English Teachers are in High Demand

China is booming, and with its rapidly growing middle class, many people are looking to improve their lives and the lives of their children. Speaking English can open many doors for them. That’s where you come in.

There are so many places where you can teach: kindergartens, high schools, international schools, language schools… Even Chinese companies are hiring teachers to help their business professionals.

There are certain requirements you must meet to be able to teach in China, and you will, of course, need to obtain an employment visa (Z-visa), but this is a relatively straightforward process. Make some effort and, depending on your contract and the city you choose, you can enjoy benefits such as free housing, free flights or a housing allowance.

2. Travel Opportunities are Fantastic

Yes, after a while you will have time to travel around the country and experience it like no tourist can. China has so much to offer!

There are the well-known big cities, of course. But this country is so much more. Its Yunnan and Shaanxi provinces are the home of the most exciting hikes and remains of ancient cities. Guilin and Yangshuo offer backpackers the chance to explore hot springs, mud caves, and the famous rice fields, all while staying in nearby villages. Whatever province you choose, you are guaranteed something spectacular!

3. You Can Learn a New Language

They say that Chinese is extremely difficult to learn. However, once you move there, you’ll realise that it’s not quite the case. If you’re willing to put in some work, immerse yourself in the language every day and communicate with the locals, you can pick up a lot in a short time.

Start with the basics, practise regularly with your friends or students, and you will move on to more complex things soon.

And anyway – wouldn’t this new ability look impressive in your CV?

4. The Food is Amazing

Every province in China has its distinct style of cooking, so the variety of dishes is unbelievable. There is something for everyone. For example, noodles and dumplings are typical for Northern China, sweet and light food for Eastern China, while in the central part they mostly like really spicy dishes.

You will also learn a lot about customs and etiquette in Chinese dining, which may be quite different than what you’re used to. All in all, even the food in China is an adventure!

5. The Students Are Fun

For the most part, the students in China are enthusiastic, fun-loving and respectful of their teachers.

However, it is a bit of a myth that they are really well-behaved in class. A lot of them see their ‘’foreign teacher class’’ as an opportunity to take a break from the pressure of their other classes. But this isn’t a bad thing. It just means that you can do your job in a more relaxed manner, with more fun games!

Teaching English in China is a lot of work, especially in the beginning, but it is also hugely rewarding. Besides being excellent for your career, it also comes with some benefits that teachers in many other countries don’t have.
With some effort put in, you may have an unforgettable life experience!

Source: https://www.wanderlustmovement.org

ESL Life Teaching English in China Working in China

How much you can save teaching English in China?

China youth international - teac English in China

How much money you can save working in China

shanghai- teach English in china — Shanghai, China

There are more and more teachers looking to teach English in China. It’s by no means a new phenomenon – teachers have been pilgrimaging to this ancient country for longer than any of us have been alive. The first American missionary was Elijah Coleman Bridgman (what a name!) who arrived in 1830!

What’s new is the sheer number of people flocking toteach ESL in China. Every day we talk to teachers who are curious about the opportunities. Part of this is because China has become competitive when it comes to salary and benefits. The doors are being flung open and teachers are lining up to find out what all the fuss is about.

Although there’s a lot of controversy around whether China has the most English speakers in the world, there’s no doubt that it has the most English learners. An estimated 250 – 350 million English learners are living in China today. And English learners need English teachers!

With all these English learners knocking about, it’s no wonder China is investing so heavily in teachers and becoming such an attractive TEFL destination. It’s such a massive country, that you could spend years and years there and still have more to see…

Let’s check out the numbers and see what all the fuss is about!

How much can you earn teaching English in China?

There’s a big salary range when it comes to teaching English in China. Like anywhere, it’s going to depend on your experience and education. At the top end of the scale, you could be making as much as $4,000 USD per month, but it’s more likely that fresh-faces will land somewhere about $2,000 a month.

The average salary for those teaching English in China with a little experience under their belt is between $2,000- 3,000 (natives). Although you may need to complete a year at a slightly lower salary before you make that much. As with everything else, it completely depends on the program, the school and the teacher. But you can rest assured that there is money to be made in China for qualified candidates.

Side note: Teachers who are licensed teaching professionals in their home country (with a 120-hour TEFL and teaching experience) could make a monthly salary as high as $5,000. This is a side note because it would be disingenuous to pretend that this is common. Most teachers will make a salary in the average range, with opportunities to increase their salary over time.

One last thing! Salaries vary from rural to city areas to account for cost of living. Smaller towns or rural areas tend to pay teachers a lot less as teachers won’t have a high cost of living (we know, that seems a bit counterintuitive when South Korea offers bonuses for teachers willing to brave the wilds).

We recommend applying to cities if you’re planning to save money. There are absolutely tons of them, and it can seem daunting to decide where to go, so why not check out our blog on the best Chinese cities to teach TEFL in.

Is housing included in my overall compensation package?

Most, but not all schools, offer free housing. So you need to factor this into the equation. And there should be some sort of equation happening if you’re planning to teach abroad. Including projected costs and the cost of living are just as important as salary.

So the fact that housing is covered is a big benefit for teachers hoping to teach in China. Obviously, if your rent is covered you will be making substantially more than a teacher who has to pay for a place to rest their head.

What about those benefits?

China is pretty sweet when it comes to benefits and they’re right up there with all the best countries for ESL teachers. More than likely, English teaching positions in China will include free housing, flight reimbursement, visa assistance, health insurance and the added bonus of Mandarin lessons.

You’ll obviously need some savings to get set up and it’s wise to be prepared to pay for your flights (you’ll get it back later, don’t worry) and have enough money to survive for your first month. Anything between $2,000 – 3,000 should cover flights and set-up expenses. This is giving you room for unexpected costs, so you could save less and still get to China! As always, it depends on how thrifty your spirit truly is.

What do I need to know about the cost of living in China?

The cost of living in China is generally very low. Teachers usually are surprised at the quality of life they can afford. From food to weekend travel, there’s no shortage to what a TEFL teacher in China can budget for while still making bank.

Expenses in the countryside are remarkably lower than in the cities, but without too much effort a teacher in the city can get by on well under $1,000 per month (and that’s being conservative). We’ve got some money saving tips below!

So, tell me how much I can save already?

In one year teaching in a Chinese city, it’s possible to save between $20,500 – 38,000. The less you travel the more you will save, but even those who travel quite a bit should have no trouble making bank. Countryside dwellers will be able to save something closer to $10,000 – 18,000 (if they’re particularly frugal) in one year.

It’s worth noting that most teachers will receive raises as they gain experience and so that if you want to build a career in China, your savings should increase every single year.

Our top 5 tips for saving money while teaching in China

1. Travel China – not Asia.

China is massive with tons to explore and if you really want to put away some serious money, it makes sense to save money by sticking to the country you’re in. Food, accommodation and transport are all cheap, so you can see a lot of the country for very little.

2. Eat local food.

It’s all part of the experience and foreign/American food will come at a premium. Of course, there’s plenty of it, but eating traditional food and learning to cook some of it will save you loads.

3. Make sure your accommodation is covered by your job.

This is one of the biggest costs most people have every month. One of the major advantages of teaching abroad in China is that you might not have to worry about this.

4. Make a budget and stick to it.

It’s easy to spend your money without realizing. Why not break down your monthly income (including target savings) and watch the money pile up. This will stop you blowing it all on a spur of the moment weekend in Thailand, just because!

5. Make sure your flights are reimbursed.

Air travel is pricey and paying for flights yourself will make a dent in your current savings. Making sure they’re included will mean you can save the $1,000 or so that you would otherwise be spending.

Why teaching in China tops being a tourist

Teaching abroad and traveling are popular choices among people who have finished university, but aren’t quite ready to enter the working world. Both are valuable experiences that open your eyes to a new culture and way of life, but which is best? When it comes to exploring the Middle Kingdom, teaching English arguably offers more advantages over traveling. Here are some of the main benefits of teaching in China offers over tourism.

Experience More of the Culture

Ancient history, age-old traditions, and cultural superstitions combine to make Chinese culture both rich and complex. Visitors get a mere glimpse of this 5,000-year-old civilization, while those teaching in China have the chance to delve deeper and experience more of this fascinating country.

Living and teaching in China, you will discover fascinating cultural differences and language through everyday tasks such as going to the supermarket, commuting and visiting the bank. Living in a typical apartment in a local neighborhood, you truly will experience how the locals live.

Between life in and outside of work, English teachers in China meet a wide range of people. From your students to your colleagues, to the street food seller you pass on your commute, your daily routine opens you up to interacting with people from all walks of life. Forming friendships, discovering the language and working with locals will help you better understand and appreciate the culture than perhaps possible as a tourist.

Add to Your CV

Though teaching in China is growing in popularity, many remain under the impression it’s simply for those who wish to begin a teaching career, and may instead choose to travel.

Of course, teaching abroad is extremely advantageous for anyone planning to teach in their home country. Though, what many don’t realize is that it is an enriching experience that equips you with skills useful to almost any industry.

International experience is becoming increasingly sought after by employers. Living and teaching abroad not only gives you this but also the ability to adapt to a new culture, way of life and working environment. When competing against hundreds of applicants with equally impressive credentials, such experience certainly helps you stand out from the crowd.

If you’re still not sure about the teaching, consider the variety of skills you can gain from it. Public speaking, adaptability, problem solving, and time management are just a few skills teachers use that are sought by employers across the board. Furthermore, foreign language skills are highly desired in many industries. The exposure to native speakers, immersive environment and appealing schedule teaching in China provides, make it ideal for language learning.

An Exciting Way of Life

The reality of teaching in China is just as exciting as it sounds. Even mundane tasks like popping to the shop, taking the bus, or commuting are interesting in a foreign culture. You might have traveled across the world to work, but work is only part of the adventure. There’s always something to learn in your new environment and whether you’re in the classroom or exploring, it’s equally enthralling.

This excitement of daily life is augmented by the appreciation English teachers in China receive from their colleagues and students. The respect for teachers and interest in foreigners among general Chinese society means you will be welcomed into your new home and workplace and feel valued. Moreover, English teachers in China have the opportunity to make a real impact on students’ lives. English education is extremely important in China and the exposure to your native accent and culture will help them hugely. This truly rewarding experience helps you give to the community in a way that is simply not possible for tourists.

Get The Best of Both Worlds by Teaching in China

Foreign English teachers are in particularly high demand in China, making it a very appealing destination to teach in. Long-term English teachers in China receive generous salaries in exchange for teaching an appealing schedule. Salary and working hours depend of course on location, but English teachers in China can earn around 5000 – 17,000 RMB per month and teach for 15-30 hours per week. In addition, most schools provide free accommodation close to the campus, giving English teachers in China with a comfortable lifestyle.

Long-term English teachers in China benefit from several national holidays throughout the year. This, combined with generous salaries and minimal expenses easily allows teachers in China to get the best of both worlds; earning while travelling. A 7-day holiday in October, 4-6 weeks in January and various long weekends thro

The Flexibility of Teaching in China

The beauty of teaching in China is the flexibility it offers. If you, like many others, realise towards the end of your contract you haven’t had enough, it’s easy to extend. Your school is likely to offer you a renewed contract, sometimes with a pay rise. Should you decide it’s time to move on, you’ll find that schools across the country are looking for teachers. With some TEFL experience under your belt, you’re sure to find a suitable role.

You may even find teaching in China has whetted your appetite for teaching abroad and a new challenge. Several of our previous teachers have returned to China, while others have embarked on an adventure in a different country. Whatever you choose to do after, you’ll find that teaching in China opens so many doors!

throughout the year means that whether you want a shortstop in Japan or a few weeks in Thailand, you’re sure to get the chance!

Source: https://teach-english-in-china.co.uk

China ESL Life