356 Teaching English as a Foreign Language For Dummies
China
China is one of the most historic civilisations in the world. The main
languages are Mandarin and Cantonese. The people respect foreigners and
are generally friendly. It helps if you ride a bike.
Standards vary so much in China that you should get as much information as
you possibly can before accepting a job.
✓ Accommodation: About £140 per month
✓ Classes: Ages vary from young children to older business executives
but there could be up to 100 students in a class! You may find yourself
submerged in homework to mark.
✓ Contracts: Jobs are available year round. Be prepared to negotiate.
You can expect to get help with accommodation, and have medical
insurance and airfares provided and to get ten days paid holiday plus
public holidays. You work an average of 15 hours per week.
✓ Cost of living: For the average Foreign Teacher it’s usually necessary
to take on private lessons to allow for the standard of living you are
used to.
✓ Qualifications: Degree, but TEFL certificate not always necessary.
Foreign Teachers are classified differently from Foreign Experts who
must have an MA in a related field and teaching experience in higher
education. This distinction applies mainly to university work.
✓ Salary: Foreign Experts have half their salaries paid in a hard currency,
approximately £1,000 per month and the rest in the local currency.
✓ Travelling: China Eastern Airlines, China Airlines
✓ Visa: You need a Z-visa before arriving, and this takes two months or
more to obtain.
✓ Where to teach: Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzho, Shenzhen. These cities are
better paid but very crowded.
Italy
The north and south vary greatly in terms of pace of life. Life in the south
follows a more leisurely Mediterranean pace but the north is faster and more
efficient. People are very image conscious but hospitable. This is a beautiful
country and a good place to start a career.
