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TESOL | How to Find a Job in China

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How To Find a TESOL Job in China!

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) positions are available in many Asian countries, but China offers the most variety, cultural richness and demand for teachers. Follow the steps here to find a job in China. You will need a good resume, letter of introduction and the correct documentation to let employers make a decision about you, then pack and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!


Image: drs2biz, on Flickr. | Lens Updated: March 8th, 2010 @ 10:20 pm Beijing time.

Bored or Burnt Out?

Join the growing numbers of people who are enjoying the travel, lifestyle and prestige of a TESOL Teacher in the People's Republic of China!

What Special Teaching Certificates Do I Need?

A TESOL/TEFL Certificate is great, but you may not need it...

Advanced TESOL Certificate

The main requirement to be a Foreign English Teacher in China is to be a native English speaker from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK or the USA. Higher qualifications, such as a graduate or post-graduate degree or teaching certificate will get you a good job in a university or government school.

Additional qualifications, such as a TEFL or TESOL Certificate are very handy to demonstrate training in English language teaching techniques. My advice is simply to place your resume on 'China TESOL Jobs' and apply for a position!

Random Images of TESOL Teaching in China

Click on a thumbnail for a larger view of these images...

Xin Po Middle School by drs2biz
Students at Xin Po Middle School by drs2biz
Gate at Xin Po Middle School by drs2biz
Mural at Xin Po Middle School by drs2biz
Feature Wall at Xin Po Middle School by drs2biz
Xin Po Middle School 030 by drs2biz
Media Room at Xin Po Middle School by drs2biz
UESTC Main Gate - Admin Building by drs2biz
UESTC Class 7 by drs2biz
View Of The Lecturer! by drs2biz
West Gate Entrance to UESTC by drs2biz
Summer Camp 2006 UESTC by drs2biz
curated content from Flickr
Important!

Steps to Getting a TESOL Job...

Step 1 - Prepare and/or Polish Up Your Resume

Prepare or polish up your resume.A simple resume is the best one. Remember that English is probably the second language of the person who will read it. Follow these 8 steps to make a resume that will get results:

  1. Make sure that the resume has, at most, only 3 pages. Keep it shorter, if you can.

  2. Make sure your resume includes a passport sized photo of your self.

  3. Use MS Word to give your name & address (header) and contact information (footer).

  4. Insert a sub heading for "Objectives" and state them.

  5. Insert a sub heading for "Qualifications and Skills" and state them.

  6. Insert a sub heading for "Professional Assets" (previous job roles) and state them.

  7. Insert a sub heading for "Experience" and state previous jobs (reverse chronologically).

  8. Insert a sub heading for "Referees" and state them.

Step 2 - Write a Punchy Letter of Introduction

Write a punchy cover letter.This need not be too complex. Create the letter as a text or MS Word document by following these 10 simple steps:

  1. Type your full name as the main (centred) document heading.

  2. Next, type the (centred) subheading "International TESOL English Teacher".

  3. Next, type any specialisations relevant (e.g. "specialised in teaching adults").

  4. Next, type your mission statement in italics. An example could be
    "Passionate about teaching English in China to make a difference in people's lives"

  5. Write a paragraph about yourself and why you would be a good teacher for them.

  6. Write a paragraph on your vision and your skills which will lead to achieving it for them.

  7. Type the stand alone sentence "I would love to use my high energy levels, self-motivation and demonstrated personal initiative to make a difference in students' lives".

  8. Type the stand alone sentence "I am ready to go to the People's Republic of China and I am looking for a 12-month contract to start in {Month/Year}".

  9. Type the stand alone sentence "I can be contacted at my email address: {email}"

  10. Type your Full Name as a signature.

Step 3 - Add Your Profile on 'China TESOL Jobs'

Add your profile to 'China TESOL Jobs'.Posting resumes on 'China TESOL Jobs' is really simple. Here is a step by step guide:

Go to www.chinatesoljobs.com and then complete the following 5 steps:

  1. Click on "Register as a Jobseeker" on the Home Page and enter your details.

  2. Activate your account using the email link you receive shortly afterwards.

  3. Login to China TESOL Jobs and update your user details.

  4. Go to Jobseeker Dashboard and copy and paste or upload your resume.

  5. Go to Jobseeker Dashboard and copy and paste your cover letter. You're done.

Step 4 - Search & Apply for TESOL Jobs in China

Search for jobsNow it's time to look for a job! My personal advice would be to do some research into the Province, and even the city that you prefer to live and work in. A quick search on Wikipedia can help you with this. When you are ready to find a job in your dream location, follow through with these steps:

  1. Search for jobs in China on 'China TESOL Jobs' using the search engine provided.

  2. Apply directly to any school or position that interest you.

  3. If you simply want to mark a position for future reference, mark it as "saved".

  4. If you cannot locate a suitable position, carry out a search on the major search engines, using "China TESOL Jobs" for keywords.

Step 5 - Check Your Messages Regularly

Check your messages regularlyMake sure you check your email, and login to 'China TESOL Jobs' regularly to keep up with any schools requesting further information from you.

A Small Sample of TESOL Jobs in China

Take a look at some of the job vacancies avaliable...

English Teachers Wanted in China!
Guizhou Forerunner College - Mission, OR
in western regions of China. • Teach underprivileged... Free Chinese lessons • PRC (People’s Republic of China) holidays, winter and summer breaks • Access to... ...
International Opportunity in China for ESL Qualified Individuals!
K12 - China, ME
China. Today, Web has become one of the biggest international English training centers in China. Each... China Incumbents would be expected to live in China... ...
Local Teacher*, Educational Homestay Programs, Long Beach, CA
EF Education First Ltd. - Long Beach, CA
education in ESL/EFL (Ma in TESOL preferred, TEFL... Islands Central African Rep. Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Is. Colombia... ...
Foreign Trainer
- China, ME
to children throughout China. An opportunity with... 2-12 at Disney English Language Learning Centres in China during a 12 to 15 month contract. Trainers will... ...
English Language Teacher*, EF International Language Centers, Tarrytown, NY
EF Education First Ltd. - Mission, OR
with CELTA, DELTA, TESOL, or EFL training. Experience... 1 year ESL teaching experience or successful TESOL training program completion In your application... ...
See more results

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Buy some of these great books before you go to China...

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How About Getting a TESOL Job in China?

Do you think you could handle being an English teacher?

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  • jamespete Nov 2, 2011 @ 7:16 pm | delete
    Good stuff about TESOL and the process of getting a job. The visa will loom large. The good news is there's lots of jobs. The Chinese love their education.
  • slihn21 Jul 14, 2011 @ 12:41 am | delete
    This is so interesting to me because my brother moved to China a year ago for this very reason. I am going to forward him this, if that's okay with you.
  • Trireme Jun 26, 2011 @ 9:19 am | delete
    I would like to experience teaching English in China and no doubt your lens provides some helpful information one i will keep an eye on thanks. ; ]
  • nickupton May 2, 2011 @ 10:37 am | delete
    Excellent and clearly given advice. I taught in Thailand for 7 years and can confirm that TESOL teaching in a foreign country is very rewarding.
  • poc Dec 28, 2010 @ 8:48 pm | delete
    Great Advice for any person wanting to be an English Teacher in China
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drs2biz

Australian Giant Squid and a Squid Angel. Enjoys photography, museums and dining with friends. more »

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