Are you looking to teach abroad? Maybe you’ve just earned your TEFL or TESL certificate and want to put it to work. With so many options to consider from the dozens of countries available, it can be tough to decide between the tropical islands of Thailand, the down-to-earth nature of Colombia, or the captivating ancient-modern contrast of Japan. One of the most popular destinations for teaching abroad, however, is the dynamic country of China. Over the past few decades, it has become a magnet for international workers, drawing in models, teachers, businesspeople, and other professionals. And you’re about to find out why.
We’ll be going over three reasons why teaching in China could be a great opportunity and two others that might make you think twice.
Reasons to Teach in China
China is constantly trying to promote cross-cultural exchange, with English lessons being compulsory in schools after a certain age and many adults looking to dip their toes into the international business sector. Here are the top three reasons why you’ll want to teach in China.
Rich Cultural Immersion
It’s no secret that China is one of the oldest countries in the world. With that comes a great deal of historical and archaeological sites like the Great Wall of China and Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, cultural attractions like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and natural beauty found in just about every corner of the nation. The country is also 2% larger than the US, with over 700 official cities, each with its own dialects, delicacies to try, and places to see. Even citizens of China aren’t often able to tour the entirety of it, and you’ll be spoiled for choice as a foreign teacher there. You’ll get to immerse yourself in a culture that is vastly different from your own, participating in intriguing ancient practices like tea ceremonies and celebrating one-of-a-kind festivals like the 15-day Chinese New Year.
High Demand, High Salaries
Learning English has always been a growing interest since China opened up to the world back in the early 2010s, and it has only become more popular since. English has been compulsory in the education system for some time, but as many recognize that the language can open certain doors, there’s a new emphasis on after-school English classes. Many Chinese students want to study abroad, whether to simply get a degree elsewhere or eventually work in their country of choice. As these standards in the Chinese household continue to evolve, there likely won’t be a decrease in demand for English teachers any time soon. Although the profession may be more saturated in bigger cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the beautiful cities of Chengdu, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, among others, are still great choices. Depending on your experience and where you teach, whether at an international school or training center, you can often earn an attractive salary. Bolstering your qualifications—something highly valued in China—will help you improve your prospects and earn you more opportunities in the field.
Travel Opportunities
China is a fantastic jump-off point for travel in Asia, as it’s close to other must-see destinations like Thailand, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines. With so many extended breaks to take advantage of as a teacher, you’ll be able to get away to a variety of places and experience other cultures in Asia. China itself boasts a range of cities and attractions too, and you can visit modern, high-tech cities and ancient sites affordably and conveniently. The country’s high-speed rail is, in fact, the longest in the entire world and can zip you to over 180 cities in 32 provinces.
Reasons Not to Teach in China
Moving to China, like any other country in the world, will also bring a few challenges that teachers should consider.
Cultural and Language Barriers
While urban areas, like those major cities we mentioned above, make it easier for English speakers to navigate, Chinese is still the native language. Especially if you venture off to smaller towns or more rural provinces, you will likely struggle to communicate with the locals. That’s why many teachers opt to learn the language while there, almost like an exchange of their own. Aside from the language barriers, there might also be cultural differences that can lead to misunderstandings or culture shock. It can take time to adapt to these changes, but getting over these humps is simply part of the integration process. Reframing these potentially jarring situations as learning curves will help you make strong connections with the people around you and your new environment.
Strict Censorship
The Chinese government is infamous for its strict rules and heavy restrictions on online content and freedom of speech. Depending on your views and how you conduct your everyday life, this factor may or may not hold much weight in your decision to teach in China. Many popular websites that people access on a daily basis in the US aren’t available in China, including Google, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, and YouTube. On top of that, the government heavily monitors internet usage and communication and censorship surrounding certain topics. You certainly won’t be able to find the best social casino games at casinos.com or to try to get around the rules with a VPN—but ultimately, this will only encourage you to discover other forms of entertainment and see exactly how Chinese citizens operate in this landscape.