China, with its rich history and vibrant culture, has become a popular destination for teachers looking to broaden their horizons. However, before packing your bags and hopping on a plane, it’s important to understand the requirements for teaching abroad in this fascinating country. In this guide, we will delve into the five essential requirements for teaching in China.
1. Bachelor’s Degree
First and foremost, a Bachelor’s degree is a non-negotiable requirement for teaching in China. This is similar to the requirements in many other countries, including the UK and the US. The degree can be in any subject, not necessarily in education or the subject you wish to teach. This requirement is set by the Chinese government to ensure a certain level of education among foreign teachers.
It’s worth noting that the degree must be verified and notarised, which can be a bit of a process. You’ll need to provide your original degree certificate, so make sure you have this document in a safe place. If you’re a recent graduate, don’t worry – you can still apply for teaching positions while you’re waiting for your certificate to arrive.
2. TEFL Certification
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and a certification in this area is another key requirement for teaching in China. This is akin to having a driver’s license when applying for a driving job – it shows you have the necessary skills to do the job effectively.
There are many TEFL courses available, both online and in-person. The course should be at least 120 hours long to meet the Chinese government’s requirements. Some schools in China may even offer to reimburse your TEFL course fees as part of your employment package, so it’s worth asking about this during your job interview.
3. Clean Criminal Record
Just like in many other countries, China requires foreign teachers to have a clean criminal record. This is to ensure the safety of students and maintain the integrity of the teaching profession. You’ll need to provide a criminal background check from your home country, which must be notarised and authenticated.
Keep in mind that the process for obtaining a criminal background check can vary depending on your home country. It’s best to start this process early to avoid any delays in your application.
4. Health Check
Another requirement for teaching in China is a clean bill of health. This is similar to the health checks required for other jobs that involve working with children, such as in the UK’s education sector.
You’ll need to undergo a medical examination in your home country and provide a notarised and authenticated health certificate. The health check typically includes tests for infectious diseases and a physical examination. It’s a good idea to schedule this examination as soon as you’ve decided to teach in China, as the results can take a few weeks to process.
5. Two Years of Teaching Experience
Finally, most schools in China require foreign teachers to have at least two years of teaching experience. This is similar to the requirements for teaching positions in the UK, where experience is highly valued. However, this requirement can sometimes be waived if you have a degree in education or a relevant subject.
It’s worth noting that your teaching experience doesn’t necessarily have to be in the subject you wish to teach in China. Any teaching experience, whether it’s tutoring, mentoring, or classroom teaching, can count towards this requirement.
Conclusion
Teaching in China can be a rewarding and enriching experience, offering the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture while developing your teaching skills. However, it’s important to be prepared and understand the requirements before embarking on this adventure.
By meeting these five essential requirements – a Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, a clean criminal record, a health check, and two years of teaching experience – you’ll be well on your way to starting your teaching journey in China. So why not take the plunge and start exploring the opportunities that await you in the Middle Kingdom?
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