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China Survival Kit for ESL Teachers

Contents:

1. Is China right for me?
2. ESL Teaching Certification: Do I really need it?
3. Understand the different types of Chinese Visas.
4. Understand the contract.
5. What do I need to bring with me?
6. Do I need to study any Chinese?

1. Is China right for you? This is a crucial question that you must look into.

Maybe Korea or Japan, or even Taiwan "Province," is a better fit? China is a cool country to see, and it probably is easier to travel around during your holidays as the trains are cheap and convenient. But the wages are relatively low in comparison with other places. But as living costs are low inside China, you'll find that it's more than enough to get by.

If you do not have a flexible, adjust-to-adversity type personality, be wary about coming here. There are a lot of pissed-off foreigners in China, who bitch and complain on a daily basis. Ask yourself, do you possess the understanding to live in a place where thoughts and opinions often differ greatly from your own? China is still third world, with countless injustices. Ask yourself how you will react to that.

2. ESL Teaching Certification: Do you really need it?

If teaching is not in your future career plans, I would advise against it. While certain qualifications may be required to teach in other Asian countries, China is not nearly as picky when it comes to the English Teaching Industry, and this is especially true of private schools (as opposed to public schools or universities. If your purpose in China is to mostly travel, and see the world, and all that jazz - I'd recommend skipping on the certification. If you look like you speak English (i.e. if you look different from the local population) it's often enough.

It's not uncommon for a person whose first language is not English (maybe someone from France, Spain, or Italy for example) to be employed at a school, despite not having great English themselves. But they look the part. On the other hand there are often teachers (such as Chinese Americans or Canadians, or teachers from English speaking African countries for example) who have trouble finding work in China - simply because they are not what many Chinese stereotypically perceive as a Native English Speaker. This is unfortunate, but it happens sometimes.

3. Understand the different types of Chinese Visas.

I'm gonna defer to another source on this one. Also, do some research into the "Foreign Experts Card" which you might have if you are employed by a more credible (usually) institution.

Do some reading on the internet about the different types of Chinese Visas, and be wary of schools that don't seem to follow these rules. Yes, there are some schools that will bring teachers here to teach on only a tourist visa - this is illegal, and should be avoided.

Please make sure that when you research this topic, that your information is up-to-date. Here are some links:
Introduction to types of Chinese Visas
Dave's ESL Cafe Visa Discussion
Hong Kong Visa Shopping
What is a "Foreign Expert Card?"
State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs

4. Understand the contract.

Personally, I would not sign a contract before arrival. While some schools may demand that you sign a faxed copy, I would not sign a contract in this manner unless you are fully confident that this particular school can meet your standards. It's common that you might be told one thing before you arrive, and then see that things are not as they should be when you get here.

If you arrive at your school, and for some reason are surprised and/or shocked by your situation, don't hesitate to hit the streets in seach of a better situation.

Get in touch with the ex-pat community in whatever city you choose to work in, and ask for advice from those who have done it all before. Read weblogs and forums, and organize the information you've gathered.
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5. What do I need to take with me?

If you're in one of the more developed cities, you likely won't need to bring too much. Generally speaking, you can buy pretty much everything you need in big shopping centers like Wal-mart or Carrefour, which are all over China and still spreading.

Consider taking a laptop computer, if you have one. Especially if it has a DVD player (you can build a pretty hefty DVD collection here. Many schools will accomodate you with an internet conection, or help set one up in your apartment. I'm really glad I brought mine (on ebay). I can watch Canadian news whenever I want, and keep in touch with friends and family very easily. When I first arrived I unnecessarily spent a lot of money on IP cards to phone home, but now I just use voice chat on a MSN messenger. It's free! Some of my friends use Skype as well. Also, if you do take your computer, back up all your important information and programs on a CD, just in case you need them later (I'm glad I did!). Other handy items: mp3 players.

If you are dependant on any medication, then you should probably stock up if you cannot find it in China. If you wear contact lenses, bring enough to last your trip, unless you're ok with a trip to Mr. Chinese Optomitrist. Do your research as to what you can and cannot bring into the country.

Everyone seems to have a cell phone here, but it may not be necessary to bring one as they're pretty cheap here anyway. Second hand phones are readily available. If you take a phone from home, check to see if it's China compatible.

6. Do I need to study any Chinese?

While learning Chinese is not necessary for an English teacher by any means, it does help things go much more smoothly. Some teachers arrive and speak English at work, spend time outside the school with ex-pat friends, and don't really have much contact with people who don't speak English (which is a sizable portion of the population!). I think if you want to maximize the value of your trip to China, you should have some basic knowledge of the language.

First of all, you can get more done in your day to day life without having to rely on your school or friends for translation help all the time. It's nice to be independant. Secondly, it also helps when you are teaching English, believe it or not! If you understand some basic Chinese grammar, it can help you understand some common mistakes that Chinese people make when speaking English. for example: "I very like apples" or "I tomorrow with my father will play ping-pong ball."

I recommend taking a course at your local university, or hook up with a language exchange partner before you leave (and maybe after you arrive as well). Many of the private English schools in China have class mostly in the evenings and weekends. While most universities will offer Chinese language classes Monday to Friday, mornings and afternoons - sometimes, just mornings! English teaching in China is not too demanding, at about 20 to 25 hours a week, and there are some who do both work and study.

There are also many resources on the net for Chinese study. I recommend the Pimsleur Mandarin Lessons (mp3 format), which you can track down pretty easily. I discovered them only recently, and I wish I had known about them before I came here.