Managing a comfortable living off a salary of 5000 RMB/month isn’t a far-fetched idea in China. Besides fulfilling the basic needs, it is also possible to pay off loans out if this salary package. But the fund management is largely influenced by your standard of living. Adapting to the Chinese lifestyle, weather, food guarantees a cheap living. However, if you continue to cling on to your western habits and needs, it would sit tight on your pocket. Television, stereo, DVD, personal computer, 24 hour air conditioning mean recurring charges. Therefore, if money is the primary concern in your teaching career you should rather look forward to countries like Korea, Taiwan, or Japan who pays much higher when compared to China.

The amount is variable, depending upon your lifestyle and adaptability. You will probably need accommodation for a couple of days before the TESOL program begins or in between the end of the TESOL program and the beginning of your teaching assignment. Bangkok displays an array of living options ranging from a truly basic 200 baht/night to a steeply priced 6000 baht/night. To choose a decent place, you will probably need to shell off 500-800 baht/month.

As salaries are disbursed at the end of the first month of teaching, it is wise to keep a provision of 5,000 RMB (approximately USD $600-800) for the first 6 weeks. PLUS and CIRRUS certified bank cards are used across all Chinese ATMs.

Working in Chinese schools is undoubtedly a different experience, compared to a more professional approach in western schools.

 

Benefits for a foreign teacher in Chinese Language Schools -

1. Your presence in the school and community is accepted with enthusiasm and pleasure.

2. It is possible to develop favorable social and professional contacts

3. Sweeping appreciation from the students.

4. Opportunity to one with the Chinese community

5. Be better enlightened about Chinese culture and living.

6. The TEFL trained teacher will need to be an expert in the basic conversational skills like speaking and listening (you don’t have to be a grammar expert, although grammar knowledge doesn't hurt).

7. Weekend work is normal

8. Enjoy a long list of holidays including semester breaks when even regular classes are replaced by entertaining functions and activities.

Impediments for a foreign teacher in Chinese-schools

1. A grossly populated class of 40-45 students.

2. Variable school timing from 8am – 9 pm from Sunday to Monday (holidays in weekdays)

3. Frequent communication errors between the teacher and the school, which need to be resolved.

4. Inadequate teaching resources.

5. Generally a low salary package is offered.

6. Need to get involved in extra-curricular and administrative activities like staff meeting, morning assembly, gate greeting etc. which are not always warmly accepted by foreign teachers.

ATI tries its best to make both the counters happy. But, it is usually difficult to perfectly match the school and the teacher, satisfying the needs and conditions of both sides. Schools often set criterions related to age, sex, experience, behavior, looks of the teachers and the parameters vary from school to school. Moreover, higher qualification fetches finer options. Therefore, teachers are recommended to be flexible while stating their preferences and supporting reasons. The sooner that you can commit, the better your chances will be of acquiring a position that you desire.

A. Documents to furnish -

• High School diplomas / Degrees, transcripts, certificates, diplomas, awards regardless of their relevance to teaching (both original and copies).

• It is always better to have more paperwork down, more seals and signatures attached.

B. The process to be followed -

It is a long drawn, complicated process involving a lot of bureaucratic intervention. Though innumerable proceedings are involved, the basic steps can be traced as –

• To acquire a 6 month Business Visa

• Apply for Work Permit at the Provincial Labor Office to match the Visa

• Work Permit or the Receipt of the same to be taken to Immigration, applying for Visa extension

• Carry the new Visa to the Provincial Labor Office, applying for extension on Work Permit

It is allowed to enter China on a free 30-day transit Visa. The 6-month B Visa is the maximum that can be arranged for, prior to the teacher’s departure from the home country. In case of unavailability or delay, the teachers need to go for a L (tourist Visa), later this can be converted in China to Business Visa.

The schools, all over the major cities of China, where the teachers are placed by ATI generally sports plush campuses. They are expected to have a commendable resource base with classrooms provided with blackboard or whiteboard, audio-visual teaching aids like TVs, CD/DVD players, OHPs etc. Schools are often fitted with A/Cs.

Chinese students are characteristically respectful towards teachers and are rarely rude or malicious. In smaller cities and towns, this respect transforms to awe and reverence to begin with. Chinese children tend to shy off from foreign teachers and can be pulled back only by creating an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness.

Everything is kept arranged in advance. The Program starts the very next day.

China is predominantly safe and healthy, playing host to thousands of tourists round the year. Most of them visit without any sort of vaccinations and don't suffer any dire consequences in the country famed for its burgeoning Medical Tourism.

Citizens of US, UK, Australia and other industrialized nations do not require inoculations. Precaution can be taken for hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus and polio though chances of infection are generally nil. Those planning to stay in the rural areas can carry Malaria pills with doctor’s advice, for use in emergency. Malaria isn’t a threat at all in the cities or beach resorts.

China is clear 4 seasons. Summer is very hot and winter very cold, Cotton weaves are best suited for such climate. However, the nights during the cool season (November to February) tends to get chilly in North. .

Teachers in Chinese society are highly esteemed. Thus professional attire for even the foreign teachers should strictly conform to the Chinese culture of dressing. Men, while in schools, are expected to wear formal trousers, shirts and closed shoes while ladies should necessary keep their shoulders and knees covered.

Beach wear is perfect on the sandy stretches. But elsewhere, the Chinese prefer to respect those who are not under-dressed or clad in revealing clothes. Staying decently clothed is a reflection of Chinese culture.

Western clothing the sizes small, medium and large is available in China at a cheap rate. A T-shirt can be as lowly tagged as $2.50. But it is difficult to lay your hands on the size XL or larger. Trial is suggested before every buy. Generally something that says XL is much smaller and there isn't any standardization. Large sized shoes and sandals are difficult to find.

China attracts with its eclectic blend of nature and culture. Its oriental exoticism has flourished further with the touch of contemporanity. Travelers in China are captivated by its beaches and mountains, its historical past, its bustling markets, architectures and infrastructures and culinary delights. The country is a treasure trove of endless offerings.

Currency exchange is suggested only after arriving in China. Exchange at the airport does not provide a rate comparable to the foreign banks but can save you till you come across an official currency exchange certified by a Chinese Bank. The major cities are dotted with exchange booths. Exchanging at hotels is the last option you should tap as they eat up at least 10% of your fund. Small changes come handy while paying of the taxis.

Chinese society is strongly particular about certain norms and codes of conduct, which even a foreign teacher is expected to follow.

• Primarily, one’s behaviour should express respect towards Chinese Royalty, Chinese people, Buddhism and the country.

• Greeting through the posture of ‘Wai’ (putting two palms together as if praying) and also responding to a ‘Wai’ is appreciated. However, the Chineses are considerate and tolerant and prefer to overlook unintended mistakes done by foreign visitors.

• Shoes need to be left outside, while entering a Chinese house, temple or school.

• It is considered extremely impolite and improper to point or show the bottom of your feet towards any person. It can happen when you cross your legs, sit on the floor or rest your feet on something. Pointing fingers at someone should also be replaced with gestures with your hand palm up, if you need to indicate anybody in particular.

• Head being the highest part of the body commands ultimate respect in Chinese society; thus nobody should be touched on the head.

• Public expression of anger, agitation, or jest is not welcome in Chinese society where the people are necessarily soft spoken. A mellowed and modest attitude is more acceptable.

• Kissing publicly is dismissed in Chinese society.

• All should dress appropriately and formally for the occasion and formal or official venues in Chinese community.

China embodies safety and security. Laptops can be left at the reception and passport in the safety deposit boxes, unflinchingly, if you don’t feel like carrying them. However, the basic safety measures like locking your luggage, bolting the door at night, taking care of the room keys and wallet and credit cards should not be ruled out altogether.

Tourists often indulge in tipping at bars, restaurants and in hotels. Rounding off taxi fares or leaving loose change from a restaurant bill is also common. But tipping is not consciously practiced in China.

Internet Cafes are found in plenty in China. The leading cities are dotted with net-hubs with varying prices.

In order to avoid inconvenience, luggage can be stacked in your hotel and valuables under separate and special care there itself, against the payment of a nominal charge. Airport can also be an alternative. Chubb Aviation offers what is reported to be secure luggage storage and they are open 24 hours a day.

China is well identified as shopper’s paradise. International tourists are usually on buying spree while exploring China. The malls and the big stores accept credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club for purchases. Credit cards can also be used for cash withdrawal from ATM and at currency exchange locations. However, cards are not that popular at smaller markets like the Weekend Market.

China offers a flexible range of living options for the travelers. An ideal allotment for daily- spending in China that promises a decent room, 3 meals and covers certain amount of traveling cost as well should be around $30. This however would not be sufficient for more vigorous traveling.

Chinese cuisine is eclectic but primarily spicy. It is relished even by the most fastidious tongue for its aroma, taste and the rollicking blend of ingredients. Though western food is easily available all over China, tourists prefer more to indulge in Chinese delicacies. For those who are allergic to certain food items, it is important to scan the menu card in detail before placing the order. On special request, restaurants can also prepare Chinese food, less spicy.

Chinese Police are known to be helpful if approached with a polite and decent attitude. Never, ever yell, point at or try to strike a police officer. In case you need to go the local police station, it is recommended to take a local speaker with you for better communication.

Western Union and wire transfer are the two leading modes of receiving fund in China from outside the country. Western Union renders prompt service against a hefty charge. Wire transfer at the foreign exchange sections of major banks on the other hand takes more time, depending on the country that is disbursing the fund. The Bank in China is the best in the trade. A passport is the basic requirement to process money transfer.

Solitary traveling is generally safe in China; though traveling in a group is always safer. Before setting out alone, it is good to take precautions like carrying copies of all important documents, keeping in touch with family and friends overseas. A foreign traveler should never hesitate to ask for local assistance as Chineses are always a helpful community.

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