Ever thought about teaching English in a fantastic country like China? What do foreigners benefit when they teach English in Shanghai? Being in Shanghai means you’d be in the heart of Asia, which provides countless travel opportunities to nearby countries.
With its bustling job market, attractive salaries, and diverse teaching roles, Shanghai offers an opportunity like no other. There is a high demand for English teachers in Shanghai, with numerous ESL jobs available.
Generally speaking, you’ll need a work permit and an initial contract to get started, but once you do, you’ll find a work culture that allows you to live comfortably. There are plenty of job opportunities waiting for those eager to explore this vibrant city’s potential.
What are the Basics?
1. Teaching English in Shanghai provides great benefits!
From a booming job market teeming with numerous teaching positions to the potential of earning a high salary, Shanghai gives us a head start like no other city.
The beauty of teaching English here is diversity. Depending on my passion and expertise, I chose to be a private tutor teaching kids English at home because it provides the most flexibility for me. But there are a range of educational settings to choose from: teaching lively primary students, engaging high school teens, or conducting business English classes for adults. Shanghai has something for everyone.
This variety enriches my teaching experience, and it adds to my professional growth, making Shanghai a truly rewarding destination for teaching English.
2. How does one qualify to be able to teach English in Shanghai?
The base qualifications for this role are pretty standard. I’ve got a Bachelor’s degree, and I have a minimum of 2 years of work experience, but it doesn’t just stop there.
I also obtained the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) (or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)) certification. This is a must-have credential that shows you have the necessary training to teach English as a foreign language.
Ideally, the TEFL certificate will cover a good 120 hours of training, and, of course, to work in Shanghai, I also need to have a valid work visa.
3. Will the salary cover the cost of living in Shanghai?
Living in Shanghai while teaching English can be surprisingly budget friendly. You’ll find the cost of essential commodities like groceries, utilities, and transportation to be reasonable. The affordability factor gives this metropolitan city a significant appeal for aspiring teachers.
As for the salaries, they can greatly vary, depending on the type of English teaching job and the teacher’s qualifications and experience. This variation in pay scale depends heavily on a couple of factors:
- The nature of the teaching job, whether it’s a private tutoring gig ($100/hour), in private language schools (on average $1500-$2200/month), a public school position, or an international school assignment (on average $2800-$4000/month), can dictate the salary. Private schools offer fewer working hours and more flexibility, allowing negotiations on salaries and benefits, which contrasts with the more standardized conditions found in government-owned institutions.
- Your personal qualifications and hands-on teaching experience also play a crucial role in determining the pay scale. As you accumulate more years of experience and enhance your teaching skills, you can expect a corresponding increase in your remuneration.
4. Are there any other benefits?
Moreover, Chinese employers understand the importance of rewarding hard work, often providing performance bonuses. To enhance your Chinese experience, they may offer free Mandarin lessons, including Chinese lessons as part of the overall support package, helping you to better integrate and connect with the locals.
Health insurance is also included and covered! You can also enjoy free accommodation or an accommodation allowance and airfare reimbursement.
5. What documents are required for English teaching jobs in Shanghai?
When setting forth on the path to teach English in Shanghai, the application process requires you to prepare several important documents. This bunch includes a letter of introduction (cover letter), your updated resume, proof of your education (degree certificate), a recent photograph and also TEFL or TESOL certifications.
There are respected agencies standing by to assist you, one of which is Gold Star TEFL Recruitment. With their expertise, attaining those coveted English teaching positions in Shanghai becomes a much smoother journey.
Remember, stepping into a new chapter of your professional life in a foreign land should be an exciting adventure, not a nerve-wracking ordeal.
Challenges to Face?
1. When teaching English in Shanghai, what factors influence a foreign teacher’s experience?
Foreign teachers face challenges or difficulties associated with teaching English in Shanghai. Teaching English abroad in general can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. There are some factors you might encounter, and it’s essential to understand them to prepare yourself better.
One such challenge could come in the form of language barriers. Unless you’re fluent in Chinese, communication outside the classroom might be not straightforward. Next, you might also face cultural differences, which may take some time to understand and adjust. Last, the process of settling in a new city like Shanghai, could bring about adjustment issues.
2. How do schools evaluate or assess potential English teachers or what do they value in a candidate?
Schools in Shanghai are looking for individuals who possess qualities like patience, adaptability, and a passion for cultural exchange. Previous teaching experience is also valued, so if you have taught before, it can contribute positively. Inexperienced teachers might find it more challenging.
It’s important to note that the job market for English teachers in Shanghai is competitive, so be prepared to stand out among a pool of candidates.
It’s also not unusual for schools to offer contracts only after successful interviews, making the selection process quite stringent. This is why a deep understanding of what the schools value in their candidates and preparing accordingly can make a significant difference.