Teaching English in Beijing

Article by: Daniel McCrohan, January 2008

Tickets for this year's Olympics won't put a dent in the money belt of even the most hard-up backpacker. Prices start from US$4 (admittedly that's for the first round of the softball). But Beijing's hotel and restaurant prices are expected to soar during this summer's Games, so just how are you going to afford your visit? Teaching English could be the answer. Jobs are easy to find, well paid and don't require qualifications. More importantly, you'll see a side of ordinary Chinese life that backpacking alone could never reveal.

I knew my time teaching English in Beijing was going to be special when on my first day - which happened to be National Teachers Day - I received a card from a student-to-be. Inside, she wrote:

Like a candle, you burn yourself and light up others,
Like chalk, you silently devote yourself,
Like a gardener, you cultivate the Motherland's flowers,
Like a light on the sea, you point out the road for us.
Happy Teachers Day

Nothing like great expectations to build up those first-day jitters! Student-teacher relationships in China differ vastly from those in Britain. Teachers are hugely respected, but also looked upon by students as close friends, making the job as rewarding as it is challenging. Such respect means discipline is rarely an issue, a situation helped by the fact that a Chinese teaching assistant will usually sit in on your classes. This also helps with communication problems, making the language barrier no more than an amusing distraction. I'll never forget the day a dozen five-year-old kindergarten students made moo-moo sounds at me as they used their fingers to pretend they had bulls’ horns. I'd just told them my name was Daniel, a name that sounds very similar to the Chinese for 'big cow'.

My first job was at a state-run middle school; the position was arranged from the UK. The kindergarten gig was run by a private language centre. Later on I picked up a number of one-to-one tutoring jobs. Generally speaking these are the three main types of teaching jobs to be found - ones at state schools, ones run by private language centres and private tuition. Nearly all are spoken-English classes only. But just how can a first-timer to China find such positions? And can you earn enough for an extended stay during what promises to be an unusually expensive summer?

Finding work

Teaching positions can be arranged from home. The British Council runs a highly recommended teacher placement program. Get yourself on that and you'll soon be cultivating large classes of the Motherland's flowers at a state-run middle school where, aside from your teaching responsibilities, you'll be able to witness hundreds of students in identical school tracksuits performing their daily playground exercises in time to very loud 90s disco music, an experience that alone makes the trip worth it. World Teach has a similar scheme run from the US. Such programs typically require long-term contracts. Alternatively, simply turn up in Beijing and start looking. Expat-magazine websites display new vacancies every day. Positions range from year-long placements to jobs at one-week summer camps.

Money talk

Expect between 100-200RMB (US$14-28) per hour working at a private language school or tutoring. That will go a long way, even during the Olympics. Work at state schools pays less. Monthly salaries are 4,000RMB (US$540) at best, but jobs often come with accommodation, a bonus this year given the potential for ludicrous rent hikes.

Red tape

Provided you're a native English speaker, qualifications aren't necessary. Your biggest hurdle is likely to be securing a working visa. Working on a tourist visa is illegal. However, schools and private language centres will help you change your visa into a business or working one, providing you are prepared to sign a reasonably long contract. Visa consultants advertise in expat magazines and can help with a change of visa status for a fee. Jobs secured from home should come with visa help.

When the bell goes

Teaching hours in China are short (16 hours a week is considered a lot) so there's plenty of time for teachers to enjoy Beijing's after-school activities. From Super Clubs and 24-hour karaoke joints to wi-fi cafes and sports bars, Beijing has nightlife pretty much covered. Add to that more restaurants than any belly could possibly wish for and world famous sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall and there's enough to keep even the fussiest of expats occupied for a lengthy stay. Beijing is also the ideal launch pad for trips around China. Transport links are excellent and your chances of finding English-speaking travel agents or hostel workers to help with onward travel plans are greater than in any other part of the country.