China Paid Teaching with TEFL

This programme may not have a set itinerary, however our travel advisers are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about this trip. 

The emphasis of this placement is teaching English and British culture. You might also be able to help out in music, history, sport, geography or science lessons. As part of your teaching duties in China you will be expected to plan your own lessons, keep attendance records, correct homework and assist in the administration of the school.

There will also be plenty of opportunities outside term time for you to explore China and discover more about this incredible country, its people and history.

The first four weeks will be spent in Beijing training for your TEFL and learning the language and culture of China. You'll spend this time with loads of other people from all over the world, all planning to teach and travel the country.

At the end of the training month you'll head on to teach in a school. The location could be anywhere in China although most placements are in the south of the country. The exact location and age of children you will be teaching is determined during your training weeks.

The training course is 4 weeks in duration and you complete a 108-hour certified TEFL program (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). In addition there are lessons in Mandarin and a comprehensive orientation to China.

Included in the training is:

• TEFL training program delivered over 4 weeks
• Mandarin lessons – minimum of 2 per week
• Orientation to China
• Airport pick-up
• Welcome dinner
• Accommodation in the training school
• Meals provided by the school canteen
• Access to school facilities for evening recreation and sporting activities
• Social and cultural activities
• Farewell dinner

You will learn the skills required to be confident and successful as a Teacher Intern, including lesson planning, classroom methods and administration procedures.

The ELC Certificate in TEFL is delivered by the English Language Company; a school accredited in Sydney, Australia, for the purpose of teaching English as a second or foreign language.

The ELC Certificate in TEFL comprises two phases:

1. Theory and Teaching Practice – a full-time course over 4 weeks comprising a total of 108 hours of instruction, including both teaching methodology and teaching practice. This is a challenging course that prepares all participants for their role as a Teacher Intern.
2. Practical Experience – this is completed in the schools. All participants complete a practical assignment and receive a reference from the school. The ELC Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language is awarded at the conclusion of the practical component.

In order to successfully complete the training programme participants must:

• Attend all input sessions
• Attend all teaching practice (unless otherwise advised)
• Adequately prepare for teaching practice
• Complete and submit on time all assignments
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of English language teaching methodology
• Demonstrate competence in the use of basic classroom techniques
• Demonstrate good language awareness
• Behave cooperatively and constructively with colleagues and trainers
• Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times
• Speak only English during core hours of training

It is expected that all candidates who make a concerted effort during the Training Programme will be able to succeed. However, all must realize that this will require a dedication to the programme, as it is a certified qualification.

Depending on the complementary qualifications held, the TEFL certificate and school reference would allow participants to work in other developing countries in the future.

You will be advised of your placement prior to finishing your orientation and training. It is the schools that determine the placements through selection based on your application. Placements cannot be changed once approved. Participants applying together can be placed in the same school.

You will have the opportunity to nominate a region of China you would prefer – Northeast; North; Central East and South, although these cannot be guaranteed.

The Northeast includes Inner Mongolia, Jilin and Liaojing.

The North includes Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi and Shaanxi.

Central East includes Shanghai, Nanjing, Huangzhou and Jiangsu Province.

The South includes the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunan and Fujian.

There are three categories of teacher placement:

• Kindergarten
• Primary
• High school

You will be asked to choose your preference of placement, but these are not guaranteed.

Students are usually well behaved and keen to learn English and interact with foreigners. The range of English competencies amongst students will also vary from beginner to intermediate levels.

Don’t forget that this is also an amazing opportunity to experience a new culture, explore a country and get to make new friends. You will get to meet new not only at the school but also through the teaching network. Our in-country team will keep in touch with you throughout your teaching placement to check all is well and to invite you to social gatherings that they arrange giving you a great opportunity to catch-up with your fellow teachers.

Don't forget to also use some of your free time to try and explore some of this amazing country and see more of its iconic sites. Take a trip down to the walled city of Xi’an and see the Terracotta Warriors, the stunning scenery in Guilin, and of course take the opportunity to see a Panda with your own eyes. China has so much to see and do that you will be hard pushed to run out of new things to do.