What you need to teach in China

Written By Georgina Livermore

Are you considering a teaching career in China? Check out our list of things you need to work in this amazing country!

  1. A bachelor’s degree (any major)

  2. 120 hour TEFL (minimum)

  3. Clean criminal background check

  4. Native English speaker for ESL and homeroom positions

  5. 2 years of work experience (preferably related to teaching or involving children)

  6. Between the ages of 22 - 60yrs old

  7. Valid passport

  8. All documents need to be authenticated and notarised. More on this here

  9. These will qualify you for a legal Z visa / work permit in China

  • Degree

A degree – in anything! Is an absolute must for legally teaching English in China.

 

  • TEFL

You will need a 120 hour TEFL that can be authenticated in your country. Need to complete a TEFL? Find more information here!

 

  • Criminal Background Check

You will need a clean criminal background check from your home country. You can apply online and generally depending on the country, receive this within 10 working days.

 

  • Native Speaker (Advantage)

Schools want native speakers first and foremost because of the strict visa policies in China. To be a native speaker means your passport is from one of the following countries: USA, Canada, UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland. That doesn’t mean you won’t get a job as a non-native, but the policies and requirements are different.

 

  • 2 Years of Work Experience

Your two years of working experience should be related to teaching or working with children/students or training in some capacity.

 

  • Between the ages 22-60

This is the age range in which you can work legally in China. In some special cases, they will issue a visa if you are older.

 

  • Passport

You will need a valid passport that will not expire within 6 months to be able to travel out of your country.

 

  • Authorising your Documents

All documents need to be notarised, apostilled and authenticated. How to do this will vary from country to country. More information can be found here.

  • Z Visa / Work permit

To work in China legally, you need a Z visa and a work permit. You will qualify for these if you have a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL or teaching experience.  

This is a great start to all of the things you need to begin working in China! Contact us if you need more information or had any other questions.

Georgina Livermore
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