FAQs

Can you teach in China without a degree?

Unfortunately, due to strict visa regulations from the Chinese government, it is not possible to legally work in China without a Bachelor’s degree. You should be aware that any options presented to you without this requirement would put you in a dangerous position.

Will you charge me for finding a job?

No! It’s totally free, we’ll put you in touch with schools, find you a job offer, and get you on your way, and you won’t pay a penny to us. The only thing we do charge for is our relocation services that help you to settle in, if you need them. These are optional and are tailored specifically to you as you arrive.

How will my salary be paid in China?

When you arrive in China you will need to set up a Chinese bank account. There are many banks all over China with some specialising in banks for foreign workers, so as long as you have your visa, this is very easy.

You will then have your salary paid into this account. Once you’re in China, you should also link you bank account to the apps WeChat, and Alipay, because you can carry out a whole manner of shopping functions using these.

How will I make friends in China?

There are plenty of opportunities to make friends in China. For starters, you’ll likely meet other people at work, schools rarely hire just one foreign teacher. Furthermore, if you’re accommodation is covered by the school, you might be in a shared apartment, or can opt to live in one yourself.

 We will also create city group chats on WeChat with all our teachers in, so you can get to know others in the same city as you. There are also large expat communities in cities all over China, and message boards online and group chats on the WeChat app to keep you in touch. These groups organise tons of events, evenings, and nightlife opportunities to get involved in.

What is WeChat?

WeChat is the most popular smartphone app in China, used by over 90% of the population. It works largely the same as WhatsApp, for instant messaging, but also has a wide range of other features that make it popular in China, such as location sharing, voice messaging, translation services, contact exchange, free video and voice calling, and the ability to send money to friends.

We ask that you download this app for use during your application. It will be how schools contact you and later interview you. Also, because we use it every day, it may be a more convenient way to contact us. Once you’re in China, it will be the one app you need to use daily, so it’s good to get used to it before you come too.

Why is China so cheap?

China is a developing economy and makes itself attractive to other countries for trade by keeping its currency at a low value, compared to the dollar and other global currencies, because this makes its products cheap.

Likewise, here in China that means most things are a fraction of the price of back home, so your money will go a lot further here.

Can I get by without speaking Chinese?

Speaking the language of any country you live in is of course advantageous, but in China, because so much of what you do everyday is integrated into apps with English translations, you can get by without many problems. And there are plenty of free apps and resources online that can be used for everyday translations, or even learning the basics.

Most young people in China can speak some amount of English too, especially some of the teachers you will work with, so they can help you if you need it. If you live in Shanghai, then it’s even easier, as the large number of expats there means that English is commonplace, and an important aspect of service jobs that cater to foreign customers.

If China is a developing country, does that mean it’s not developed?

China is a developing economy, meaning unlike Western countries, most of its people work in manufacturing jobs. But China is the largest economy in the world, and the cities of China are very well-developed centres, with metro systems, strong infrastructure, and all the amenities that you would expect to have back home, such as high-quality gyms, cinema’s, and shopping malls.

Look no further than China’s incredible bullet train system, or it’s advanced mobile payment app Alipay, and you’ll see that China is truly a modern economy, built around modern cities and tech.

I want to come to China, but don’t want to leave my family or friends, what should I do?

Moving away from your friends and partner is difficult, and a decision you must take seriously. But if they want to join you on your adventure, they can! Indeed, many schools we work with don’t just want to hire one foreign teacher at a time, but two, three, or even more. So there are ample opportunities for you to come with a partner, or in a group.

Naturally too, coming in a group can make all aspects of moving and settling in that bit easier. So, ask around, and see if anyone else is up for joining you.

Is China safe to live in?

Yes! People that work and study in China frequently comment on how safe a country it is, evidenced by its minimal crime levels. In the unlikely event an issue arises the Police departments are extremely professional and will do everything they can to assist you.

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office state that “Over 595,000 British nationals visited mainland China in 2017. Most visits are trouble free but you should always take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.” For further information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china.

I only plan on teaching for a year. Is that okay?

Of course! We understand that people don’t necessarily want to make their whole careers in China, and may use the opportunity to travel, save money, or just try a new path to see if they like it. That’s fine by us.

Likewise, if you see your time in China as longer, great! We want to take passionate and enthusiastic teachers no matter how long they wish to come here for.