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There’s no need to mention that the English language is in demand all over the world nowadays, and China isn’t an exception.
With numbers of English courses emerging all over the country, school HRs constantly look for suitable candidates for ESL teaching positions.
But even with high competition, you have a chance to go and teach English in China without experience. You might wonder how it is possible. Well, the answer is simple.
The first requirement to be an English teacher is a good knowledge of the language.
The second one is to be passionate about teaching. If you’ve never worked as a teacher before but feel like trying, you’ll be able to find a job.
Keen on finding out more about teaching English in China without experience?
Read further to learn the latest information.
Where can you teach English in China without experience?
As we have already mentioned, there are a lot of schools that can hire ESL teachers without previous teaching experience.
School management, especially in small towns, often gives unexperienced teachers a chance to start a career in China. So where can you find jobs without experience?
Kindergartens
It’s obvious that you don’t need to have proficient, advanced, or even upper-intermediate English level to teach children in a kindergarten in China. All you really need to have is basic vocabulary and grammar as well as good pronunciation.
If you possess these qualities but don’t have any experience, don’t worry!
The thing is that children learn English through a game. So, you’ll play the most of your time in a classroom.
Prepare a lot of activities, songs, and cartoons for every topic you’re going to study, and you’ll carry out a great English lesson even with no experience.
State schools and language centers in small towns
As experienced and qualified ESL teachers tend to choose tier-1 or tier-2 cities, smaller towns often have to review their requirements and offer jobs for candidates without teaching experience.
The case is that schools can’t offer their employees as good conditions as educational institutions in metropolises do.
Thus, they are less demanding.
Nevertheless, if you prefer a calm and quiet life, it can be your option.
For a person with no experience, applying for a position in a small town is the best way to start a teaching career in China.
Other institutions
Actually, every Chinese school wants to have good ESL teachers in their team, so they simplify their requirements.
Yes, you might not have taught English abroad before, but if you:
- are a native speaker, that is a person with American, British, Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand passport;
- a non-native speaker with good accent and fluent English;
- have a bachelor’s degree in any specialty (philology isn’t necessary);
- have a clean criminal record;
- have or are going to pass TEFL certification soon.
you have all the chances to find a decent teaching job in China.
Do you need TEFL?
While teaching English in China without experience is possible, it’s unlikely that you can teach without TEFL.
Why is the TEFL certificate so important?
Actually, because basic 120-hour TEFL course provides you with the knowledge necessary for an ESL teacher.
During the course, you not only listen to the theoretical part but also prepare and conduct lessons.
Thus, you gain your teaching experience during the course. And once your Chinese employer sees your TEFL certificate, he/she is sure you’re ready for work with students.
What does a TEFL course give you?
- Lots of theoretical background about teaching including teaching approaches, methodology, materials, classroom activities, etc.
- A chance to practice your teaching skills – you’ll have to carry out lessons for your peers in the course. It will help you understand what teaching is like and gain confidence.
- Feedback from experienced instructors. Your every lesson is assessed and you’re given some advice on how you can improve.
Although TEFL is the most widespread requirement for teaching in China, another certificate can also fit in with school requirements.
Thus, if you have another certificate that proves your teaching skills, for example, CELTA, your school management will also accept it.
How do you prepare for teaching English in China?
The first thing you have to do to get ready for working in China is to pass your TEFL.
You can do it in advance or once you arrive in China. Different schools have different requirements, so you need to clarify it with school management.
If you apply with us, we will compensate you the TEFL course you take in advance or in China.
What else can you do to feel comfortable when teaching English in China without experience? Here are some tips.
Watch YouTube channels
By YouTube channels, we mean some sources with teaching materials you can use in your classroom.
More often than not, you’ll have to work with young learners – children in kindergartens or junior school. Thus, looking for songs is a good idea.
You can also follow some teachers who have their blog. You can learn from their experience and use some approaches in your work.
Also, here’s a great guide from our blog about the best ESL activities and games:
10 Best ESL Games for Teaching English (with Rules and Video Guides)
Surf the Internet…
… to find out interesting activities for your lessons. Luckily, the web is full of numerous teaching materials for kids and adults.
Take your time to look for games and other fun and educational activities for your classes.
You can simply google “ESL activities for English learning” or “ESL games to teach English in a kindergarten” or “fun songs for ESL learning for kids” and find tons of useful pages with great content.
Also, check our guide on how to successfully teach English to Chinese students.
Get acquainted with teaching materials
Review books teachers usually use in their classroom.
If you know for sure, you will work with children, check out books from different publishers.
Although all books have almost the same structure and vocabulary, you might like some of them more than others.
Learn about the structure of the books you choose and think about how you can plan your lessons.
Decide what exercises you can do in a class and which ones are suitable for homework.
It’s also a sensible decision to address school management and ask about teaching materials.
If a school uses specific books for teaching, look into them beforehand.
Work and Live in China will provide you with all the necessary teaching materials when you arrive, so don’t worry, you will be prepared before you go to the classroom.
Here are some useful links to research:
Ask other teachers to share their experience
Taking into account that you’re teaching English in China with no experience, learning from others is just what you need.
Search for teachers’ forums where you can ask your questions.
If you find a really worth one, you can get ready for teaching more than you think.
Our recruiters taught English in China before they became part of our team, so you are welcome to apply on the website and ask all the questions yu have about teaching jobs in China during the interview.
Learn more about China
Without doubts, China is different from your country, and so does the Chinese classroom.
Pay attention to the Chinese education system to be aware of what to expect from Chinese kindergartens and schools.
Be ready for different traditions in a classroom as well as for reactions of students. By this, we mean that Chinese learners are often shy and reluctant to cooperate.
Make sure you understand this and can achieve a friendly atmosphere at your lessons.
As you will spend only part of your time in a classroom, don’t forget to learn something about daily traditions.
Find out how people dress, what they wear, and how they live after their work. It will help you feel more comfortable in the country.
Learn a couple of phrases in Chinese
Although it isn’t necessary, it will definitely help you feel more confident when you come to China.
Chinese people appreciate it very much when foreigners can say something in Chinese. Admit it, you’re also pleased if a foreigner speaks to you in your language.
Once you can ask for help or at least greet people in China in their mother tongue, they will help you eagerly.
Follow these simple pieces of advice and teaching English in China with no experience won’t be a problem for you.
Interested in teaching English in China, but don’t know if you are qualified enough? Apply with us and we will find you a great position according to your skills and preferences.
