Types of ESL Teaching Jobs in Nanjing
- Private and state schools
- International schools
- Training English centers
There is a variety of public school jobs in Nanjing, as well as private teaching programs – conditions and schedules may be very different, as well as the salary.
The average wages in the city are 13,000 RMB ($1,900) monthly.
You are likely to find plenty of offers like this on the Net. More experienced and skillful teachers can easily get to teach English in China with a salary of 15,000 RMB without having to work any extra hours.
The pay often depends on the schedule and the type and level of students:
International school Nanjing jobs
Usually, such jobs let you start the day later, as you can arrive at the office by 1 pm or 3 pm and finish around 9 pm.
However, you will be expected to teach on weekends as well. All foreigners get 2 days off per week, but these will be during the workweek. These tend to have more competing rates and offer more generous bonuses because they are private establishments.
Some teachers keep asking us: ‘Is it possible to teach adults in Nanjing?’.
If you are one of them, take a closer look at language courses and international schools – you might find your dream position there.
Currently, there are many young adults aged 24-36 who need to acquire some English as soon as possible, because of the growth of the Chinese economy, international investors, collaboration and trade.
Depending on the industry, the vocabulary and approach used to teach at a school in Nanjing may vary, you should be ready for it.
Important point: private schools may require longer contracts – sometimes the duration is at least 15 months, so you are expected to stay with the school throughout this period.
If you do, you will obtain an extra bonus (which is practical, if you plan to fly back home or make a trip afterward).
Primary schools in Nanjing
Despite the financial side and other perks, some foreigners find it easier to find a suitable vacancy for teaching English in primary schools in Nanjing, because classes at public schools are larger, sometimes going up to 50 children, which scares some inexperienced educators.
Qualified teachers tend to be more optimistic and self-confident.
Moreover, at state institutions, you always get a Chinese teaching assistant, which is very convenient, because you get extra help in class and preparing for it.
Plus, you can chitchat at lunchtime, go out together and even become real friends.
In fact, ESL public school jobs in Nanjing let you have a more balanced schedule with regular days off so that you could plan a getaway with your Chinese friends on weekends, or eat out in the evening, as you finish around 5 pm on workdays.
However, you also have to wake up early, because classes start at 8 am every day.
What is teaching experience like in Nanjing?
No matter what school you choose, the crucial requirement is to stay focused on the learners’ needs and to be as creative and positive, as you can.
If you come to work in Nanjing as an English teacher, be ready to show your students how easy-going and open you are, and how much fun your classes can be.
It’s exactly what they want from you as a foreigner, so your classes should not be all reading and doing boring exercises.
Both young and adult learners appreciate elements of game, jokes, authentic materials and conversation, so make sure, you have such activities on your list.
Talking about culture and social codes, books, and ideas, popular movies and singers is also a great way to immerse students into the English-speaking world and prepare them for real-life interaction.
