Advice
Should I stay or should I go? What to consider at the end of your teaching contract in China
Advice
May 24, 2018 by Kim Ooi
If you plan on teaching English in China for more than a year, you will need to decide whether to renew your contract and stay at the same school or move to a new school. In this article, I highlight some important factors that you should consider...
What is the best way to learn Chinese?
Advice
May 09, 2018 by Mike Cairnduff
Chinese, or Mandarin, is the world’s most spoken language and there are many ways you can learn it. But what is the best way to learn Chinese? Well, in my experience the best way doesn’t necessarily mean the quickest. Rather, the best...
Travel truths: what you need to know about China
Advice
September 15, 2017 by Mike Cairnduff
I recently came across a great blog that outlined 40 travel truths you should know by age 40. Naturally, my brain turned to ‘China mode’ and as I ran through the list I considered how each of the truths applied to China. So here are...
China Z visa requirements - what the latest changes mean for foreign teachers
Advice
September 03, 2017 by Kim Ooi
Up until 2017, the procedure for getting a China Z visa to teach English was fairly straightforward. When you applied for a teaching vacancy in China, all you needed to do was submit your resume, photo, references as well as scans of your passport...
10 questions you should ask before accepting a China TEFL job offer
Advice
July 01, 2017 by Kim Ooi
The dreaded job interview – you’re trying to appear confident and professional whilst your heart is beating like a sledgehammer. And why wouldn’t it be? The outcome of the interview could have a major impact on your life. A...
10 ways to avoid loneliness in China
Advice
May 26, 2017 by Kim Ooi
Loneliness can be a problem for foreign teachers in China. You’re in a new environment where you don’t know many people, you may not speak Chinese and you may not know where the sightseeing spots are in your city. Students are gener...
10 mistakes you don’t want to make as a TEFL teacher in China
Advice
May 05, 2017 by Mike Cairnduff
Teaching in China is an incredible experience and you're bound to have the time of your life. However, even seasoned travelers can make simple mistakes when preparing to teach in China or once they’ve arrived. As a past TEFL teacher i...
Safety precautions for newcomers in China
Advice
March 05, 2017 by Kim Ooi
Shortly before I left for China to take up my first overseas teaching post, my family gave me some advice on how to stay safe in China. I thought it would be a good idea to share some of this advice. So, whether you're going to China t...
How to find a partner in China
Advice
November 14, 2015 by Mike Cairnduff
You’ve been teaching in China for a while. Although you’re having the time of your life, you’d like to share the experience with someone special. Sounds familiar? The good news is you’re not alone. China is home to mor...
The best and fairest Teach English in China salary guide
Advice
October 18, 2015 by Mike Cairnduff
What kind of salary can you make teaching English in China? I'm asked this question all the time. Sadly, there's so much misinformation out there, so I'm going to clear it up for you. But first, a bit about the TEFL market in Ch...
