Questions about teaching English in China

GoingAwol · Post by **GoingAwol** » January 18th, 2016, 2:40 am

I have applied for English teaching jobs in China through a recruiter called "On The Mark" and they seem interested in offering me a position in Beijing. They offer a free 60 hour TEFL training certification and the salary is between 1900 and 3000 USD per month. They also give 1200 USD for start-up costs (I'm assuming for accommodation) and the same amount or more a year for flight allowances. Since i'm brand new to teaching, i'm assuming I would be making the minimum salary of 1900 a month.With the start-up money in mind too, Is that enough to get decent accommodation and provide a relatively comfortable lifestyle in Beijing? Is Beijing a good place to live and teach? Thanks

xiongmao · Post by **xiongmao** » January 20th, 2016, 12:29 pm

Sounds good - I lived in Guangzhou a couple of years ago and spent around $1000 a month (I think).

I wouldn't be happy with Beijing though, it's either too hot or too cold and the air pollution can be bad. And I prefer Southern Chinese ladies, although the Beijng airport assistants are really hot.

GoingAwol · Post by **GoingAwol** » January 20th, 2016, 12:46 pm

Thanks for your response. When you were spending 1,000 a month were you living well or being very frugal and watching every penny? They seem desperate to have me and I'm seriously considering taking the job. This could be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door.

Ghost · Post by **Ghost** » January 23rd, 2016, 5:05 am

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MrMan · Post by **MrMan** » January 23rd, 2016, 11:59 am

You can use this real-time interactive map of air pollution to help you decide where to work.

http://aqicn.org/map/world/

zboy1 · Post by **zboy1** » January 27th, 2016, 12:19 pm

Beijing would be a good place to train and start your teaching career, but I wouldn't stay there long term. The pollution there and cost of living is too much. I suggest someplace like Hangzhou, Chengdu, or somewhere in Guangdong province for a better, long term environment. I would love to teach in Zhuhai as I think it's the best city in China! Also, if you're really the explorer type, I heard Northeastern China can be interesting, although very cold! Some HA members have taught in that area.

Anyway, if you do come to China, please keep in touch with me, as I know some other HA'ers in China, now. If you have Wechat, I can give you my ID so that we can communicate.