If you’ve been looking at international teaching jobs, you might be surprised to find that it’s not too hard to meet the prerequisites to teach English in China.
Getting Started is easy.
All you need is to do is make the decision, we’ll help you get through every step of the process.
Must Haves
- Your native or first language is English
- You have good written and spoken English skills
- Current Australian, New Zealand, UK, USA, Irish, South African or Canadian passport
- Bachelor’s degree (or due to graduate within 12 months)
- Résumé/CV with a recent photo
- References
- Passionate and excited about teaching
- Like to travel and experience different cultures
- Can work independently and as part of a team
- Positive, communicative, reliable and flexible
- English teaching qualification, such as TEFL/TESOL/CELTA*
- Chinese Work ‘Z’ Visa and Foreign Expert Permit*
- Criminal record check*
* TTI and your Chinese employer can help you arrange these after your initial application.
Before you go.
There’s a few processes we need to organise with you before we get you on your way.
Application Checklist
- Complete the online application form and a member of our team will organise a time to conduct a WeChat, Skype or Facetime interview with you. Successful applicants will then be partnered with a high-calibre school in China.
- Our partner schools are fully licensed to deal directly with you to submit your application paperwork for a ‘Z’ Work Visa from your home country. You will need to provide a notarised, high quality, colour scanned copy of the following to the school HR department: bachelor’s certificate, 120-140 hour TEFL/ TESOL certificate, and criminal record check.
- You must also provide a high quality, colour scanned copy of the following to the school HR department: passport, résumé/CV, recent photo, and a reference letter from a previous employer.
- Inform your future employer of which city and country you’ll be submitting your work visa.
This process generally takes a minimum of three weeks to complete. During this time, the school will apply for your Foreign Expert Permit. This usually takes between 21-28 working days.
The provincial visa office will issue an official invitation letter and/or work permit document to your school. Your school will send this document to you electronically and/or a hard copy will be mailed to your address via courier.
You’ll need to
- Visit the Chinese Visa for China Service Centre website in your country to download the visa application form and access application information specific to people from your country.
- Complete the visa application form and visit your closest Visa for China Centre or Chinese Embassy/Consulate, bringing with you: the official paperwork from your employer school, valid passport (must be valid for at least six months), application form, passport photo and anything else required as per information specific to people from your country on the website. Note: in some countries this step can be completed by registered mail.
*Visas are usually processed within three to seven days.
Preparing to Depart.
Once you’ve got your visa, you’re setup in our systems and everything is ready for you in China you’ll then move through to this process in preparation for your departure.
- Your employer will organise and pay for your airport transfers and accommodation. If you’d like to live in a different part of the city, the school will provide an allowance to go toward your accommodation costs.
- When your paperwork is in order, you can book and pay for your flight to China. In most cases this cost, and the cost of your visa will be repaid to you by your Chinese employer.
- It’s a good idea to take some time to familiarise yourself with the local laws and customs. Also, if you’re not an international traveller, take a minute to check the regulations regarding what you can pack.
- You’ll need to take all your original documents with you to China. It’s advisable to make and bring a few high-quality, colour copies with you too.
On Arrival in China.
A representative from your employer school will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your destination.
The school will assign a current teacher to show you around your new city, including some great places to eat and visit. They can also suggest local clubs, sporting groups and vibrant social events for you to enjoy.
You’ll need to
- Register with the local police station in China. Take along your passport and a copy of your apartment lease and the police will provide you with a Registration Form of Temporary Residence. People who fail to register with police may be fined.
- The Chinese government will require you to undertake a full health check, even if you’ve already completed one in your home country.
- Your school will help you get your temporary visa converted to a residence permit. This process takes between two and six weeks. During this time, you won’t have your passport, so it’s vital to make a few high-quality, colour copies of it first.
You’ll need to
- Visit the Chinese Visa for China Service Centre website in your country to download the visa application form and access application information specific to people from your country.
- Complete the visa application form and visit your closest Visa for China Centre or Chinese Embassy/Consulate, bringing with you: the official paperwork from your employer school, valid passport (must be valid for at least six months), application form, passport photo and anything else required as per information specific to people from your country on the website. Note: in some countries this step can be completed by registered mail.
*Visas are usually processed within three to seven days.
The World Awaits
China is one of the best countries in which to teach English as a second language, not just because it has some of the highest paying teaching positions. There’s also a rich and exciting culture to experience, great food, breathtaking natural beauty and friendly, welcoming locals.