The Process of Becoming a Teacher

Teaching in China can be exciting and rewarding, but it requires you to be flexible. China’s laws are very strict so the process for getting here is challenging. However if you have what it takes the rewards are worth it.

The process: If you are at least 22 years old (and not over 58) plus have a Bachelor’s degree (in English or Education), this is what you need to do:

1. You need a current passport (from your country of birth) and it must have at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages for visas.
2. You need a passport size headshot with a white background,
3. You need a 1 page resume (CV) no longer than 1 page please. (Click here for a sample CV format.)
4. Your Bachelor's Degree (BA or BS) in English or Education, this will need to be notarized, apostilled, and finally stamped by the Chinese embassy closest to where you live, you may need to go on-line and authenticate this degree at the following website: www.cscse.cn (this website is only in Chinese so you will need help to navigate it unless you can read and understand Chinese),
5. Your TEFL or TESOL Certification,
6. A criminal background check from your local police, this too needs to be notarized, apostilled, and stamped by the Chinese embassy closest to where you live. (This is a time sensitive document and is only good for 6 months.)



Items 4-6, these will need to be notarized, apostilled, and finally stamped by the Chinese embassy closest to where you live. (Click here to see Chinese Embassy Stamp)

7. Complete the Health Check form that the employer sends to you and have that notarized. (This is a time sensitive document and is only good for 6 months.)
8. A letter of recommendation from a prior employer. If you have worked in China before you will need the release letter and letter of recommendation from your last employer in China. If you do not have that you will not be able to work in China until you obtain it from the last employer. You will also need a letter of recommendation from a prior employer outside of China.

When you have sent items 1-8, then you need to wait until the Chinese government issues your letter of invite (LOI). When the LOI has been sent to your local Chinese embassy, you will make a second trip there. This time you need to bring your LOI and proof you have purchased your airline ticket to China. Please do not book a ticket until you have the LOI. This is a time sensitive process so it is important you purchase your ticket accordingly.

If everything is in order you will make your third and final trip back to the Chinese embassy to pick up your passport with your 30 day Z-Visa. Now it’s time to pack and go to China.

Things to Know Before You Go!

Do not come to China to work unless you have a Z-Visa. It is illegal to work in China on any other type of visa and you can be deported, or jailed, and fined. Anyone who offers you a job without a valid Z-visa isn’t a legal employer so; don’t be scammed.

Do not come unless you have a valid offer of employment in writing that states a salary and other terms.

Do your homework, make sure the company is solid and has good references. Make sure they have the proper business license to hire teachers. Ask around on job websites then decide.

Don’t base your choice on salary or location, both can be very misleading. Salaries will depend, larger cities cost more for basic living expenses. Locations can vary and it’s really up to what type of Chinese adventure you want.

Perfect English has been in business for many years. We are licensed to place teachers in our own schools and in public schools. We are located in a growing 3rd tier city which means while our salaries are competitive for this area they are not competitive with 1st tire cities like Beijing or Shanghai. However, we have a low cost of living and still offer many Western conveniences. We have a wonderful transportation system and an International airport with easy access by train or taxi. Our location is suitable for making trips to Korea, Japan, or even anywhere in China. We are 8 hours by train from Beijing which means you could plan a short trip on your days off. We are in the Northeast of China which means cold winters, but mild summers. We have a lot to offer if you decide to choose us for your China adventure!