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Before you get into the top seven reasons why you should teach in China, you ought to know that teaching opportunities are opening up all of the time! That means there’s no excuse not to apply for at least one job.
There are hundreds of reasons I could list to persuade you to teach in China. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced teacher or someone without any teaching experience. I think it should be on the top of your bucket list, no matter how old you are.
So, why teach in China when you have the rest of the world to teach in and explore? In a nutshell, China is a fascinating country. There are plenty of excellent opportunities to be had, you just need to take them.
Here are just a few reasons why you should teach in China.
1. IT IS A GOOD CAREER MOVE
No matter how long you’ve been teaching, teaching in China will open up many more opportunities in the future. Despite all its wonderful aspects, there are many cultural differences. When you venture out of your comfort zone and teach somewhere that is more challenging than what you’re used to it can lead you down some interesting paths.
2. YOU WILL ACQUIRE NEW SKILLS
When you teach ESL in China, you’ll most definitely acquire some new and valuable skills, such as the ability to tailor the way you communicate with different audiences, speak in front of large groups, and think on your feet. All these skills are transferable to most jobs, whether it’s climbing the teaching ladder elsewhere or venturing into an entirely new career.
3. YOU WILL HAVE A FUN AUDIENCE
Many people think Chinese students are passive and quiet. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Chinese people are enthusiastic about learning, not to mention that they’re also very appreciative of everything you do. Expect to be wined and dined and treated like royalty, because no person is more valued than a native teacher in China.
4. IT’S DIFFERENT AND DIVERSE
The Chinese culture is completely different from that of the West. It’s a massive country that’s also diverse in its geography, ethnicities and culture; it also has an intriguing history that dates back more than 5,000 years. There are plenty of opportunities to travel and soak up the culture, which is why many people, especially young, inexperienced teachers, work in China.
5. YOU WILL MAKE LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS
Your first few weeks teaching in China will be a bit of a blur, but there’s one thing for sure – you’re going to meet a lot of people and make new friends. Not only is there a huge expat community in China, but you’ll also be able to make friends with the locals. Chinese people are genuine. They’ll invite you into your home, take you out for dinner, and proudly show you around their city. It’s also a great way for you to learn a little bit of Chinese as well.
6. YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SUPPORT NETWORK
In most places that you work, you’ll have a strong support network. Typically, you’ll be assigned someone to look after you. They will help you out with all the paperwork once you get there. They will help with the big things, such as getting a resident's card from the police, to the even bigger things, like opening up a bank account! They’ll show you the ropes and usually will go above and beyond to make you feel as much at home as possible.
7. THE FOOD
While there are plenty more reasons why you should teach in China, for many the food is a big plus. Authentic Chinese food is completely different from the greasy wontons and soggy spring rolls you’re served back home. The cuisine is varied and differs from region to region. Even if you’re not really an adventurous eater, you’ll soon fall in love with Chinese cuisine.
There are so many reasons why you should teach in China: from the people, the food, the unique differences, future opportunities and the awesome travel experiences. But if there’s one thing that’s certain it’s this – when you make the decision to work and teach in China, it’s something you’ll never regret.
