Teach English abroad in Beijing, China programs offer you the opportunity to build your credentials, international teaching resume, and experience a lower cost alternative to tourist-oriented travel. Whether you have familiarity with teaching or are looking for TEFL certification, there are a variety of teach abroad programs to choose from, and many reasons why you should consider the bustling urban setting of China’s capital, Beijing.
Why Teach English Abroad in Beijing, China?
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to mix work with adventure, teach English Abroad in Beijing. Job placements exist for students, future and current teachers, depending on your level of experience or expertise. Finding the ‘right’ teaching abroad programs is a question of knowing what type of program you need and evaluating your options. These are a few questions to keep in mind:
- Do you have any TEFL certifications or a teaching degree?
- Do you want to take TEFL or TESOL courses and then be placed in a teaching job?
- Are you a teacher looking for a paid teach abroad placement?
- Are you a student who wants to volunteer at a community school in China and share your English pronunciation skills to young children?
Up Your Teaching Credentials
One of the reasons to teach English abroad in Beijing is that it doesn’t necessarily require a teaching license or prior experience. In fact, many programs for novices provide the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification prior to your job placement. These certificate courses educate you in the most effective methods for teaching English and often include some practical supervised teaching experience. You might also certify in Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). These are qualifications that form part of your resume, which is great whether you are an aspiring educator or not. That being said, if you are proficient in English and Chinese, you might find other teaching jobs where your talents in another subject are required – art, math, science, drama.
DID YOU KNOW? “Teaching English abroad is one of the main avenues to finding an international position. Demand for teachers is strongest in the emerging markets of Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, but opportunities exist in most countries. Teaching positions exist in the elementary-school through university levels and can be either part time or full time” (BLS)[i]
Get Paid to Teach in China
It is true that some teach English abroad in Beijing job placements are paid positions. They may provide a living stipend or bonus upon completion. This is definitely a potential perk that all programs may not be able to offer everyone – so read between the lines and make sure you understand your commitment.
Where in Beijing do you want to teach?
Where in Beijing do you want to call home base for your job placement? Do you see yourself in a private language center, a university or a public school? There may be providers who can offer many options or ones that specialize in let’s say, paid teaching jobs in private schools in Beijing that only want qualified teachers. Or, orphanages, community schools or elementary schools that are seeking volunteer college graduates to help locals gain confidence with the English language.
Travel and Teach English in Beijing
Teaching overseas is a great way to blend your love of travel with the practical aspects of either making money or improving professional qualifications, and Beijing is a fascinating mixture of unique neighborhoods. Usually, a first week in Beijing could be oriented to familiarizing yourself with the local surroundings, getting to know fellow participants and your host school. From your living accommodations (dorm, apartment, homestay) you can relax into your surroundings as well as plan exciting excursions to some of the top[ii] attractions:
- Forbidden City
- Tiananmen Square
- National Museum of China
- Beihai Park
- Summer Palace
- Get to the Great Wall
- Ming tombs
Find a Teach Abroad Program in Beijing
To start searching for a Teach English Abroad in Beijing Program, filter your results with the easy navigation settings. Both the length of time and the audience can be chosen according to your preferences, and you can start a spreadsheet to take notes of things like application deadlines, travel details, support staff, certification, completion bonus and things of the sort. Also know that each sponsored provider has unique programs and they welcome you to request information and get your process going.
