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Here are the helpful information China Visa Information Who requires a visa? Anyone entering China for longer than 48 hours requires a visa. The Chinese visa authorities may issue a Diplomatic, Courtesy, Service or Ordinary Visa to a foreigner according to his/her identity, purpose of visit to China and passport type. The Ordinary Visa consists of eight sub-categories, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters L, F, X, Z, G, C, J, and D. L Visa (as of 04/18/2002): Issued to an applicant who comes to China for tourist purposes, family visiting or other personal affairs. Visa L is characterized by a short duration of stay, usually 30 days, no more than 90 days, and could not be extended upon expiration. For a tourist applicant, in principle he shall evidence his financial capability of covering the travelling expenses in China, and when necessary, provide the air, train or ship tickets to the destination country/region after leaving China. For the applicants who come to China to visit relatives, some applicants are required to provide invitation letters from their relatives in China. Visas for groups are not issued on the passports, but on a separate paper, which requires the group members to enter and exit the Chinese border together. From Nov. 15th 2000, aliens traveling to Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions(SAR), in tour groups organized by travel agencies registered in the above-mentioned SARs, are exempted from visa requirements for a period of not exceeding 6 days, when entering into the following Chinese mainland cities: Guangzhong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jinangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, etc. The premise is that the traveler shall have the citizenship of a country that has diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and the traveler is carrying an ordinary passport. F Visa: Issued to an applicant who is invited to China for conference, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and cultural exchanges or short-term studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months. X Visa: Issued to an applicant who comes to China for the purpose of studying or intern practice for more than six months. Z Visa: Issued to an applicant who is to take up a post or employment in China, and his/her accompanying family members, and who is to conduct commercial performance in China. G Visa: Issued to those who transit through China. C Visa: Issued to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and family members accompanying them. J Visa: Issued to foreign journalists. J Visa is subdivided into J-1 Visa and J-2 Visa. J-1 Visa is issued to a foreign resident correspondent in China. J-2 Visa is issued to a foreign correspondent on temporary short term news report mission in China. D Visa: Issued to applicant who is to reside permanently in China. What documents will be required? A. All applicants are required to submit the following documents: (1) A valid original passport. There must be blank visa pages in the passport. Pages for endorsements or amendments can not be used as a visa page. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months; (2) One completed Chinese Visa Application Form signed by the applicant. Children's application form can be signed by their parents or guardians; (3) One recent passport photograph affixed to the visa application form. Life photos, copied photos and digital photos printed on ordinary paper are not acceptable. B. Additional documents: 1. L visa (1)Documents mentioned in part A; (2)A copy of outward and return flight ticket booking; (3)A copy of Chinese hotel booking (please note the applicants who are below 14 years old or born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) as shown in the passport are not required to provide this); If the applicant is going to stay at a relative or friend's home while visiting China, and therefore unable to provide hotel booking, an invitation letter containing the inviter's home address and telephone, and a copy of the inviter's ID card or residence permit should be provided instead. For applicants who are going to Tibet, an entry permit issued by Tibetan Tourist Bureau is required . (Fax number of Tibetan Tourist Bureau: 0086-891-6834632; Telephone number:0086-891-6834313) 2. F visa (1)Documents mentioned in part A; (2)A copy of outward and return flight ticket booking; (3)A copy of Chinese hotel booking; (4)Visa Notification Form (which is issued by the relevant department of Chinese government, companies or institutions, under the authorization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. Detailed information can be obtained from the Foreign Affairs Office of the relevant province, autonomous region and municipality where the inviting party resides.); 3. X visa (for studying more than 6 months in China) (1)Documents mentioned in part A; (2)JW-201 or JW-202 form issued by the Ministry of Education of China; (3)A letter of admission from a Chinese University/College. 4. Z visa (for long-term working) (1)Documents mentioned in part A; (2)An employment permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security or the State Administration of Foreign Experts of China; (3)An invitation letter from a relevant Department of Chinese Government or a government-authorized company. 5. J-1 or J-2 visa (for journalism) (1)Documents mentioned in part A; (2)A letter from a relevant Department of Chinese government; (3)A letter from the employer. 6. G visa (for transit through China) (1)Documents mentioned in part A; (2)A copy of Chinese hotel booking; (3)A copy of outward and return flight ticket booking; (4)A valid visa for the country of destination. NOTE 1: For applicants from some specific countries, additional documents other than those mentioned above may be required. NOTE 2: Applicants should check the issued visa upon collection and if necessary raise any queries at the same time. If there is no immediate query relating to the issued visa, the applicant is held responsible under any circumstances thereafter. Time required to issue visa: The regular visa processing time is 4 working days. Express service takes 1 working day. For the same day service, the applications must be submitted before 11:00 am. The collection time for the same day service is between 11:30 am and 12:00 am on that day. Notice of Adjustment of Visa Fee for US Citizens - as of Jan. 20 2008 According to the instruction from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, starting from Jan.20, 2008, visa fee for U.S. citizen will be adjusted on reciprocal basis . The details are as follows: - 1. Visa fee for the individual applicants will be $130 per person, regardless of the types of visa applied for. - 2. Visa fee for group visa will be $110 per person. - 3. Expedited service fees will remain unchanged. Additional information regarding fees: Visa fee for Hong Kong and Macao : GBP15 per person. Group visa fee: GBP24 per person Same day service: GBP20 per person. Express Service (1 working day ): GBP15 per person. Accompanying person using the same passport The photo of the accompanying person using the same passport should be affixed to the form. The full visa fee will apply. Paying the visa fee Fees are paid on collection. No refund if the visa is turned down or cancelled. The overseas Chinese visa authorities are Chinese embassies, consulates, visa offices, the consular department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in HKSAR, and other agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. If a foreigner intends to enter into, exit from or transit through the Chinese territory, he shall apply to the above-mentioned Chinese visa authorities for a Chinese visa. For further information, please consult the nearest Chinese visa authorities. How long is the visa valid for? A visitor' visa is valid for up to 6 months, and is usually single-entry. Student' visas are valid for up to 12 months, and allow multiple-entries. If the visa holder needs to stay longer than the duration of stay, he or she should apply for extension of duration to the local public security bureau of China in advance. Other information: A new Arrival& Departure Card designed by the Ministry of Public Security of China for foreign passengers is going to be used at all Point of Entries in China as of October 2007. The new card consists of two adjacent parts. One is for arrival and the other is for departure. A foreign passenger is obliged to fill in the arrival card. The departure card will be kept by the passenger for his/her departure from China. There is "Important Notice" printed at the back of the new Arrival& Departure Card which gives brief instructions on matters related to the registration, travel, residence and employment of a foreign national during his/her stay in China. China Visa Embassy Information Chinese Embassy in Manama, Bahrain Embassy of China in Bahrain Building 158, Road 382 (Juffair Avenue) Block 341, Manama State of Bahrain : P.O.Box 3150, Manama Bahrain Phone: +973-723800 Fax: +973-727304 Email: CHINASHI@BATELCO.COM.BH Chinese Embassy in Belize City , Belize Embassy of the Republic of China in Belize P. O. Box 1020 Belize City Belize (Central America) Phone: 278744 Email: embroc@btl.net Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, Canada Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ottawa, Canada 515 St. Patrick Street, Ottawa Ont. K1N 5H3 Canada Phone: +613-7893434 Fax: +1-613-7891911 Chinese Embassy in Havana, Cuba Embassy of China in Cuba Calle 13, #551,E/C Y D, Vedado Ciudad De La Habana Cuba Phone: 333005 Chinese Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus China in Nicosia, Cyprus 28 Archimidous Street, Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus Phone: +357-2-352182 Fax: +357-2-353530 Email: EOCINC@SPIDERNET.COM.CY Chinese Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Denmark Oeregaards Alle 25 2900 Hellerup Copenhagen Denmark Phone: (+45)39460889 Fax: (+45)39625484 Email: webmaster@chinaembassy.dk Chinese Embassy in Cairo, Egypt of China inEgypt 14, Baghat Ali St., Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt Phone: 7361219 Fax: 7359459 Email: chinaemb@soficom.com.eg Chinese Embassy in Paris, France Embassy of China in Paris, France 78, rue de l'University 75007 Paris France Phone: (33-1) 44 39 88 43 Fax: +33-1-0147202422 Chinese Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia Embassy of China in Indonesia JL. Mega Kuningan No.2 Jakarta Selatan 12950 Indonesia Phone: +6-221-57243336 Fax: +6-221-5761034 Email: EMBSYCHN@INDOSAT.NET.ID Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel Embassy of China in Israel 222 Ben Yehuda St. Tel Aviv Phone: + 972-3-5467277 Fax: + 972-3-5467311 Email: CHNEMB@ISDN.NET.IL Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, Japan Embassy of China in Japan 3-4-33 Mono - Azabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan Phone: 81-3-3403-3388 Email: sb@china-embassy.or.jp Chinese Embassy in Stamman, Jordan Embassy of China in Jordan Ad-Dahya Jakarta Stamman Jordan Phone: +962-6-5529167 Fax: +962-6-5518713 Email: POLI@INDEX.COM.JO Chinese Embassy in Pyong Yang, Korea (South) Embassy of China in The Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kin Mal Dong, Mao Lang Bong District, Pyong Yang, D.P.R Of Korea Phone: 850-2-3813133, +850-2-3813116 Fax: 3813425 Chinese Embassy in Yarmouk, Kuwait Embassy of China in Kuwait No.82, Street 1, Block 4, Yarmouk, Kuwait Phone: +965-5333340, Fax: +965-5333341 Email: chinaku@qualitynet.net, chinakwt@hotmail.com Chinese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Embassy of China in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 229, Jalan Ampang 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Phone: +603 2428495 Fax: +603 2414552 Email: CN@TM.NET.MY Chinese Embassy in Royaume Du Maroc, Morocco Embassy of China in Morocco 16,Charia Al Fahssouissi, Rabat Royaume Du Maroc Phone: +212-7-7754056 Fax: +212-7-7757519 Email: AMBACHIMA@ACDIM.NET.MA Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal Embassy of China in Kathmandu, Nepal Baluwater, Kathmandu, The Kingdom of Nepal Phone: 977-1-4411740 Fax: 977-1-4414045 Email: CHEMNP@MOS.COM.NP Chinese Embassy in Oslo, Norway Embassy of China in Oslo, Norway Tuengen Alle 2B 0374,Oslo Norway 0374 Phone: +47-22492052 Fax: +47-22921978 Email: webmaster@chinese-embassy.no Chinese Embassy in Makati City, Philippines Embassy of China in the Republic of the Philippines 4896 Pasay Road, Dasmari馻s Village, MakatiI City, Metro Manila, Philippines Phone: +632-8443148 Fax: +632-8439970 Email: EMB-CHN@PACIFIC.NET.PH Chinese Embassy in Dalvey, Singapore Embassy of China in Singapore Embassy of P R China in Singapore, 70-76 Dalvey Road, Singapore Phone: 67340803 Fax: 67344737 Chinese Embassy in Santo Antonio, South Africa Embassy of China in Cape Verde Anchada Do Santo Antonio Phone: +238-623027 Fax: +238-623047 Chinese Embassy in Damascus, Syria Embassy of China in Damascus, Syria 83,Rue Ata AyoubiI Damascus, Syria Phone: +963-11-3339594 Fax: +963-11-3338067 Email: CH.EM.SYRIA@CHINA.COM Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand Embassy of China in Thailand 57 Rachadapisake Road Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand Phone: +66-2-2457044 Fax: +66-2-2468247 Chinese Embassy in Gaziosmanpas, Turkey Embassy of China in Turkey GolgeliI Sokak No.34, 06700 Gaziosmanpas/Ankar, Turkey Phone: +90-312-4360328 Fax: +90-312-4464248 Email: sgbgs@superonline.com Chinese Embassy in Washington, United States Embassy of China in United States of America 2300 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, U.S.A. Phone: +1-202-3282500 / 3282551 Fax: +1-202-3282582 Email: WEBMASTER@CHINA-EMBASSY.ORG Chinese Embassy in Casilla, Uruguay Embassy of China in Uruguay Miraflores 1508 Carrasco; Montivideo, Uruguay Casilla 18966 Phone: +598-2-6001419 Fax: +598-2-6018508 Email: embchina@adinet.com.uy, mbchinb@adinet.com.uy Chinese Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela Embassy of China in Venezuela Quinta El Oriente, Av.El Paseo, Prados Del Este, Caracas, Venezuela Phone: +582 9774949 or 9783653 Fax: +582 9780876 Email: EMBCNVEN@ATT.COM.VEN Chinese Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam Embassy of China in Vietnam 46 Hoang Dieu Road, HanoiI, Vietnam Phone: + 844 8453736 Fax: + 844 8232826 Email: eossc@hn.vnn.vn Chinese Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen Embassy of China in Yemen Al-Zubeiri Street, Sana'a Yemen Phone: + 9671-275340 Fax: +9671-275341 Email: CHINAEM@Y.NET.YE Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh Embassy of China in Bangladesh Plot 2&4, Road No.3, Block-1, Baridara, Dhaka, Bangladesh Phone: +8802-8824862, 8824164, Fax: +8802-8823004 Email: CHINAEMB@BDMAIL.NET Chinese Embassy in Alger, Algeria Embassy of China in Algeria 34 Boulevard Des Martyrs, Alger Phone: 213-2-692724 Fax: 213-2-693056 Email: CHINEAMB@IST.CERIST.DZ Chinese Embassy in Luanda, Angola Embassy of China in Angola Rua Prisedente HouriI , Boumedienne NO.196-200 Miramar Luanda Angola Phone: 244-2-441683 Fax: 244-2-444185 Email: SHIGUAN@NETANGOLA.COM Chinese Embassy in Rockley, Barbados Embassy of China in Barbados No.17, Golf View Terrace, Golf Club Road, Rocley, Christ Church, Barbados Fax: +1-809-4358300 Email: CHINESEEMBBDS@CARIBSURF.COM Chinese Embassy in Cotonou, Benin Embassy of China in Cotonou, Benin No.2, Route De L'aeroport, Cotonou, Benin Phone: +229-301292, 300765 Fax: +229-300841 Email: PRCBENIN@SERV.EIT.BJ Chinese Embassy in Gaborne, Botswana Embassy of China in Botswana NORTH RING ROAD 3096, GABORONE Phone: +267-352209 Fax: +267-300156 Email: CHNEMB@INFO.BW Chinese Embassy in Bandar Seri, Brunei Embassy of China in Brunei Darussalam NO.1,3,5 Simpang 462, Campong Sungai, Hanching, Jalan Muara, BC 2115, Bandar Seri Phone: +673-2-334163 Fax: +673-2-335710 Email: EMBPROC@BRUNET.BN Chinese Embassy in Bujumbura, Burundi Embassy of China in Burundi Sur La Parcelle 675 A Vugizo Bujumbura BurundiI Phone: + 257-224307, 216856 Fax: +257-213735, 224082 Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia Embassy of China in Phom Penh, Cambodia No.156 Blvd Mao Tsetung Phom Penh Cambodia Phone: 00855-12-810928 Fax: 364738 Chinese Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon Embassy of China in Yaounde, Cameroon BP1307, Nouveau Bastos, Yaounde, Cameroon Phone: 237-210083 Fax: 237-214395, 200471 Email: AMBCHINE@CAMNET.CM Chinese Embassy in Bangui, Central African Republic Embassy of China in Central African Republic Avenue Des Martyrs Bangui, Republique Centragricaine Phone: 236-612760 Chinese Embassy in Moroni, Comoros Embassy of China in Comores Coulee De Lave No.C109, Moroni, Comores Phone: +269-732521 Fax: +269-732866 Email: ambassadechine@snpt.km Chinese Embassy in Brazzaville, Congo Embassy of China in Brazzaville, Congo Boulevard Du Marechal Lyautey, Brazzaville, Republique Du Congo Phone: + 242-811132 Fax: +242-811135 Chinese Embassy in Banjul, Gambia Embassy of China in Gambia 6A Marina Parade Banjul Gambia Phone: 227351 Chinese Embassy in Port Au Prince, Haiti Embassy of China in Port Au Prince, Haiti 10 Place Boyer, Petion-Ville, Haiti Phone: 2575568 Chinese Embassy in Tehran, Iran of China in Iran Pasdaran, Narenjestan 7th, No.13, Tehran Phone: +9821-2291242 Fax: +9821-2291234 Chinese Embassy in Baghad, Iraq Embassy of China in Iraq Hiteen Quarter, Section No.624, Street No.35, Baghdad, Iraq Phone: +964-1-5562741 Fax: ++873811572643 Chinese Embassy in Vientiane, Laos Embassy of China in Laos Wat Nak Road, Sisattanak, Vientiane, Lao P.D.R. Phone: +856-21-315100 Fax: +856-21-315104 Email: EMBASSYPRC@LAONET.NET Chinese Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon Embassy of China in Lebanon 72, Rue Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock, Ramlit - Baida Beirut Phone: 961-1-856133 Email: EMB.PRC@DM.NET.LB Chinese Embassy in Tripoli, Libya Embassy of China in Libya Menstir Street, Gargaresh Road, Andalus District, Tripoli, Libya Phone: +218-21-4832914 Fax: +218-21-4831877 Chinese Embassy in Mawatha, Maldives Embassy of China in Maldives 381-A Bauddhaloka Mawatha Colombo 7, Sri Lanka Phone: +941 694491 Fax: +941 693799 Chinese Embassy in Nouakchott, Mauritania Embassy of China in Mauritania Nouakchott, The Islamic Republic Of Mauritania Phone: +222-2-52070 Fax: +222-2-52462 Chinese Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Embassy of China in Mongolia C.P.O.Box672 Zaluuchuudyn Urgun Chuluu 5, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Phone: +976-1-323940 Fax: +976-1-311943 Chinese Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar Embassy of China in Myanmar No.1 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon, Union Of Myanmar Phone: +95-1-221280 Fax: +95-1-227019 Chinese Embassy in Muscat, Oman Embassy of China in Oman House No.465, Way 1507, Al-Ansherah Street, Medinat Alalam, Muscat, Sultanate Of Oman Phone: +968-696698 Fax: +968-699208 Email: JIXIANG@GTO.NET.OM Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan Embassy of China in Pakistan Diplomatic Enclave, Ramina 4, Islamabad, Pakistan Phone: +92-51-2824786 Fax: +92-51-2821116 Email: POS@ISB.COMSATS.NET.PK Chinese Embassy in Doha, Qatar Embassy of China in Qatar No.2 Al-Rasheed St., New Al-Hitmi Area, Doha, Qatar Phone: +974-4824202 Fax: +974-4873959 Email: CHANGKUI@QATAR.NET Chinese Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Embassy of China in Saudi Arabia Abdul Hagg IBN Seid St.22 Al Raid, Riyadh, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Phone: 2812083 Fax: 2812070 Email: CHIEMSAUDI@HOTMAIL.COM Chinese Embassy in Mawatha Colombo, Sri Lanka Embassy of China in Sri Lanka 381-A Bauddhaloka Mawatha Colombo 7, Srilanka Phone: +941-694491 Fax: +941-693799 Chinese Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan Embassy of China in Sudan Al-Manshia, Khartoum City, Sudan Phone: 249-11-272730 Fax: 249-11-271138 Email: EMBSUDAN@HOTMAIL.COM Chinese Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia Embassy of China in Tunisia 22, Rue Dr.Burnet, Tunis, 1002, Tunisia Phone: +216-71780064 Fax: +216-717841651 Email: amb.chine@gnet.tn Chinese Embassy in Abu Dhab, United Arab Emirates Embassy of China in Abu Dhab, United Arab Emirates Villa No .207, Al Sudan Street, Abu Dhab, U.A.E. Phone: +971-2-434276 Fax: +971-2-435440 Email: CHNEMB@EMIRATES.NET.AE Chinese Embassy in Tunisia, Palestine Embassy of China in Palestine 22, Rue Dr.Burnet, Tunis, 1002, Tunishia Phone: +2161-780064 Fax: +2161-792631 Email: amb.chine@gnet.tn China Travel Guide Full country name: People's Republic of China Population: 1.28 billion Capital City: Beijing (pop 12.6 million) Language: Mandarin, Cantonese Religion: Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism (no stats available); Islam (14 million), Christianity (7 million) Government: Communist Republic Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8 (Beijing Time.) Dialling Code: 86 Electricity: 220V, 50Hz Weights & measures: Metric Money & Costs: Currency: Renminbi ('People's Money') Meals Budget: US$1-2 Mid-range: US$5-10 High: US$10-25 Top: US$25+ Accommodation: Budget: US$25-35 Mid-range: US$35-100 High: US$100-300 Top: US$300+ Generally, eastern China is much more expensive than the western part of the country. Visitors to eastern China could get by on around $50 a day, but it would be a challenge. Budget travellers in western China should be able to keep costs down to $25 per day. The main drain on savings tends to be long train journeys. Food is cheap throughout China, and if you're careful you won't have to spend much more than $7 a day on meals. However, the bottom line is that you'll be charged the 'tourist price' a lot of the time - it's a practice encouraged by the government. Tipping is not really expected in mainland China. Geography: China is the third largest country in the World, just behind Russia and Canada. It has an area of about 9.6 million square kilometers which comprises about 6.5% of the world total land area. The population of China is over 1.2 billion people. This is about one-fifth of the world's population. China is a very diverse land including deserts, mountains and fertile river basins. Much of western China is mountains with the Himalaya, Tian and Pamir ranges. Western China also has a large desert. Central China consists of mountainous regions. Rivers also play a major role in China, both for transportation and for irrigation. Much of the northern wheat fields and southern rice fields are irrigated from rivers. Climate: China has a great diversity of climates. The northeast experiences hot and dry summers and bitterly cold winters. The north and central region has almost continual rainfall, hot summers and cold winters. The southeast region has substantial rainfall, with semi-tropical summers and cool winters. Central, southern and western China are also susceptible to flooding, China is also periodically subject to seismic activity. Spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit China. Daytime temperatures range from 20℃to 30℃ (68℉-86℉) in these seasons - but bear in mind that nights can still be bitterly cold and it can sometimes be wet and miserable. Recommended clothing: North heavyweight clothing with boots for the harsh northern winters. Lightweight clothing for summer. South mediumweight clothing for winter and lightweight for summer. Public Holidays: 1 Oct - National Day 8 Mar - International Women's Day 1 Aug - Anniversary of the founding of the PLA 1 May - International Labour Day 4 May - Youth Day Feb - Spring Festival 1 Jun - International Children's Day 1 Jul - Birthday of the Chinese Communist Party 1 Jan - New Year's Day Major public holidays, in particular Chinese New Year, are perhaps best avoided as it's difficult to get around and/or find accommodation. Questions for Teaching in China 1. Why come to China? 2. How much money do I need to bring? 3. What should I bring with me? 4. How much money do I need to live? 5. Which type of school is better? 6. What type of salaries and benefits should I expect? 7. Do I need a degree? 8. Do I need TESOL? 9. How much experience do I need? 10. What about the airfare? 11. How many hours per week do I need to work? 12. Will the school definitely give me a visa? 13. What if I don't know any Chinese? 14. How do I get paid? 15. What about traveling? 1. Why come to China?(Top ^) Teaching in China has the following benefits: Requirements are low Jobs are plentiful Culture and history Workload (14-35hrs) High salaries (2-8 times local cost of living) Cheap traveling Options 2. How much money do I need to bring?(Top ^) You will need to bring sufficient funds for living and setup costs until your first paycheck. In some case it can be 6-7 weeks before begin teaching in China. Therefore depending on what you intend to buy you should make available between 2500-6000rmb. Some positions will give you absolutely everything with your apartment, other will require you to purchase your own living items, so keep this in mind when determining how much money you think you should bring. 3. What should I bring with me?(Top ^) China is a very cheap place to live. Most of the things you will need can be bought here for significantly cheaper than your home country. Things that can be difficult to obtain here, at least cheaply, include; spray on deodorant, make up, lip gloss, shoes and clothes bigger than certain sizes. It can be difficult to find shoes larger than US size 9 1/2 without paying full price. Clothes larger than size 12 [women] can be very hard to find in stores. There is however no shortage of tailors and fabric markets where you can have your clothes made for in most cases less than the stores. Depending on the time of year, you will be entering cold weather. Make sure you have warm enough clothes to cover you until you can go to a store to buy something. A winter jacket (for sub zero temperatures) is as low as 250rmb, often much cheaper than when coming from a warm climate (EG Australia). 4. How much money do I need to live?(Top ^) Most cities in China have a reasonable cost of living index. Foreign goods are often set at prices equal to back home. If some thing costs $6.00 back home, simply multiply that by the conversion rate for your country and that will be an average price for the imported item in China. Teaching in China is a great way to experience China and adopt the local culture, food, and way of life. You will be able to live on next to nothing. A reasonable estimate for basic living costs month to month (food, transport, cell phone, etc) 2000-2500rmb per month. Eating out can be either more or less cost effective than eating at home depending on your location. A beer from in nice restaurant in a large city (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) may cost 25rmb per bottle (700ml). The same bottle of beer in a smaller city (Harbin, Shenyang, etc) can be found for 3rmb. 5. Which type of school is better?(Top ^) The ultimate question when teaching in China is really; "Public or Private". We have outlined the major differences here for you to compare.
6. What type of salaries and benefits should I expect?(Top ^) Your pay will be determined on a sliding scale firstly by your tertiary education, followed by teaching experience especially any teaching in China, and finally TESOL certification. This amount is then based on a specific number of hours each month. Things that can have an adverse affect on your salary offers include - no TESOL, minimal experience, only Bachelor degree, native English speaking or not, being absent from scheduled classes (sick or taking leave) and availability matching demand for position. Public school salary range examples (incl: airfares, apartments and visas): Low End - 3500rmb per mth, 10 classes p/wk, BA holder Average - 5000-6000rmb per month 16-18 classes p/wk, BA Holder Top End - 6000/7500/9000rmb per mth, 12/18/22 classes p/wk, Masters or PhD Holder Private school salary range examples: Low End - 5000rmb, 18-20 hrs p/wk, Apartment, 8000rmb airfare, TESOL Plus teaching experience Average - 6000-8000rmb, 18-22hrs p/wk, Apartment, 9000rmb airfare, BA Plus either a TESOL or Teaching experience Top End - 12000-14000rmb, 25-35hrs p/wk, Apt or Housing Allowance, Return Airfare, BA Holder, TESOL and related Teaching experience 7. Do I need a degree?(Top ^) No. You do not need a degree to begin teaching in China. You do however need to understand your options are very limited. Typically you would only be able to teach at private training schools. You would also need to obtain/provide a TESOL certificate. Certain cities, for example; Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, and not going to be a legal option for you. There are at least 10-15 cities that give the big 3 a run for their money. However, China does not do much to advertise their cities as potential destinations. It is recommended that you search Wikipedia for the following cities - Suzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Wuxi, Chongqing, Tianjin, Shenyang, Changsha, Changchun and Harbin. Yes, if you expect to obtain high paying positions with good schools. Also, it is a good idea to keep in mind the following screening process when many candidates apply to a school: 1) Bachelor, 2) Resume, 3) Passport, and 4) Other relevant documents. You may be cut from a list in the absence of one of these requirements. 8. Do I need TESOL certificate for teaching in China?(Top ^) No - If you have a degree you will not need a TESOL certificate. Except if you are expecting to obtain very high paying jobs with good schools. No - if you have teaching experience in addition to your BA Yes - If you do not have a degree, you will need every additional qualification available to boost your application back up inline with BA holders. Yes - If you are pursuing high paying positions in exceptional schools, it if often a requirement, in addition to a BA and teaching experience. 9. How much experience do I need?(Top ^) Sometimes you do not need any teaching experience. Training schools will often train you for between 1week and 2months to ensure you are continuing their teaching methods. If you obtain a TESOL certificate, teaching should be part of the graduation requirements, which would give you a nice taste for teaching. Most universities will require some teaching experience depending on the institutes internal programs and student body. Some schools do not offer any training or help preparing (it is the teachers full responsibility), while others will follow a syllabus with you and give you sufficient training to prepare you for your students' English level. If you are applying for a special position (EG High Salary & Benefits, lower hours, specialist teaching, etc), you will definitely need related teaching experience. Most schools will require a minimum of 2 years in addition to having a degree and TESOL certificate. 10. What about the airfare?(Top ^) 95% of positions will offer an airfare bonus as part of the salary package. It is paid upon completion of your contract term, along with any additional bonuses or unpaid salary. For example - LNSY-01 in our job board would have a final payout of between 20-30,000rmb in the 13mth of the contract term. you are Re-signing with the same school, it would look like this - 1st year, 8000rmb in the 13month, 2nd year, 8000rmb in the 13th/25th month or you contact. Stays - 6 month contracts often only provide a one way airfare or less. This is because you will only be teaching in China for a short period of time, and the school must do twice as much work to fulfill the position for the entire year. It is a good idea to think strongly and consider the additional 4mths required for public school positions (Total of 10mths). You would then qualify for all benefits, and full bonuses, as well as have more room to negotiate additional things into your contract. Also, you would experience 30 days holiday plus a holiday allowance in which you could visit home if it were necessary. 11. How many hours per week do I need to work?(Top ^) Hours are split into two types: teaching hours and office hours. Teaching hours are mentioned in the job advertisement and contract, it is the time you spend in the classroom. Office hours are the hours required for planning your lessons. Most schools require this be done at school, at a scheduled time. Some schools allow you to do them whenever you like. 12. Will the school definitely give me a visa?(Top ^) Yes. The schools are required by federal law to have the appropriate visa for you while you are working at their school. If a school fails to provide one, then they are in breach of contract, and are required to pay for you airfare to return home, or make plans for you to work elsewhere. In some circumstances the school will not be able to give you a visa. Such cases would include: - Failure to pass your medical exam - Lying about your personal qualifications or experience - Unable to complete your required documentation - Becoming involved or previously being involved in a crime 13. What if I don't know any Chinese?(Top ^) It is very easy for you to begin teaching in China and not know a word of Mandarin. You are going to teach English with other foreigners so settling in is not a problem. Your co-teachers will be extremely hospitable, and will want to help you with anything you need. Learning to speak Chinese is perhaps the most popular. You can enroll at a university, college or training school. With classes from 2-5 times per week, or even full time at university. An example is: 8-10am Mon-Fri, 500rmb per month. You can also hire a private tutor, set at a price of your own choice. Anywhere from 10-40rmb per hour depending on the tutor. 14. How do I get paid?(Top ^) The schools will pay you monthly, by direct deposit into your local Chinese bank account, which the school will arrange for you. You are free to open your own accounts, and all you need is a passport and proof of address. Some schools may still pay you in cash. Often schools will convert a certain percentage of your salary if requested into USD, usually no more than 70%. 15. What about traveling?(Top ^) Teaching in China doesn't consume a lot of time, so travelling in China is very simple. However, you will often want to get a Chinese person to assist in buying tickets for you. China has a very extensive rail network, with four classes of travel (Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper, Soft Seat, Hard Seat). It is a good idea to plan your traveling in advance, as most people in China travel at the same time, during vacation. It is sometimes cheaper to fly when traveling longer distances and to popular cities. Usually, tickets for trains or planes cannot be bought locally more than 7-10 days in advance. This is a small price to pay for the massive saving you can make. |
