There are many places all over the world to
teach ESL to receptive people who want to learn the language that’s considered the more predominant one for the new world economy, but nowhere are there better opportunities now than the ones supplied by ESL jobs in China. Especially with the Olympics right around the corner, there has never been a better time to consider this profession.
One of the biggest attractions to
teaching English in China may surprise a lot of teachers in North America who are continually hampered by the large classes. In China, most classes are of no more than twenty students and this makes for a cozy environment. As well, many doors are opened to teachers accepting ESL jobs in China and they are allowed to interact with many different aspects of the Chinese culture that they might never had seen if it wasn’t for the teaching jobs. Still, it’s very important that the teacher brush up on the kinds of skills they’ll need to make the adventure successful.
For example, most of the students that come to school to learn English are from the more affluent sections of the Chinese population and so they ask for a little more from their teachers. Consequently, the teachers might be asked to participate in some regular social and marketing activities on top of their regular activities. There are a few tips that will be helpful as well about the actual mechanics of teaching as it relates to ESL jobs in China.
First pertains to how students listen. Within the classroom setting, students become accustomed to the voice and dialect of their regular teachers. So it stands to reason that a recording played on any kind of device is not as effective for several reasons. A real time teacher is constantly using gestures and stopping for clarification where needed and he or she will constantly check for understanding. But with a recording, none of those factors are present. As well, face-to-face conversation is very difficult for students that don’t speak English as a first language since the conversation tends to flow quickly for the native English speaker. Speaking on the telephone is also considered stressful when they aren’t in the classroom.
Teachers should suggest that students eager to learn English watch television as a low pressure method of learning the language when they are not in the classroom. Once you’ve looked at
ESL jobs in China and made the decision to get one, there are still some considerations you should look at before investing any further in the adventure and they are all positive.
China has an excellent transportation system so not being able to get around under your own steam in a car won’t be a problem. However, some imported Western products are naturally more expensive than in your home country, but overall the cost of living in China is very low.
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Robert McKenzie is a teacher and writer. He has traveled widely teaching English. Visit his website for more information about
Teaching English in China
