When deciding on teaching in China, there are many things should be considered which includes the following.
When deciding on teaching in China, there are many things should be considered which includes the following.
Student Age
The most common schools seeking teachers are middle school (ages 11 - 14), high schools (ages aged 15 - 17) and colleges or universities (ages 18 - 22)
High schools and middle schools classes are often very large (60 - 80 students) in a shared classroom with a blackboard and perhaps a TV. Classes are generally for spoken English. Teaching resources are usually quite basic and need to be spiced up. Probably, most of your classes will be the same level so you may only need to plan one or two lessons per week. Little is required outside scheduled teaching hours.
Colleges and universities usually have smaller classes. Again spoken English is the most common subject but there may also be classes in writing, literature and Western culture. Universities are often seeking teachers of other languages (French, German or Japanese) or with qualifications or experience in other fields (psychology, music, modern dance, information technology or physical sciences, international trade) to teach these subjects in English. Often these schools will also arrange evening English corners once a week.
Pre-elementary schools and elementary schools seeking teachers are usually private. There are also many private language schools, catering to students of all ages doing catch-up or extension classes. Private schools classes will be smaller and streamed by student level and age.
Teaching Duties and Rewards
Money shouldn't be the deciding factor on where you go to in China. For most public schools, wages are set by local government guidelines. Unless you go overboard, all schools will pay you enough to live reasonably comfortably and save enough cash for some travel during your breaks.
City size and level of development
Of course all cities have the basic facilities for day to day living, but larger and more developed cities will have:
More "Western" style facilities like shopping malls, convenience stores, night life, restaurants
Better range of health care facilities.
More foreigners
More cars, air pollution and commuting time
Cleaner streets
Higher cost of living
Climate
In summer most places in China are hot (30 – 40℃), but the main difference is with the winter climate. The south stays warmish and the north becomes freezing, and everything between. Generally all accommodation provided is air-conditioned and the further north you go the better the heating facilities become. All classrooms everywhere are naturally heated with 60 or so students.