Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a move to a new country can be both daunting and exciting. If you have questions about teaching abroad, look no further! We've compiled a list of the questions that teachers ask us most often below.

 

We recommend reading through to familarize yourself with Zhiyuand the services we offer. We think we've done a good job of answering the most burning teaching abroad questions but if the information you're looking for is missing don't worry! Our contact information is provided at the end.

 

1. Do I have to pay to apply with Zhiyu?

Applying to teach in china with Zhiyuis 100% free for you! There is no charge for our services. Simply apply and we’ll do our best to find the best opportunity for you.

2. Recruitment requirement

As of 2016, there are 4 primary and common requirements to teach in China:

• Native English speaker
• Bachelor degree
• Two years teaching experience(need proof, e.g. reference letter), or teaching certificate (e.g. TESOL, TEFL CELTA etc.)
• No criminal records

3. How does the Zhiyuapplication process work?

The process differs a little bit depending on which part of the world you’ll be teaching. Typically public school licensed teachers 1. Apply for any jobs you’re interested in here on our website.
2. One of our recruiters will reach out for a phone interview if you’re a good fit for the position (or if there are any other positions that you’d be a good fit for).
3. We’ll schedule a 15-20 minute phone interview during which one of our recruiters will get to know you and find out more about your qualifications and experience. This is also a good chance for you to learn more about the opportunity and ask any questions you might have.
4. Your recruiter will submit your profile to schools that you’re interested in and will arrange a Skype interview between you and the school if they’d like to speak with you.
5. When you receive a job offer we’ll guide you through signing the contract and the school will assist with the visa process.

4. Do I need a resume to apply?

Yes, please upload your resume when applying. Our recruiting team really can’t evaluate your application or invite you to interview without it. So the sooner we have it the sooner your adventure begins!

5. How do I check the status of my application?

Due to the large volume of applications we receive daily, unfortunately we can’t provide an individual update on the status of your application. We do our very best to review all applications within 5 days and if your application was successful we’ll reach out for an interview as soon as possible. We will contact successful applicants only.

6. How should I prepare for an interview?

As with any interview, preparation is key. Our recruiters want to know that you’ve done your homework and are seriously interested in the opportunity.

For jobs in Asia it’s a good idea to research the cities you are interested in teaching in, the visa process and what you can expect from life in Asia in general. It’s also a good idea to think about any experience you have working with children or teaching and how your interview answers can reflect that.

7. How long will I be going china for? Do you have any summer jobs?

All of our positions are for a minimum of a year. This is due to the fact that applying for a visa can be quite a time-consuming process. Because schools sponsor their teacher’s visas and assist with the visa process, they prefer to hire teachers for at least a year.

8. How soon can I start teaching in china?

Peak hiring times will always be in January and August but the schools we work with are looking for teachers to start at various times throughout the year so there are always options to start sooner or a little further down the line, depending on your availability and their needs. However, it is important to bear in mind that the visa application process can be quite long so that will also dictate when you can make the move. We generally recommend applying at least 6-8 months before your desired start date.

9. What are the requirements for teaching in china?

Asia
To teach in Asia, as a minimum requirement, you must have a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline). Some teaching experience or experience working with children is also required (this can include babysitting, coaching, tutoring, working as a camp counsellor etc). A TEFL certification is also strongly preferred (for more info on whether you need a TEFL please see our TEFL question below).

10. Do I need a TEFL?

There is a lot of contradictory information out there about this. Technically having a TEFL certificate is a visa requirement if you do not have teaching experience, although this rule is not always strictly enforced. In recent times the schools we work with are requesting TEFL qualified teachers more often than not and are unwilling to consider those without. So while there are exceptions to the rule, generally speaking we recommend completing a course if you are new to teaching and serious about these opportunities. Not only will it strengthen your application, it will also (as the name suggests) actually help to prepare you for teaching English to foreign learners - which can only be a good thing! You can complete one online in your own time at a modest cost.

Don’t wait to finish your course to apply with us, you can start the application process right away, just state that you have a TEFL in progress on your resume.

12. What documents will I need to obtain a working visa?

Asia
The visa approval process can take 3-4 months so it’s a good idea to start preparing as soon as possible. As you go through the process you may be asked to submit any of the following:

A criminal background check, a copy of your degree (authenticated for China and apostilled for South Korea), a copy of your passport, a copy of your TEFL certificate and passport photos. You may also be asked to undergo a medical check.

13. Can I apply with my friend/partner?

If you and your partner or friend would like to apply to teach china together, please submit individual applications to any jobs you’re interested in. Then email your details to zy_consulting.hr@outlook.com stating that you’d like to apply together. Moving to Asia can be a great option for two people who want to teach china together

We can’t guarantee that you’ll be teaching at the same school, but every effort will be made to place you in the same city.

14. What about moving china with a family?

15. Can I bring my pets?

We understand how difficult it can be to leave your furry friends behind, but we don’t recommend travelling with pets. The process can be very expensive and time consuming, and the journey itself gruelling for your pet. Depending on where you are moving to, pets may not be as culturally accepted as at home and thus may not have the same quality of life overseas. Its also important to remember that your employer will most likely be providing your accommodation and pets may not be permitted to live with you.

16. What are the average benefits and salaries I can expect from teaching china?

Flight allowance
Free accommodation or accommodation stipend
Local medical insurance
Paid national holidays

Salaries and the cost of living
As with most jobs, salaries vary from one school to another - each job posting on our site lists a salary. You may notice that these don’t directly compare with salaries back home because of differences in the cost of living abroad. For example, jobs in the first-tier cities offer higher salaries, but the region also has a higher cost of living - so don’t let a lower salary put you off teaching elsewhere. Some quick research about what it costs to live in the cities you’re interested in will show you that you can live comfortably on a teacher’s salary, and even save money or travel the region. When comparing salaries, don’t forget that housing is provided or subsidized, so it’s not something you need to budget for (like back home).

17. What if I have a question that isn't listed here?

If you've read through this page and haven't found the information you're looking for, feel free to get in touch. We'll do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.