If you are an ex-pat teacher looking for a teaching job in China, it is important that you understand the Chinese education system.
In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of the Chinese education system, including school structure, curriculum, and grading system. We will also talk about some of the pros and cons of teaching in China compared to other countries.
So, whether you are just starting your research into teaching jobs in China or are already in the process of applying for a position, read on for information that will help you make the best decision for your career!
The Basics of the Chinese Education System
The focus of the Chinese education system is different from that of other countries. While the focus in other countries may be on creativity and critical thinking, the focus in China is more on rote memorization and test-taking.
Chinese students typically attend school from Monday to Friday and have classes from around seven in the morning until five or six in the evening.
There are three main types of schools in China: public schools, private schools, and international schools.
Public schools are government-funded and typically teach in Mandarin Chinese. Private schools are not government-funded and may or may not teach in Mandarin Chinese.
International schools are typically for children of ex-pats and foreign nationals and teach in a foreign language (usually English).
School Structure
The school structure in China is very different from what most ex-pat teachers are used to. In China, students attend three years of kindergarten, six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, and then senior high school.
At the end of 12th grade, students take the gaokao (高考), which is an extremely important test that determines their college entrance. This exam is so important that some parents will do anything to make sure their children perform well on it, including hiring expensive tutors.
Curriculum
The curriculum in Chinese schools is set by the Ministry of Education. The Chinese curriculum is very demanding, and students are often required to complete a lot of homework.
The core subjects are Chinese literature, mathematics, foreign languages, science, history, and geography. In addition to these core subjects, students may also take electives such as art, music, and physical education.
Grading System
The grading system in China may be different from what some ex-pat teachers are used to. In China, most grades are given on a five-scale system, with an A (or 90.00-100.00) being the highest grade.
The Pros and Cons of Teaching in China
Now that we have covered the basics of the Chinese education system let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of teaching in China compared to other countries.
One of the biggest pros of teaching in China is that there are many opportunities available. With such a large population, there is a great demand for English teachers. Jobs in China can be found in both public and private schools, as well as online teaching jobs and jobs teaching at international schools.
Another pro of teaching in China is that the salaries are often higher than what is offered in other countries. Combined with the low cost of living in certain parts of China, this can make for a very comfortable lifestyle.
The greatest benefit of teaching in China is that it is an incredibly fascinating and unique country with a rich history and culture. There are few places in the world where you can experience such a different way of life.
However, there are also some challenges that come with teaching in China. One of these is the language barrier. While Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, not everyone speaks it. This can make communication difficult, especially in rural areas.
Another challenge of teaching in China is the strictness of the Chinese education system. As we mentioned before, the focus is on rote memorization and test-taking rather than creativity and critical thinking. This can make for a very stressful learning environment for both students and teachers.
Furthermore, the working hours can be long and challenging. As we mentioned before, Chinese students typically attend school from Monday to Friday and have classes from around seven in the morning until five or six in the evening. This leaves little time for planning and preparation and can be quite tiring.
So, if you are thinking of teaching in China, it is important to be aware of both the pros and cons of working in this fascinating and challenging country.
How to Find Teaching Jobs in China
Now that we have covered the basics of the Chinese education system let’s take a look at how to find jobs teaching in China.
There are a few different ways to go about finding jobs in China. The first is to search online job boards or websites that specialize in teaching jobs abroad. This can be a great way to find jobs that fit your specific criteria.
Another way to find jobs in China is to contact schools directly. This can be done by emailing or calling schools that you are interested in working at and inquiring about any open positions
Finally, another great way to find jobs teaching in China is through personal connections. If you know someone who is already working in China, they may be able to put you in touch with a school that is hiring.
So, if you are interested in teaching in China, there are a few different ways to go about finding jobs. Be sure to do your research and choose the option that is best for you.
Final Thoughts
The Chinese education system can be a great option for ex-pat teachers looking for jobs abroad. With its many opportunities and higher salaries, China is an attractive option for many teachers.
However, it is important to be aware of the challenges that come with teaching in China, such as the language barrier and the long working hours. If you are interested in teaching in China, be sure to do your research and choose the option that is best for you.
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