Indian national Priti shares her success story - securing a job teaching English in China. We asked her more about the process and for advice on teaching prospects for those considered non-native English speakers.
Key facts
- Who: Priti Rai, Indian national with a master’s degree in education from Andrews University, Michigan, US
- Where: Sunshine Foreign Language Institute, Mudanjiang city, Heilongjiang province, China
- Course: the Global English 150-hour (level 4) Advanced TESOL
- Outcome: passed two interviews, obtained a Z work visa and now teaches English to children and adults
Why take a TESOL course as an experienced teacher?
Hi Priti - please tell us more about you and why you chose a TESOL course
I’m Priti Rai and I am from India. I have a master’s degree in education from Andrews University, Michigan, US. I chose the Global English TESOL course because I thought it genuine and helpful for me and also because it is recognized. I had already contacted Louisa three years ago regarding TEFL jobs and she answered all my queries.
Why teach English in China rather than Japan?
I had always wanted to teach English, but my first preference was Japan. However I didn’t get through the interviews, so I thought of China. Since I had the Global English level 4 TESOL, I was offered many interview options and I passed two interviews.
What is the interview process like for teaching jobs in China?
Who are you working for and what was the interview process like?
I have secured a job working as a language instructor with Sunshine Foreign Language Institute, Mudanjiang city in Heilongjiang province, China. I will be teaching English to kids and also to adults in a language school.
The process of interviewing was different from Japan and India: after an initial interview, the first round was with the agency, then I was required to make a 5 minute video and send it to them. Then, after the video round I was given a final interview with the school. And then I signed the contract.
How do non-native English speakers get a Z visa for China?
How did you manage to get a visa to teach legally? We understand it is difficult for those classed as non-native English speakers?
I got the z visa from China. My employer in China sent me the work permit and I applied for the visa from India. One of the requirements for this job was that my degree should be from the US or UK. Since I had a US degree it was easier for me to get this job. However, some other interviewers didn’t mention this requirement as long as you have a good spoken English and a non-Indian accent.
For current official guidance on entering and working in China, check the gov.uk foreign travel advice for China and its entry requirements page. You will also need your degree and TESOL certificate legalised – our guide to legalising documents for China walks through each step.
What is Priti’s advice to other non-native English speakers?
What is your advice to other non-native English speakers who are thinking of doing a TESOL course with us?
I have been teaching for 5 years now, but I learnt a lot more when I did TESOL with Global English. The course is very helpful for other countries too. My advice to non-native speakers is definitely go for this course and believe that you can do it. During my interviews I was able to answer many questions about teaching methods because of this course. It was also cost-effective way to obtain recognized certification.
“My advice to non-native speakers is definitely go for this course and believe that you can do it.”
- Priti Rai, language instructor, Heilongjiang province, China
Good luck, Priti - and keep in touch.
Interested in taking a TESOL course with us but not a native-English speaker? No problem! Read our FAQ on studying with us here.
The Global English Team
Got a question about teaching in China or TESOL course training options? Email the author Louisa Walsh
What do you need to teach English in China?
Priti’s route shows what employers and the visa system look for:
- A degree – some employers ask for a degree from a US or UK institution for non-native speakers, as Priti found, though requirements vary
- An accredited TEFL/TESOL certificate – her level 4, 150-hour TESOL opened multiple interview offers
- A Z (work) visa – your employer sends the work permit and you apply from your home country
- Legalised documents and a clean criminal record check
- Strong spoken English – interviews often include a recorded video round
Frequently asked questions
Can non-native English speakers teach English in China?
Yes. Priti, an Indian national, secured a legal teaching post with a Z work visa. A recognised degree (some employers prefer US/UK degrees for non-native speakers), an accredited TESOL certificate and strong spoken English are the keys. Read more in our guide to TEFL work for non-native English speakers.
What do I need to teach English in China?
A bachelor’s degree, an accredited TEFL/TESOL certificate, a clean criminal record check and a Z work visa arranged through your employer, with your documents legalised. Our teaching English in China guide covers the process, employers and typical packages in detail.
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You may also like to see:
* The 150-hour Global English TESOL course Priti took with Global English
* More stories and advice on teaching English in China
* Rhiannon’s story: teaching English in Changchun, China
* Can I find teaching work as a non-native English speaker?
* Employers recruiting Global English trainees for English teaching jobs in China
* How to get your documents legalised to gain the Z visa for China