Teach English in China - Education, Food, Housing, and More
Education in China
Education is valued by the Chinese people as evidenced by a 91% literacy rate and the fierce competition for admittance to Universities. Over 11 million students attend the over 1,500 colleges and universities. All educational requirements for the people of China are managed by The Ministry of Education.
English-language education has been accorded much importance in China in the last quarter century. This accounts for the increased need of native English teachers in China. English and other foreign languages are optional in primary school, but become mandatory in junior and senior middle school.
China has a nine-year compulsory schooling system, meaning all children are required to attend school for at least nine years. Higher education is only for those students who have passed examinations at all compulsory levels. The school year consists of two semesters. The fall semester begins in early September and runs till late January or early February. Winter vacation typically runs from two to three weeks around the Lunar New Year. Spring semester begins following the Lantern Festival in mid-February and ends in early June.
English teachers in China should be aware that schedules may be different from schools in the U.S. Students generally attend public school Monday through Friday for an average of 8.5 hours per day. Many of these students then take additional courses (particularly English and the sciences) during the evenings and weekends. Private school teachers will have a schedule that is dependent upon the individual school and English language program.
Chinese Cuisine
With delicious and varied cuisine, some of China’s famous dishes are Peking duck, dim sum, steamed buns, and spicy snacks. Be aware that it’s considered improper to leave your chopsticks standing in your rice. If you want something exotic and delicious, try bananas in honeyed pancakes. Of course, the specific dishes available will vary from region to region.
Most people in China drink hot water and tea rather than cold. It is believed that hot water helps aid the digestion of food and hot tea cleanses the body of oils. Tap water in most areas is not drinkable, and this also includes avoiding ice. Drinking bottled water is common in China. Many of the familiar brands of soft drinks are available, but you will find that local brands are cheaper than imported ones. Beer is inexpensive and one of the most popular drinks in China.
Western ingredients are not difficult to find in large cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Stores like Wal-Mart and Trust Mart will carry cheeses, pastas, and cereals.
Housing In China
Over the past several years, apartments, particularly high-rise units, have begun to spring up all over China. Not only has the availability of housing increased, but the living conditions have improved dramatically as well. New units are being built with many of the amenities that westerners take for granted, including fast Internet connections, central heating, electricity, and toilets. Although some teachers abroad have opted for “Serviced Apartments”—temporary, furnished short-term housing—many of these units have become more similar to hotels with comparable, higher prices.
Housing costs vary, but most units cost $500 USD to over $1,200 USD per month. The closer you are to major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, the higher your housing costs.
There are typically two types of housing available:
Traditional Chinese Houses/Villas
Traditional Chinese houses consist of two to four buildings enclosed by a wall and facing a rectangular central courtyard. You can see these in the “hutongs” of Beijing or in other older neighborhoods of Chinese cities or villages. Most of the older housing buildings are three to five stories. There is usually a balcony, which is often enclosed in Northern China.
Chinese Apartments
Apartments commonly have one or two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Floors are usually made of concrete.
Some items that you may take for granted in the U.S. but shouldn’t expect in China are:
Clothes Dryer:
Many teachers abroad actually get their clothes laundered. If you elect to do your own laundry, you will need a drying rack.
Bathtub:
There are bath houses where you can immerse yourself, but expect only a shower in your home.
Oven:
You will have a gas stove, but it may be smaller than what you are used to.