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Chris Bishop · Fri 05-Jan-07, 04:57 PM

Unfortunately I don't have any experience with teacher certification schools since I just got an online TEFL degree. This worked for me because I had a bit of teaching experience at the time and my school just wanted me to get TEFL so they could promote the classes better. The funny thing is, I didn't get the certificate in time but they said I had it on the ad. But I digress...

I don't know much about these different certificates, but CELTA seems to be the most highly regarded. Which one you should get depends on your future career goals, I suppose. Most schools in China accept any sort of teaching certification.

You can teach in China without a uni degree, but this will limit your options. Be sure your employer can get you a Visa. I knew one 18 year-old Canadian girl in Southern China who was working without a degree, but she was w/o working Visa (had to go to Hong Kong once a month).

As for $300/month, that seems pretty expensive for China; it would depend on the city I guess. U can probably stay in a hostel for 40 yuan per night ($5) so that works out to.... about $150/mo. And bargain a bit for a long-stay price to make it even lower. Getting an apartment there would obviously be cheaper, but not worth the effort unless you will be working in the same city you take the class in. Just for your reference, the avg. apt. in China is about $100/month. I lived in a pretty posh place in Shanghai for just $300/month, and I don't imagine that's what the school has for you, so they're probably pocketing most of that. One other option, if it's a big city like Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing or Tianjin you can check the expat websites for short-term room openings (or post there yourself). That extra few $100 will seem like more and more the longer you stay in China.

Sorry, I don't know too much about these degrees and TESL/CELTA schools. Perhaps someone else with first-hand experience can comment. Otherwise, check out Dave's ESL Cafe; they have a discussion forum about this.

As for me, I'm back in the U.S. working for the man. I really miss teaching and China though. Definitely give it a go! And good luck!

Fri 05-Jan-07, 04:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chris Bishop Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Nationality: USA Occupation: Assistant Director of JNTO Location: Posts: 7	Re: TEFL course in China Unfortunately I don't have any experience with teacher certification schools since I just got an online TEFL degree. This worked for me because I had a bit of teaching experience at the time and my school just wanted me to get TEFL so they could promote the classes better. The funny thing is, I didn't get the certificate in time but they said I had it on the ad. But I digress... I don't know much about these different certificates, but CELTA seems to be the most highly regarded. Which one you should get depends on your future career goals, I suppose. Most schools in China accept any sort of teaching certification. You can teach in China without a uni degree, but this will limit your options. Be sure your employer can get you a Visa. I knew one 18 year-old Canadian girl in Southern China who was working without a degree, but she was w/o working Visa (had to go to Hong Kong once a month). As for $300/month, that seems pretty expensive for China; it would depend on the city I guess. U can probably stay in a hostel for 40 yuan per night ($5) so that works out to.... about $150/mo. And bargain a bit for a long-stay price to make it even lower. Getting an apartment there would obviously be cheaper, but not worth the effort unless you will be working in the same city you take the class in. Just for your reference, the avg. apt. in China is about $100/month. I lived in a pretty posh place in Shanghai for just $300/month, and I don't imagine that's what the school has for you, so they're probably pocketing most of that. One other option, if it's a big city like Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing or Tianjin you can check the expat websites for short-term room openings (or post there yourself). That extra few $100 will seem like more and more the longer you stay in China. Sorry, I don't know too much about these degrees and TESL/CELTA schools. Perhaps someone else with first-hand experience can comment. Otherwise, check out Dave's ESL Cafe; they have a discussion forum about this. As for me, I'm back in the U.S. working for the man. I really miss teaching and China though. Definitely give it a go! And good luck!