The Process

10 Steps To Becoming An ESL Teacher

The process to become an English teacher abroad be confusing. Where do I begin and what do I need to do are just a few questions we get asked often so we went ahead and simplified the process for you. The following ten steps can take as short as a month or up to three depending on your circumstance.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

— Lao Tzu

1. MAKE SURE YOU MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BECOME AN ESL TEACHER

Teaching abroad has never been easier, but it does require a few basic qualifications. All applicants must have a four-year degree in any field as well as a TEFL certification. Some of the schools that we recruit for will even pay for your TEFL certificate in advance if you meet the other requirements. Talk to us now, let us introduce you to them!

2. EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE AND DECIDE IF YOU ARE UP FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

Teaching abroad is a wonderful experience and can be used as a springboard to great opportunities, but that doesn’t mean it’s a perfect fit for everyone. Check out our testimonials page to hear from teachers who are already abroad and find out if it’s right for you.

3. RESEARCH DIFFERENT CITIES IN CHINA

China is a vast and diverse country with many cultures and climates. Our China Cities page is a great place to start researching a city that is right for you. China Highlights is another great resource to use for additional information

4. CLICK APPLY NOW AND SEND US YOUR RESUME

If you haven’t graduated yet, but are in your final semester that's ok! Go ahead and get a jump start on the process and send us your resume.

5. HAVE A SKYPE INTERVIEW

After we go over your resume and questionnaire, we’ll send you an email to set up a time and date for an interview. Interviews typically last around an hour, and we recommend you prepare the same as you would for a job at home.

6. GO OVER YOUR JOB OPTIONS AND MAKE A SELECTION

After your interview, we’ll match you with schools that meet your experience and expectations. Take your time to review each school before you make a decision.

7. HAVE AN INTERVIEW WITH YOUR POTENTIAL EMPLOYER

If your interview is successful, the school will make you an offer of employment. Should you accept, the school will send you the necessary documents they need for you to fill out to begin the visa process.

8. COMPLETE THE VISA APPLICATION

Once you have filled out and submitted your documents to your employer, they will mail you a visa invitation letter. Along with the invitation letter and passport, you will be required submit the following notarized documents, a notarized health examination, criminal background check, diploma, and TEFL certificate to the nearest Chinese embassy by mail or in person. Don't worry, your school with be with each step of the way to make the application process speedy and efficient. Some jobs also offer a reimbursement program for any costs that might be accrued in the application process, that will be payed out upon arrival.

9. RECEIVE YOUR VISA AND PURCHASE PLANE TICKETS.

After your paperwork is processed and approved, your entrance visa will be added to your passport and mailed to you. While you can purchase plane tickets before this, we recommend against it as though it highly unlikely, there is a slim possibility for complications with your paperwork. Upon completion of your contract flight there is a flight reimbursement of up to 15,000 RMB ($2500)