Welcome to the first step of your very exciting adventure teaching English in the People’s Republic of China!!

On this page, you will find an overview about how to get started. For a description of specific programs, look on the Programs Page. Keep in mind that when you apply for a YingwenTeach program, you are going through a trustworthy American-owned organization that has established ties with reputable Chinese schools. We will provide you with the information you need to have a successful teaching experience.

Long-Term Teaching Job Benefits and Responsibilities: Foreign teachers at Chinese are expected to teach about 16-20 hours each week, M-F. School holidays include the first week of October (National Day), the first week of May (May Day), and a long mid-winter holiday in January-February that follows the lunar calendar called Spring Festival (Chinese New Year).

Schools typical provide free on-campus accommodations, usually a private apartment with bath/kitchen. Schools also reimburse teachers for airfare for signing a two-semester contract. Many schools provide a domestic travel allowance for holiday travel in addition to monthly salaries. The level of monthly salaries depending on the level of the students and the teacher’s personal qualifications, and the local in China (large urban east coast schools pay more). Salaries on the low end are about $600/month and can go as high as $2,300 US. Keep in mind that housing is free and the cost-of-living in China is much lower than in the west so even the lowest salary goes much farther.

Short-Term Teaching Job Benefits and Responsibilities: Short-term teaching programs are almost always in the summer and usually held in the month of July. Programs vary from two to four weeks. Teachers usually teach 4-5 hours each day M-F and are compensated with free housing (private room/bath, often in a hotel), all meals free, at least one free local tour, and a salary. The amount of the salary varies depending on location but $450 – $500 is typical for two weeks.

Teaching Goals: A classic English as a Second Language class includes four components: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The Chinese students are usually quite good at reading and writing, and they need help the most with listening comprehension and practicing spoken English. Your job is to give them opportunities to listen and speak.

The Teaching Experience: Many Americans have found teaching in China to be one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of their lives.  For more information please visit the Teaching Experience Page and read what several past YingwenTeachers have to say about their experiences in China.

Teaching Qualifications: Most programs require that Americans have at least a bachelor’s degree. Those applicants with teaching experience and/or a TESL certificate are highly sought. The most important qualification, though, is to have an open heart, a sense of adventure, and a commitment to providing the very best class possible for some of the hardest-working, most dedicated students you will ever meet.

YingwenTeach Support Materials:

After you apply to YingwenTeach, you will be given access to an exclusive section of the website called the Red Chamber. There you will be granted special permission to view an extensive collection of downloadable documents about:

1. Travel to China (including visa info);
2. Travel within China, including info on favorite destinations;
3. Cultural information about China including a bibliography and filmography, and Chinese-English translations of important phrases including a menu;
4. A comprehensive collection of English as a Second Langugage (ESL) articles, lesson plans, in-class activities, readings and curriculum guidebooks.

Check out the Media Center on the YingwenTeach home page for tutorials and informative videos. The YingwenTeach Forums is a unique feature of our website that makes it possible for you to interact with us and other teachers by asking questions and posting comments.

We also publish an email newsletter. You can subscribe to the newsletter by filling out the form at the top of the YingwenTeach Homepage. Our YingwenTeach Blog and additional information can come to you via RSS feed, Twitter, and on Facebook.

Application Procedure: To become a YingwenTeacher, email info@YingwenTeach.com and request application forms and instructions. You will be required to provide certain documentation (required by our Chinese colleagues) with your application form such as proof of a college degree, a resume, and an application fee.

Application fees cover the cost of the considerable information you will receive specific to the Chinese teaching experience, and to defray the costs of developing viable programs with our Chinese colleagues.

• $200 if you are a returning YingwenTeacher (participated in earlier programs);
• $350 for first-time applicants.

~Returning teachers can reduce their fee by referring successful applicants to YingwenTeach. Ask for details.

Additional costs to participate include the cost of a U.S. passport, a Chinese visa, and airfare. The airfare is reimbursed for long-term teachers. Airfare is not provided for short-term summer programs.

You are strongly urged to apply only if you are certain you can actually go and teach. Fees are not refundable except in the case of documented serious illness or bereavement, or if the Chinese cancel your program (this rarely happens).