Teaching in China

Starting a training center? Developing a new teaching method? The first thing to keep in mind is that you’re always operating under the heavy radar of the Chinese government. I’ve known a number of excellent teachers with new, great ideas for ESL training in China who “just couldn’t take it” and ended up heading to a different country or back home.

Sometimes it doesn’t matter how good your idea is or how innovative your new methods are. In the end, if the person next to you, with no experience, and no care for students drinks bai jiu with a school principal three nights a week then he will end up with a new contract or the necessary funding for his training center.

This can be a frustrating thing, especially if you really believe in what your doing and other, less motivated and caring people are wining out over you.

I have one bit of advice if you are thinking of getting into the education business – or any business for that matter.

Find an agent in the industry. Sell your idea to an agent and let them take care of all the bai jiu drinking and disorganized deal making. You will make less money in the end but if you really care for what you’re doing it won’t matter. An agent can get you in the door and in contact with the right people. Not to mention all the stress you will avoid.