Paid TEFL Homestay Internship in China

Overview

Fast becoming the trendiest place to travel to and a long-standing TEFL hot spot; China is an incredibly fascinating country. Steeped in ancient culture and traditions, this internship is an opportunity unlike any other. As China’s capital city and a real bucket-list destination, Beijing boasts more than its fair share of world-famous landmarks. From the Forbidden City complex to Tiananmen Square it’s impossible to run out of must-see activities.

Whether you’re placed here or in Shanghai to the south, China’s high speed bullet train connects these two mega cities in less than five hours. Before you arrive you’ll be fully prepared and confident to teach having completed the 240 hour TEFL Expert Course. This training includes specialist modules in teaching young learners as well as exam English which will be vital on this internship.

Immerse yourself fully in Chinese culture, put your taste buds through their paces and challenge yourself to master Mandarin during your stay. An incredible welcome is waiting for you in Eastern China.

Beginning with your two-day arrival orientation about living and working in China you you’ll feel at home in no time. Your family homestay experience is central to this internship so orientation is the perfect chance to learn about what’s expected of you.

Internship requirements

• Be aged between 18 and 30 years old at time of travel
• Be a fluent English speaker
• Completed high school
• TEFL qualified (included)
• Desire to be a cultural ambassador
• To be physically and mentally fit
• To be adaptable, patient, caring and flexible
• To be culturally sensitive and respectful
• To be well-mannered
• To be creative and open-minded

How it works

Before you go, you’ll have an application form to fill out, a video chat, submit all your documents and then you’ll be on your way to China.

Getting there

All qualified applicants will fly into into Shanghai Pudong International Airport OR Beijing International Airport where you’ll be picked up.

What do you need to organize?

• International flights: You’ll need return flights
• Police check: Need to have police clearance
• Budget: You’ll need to cover living essentials, eating out and any excursions etc
• Travel insurance: Basic insurance is included however you may wish additional cover
• Vaccines: Consult your local doctor for advice
• Visa costs

Your teaching experience

Your role will be a combination of private English teacher, home-study tutor and cultural ambassador. Your student’s family will also be your homestay hosts in this unique internship. Most placements will involve teaching one or two students ranging from young children to teens and English with varying ability levels. School-based internships by comparison have around 30 students per class.

You can typically expect to teach up to 25 contact hours per week, plus some preparation time to lesson or activity plan. Remember this won’t be in a classroom so you will need to add some creativity in your planned activities.

Your goal as an English teacher on this internship will be focused on conversational English practice, Western culture sharing and may be geared towards exam English such as IELTS.

You’ll be fully prepared for any IELTS preparation students as you’ll receive all the training you need through your TEFL course before you leave.

Outside of your 25 hours, you should join the family leisure time in sports, watching TV, social events and cultural celebrations. It’s the ultimate way to really experience China like a local and if you can’t imagine leaving, you have the possibility to extend your stay.

Location

Please note final decision on exact placement location will be determined based on your best family match. Almost everyone is placed in the capital city or one other location.

• Beijing
• Shanghai

Outside the classroom

Take advantage of the cultural inclusions in this TEFL internship by attending free Mandarin lessons. With around two hours tuition per week you’ll be saying ‘nĭ hăo’ to a new skill!

Host families love to help their interns to fully experience local life and see the sights. You can expect to get the best tourist advice and know the hidden gems of your area in a flash. Some families invite their interns to join them on short trips during festival weeks and a few are special guests at weddings.

Take a stroll around night markets and get your lungs in shape to impress your new friends at a karaoke (k-bars) spot. For those based in Shanghai, you must take in the city scape after dark and enjoy the panoramic view around the riverside of Pudong.

It is important to be respectful to your host family during your stay and when you plan to do some travel on your days off, keep them informed so that they won’t worry.

Allowance

With 1,500 Renminbi (RMB) monthly allowance & 3,300 Renminbi (RMB) flight reimbursement upon completion, free accommodation throughout the internship and free workday meals, you are pretty much set to enjoy your time and be comfortable while traveling in your spare time.

You’ll also receive an end of internship bonus of 675 – 3,300 Renminbi (RMB), best spent doing some final sightseeing, if you ask us.