TEACHING PACKAGE
EF English First offers one of the more competitive benefits packages in the industry. Our benefits package reflects the fact that our schools operate in several countries with different economic and legal structures. For those EF Teachers working in EF centers in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and our new e-town life club centers, the package is outlined below. For those teachers working in other Chinese or international cities please contact your recruitment manager for specific details.
All positions offer:
COMPETITIVE SALARY
Salary for first-year teachers is 12,350 RMB per month before tax. (The tax rate is about 9% for EF teachers.) Salaries permit teachers to have a comfortable lifestyle and sufficient funds to travel in the region during the holidays. Many EF teachers enjoy maid services, dine out in the evenings and have active social and travel schedules.
FLIGHT ALLOWANCE
EF will provide a yearly flight allowance of 8,000 RMB per year paid in monthly installments of 667 RMB over 12 months. For new EF Teachers, please DO NOT book a flight until you have received your Z (work) visa sticker and stamp from the Chinese embassy/ consultant or have been advised by your recruiter to do so.
LOYALTY BONUS
On completion of the one year contract and renewal of another year contract, a loyalty bonus of 6,000 RMB will be paid to renewing teachers in monthly installments of 500 RMB per month.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
On arrival, we will meet the teacher at the airport and take him/her to a hotel, which will book on their behalf. The teacher is invited to stay in the hotel from up to two weeks at our expense. During this time, a representative of the school will assist the teacher to find suitable accommodation. Rental deposits are often quite expensive, so we offer all our teachers a loan of 10,000RMB on arrival. This amount will be deducted in four equal amounts from their first four salaries.
ACCOMMODATION ASSISTANCE
Office managers will provide you with a city orientation and introduce you to a local real estate agent who will set up apartment viewings with you. There is also a host of online resources for you to use in finding the apartment and situation that is just right for you.
HEALTH INSURANCE
EF teachers in China are offered ERIKAâ„¢ Medical and Accident Insurance. The policy has been specially designed for EF teachers. It is automatic coverage and offers extensive coverage for Medical, Accident and Liability Insurance. The insurance covers reasonable and customary treatment charges, medical bills and prescriptions up to $50,000 USD. The cost of the insurance premium is shared by the company and the employee. The employee’s insurance premium of 295 RMB per month will be deducted out of their gross salary amount on a post-tax basis. For more information, refer to the Erika policy for EF.
VISA AND WORK PERMIT SPONSORSHIP
Prior to flying to China, a teacher will need to apply for the relevant work visa. In order to get a visa, EF will apply for the necessary documents which we will courier to the teacher, who will need to present these to his/her local visa office. The teacher must apply for a work visa (z-visa). He/she may have to complete certain medical checks in order to obtain the visa. All costs will be paid by the teacher, who should keep all the receipts. On arrival, the teacher should fill in an Expense Report and attach all receipts in order to be refunded for all visa associated costs.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
All EF schools have a Director of Studies known as a DOS. This person has a wealth of teaching experience and will assist in the professional development of the teaching staff. As an EF teacher, the DOS will be your direct line manager. Your DOS will hold a new teacher orientation program that includes an in-depth explanation of the courses, curriculum, resources and methodology.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
EF has its own textbook series for Young Learners, Business and General English Classes. Whatever the academic needs of an EF student, EF has the scholastic material you need to help your students develop their English.
In addition, EF has state-of-the-art teaching facilities. Each EF school has well-equipped classrooms, computer labs, bright student lounges and teacher preparation areas. Teachers are encouraged to make full use of EF’s resource materials in order to make the lessons as student-centered and interactive as possible.
MANDARIN CHINESE LESSONS
To the extent that it is possible, Mandarin lessons are offered to all the teachers during their scheduled 40-hour week, either at a central headquarters school/ office or at a school at or near where the teacher works. These classes are a good way to get familiar with the basics of Chinese.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
EF is an enormous company, and we encourage our teachers to apply for the various positions offered once they have completed their one-year teaching contract.
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CHINA VISA PROCESS
APPLYING FOR A WORK VISA IN CHINA
Check the attachment your recruiter sent you entitled: Recruitment Process Checklist for a step-by-step guide.
The first thing that you need to know is that applying for a work visa (called a Z-visa) can be a complicated and lengthy process. The second thing you need to know is, you are not alone! Your recruiter is here to be your guide! The third and most comforting thing to know is that when you accept a position with EF, you are brought over to China on a fully legal, work visa. This means you will be on a one-year unlimited entry AND exit visa. So get your passport ready to travel to where ever your heart, and budget can dream of!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Everyone who is not already in China needs to enter the country on a Z-work visa. Entering on a tourist or study visa will not work: we can not convert it to a work visa.
- You will apply for the Z-work visa at the Chinese consulate in your home country, after your recruiter sends you all the necessary documents.
- In order to apply for a Z-work visa, you need an invitation letter and a work permit from the Chinese government (which are the 2 documents we send you).
- In order for us to apply for the work permit and invitation letter, the Chinese government requires us to get a list of documents from you by very specific dates. These include: CV, picture, degree, TEFL certificate, recommendation letter, background check and passport.
WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED
It varies from city-to-city so it is best to ask your EF recruiter for specifics:
- Passport
- CV/Resume (in EF format)
- Photo
- Signed recommendation letter from previous employer in teaching
- TEFL certificate
- BA or BS degree
- InfoQubic online background check (as linked in the ‘Visa Processing’ email)
WHAT IS A WORK PERMIT?
A work permit is your official right to work in China. It is issued by either the Foreign Labor or Foreign Experts Bureau (MLLS or SAFEA respectively.)
WHAT IS AN INVITATION LETTER?
An invitation letter is an invitation from the Chinese government to work in their country. It is issued by the government and EF.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
Want the nitty-gritty on the visa process in China?
Click here: EF Visa Handbook (Online Version).pdf
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RECRUITMENT PROCESS CHECKLIST
STEP 1 COLLECT PERSONAL DETAILS
- Email scanned copies of the requested documents to your recruiter.
- Complete the Infocubic background check.
Allow 3-6 weeks for visa processing after our visa officer submits your documents to the Chinese government. This would be a good time to contact your consulate to find out if you will need to complete a medical check prior to coming to China.
STEP 2 ISSUE WORK LICENSE & INVITATION LETTER
- Once your work license and invitation letter have been issued, your recruiter will contact you to confirm your mailing address.
STEP 3 SEND DOCUMENTS
- Receive your visa documents in the mail from your recruiter.
STEP 4 SEEK Z WORK VISA
- Arrange to go to your local Chinese consulate/ embassy to get your Z-visa. In the United States – and some other places where consulates are difficult to get to, teachers tend to use proxy agents. This means you will send your passport to the agent and they will seek the visa on your behalf. There are fees involved with this, so keep the receipts for reimbursement later.
- Search for flights arriving on the pre-determined date. Check suitability with recruiter.
STEP 5 BOOK FLIGHT
- When your recruiter gives you the green light, book and pay for your flight to China.
- Send the flight itinerary to your recruiter.
STEP 6 ARRIVAL DETAILS
- Receive a pre-arrival email from our welcoming committee confirming the details of your airport pick up, hotel booking, first weeks’ schedule and orientation program.
- Receive via email your contract, school address and administration contact information from recruiter. Please review these documents.
STEP 7 PREPARE FOR DEPARTURE
- Pack your bags to include items of clothing that are specific to your EF dress code. Don’t forget your passport, visa, and an open mind.
STEP 8 ARRIVAL IN CHINA
- Arrive in China – Our EF contact will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel. Settle in over the weekend.
STEP 9 INDUCTION TRAINING
Meet your EF contact on Monday morning to begin the induction and training process.
This includes:
- apartment hunting
- visiting your center and meeting your DoS
- receiving your training schedule
- setting up a bank account
- buying a cell phone
- signing your employment contract
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PACKING FOR CHINA
We asked EF teachers and staff what the most important items they brought from home were. This is what they told us:
- Over-the-counter drugs and Vitamins
Name brand medicines and vitamins are not as easy to find in China.
- Cosmetics
Bring a year’s supply. It may be harder to find in China, and chances are it is more expensive here because it is imported.
- Personal hygiene products
Deodorant/antiperspirant, tampons, anything that you use on a daily basis or love.
- Shoes and pants
Particularly if you wear anything bigger than medium or have feet bigger than US size 8/UK 40 for ladies, or US 10/UK 44 for men. The quality and fashion can be different here as well, so best to bring a big supply of your favorites!
- Comfort food/ snacks from home
Candy like Reeses or licorice, Marmite, cereal bars…you’ll be surprised at what you can find in China, but regional items can be pricey and a bit harder to find.
- Important Documents/Records
Be sure to bring any bank documents you need to pay bills. Teachers going to Shenzhen must bring their original degree, medical check, and if you are American-your local police check. Teachers going to Guangzhou must bring their degree and medical check with them when they cross the pond.
- Personal Electronics
Bring your laptops, iPods and even cell phones, if you wish. BE SURE to visit your local electronics store to buy a converter before you leave. You can buy converters here, but it is a good idea to have one at the hotel when you first arrive.
THINGS TO LEAVE BEHIND
Unnecessary articles:
- Electronics that do not run on 220 volts: That would be many things for you North Americans. Keep in mind that generally most computers, camera chargers, and other hi-tech pieces of electronics have built-in converters. Hair dryers, phone chargers, curling irons, alarm clocks may not have converters so check before you pack.
- DVDs : China is the land of DVDs so you can expect to be able to repurchase whatever you need cheaply. Otherwise, burn it before you come.
- Home goods: Yes, people live here, and they sleep like you too! So no need to bring pillows, towels, or sheets. You can buy them here for little cost.
Prohibited Articles:
It may be obvious, but just in case you were thinking of bringing a hand rifle or your pet snake, here are some things to leave at home:
- Weapons, ammunition or explosives;
- Forged currencies or forged valuable securities;
- Printed, audio, video, computerized and other materials which are harmful to China’s political, economic, cultural and ethnic life;
- Controlled or illegal substances;
- Plants, animals or other products which may carry diseases, viruses, parasites, etc.,
OFFICIAL BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES
Baggage Allowances are getting tighter and tighter for air flights and this includes international flights. In general, flights that originate from the US or Canada allow for 2 pieces of luggage, each weighing between 50-70 pounds (25-32kgs.) On flights originating from Europe, the weight allowance can be as low as 44 pounds (20kgs.)
Of course airlines often change their specifications so it is recommended to consult your air carrier directly before making packing decisions.
- Important documents, currency, valuables and jewelry are often not covered by the air carrier in the event they are lost in transit. It is best to take these items as carry-on luggage.
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IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS
ENTERING CHINA
Unless you plan on visiting far-flung places in remote and rural China, there are no specific immunizations, vaccinations or proof of health required by the Chinese government when entering China. Occasionally, the Chinese government may ask for specific medical documentation before entering China, and if this is necessary we will give you instructions on what to do.
CONCERNING VACCINATIONS
The UK National Health Service and US Center for Disease Control have websites dedicated to providing country-specific health information, but again, these are recommendations not requirements. Most recommendations refer to traveling in rural regions in China or other parts of Eastern Asia. For visiting major Chinese cities, the two vaccinations to consider would be Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
While these are solid guidelines, it is always best to discuss your specific medical needs with your physician or GP.
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See all of the above and more information and photos at the following site (note: no need to reapply to EF as they will already have your application materials from us):
http://ef-teachers.com/