China has the second-largest economy after the United States, and foreign trade accounts for a third of China's GDP. The per capita income about stands at about $6,675 per year, though a typical college graduate earns quite a lot more. It might not sound enticing to move to a place where your salary is almost sure to disappear, but with a cost of living 50-75 percent lower than the US, a little goes a long way.
Many multinational companies are relocating to China. Other companies that are already located in Asia are moving their Asian headquarters to China.
The market in China has seen staggering growth in the last few years, and right now China is the world's fastest growing economy. The Banking & Financial Services industry is most in demand as China has opened up this sector to foreign companies.
China is the preferred destination for TEFL jobs (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) because of the speed and ease of getting a visa for this sector. Although employers need government permission to hire foreigners, authorities get back to you with an answer within 15 working days. In other countries this process can take a couple of months.
Companies in China tend to recruit local candidates who are bilingual and who have experience of working in multi-national corporations (MNCs).
The second choice is for Chinese "returnees" who are ethnic Chinese with experience of working abroad.
Then, for certain niches, skill sets, and some top-level management positions, expatriate staff positions are available. Employers consider the ideal expatriate worker to have the right mix of technical experience, soft skills and language abilities.
Job Hunting in China
The best way to find English speaking jobs is to check the classifieds in English magazines or newspaper listings.
If you have personal contacts that work for a company with a vacancy that fits your skill set, then your chances of securing a position are certainly improved.
Hot Job in China: Teaching
To land a profession teaching English at a top university in China, you need a TESOL certificate.
Teaching in an international school in China is an excellent option for those who already have US teaching credentials.
English teaching jobs or university teaching jobs tend to be filled via e-mail and telephone contact with the school directly or through a placement agency. Candidates need a government-issued public school teaching certificate and should plan on attending to participate in on-site interviews.
More Expat Resources
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