China New Expat Teacher Laws Explained part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.
Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here.
The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.
Introduction
China is well known for being a “fast-paced” country, where new laws are made daily. One of the most recent modifications in Chinese legislation has modified how expat teachers can work in China. This will impact all international schools’ hiring policies because of the new law that started in 2021.
Expats hailing from non-native English-speaking countries can no longer work as English teachers in China. This modification comes after the new law went into effect on July 24, when the Chinese government issued a policy to rein in the multibillion-dollar academic tutoring industry and turn it into a not-for-profit sector.
Besides, the policy also leaves tens of thousands of American and Canadian teachers without a job. Commenting on the situation, a famous teacher from Boston said: “I feel bad for all of us who have been working as teachers in China and who were planning to stay here for many more years. And I also feel bad for our students that will not be able to benefit anymore from our expertise.”
The Chinese government has been promoting its own national English program, which is less effective than hiring an international teacher. Also, the new policy will reduce the number of Chinese students who can receive tuition in English because they will go back to studying in Mandarin.
So, as an expat, what’s the next step? How would you cope with such an amendment in Chinese policy? What are the implications? Do you need to understand the new policy from the Chinese government? Well, this article is for you! Today, we all walk you through everything you need to know. Read Further!
Overview of New Expats Teacher’s Law
China is both incredibly modern and old-fashioned. This dichotomy can be seen everywhere, including the country’s education system. One of the most glaring examples of this is the English Language being taught by foreigners.
In recent years, news about China’s academic tuitions has been worldwide, and for bad reasons: it has affected expat teachers in the country. However, despite being so prevalent in China’s society, academic tutoring online is one of the new normals for kids. Now, VIPKid makes learning English fun in the country.
However, certain insights are needed for expats in China to understand the laws correctly. While some parents may request private teachers, it can be difficult for other expats to teach English legally. In this section, we have reasons for banning expat teachers legally in China. Without further ado, take a look at it below.
Imbibing Religious Practice While Teaching English
One reason why the Chinese government bans foreign English teachers is because of religion. China has different values, including religious values, compared to Western countries. The country does not want its academic tutoring to be contaminated by anything that can change them (for example, Christianity or atheism, which are both banned legally in China), even though freedom of religion is supposed to be allowed. Even if it is just a little bit of religion, the Chinese government will not allow it and enforce its rules and laws regarding this matter.
Teach the Wrong Political Rhetoric of China
The second reason why expats are banned from teaching English legally in China is that they teach incorrect political ideals of China to students. The Chinese government wants to indoctrinate its own children with the political ideas of China, and they do not want foreigners to infuse their children’s minds with any political beliefs that are not familiar.
Teach Students to Oppose Authority
The third reason why expats may be banned from teaching English legally in China is that they teach students that it is okay to oppose authority, and this can lead to protests and demonstrations that disrupt society. China does not want its children to think that protesting the government is okay, so it will prevent any English teachers from teaching students such persuasion tactics against authority.
Imbibe Western Values on Their Children
The fourth reason expats are banned from teaching English legally in China is that they can imbibe Western ideals on children. While it is important to be accepting of other cultures, this means being accepting of all the good and bad aspects of the culture.
China does not want its children being taught Western values or having them go against Chinese values, so any foreign teachers are banned from teaching English legally there.
Duration of the Job Exceeds a Limit Set by Law
Another reason why expat English teachers are banned from teaching English legally in China is that there is certain duration for being an English teacher, and this duration can be exceeded. The government has determined how long foreigners can teach their own language. Any foreign teachers who exceed this duration will be banned from teaching English legally because it is against the law.
Interesting Facts about Living in China
Living in China as an expat is a unique experience with new customs and practices. As an expat, it can be challenging to adjust to living in China. However, there are many interesting facts about living in China for one to learn. Check it out below!
1. Use of Chopsticks
If you are new to living in China as an expat, you will quickly learn that chopsticks are the primary eating utensil. Chopsticks are also used for other tasks like mixing tea, stirring the fiery hot pot, and rearranging broiled items on a barbecue. Chopsticks should be held with the top one-third gripped between the thumb and fingers while resting on the palm.
If you need to hold them in a different position, it is best to cross the top chopstick over the bottom one-third of the chopstick when placing back on the table. Also, remember never to stick your chopsticks upright in rice, as this resembles incense at a funeral.
2. Toilet Paper is Rare
When one first learns that toilet paper is rare in China, one may wonder how the locals do their business. If you are new to living in China as an expat, you will quickly discover that anything goes when relieving oneself. Most major hotels provide a small roll of toilet paper for their guests; however, in local restaurants and public restrooms, toilet paper is rarely available.
If you are caught without toilet paper, it is common to go into the nearest establishment and ask if they have any extra rolls you may purchase. Also, there are many inventive alternatives for cleansing oneself, such as water bottles, bidets, newspapers, magazines, corncobs, sugar cane, and even small corn stalks.
3. Business Etiquette is Crucial
When doing business in China, it is important to follow proper etiquette to avoid offending or causing impropriety. When meeting individuals, wait for them to offer their hands before shaking hands. Also, two hands should be used when shaking hands, and it is advised to keep your hand lower than the others so as not to appear dominant.
When meeting a larger group of people, no single person should be singled out as this can be offensive or show favoritism. Remember that business is all about transactions and bargaining until you agree that you both will stick to it during its execution.
4. There are No Free Refills
Similar to the US, in China, it is common for beverages like soft drinks and beer to be sold by the bottle. However, when living in China as an expat, you quickly discover that there are no free refills. If you order a beverage during your visit to China, be prepared to pay for each bottle individually or purchase multiple bottles for discounts.
5. Tipping is Not Expected
Since living in China as an expat, you quickly discover there are no free refills, it should also be noted that tipping is not expected like it is in other countries. Tipping can even be offensive to locals; however, if you decide to leave a tip, it is best to leave small change or give the money discreetly.
