Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. China is an incredibly safe place to live and work. Our staff have never raised concerns about personal safety, and most say they feel safer alone in China than in Canada. Just watch out for the silent e-scooters when crossing the road!

The process itself is not difficult, though most staff find the waiting stressful. If you stay on top of the paperwork and meet all the qualifications (we will tell you if you don't), it is just a matter of waiting. We have never had an application revoked.

For a Canadian living in Canada who submits all paperwork correctly, it takes about five weeks on average. It is up to you to make sure all paperwork is complete. If you are not Canadian or not living in Canada when you apply, it may take longer.

It depends on the school. CQSS staff have about a half-hour trip (free transport to school in the morning and a shared taxi home), while staff at other schools live as close as a five-minute walk from campus. Many staff buy e-scooters, a great way to get to work and explore the city.

All staff live in their own one- or two-bedroom apartment (unless they choose to share). Apartments are cleaned before you arrive, and you and the principal or a designate will inspect it together to make sure it is clean and has the basic essentials. The apartments are safe and part of large complexes, so you'll see everyday Chinese life unfold right in front of you.

Absolutely. A teacher in China will save more than they would teaching in any Canadian province. How much depends on you: fly to Macao every weekend and you won't save much, but you can still travel around China and Southeast Asia during the holidays and save a significant part of your salary.

Absolutely. Our administrative assistants know life in a new country can be challenging and help in every way they can. Our support staff are experienced at making the transition as smooth as possible.

You can find Western groceries in all our cities, plus plenty of fruit and vegetable markets. For a taste of home there are fast-food outlets, pizza places (some with very creative toppings) and Starbucks. Chinese cuisine is exceptional, and school lunches are very inexpensive.

Coverage is limited to accident and emergency cases, and is only valid in China. Some staff, especially those with pre-existing conditions, buy private insurance, while others pay as they go, since medical and dental care and medication are inexpensive in China.

Not really. There are computers you can use at school, but most staff bring their own laptop and phone for home and work.

All students must pass an English proficiency exam to enter, though their abilities vary and many start with limited skills. Even so, the vast majority graduate and are accepted to universities in Canada and other English-speaking countries.

Sometimes, especially in September. Over the whole school year, though, you will work about the same number of days as in a BC school.

Yes. You get a week off in October for National Day and three weeks for Chinese New Year, plus one-day holidays during the year. Unlike in Canada, these single days are often not attached to a weekend.

Our students are human and sometimes make mistakes, mostly misuse of technology, cheating or sleeping in class. Teachers who have taught in both Canada and China say our students are, for the most part, exceptionally well behaved.

Yes. We encourage staff to take on leadership initiatives and grow professionally. It is in CSEEC's interest to develop future teachers-in-charge, vice principals and principals.

A signing bonus is paid if you rejoin CSEEC for the following year after your first contract. A completion bonus is paid after you complete the school year.

Yes. We follow the same curriculum, hold staff and students to the same expectations, and do not cut corners on student support; our teacher-to-student ratio tends to be well below that of BC schools. All CSEEC schools are inspected every year by the BC Ministry of Education, and they pass every year.