WE DID IT!

The Totally Teach Tour 2025 is FINISHED

Ever wondered what it’s like to run a business in China?

At Totally Teach, we’re proud to work with other independent businesses. Thanks to the trusted partnerships we form, we’re able to help our teachers out with more than just a new job. Because when you’re working abroad, there’s a lot of lifestyle changes to navigate, such as, where can I get a good cup of coffee?

That’s where Jonas Emil Coffee Roasters come in!

Not only are they an incredible business in their own right, they also supply the coffee you can find inside of our Totally Teach Welcome Boxes!

And if you’ve ever been curious about what it is like to transition from teaching into starting up and running a business in China, then you won’t want to miss the chat we had with David, from Jonas Emil. Read on to find out their story.

If you're in between jobs or work visas in China, applying for a Temporary Stay Permit can give you a short legal window (typically 30 days) to stay in the country while preparing your next steps. This is especially helpful if you're transitioning to a new job and need time to process your next Z visa. Usually, your current school’s HR will be well-practiced and able to assist you with the process, but it’s always best to know what to expect and what documents to prepare.

You’ve aced your interviews, signed the offer, now the big day is here! It’s time to get started at your new role in your new school - congratulations! First days can be a mix of emotions: exciting, nerve-wracking, confusing, not quite knowing what to expect. It’s normal to experience all of these, and more! 

When it’s finally time to clock in for your first day at your new job, we know that you will have a lot on your mind. The main (and most important!) thing? Making a great first impression! Starting off on the right foot is essential for you to seamlessly transition into your new school, plus gets the school year off to a great start.

We’re pretty sure that you’re going to make an excellent first impression no matter what, but if you’re looking for a few extra tips on how to really shine in your first few days, here is what you can do!

Not passing the probation period at your new teaching job in China - it’s not an ideal situation to be in, and luckily not too common, but it happens. 

It can be stressful, but the key to this situation is to know how to handle it professionally so you can move forward smoothly, and make the best out of what you can. 

Here’s what you should do if it happens to you.

The answer depends largely on your level of teaching experience, how relevant the role is, and how you frame it.

Interviews are a professional situation where every answer shapes how a school sees you, not just as a teacher, but as a colleague, role model, and representative of their community. One of the quickest ways to damage that impression? 

Technically, you don’t have to, but…

If you’ve been an international teacher in China for a while, you will know that having fluency in Mandarin isn’t expected or required for your role. Working as an English teacher, or in bilingual or international schools means that English proficiency is the standard language requirement. However! Just because it’s not required, it doesn't mean it’s not needed. Many teachers in China will have experienced the confusion and general helplessness that can come with language barriers. Having at least a basic level of Mandarin is really important, and extremely useful! Here’s why.

At Totally Teach, we’re always keeping ourselves up to date with the latest trends in recruitment. The job market in China has been tough this year, with competition for roles rising, requirements getting higher and the overall standard of excellent teachers always increasing.

So, alongside having the right qualifications and experience, what else can you do to make your profile as an applicant stand out from the crowd?

When preparing for an international teaching job interview, one of the most valuable (and often underused!) resources is the school’s website. A school website can provide a valuable insight into the school’s culture, values, philosophies, and academic approach. 

Utilising the information you can find online is a great way to prepare yourself for an interview and stand out from other candidates for all the right reasons!

Here’s what to look for

When you're first speaking with your recruiter, you might find that there are a few things that we REALLY want to know about you. It’s not just us being nosey, it’s so we can get a better idea of who you are and do an even better job of finding you your dream job!

So, what is it that your recruiter wants to know about you?

Typically, schools in China that hire international teachers have always been favorable towards taking on teaching couples (two educators in a relationship or marriage). It saves the school on financial benefits such as housing allowances, and works as a ‘two-for-one’ deal when filling vacancies. Previously, this has made teaching couples desirable candidates. However, with a rapidly changing market, heightened competition for roles and raised requirements, some schools are developing a different outlook on hiring teaching couples. Read on to find out what’s changed.

Launched on June 10th, The Department for Education (DfE) has just published a set of free online training materials to support the safe and effective use of AI in schools.

Our school tier system has had a shiny new update, including a new addition: Platinum Tier!

Matching inspiring, international educators with excellent schools is our top priority. Nothing makes us happier than facilitating a good fit!

We’re proud to recommend the services of our OFFICIAL pet relocation partner.

Level up your international school leadership with an accredited, professional leadership qualification from our official partners, Leading Your International School.

A Totally Teach first!

We’re proud to invite you to attend our:

🌟 Back To School : WEBINAR SERIES 🌟

Are you worried that you may overstay your visa? Don’t worry! This article shares everything you need to know about what to do and what to expect!

The qualifications needed to apply for a position at an IB school can be ever-changing. That’s why we created this guide to share with you all of the qualification details you need to know in order to start your international teaching journey off on the right foot.