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.

1. Contact Your Recruiter

Let your recruiter know what has happened immediately. We can quickly connect you with new opportunities, advise on paperwork, and guide you through the transfer process. This won’t be the first time we’ve supported candidates through unfinished probation periods!

2. Get Feedback

Ask your employer for clear, specific feedback. Was the decision based on your teaching style, classroom management, or simply not being the right fit for the school? Understanding the reason is essential as it helps you to improve for the future and shows professionalism.

3. Review Your Contract

Most teaching contracts will include a probation clause, usually lasting one to six months. Typically, most probation periods will last for three months. During this period, schools can often terminate employment with shorter notice or without severance. Check:

What notice period applies to you
Whether you are owed compensation
What documents the school must provide you (such as release letters)

4. Secure the Right Paperwork

Before leaving, make sure you receive the documents you’ll need if you plan to continue teaching in China:

Release letter – required to transfer to another school.
Work permit cancellation or transfer papers – ensure these are handled correctly to avoid visa problems.
Letter of recommendation – if possible, negotiate to receive this (depending on why you’re leaving) as it can strengthen your future applications.

Your original documents – make sure you’ve got back all of your original documents that you used to apply for the work visa with the school you’re now parting with e.g. TEFL, Degree certificate

These are the main documents that you will need for an easy transfer process, but always check with your recruiter or new school’s HR to see if you need anything else.

5. Decide Your Next Move

Most teachers will be left with two options after facing an incompleted probationary period:

Stay in China and find a new job: With your release letter, you can move to another school without having to leave the country. Many schools hire year-round, and will be looking for teachers who are already in China and able to start ASAP!
Return home and reapply: If you don’t want to rush into things, you can always return home and reapply for a start date later in the year or even for the following academic year.

( Protect Yourself)

If you feel your contract wasn’t followed or you were treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the local labor bureau. Many teachers prefer moving on rather than pursuing legal action, as it can be time consuming, stressful, and hard to navigate, but the option is there.

6. Reflect and Learn From the Experience

In our experience, schools often cite common reasons for failed probation:

Poor classroom management
Lack of preparation in lessons
Poor time management, lateness, dirorganisation
Communication issues with parents or colleagues
Lack of professionalism

Whatever feedback you get, use it to grow. Navigating failed probation periods is never fun, but try and use the experience positively to better inform yourself on areas to improve your skills, or better understand what you want out of your next work environment.

Overall, not passing probation doesn’t mean your teaching career in China is over. By staying professional, reaching out to your recruiter for support and knowing the correct documentation processes, you will have the tools you need to handle the situation effectively.

What Should I Do If I Don’t Pass Probation In My International Teaching Job?