Please keep checking this webpage for important changes and updates.
China is a world of complete contrasts. This programme is designed to let you experience the 'real' China. During and after your assistantship, you will have the chance to explore this vast country, home to the oldest language in the world and one of the world’s four ancient civilisations. From Chongqing’s spicy hotpots and Sichuan’s Bamboo Sea, to Yunnan’s dramatic valley treks; there are plenty of vibrant cultures, fascinating foods, and epic landscapes to discover.
You do not need to have a knowledge of Mandarin, but you do need to be open-minded, mature, adaptable and ready for a challenge. You will pick up a range of transferable skills which will be impressive to any future employer.
Have a look at our flyer here.
Please see our basic Eligibility criteria here. Please note that for China the following criteria also applies:
- You must have successfully graduated by the time you start your assistantship and be able to provide your graduation certificate
- You do not need prior knowledge of Mandarin.
Dates of appointment: 1 September – 30 June (approx) with a compulsory two week training in Beijing around the last two weeks of August.
Hours: Around 20 per week
Pay: between 3,000 RMB and 4,500 RMB per month (net) depending on location. This is equivalent to a local teacher’s salary
Other benefits: Free accommodation with a private bedroom. Utility fees are usually covered, often to a specified ceiling. The cost of a two-week training course and accommodation during the course is paid by the British Council. Your return flight (flight to China and back to the UK) is paid for by your school upon completion of the contract. This includes travel from the training centre in Beijing to your school.
Posts are predominantly in secondary schools across the country. You will be responsible for large classes of around 60 students and should expect to lead the classes by yourself. You should ensure that you read the attached document with more detailed information on costs before making your application.
The Chinese Authorities have specific requirements as part of the work visa application procedure. These requirements frequently change and we correspond with our partners in China to give you the most up to date information. You should be prepared to provide information at short notice, and you should be prepared for unexpected costs. You may be asked to complete and bear the costs of a medical examination or to provide an extra letter from your university for example.
If you pass an Assessment Day you will be asked to pay a placement fee of £80 to the British Council. We will then allocate you to a specific school in China and inform you of your location. Whilst we make every effort to match candidates to their top three choices of location – you must be prepared to be flexible in your choice of location. The placement fee would be non-refundable should you withdraw from the programme.
You will be required by the Chinese authorities to pass a short online test which will test your knowledge of Chinese culture amongst other topics.
You must send us:
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3 copies of your application form |
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3 copies of your university reference |
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3 copies of your degree certificate, or a letter (on headed paper) from your university tutor stating you are expected to graduate this summer |
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3 copies of the photo page of your passport |
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3 copies of your CV |
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If you graduated in 2011 or before: 3 copies of a work reference from a recent employer |
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If you have previously been a British Council Language Assistant or Comenius Assistant: 3 copies of a reference from your host school |
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If you are bringing a partner, or children: 3 signed copies of a letter confirming their financial independence. |
Couples and friends (maximum of two people) may apply to be posted in the same city, but we can not guarantee that you will be in the same school. One application form is required per person.
Incomplete Applications
Applications with missing information or required documents will be rejected from the programme. No exceptions will be made unless an explanation for the omission is provided in a covering letter accompanying the application form.
You can apply here.
Our partner organisation in China is unable to accept applications from candidates who are over 60 years of age owing to regulations set by China's State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs.
Posts are available in a number of locations including Beijing, Sichuan, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Tianjin, Yunnan and Zhejiang. If you wish to express an area preference in your application form, you must choose three of the areas mentioned above. Although we try our best to allocate people according to their top three choices you must be prepared to be flexible regarding your location. The list of locations is subject to change.
Find out more about what it is like being a Language Assistant in China by reading the case studies from previous Language Assistants.
Specicfic Area Requirements
There are currently no specific area requirements.
Please note: Specific requirements for locations are subject to change and decided by the Chinese authorities. Please keep checking this page for any updates.
All shortlisted candidates will be requested to attend an Assessment Day at our offices in the UK around February and March 2013.
There is a two-week induction course in Beijing for all assistants starting in mid August. The course follows a programme of China specific TEFL training (after which there will be assessment), teaching practice under critical supervision, cultural sessions and language lessons. The course is compulsory for all Language Assistants placed in China, even if you already have a TEFL qualification.
Please also see our lifecycle document for more information.
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