The First Steps to your new life in China

After we've completed the interview stage with you, there are a few more things that need to be sorted out before we can make your new life in China a reality. From post-interview to pre-arrival, this page will contain anything and everything you need to know about helping us to help you get to China.
Please Note: These steps relate specifically to our TEFL Internships in China. If you are applying for a TEFL Job then the process may differ slightly. We will inform you.

• The Intro Video
• The Demo Video
• The Visa Step
• Final Preparations
• Any more Questions?

The first thing we need from you is a short introduction video. This is a fairly simple process and is purely so our partnering kindergartens and learning institutions get a better feel for their new edcentric teachers. All we need from you is:

• a 30 second brief introduction, including your name, your education and work background (if any) as well as your hobbies or anything else you'd like to share about yourself

Simple right? Well, just in case it isn't we've got a few example videos for you to take look at.

​In order for your application to be processed we will need a short class demo. This is an important step in the internship application process and it is something that all the schools and kindergartens we partner with insist on seeing in the early stages of the application procedure. What it simply consists of is:
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• a 3 minute demo (the material you teach is up to you).

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There is a bit of flexibility with what you can record for the demo, whether it be teaching a grammar rule or a set of words; reading a story, showing off some activities or games; or just controlling and managing your class. We are not focusing on what you teach, we are looking at how you teach. We want to get a feel for who you are and how suitable you would be for a placement on our program so there are some things to remember when recording your demo video:
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1. Demos don't need to be in an actual class environment with 20 or so children in attendance. If you have such a video that shows off some of your skills then by all means feel free. Otherwise just you, a camera and your material for the demo video will suffice.
2. Try to get into character and envision a room of young children attending your class and then act accordingly. What this could mean is...
   1. Be wacky and crazy to make the kids laugh.
   2. Smile a lot and talk at a pace and pitch suitable for kids to follow you.
   3. Use over the top body language and facial expressions to keep their attention.
   4. Dress up as a clown and prance around the room. 
3. What you do and what you use in the demo video is entirely up to you. Maybe you wish to use the white board to showcase a grammar element; maybe you have some flashcards you would like to use to teach some new words; maybe you want to bring a kids book and read a story; or maybe you don't bring anything but yourself. The specifics are entirely up to you.

​Have a look at some great example videos below on how to shoot the ideal demo video:

One giant step for mankind, one tiny step for our edcentric interns. I think someone famous once said that. All told, the visa process usually takes 2-3 months from start to finish. Below we have listed the most important documents we need and how to get them:

• University Degree: You'll need to have a bachelors degree and it will need to be translated into Chinese, certified by a notary and finally authenticated by the Chinese Embassy.​

• Criminal Record Check: This also needs to be translated into Chinese, certified by a notary and authenticated by the Chinese Embassy. Note: This document has a 6 month validity period.​​

 

• Physical Examination: This consists of a number of tests to ensure your fit and healthy. It is a requirement for the visa process. Download the form below and take it to your local hospital. Please keep all original test result sheets as well.

Physical Examination Form

Chinese visas are crucial if you plan to stay in China for any length of time.

I have my documents. What's the next step?

Once you have all the documentation, you'll need to send it to us directly. We will firstly need scanned copies to check for any errors and then we'll need ALL the original documents sent to our office in China in order to go through processing.

Upon receipt of your documents we will then proceed with the application process. This will most likely take around 2 months to complete so in the meantime all you can do is wait and start making your final preparations.

So can I go ahead and book my flight ticket now?

You're probably wondering if you can go ahead and book your tickets to China now. We do advise, however, that you do not purchase tickets until we get visa approval from the Chinese government. Things should be buttery smooth as long as there are no major issues with the documents you have provided but nonetheless we would hate for you to be put out of pocket on the off chance that you're visa is either refused or delayed for whatever reason.

Once you've received your visa then you can go ahead and book your ticket. We will be there to offer help with selecting the most ideal flight in terms of number of stop-overs, airline reliability, cost of tickets and other such variables. All thats left at this point now is to tie up any loose ends, make all necessary final preparations and get ready for your new life.

​It couldn't be simpler right? Well download the relevant support documentation below if you still aren't quite sure.

TEFL Internship Visa Guide

TEFL Job Application Guide

​Whilst waiting for your visa to come through you have ample opportunity to prepare for your new life in China. Not sure what you need to prepare or what you can be doing in this interim period? Look no further then our detailed guide.

Preparation Checklist

When the visa application process on our side is completed then we will send you an email with a collection of documents that you must print off, in colour, and bring to the local Chinese embassy. You may also be required to complete a Visa Application Form (which can also new found right here). Our team will be happy to assist you with filling in this form.

Visa Application Form

Once you have prepared all these documents then you can head to the embassy to collect your visa. There should be a period of about 2-5 days from you handing in your documents until you can collect the visa. Once you have your visa you can purchase your flight ticket to China. Again, our team will be happy to assist you in this step and give you advice about best routes to take at the most reasonable prices.

Once you have your flight it is just a matter of getting yourself on that plane with all your documents and whatever else you wish to bring. When you touchdown in China we will have a friendly member of our office waiting for you at the airport to assist with settling in to your new accommodation, arranging your training program and job placement, and completing the final few steps of the visa process.

Congratulations!! You've just started the next exciting chapter of your life with edcentric teaching!!!

There are, no doubt, plenty of questions still unanswered. For this reason we have compiled a database of questions to help put your mind at ease. These can be found over in our FAQ Database.

Alternatively, you can contact us directly via our Contact Form.