Navigating Your First TEFL Job Offer: A Guide for New Teachers

So, you’ve got a TEFL certificate, a degree, and the drive to teach abroad. Congratulations! The first job offer is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a confusing maze of numbers, promises, and fine print. Let’s break down how to evaluate an opportunity like this, ensuring your first step into international teaching is a confident one.

Decoding the Salary & Benefits Package

The headline figure is always the monthly salary. In major Chinese cities, a range of 20,000-25,000 RMB for a new teacher is a standard starting point. However, the devil is in the details.

• Ask: Is this figure before or after tax? This makes a huge difference to your take-home pay.
• Housing Allowance: Your suspicion is common. Is the allowance a separate payment, or is it simply part of the advertised salary? Clarify the exact amount and payment method.
• Insurance: “Insurance” is too vague. You need to know: Is it comprehensive medical insurance? Does it cover major illnesses and include repatriation? Ask for the provider’s name and policy details.
• The “Bonus Package”: Never accept a mystery bonus. Is it a contract completion bonus? A performance bonus? Request a clear, written explanation of the criteria and payment schedule.

Understanding the True Workload

The schedule mentioned—long hours on weekends—is a significant red flag for work-life balance. Here’s how to analyze it:

• Teaching vs. Office Hours: A contract stating “21-28 teaching hours” often excludes mandatory office hours, lesson planning, meetings, and admin work. Those “10-hour” weekend days likely aren’t all in the classroom, but you’re still required to be on-site.
• The Burnout Factor: A six-day workweek with peak hours on weekends can quickly lead to burnout, limiting your ability to explore your new home and culture.
• Your Non-Negotiables: What work-life balance do you need to thrive? If weekend exploration is important, this structure may not be for you.

Doing Your Due Diligence on the School

When online reviews are scarce or mixed, you must become a detective.

• Request a Direct Connection: Ask the recruiter to put you in touch with a current foreign teacher at the school. A 10-minute video call can reveal more than 100 online reviews.
• Ask Specific Questions: In your interview, ask about curriculum support, teaching materials, classroom resources, and professional development opportunities.
• Trust Your Gut with Recruiters: A recruiter who communicates poorly is a warning sign. They represent the company. If they are unprofessional now, it may reflect the school’s overall communication style.

Location, Location, Vibe

The city is as important as the job. If a location like Dalian “doesn’t fit your vibe,” listen to that feeling.

• Research Thoroughly: Look into the city’s climate, expat community, cost of living, and transportation links. Does it offer the lifestyle you want?
• Your First Year Abroad: Being in a place that excites you can make challenging days easier. Don’t underestimate the power of loving where you live.

The Bottom Line for New Graduates

Yes, starting your career sometimes means compromising. But “beggars can’t be choosers” should not mean accepting a poor fit out of desperation.

Your inexperience does not mean you deserve less respect, clear communication, or a fair contract. There are many schools that value new teachers and offer robust support systems.

Use this offer as a benchmark. Compare it to others. Ask every question that comes to mind, and get everything in writing before you even think about signing.

Your first TEFL adventure should be challenging, rewarding, and fun—not just a line on your resume. Choose the path that sets you up for success, both in and out of the classroom.