There are a number of different teaching opportunities for foreign teachers in China. I have personally worked at both international and private schools. Both offer unique experiences that can be either intimidating but also rewarding. While both private and international schools offer distinct teaching environments, they differ significantly in curriculum focus, student body expectations, and administrative culture, profoundly shaping the foreign teacher's experience. Also the necessary qualifications differ.
Private schools offer a more concentrated experience with foreigners being able to focus full on their English lessons. Private schools often have lower requirements for being hired. Many accept teachers with just a BA degree and TEFL certificate. Private schools usually will offer much more free time, this includes longer holidays as well as a shorter work days. Foreigners will find they have much more time and energy for fun and hobbies outside of work. Some of the downsides of working at a private school are lower pay and repetitiveness however. Salaries can often be half or even less then what is offered at an international school. Something that can start to wear on teacher at a private school is the repetitiveness of the work. Teachers will find themselves teaching the same lesson over and over again with different students.
International schools offer foreign teachers the experience of being a teacher more like in their home country. International primary schools are where foreigners will find the opportunity to teach a variety of subjects such as math, geography, science in addition to English language arts instead of English as a second language. Since this is China even in most international schools most of the subjects will include some ESL learning. Since foreign teachers often teach a greater variety of subjects lesson planning and time spent on materials and preparation will increase. Since a teacher will be seeing the same group of students more often the teacher will be able to bond more with a smaller number of students. Salaries are often increased an appropriate amount to match the increase in work needing done. International schools also offer professional development opportunities and management positions later on such as foreign principal positions or coordinator positions that many private schools lack. The downside to working at an international school is that it can often be exhausting and very time consuming as well as less holiday time. Also many international schools will expect teachers to have an actual teacher license beyond just having a TEFL certificate.
In conclusion, both positions offer unique opportunities beyond just getting to have the opportunity to live in China. Both give teachers a chance to work and gain valuable experiences. Private schools can be great options for those looking for more focus on actual teaching and then getting to have their free time. International schools are great for foreigners that want to more involved in their students lives as well as looking for higher up positions and better pay.
