Hear from some of our best teachers:
Where are you from?
Toronto, Canada
How has it been working with SIE?
So far, my relationship with SIE has been excellent. All the recruiters have been very supportive and helpful, especially Jenny, the HR manager who hired me.
Jenny has been amazingly helpful; she has supported me throughout the whole process, including visa application, hotel quarantine in China, and even house hunting in Guangzhou.
SIE is one the most reputable recruiting agencies in China; they will hire you and place you in the best schools across China. What I appreciate about SIE is that they really care about their teachers; they offer continuous support before and after you arrive in China.
For instance, after I landed in China during the pandemic, they called me almost every day to make sure I was safe, and they got me an interview with a high school and prepared me for my online interview with the school directors. In addition, SIE has been very supportive in helping me secure a teaching job in China.
Contrary to most recruiting agencies in China, which care only about their interests and put teachers’ interests second, SIE is very professional and supportive of their teachers.
Do you like your position, your work environment, and your SIE coworkers?
I love my position and my work environment. I feel fortunate to be placed by SIE in this school. The school’s staff has welcomed me and helped me settle into my new position. They offered me all the necessary teaching materials I needed to succeed in class. Also, the students are very well mannered and willing to learn, which makes me happier.
Yes, I work with 3 other SIE teachers; we are all subject teachers at an international school in Guangzhou. We are all supportive of one another and even meet sometimes for social events such as soccer games, dinners, drinks, or even to chat and catch up.
My experience with SIE Shenzhen has been excellent. They got me a PU letter, flew me to China, and helped me secure a great position as a high school math teacher in Guangzhou.
Do you enjoy your life?
Yes, I love my life. Guangzhou is a great city that has a lot to offer. I live 5 minutes from the school I teach at, and everything is very convenient for me. In addition, I found the people in Guangzhou very kind and welcoming. I have been living here for only four months, but I already feel like Guangzhou has been my home for years.
Do you have any tips for teachers due to arrive in China soon?
- Please do not listen to anyone who tells you that SIE is not a good company; they are a GREAT and HONEST company. Before signing my contract with them, I read a lot of comments on Reddit about SIE. Trust me, most of them are fake written by their competitors. My experience has been excellent with them.
- Do your own research and discuss with teachers that are actually working with SIE. For instance, you can ask any SIE HR managers to provide you with other teachers so you can ask them questions about their experiences with SIE.
- If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with SIE staff, they will do their best to accommodate you if they can. For instance, if you have questions about your salary, contract, or even location, ask SIE staff. They will do whatever they can to make you happy.
- Be open-minded and be friendly; sometimes, SIE might offer you a different position from what you have discussed during your interview. Initially, I was supposed to be teaching English in Shenzhen, and Jenny, the HR manager, offered me a different position in Guangzhou which turns out to be an excellent teaching position for me. If I was not open-minded, I would have missed this position.
- When choosing a recruiting agency to work for in China, look for a company that communicates well with you, responds promptly, and cares about you and your wellbeing. SIE staff are very responsive and supportive. For example, I remember sending Jenny, my HR manager from SIE, a message on Saturday around 5:00 pm Toronto time (5:00 am China time); I was pleasantly surprised that she replied within 5 minutes. She was also with me during my flight from Toronto, Canada, to Shanghai, China.
SIE is a trustworthy company that offers a professional supportive service to international teachers, I have been with the company for more than 3 years, in this time they have provided everything that I need to be an effective teacher. SIE works hard to ensure that teachers are happy in their schools and in their home lives. Working with a trustworthy company is vital, I have never had any problems with visa’s, documents, or schools. Nicole, my contact agent is always available by phone, and she really understands the challenges that international people face whilst living here.
SIE has given me a lot of opportunities and flexibility about the kind of job I want to do. I started as an ESL teacher, now with SIE’s support I will join a PGCE programme and become a director of studies. From the start of our relationship, they have invested time and effort to help me build a career here, I really could not ask any more of a company.
My name is Simon and I’m from Canada, I’m writing this testimonial to help my fellow teachers who are considering to join and work with SIE
I have been working with SIE since 2017 as ESL and Science teacher in school in Shenzhen, China
The most obvious fact about my work is , I’ve never had a job with any employer with more than 3 years in my past career, SIE is the first employer that I have been working with such a long time and every new colleague have asked me why I’ve stayed with one employer for more than 5 years while I had other opportunities to change my work.
The answer simply is, I have never found a right reason to move to another employer.
SIE has been very helpful and cooperative from the first day till now, from helping with my personal issues to visa and residence permit in China, contract, getting around China, etc.
SIE colleagues have been helpful, responsive and kind with my requests all the time, especially during 3 years Covid pandemic, arrangements and communication with the school I worked for to make sure smooth return from overseas travel.
SIE has always shown appreciation to my work and been encouraging me to work harder and considered promotion in my work.
At last, I definitely recommend SIE as a place to work for if you are looking for a stable work and you have passion to teaching.
Where are you from?
Manchester, United Kingdom
What is your job title?
Academic director
How long have you been teaching abroad? How long with SIE?
I have been teaching here in China for 5 years, and the last 3 years have been with SIE.
What has your living experience been like so far?
Living in China is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It has been nothing less than an amazing experience. I first lived in Shenzhen for 2 years and then moved to Guangzhou for these 3 years. Shenzhen is a modern metropolis and if you’re interested in a fast-paced city then that is the place for you. Guangzhou is a more historical and culturally fascinating city. It’s still a vibrant city like Shenzhen, but if you are about traditional commodities like food and customs, then Guangzhou is more suitable.
What is your previous experience with teaching?
I began my teaching journey straight after finishing university. My degree is in English Literature which helped me secure a position at a primary school as a teaching assistant. I was given an abundance of varied responsibilities such as coordinating advanced level programs for higher level students to support with 11+ examinations to establishing and guiding support programs for lower level students. I quickly progressed to teacher status, giving myself plenty of experience in education. I stayed at this school for 5 years until I made the decision to move to China to develop and enhance my teaching career further.
What is your history like with SIE?
When I arrived to China in 2018, I was working for another agency at the time. After 2 years, I was looking for a change. I heard of SIE through friends which recommended it to me and as I valued their opinions, their positive comments were reassuring. I started as an ESL teacher in a middle school for a year. After the initial year and my previous experience, SIE given me the opportunity to become an academic director and to take charge of a new bilingual school in Guangzhou. I have now been at the school for 2 years, helping to build the reputation and maintain high standards within the institute.
Describe your experience from ESL teacher to academic director?
Being an ESL teacher is the vital foundation needed in order to progress. I was lucky to have quite a few years of experience in different countries to build my teaching experience. I learnt many valuable skills and techniques working in different environments. It’s crucial to have gone through the ESL teacher process to be an effective academic director. It was a natural and smooth transition to become academic director as I just used my existing skillset and applied them to the new role. As academic director, I still teach and develop my teaching skills every day. This is useful when directing the team as I am aware of the teaching environment in the school and can give guidance where needed. Being aware of the workload as an ESL teacher, I was able to adjust my time management to fit in the additional responsibilities that the new role requires. Working in different educational environments has given me experience working with many different people, useful when wanting to effectively lead and guide a team.
What are your responsibilities as academic director?
The institution is new and has a small group of 4 foreign teachers. As the school is expanding and more teachers join the team every year. My main responsibilities include managing the foreign teachers, making sure they are maintaining teaching standards, according to school regulations and protocols, and guiding and advising the team when needed. I am the main point of contact for the school, so I am responsible for relaying information back and forth to the foreign teachers. I also handle any questions the school or teachers may have. I organize lesson observations and give feedback on a monthly basis to ensure school standards are upheld. I also attend meetings and keep up to date on daily school briefings. I coordinate with the school to help promote school demo classes and open days. Also, I work closely with the school’s management team to establish an unique and effective curriculum for the foreign teachers.
How has SIE supported your transition from ESL teacher to academic director?
SIE has given me lots of opportunities teaching in many different educational institutes. SIE gave me a kindergarten summer camp position, ESL teacher position in a public school, teacher training sessions, teacher observations amongst other things. This led myself to gain enough knowledge to be suitable for academic director. SIE saw this and thus gave me the opportunity. I am grateful to SIE for seeing the potential in their employees and giving them the chance to excel and thrive in their field. They have connections with the educational bureau and government entities which help organize teaching events and give valuable guidance. SIE is always willing to provide support when needed. SIE management team is friendly and readily available to help. They are very experienced and knowledgeable about all aspects of teaching in China.
I am writing to share my wonderful experience working with SIE, an exceptional agency that assisted me in making the transition from New Zealand to China. From the moment I contacted them, SIE’s team has been incredibly helpful, welcoming, and supportive.
My primary contact was Anna, who was highly responsive, knowledgeable, and professional in answering all my queries and providing me with all the information I needed to plan my move to China. Anna’s approachability and willingness to go above and beyond made me feel like I was in safe hands, and I knew that SIE was the right agency for me.
Once I arrived in China, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of care and assistance I received from Allan, Young, Rhia, and Alicia. They were instrumental in ensuring that I had a smooth transition and that I was comfortable in my new environment. They provided me with all the guidance and support I needed, from setting up my temporary visa to finding a high school teaching job appropriate with my field of expertise. They were also highly proactive in helping me find a comfortable apartment, register with the police, obtain social insurance, and provided continuous assistance in using hospitals and translating medical information regarding the use of medication.
I must also mention the financial help they offered when I was having some difficulty with the set-up costs – their support to me was invaluable and helped me settle down quickly. Every step of the way, I felt like I had a true ally in SIE, which made the transition to a new country much easier and smoother than I had anticipated.
Their outstanding service is reflected in their attention to detail, compassion, and commitment to service excellence. They checked in on me occasionally, even sending a coffee and treats for the SIE in-school team before the Dragon Boat Festival – a welcome morale booster leaving us excited for a few days away from work.
Overall, it is without hesitation that I would strongly recommend SIE to any persons seeking assistance in working in China. Their friendly and professional team offers exceptional service and support that makes them the perfect agency for expats in China. I am truly grateful for all they have done for me and confident that many others will share my positive experience.
Where are you from?
South Africa
How long have you been teaching abroad? How long with SIE?
I have been working as a Training School Teacher with SIE for 8 months now.
What can you tell people about the SIE recruitment and interview process?
SIE has been great, from the interview process, to the visa application, they were hands on and communicated very clearly. But where SIE really stands out is the continuing support. Whenever I have a question, I will be answered immediately. Whenever I have issues at my school, SIE has my back.
How has the whole payment side of things been going?
Payments has never been a problem. I receive my full salary on the same day each month, without a doubt.
Would you recommend SIE to other people?
All and all, I would recommend SIE to anyone. I trust them. They have a great support system and will always act fair and honest. I even convinced my girlfriend to work for them, and she’s just as happy here as I am.
Where are you living now?
Qingdao City
How long have you been teaching abroad with SIE?
We’ve been working for SIE for 3 and a half years as primary school teachers in Qingdao city.
How has SIE supported and assisted you since arriving in China?
SIE went out of their way to place us as a married couple at the same school, their agents are always professional and very friendly. Whenever we encountered a problem, they were very helpful to assist us in overcoming the challenge.
Can you share a little bit about your life now?
Life in Qingdao is relaxed and a great place for laid back people. We love our life here in beautiful China, and can recommend SIE recruiters to any teacher who wishes to work in a proper school. SIE is fantastic, they helped us find the right school and gave us training to ensure we are equipped for the job. It’s great to be part of their team!
Where are you from?
Canada
How long have you been teaching abroad? How long with SIE?
I have been teaching abroad for 5 years, the past 2 years have been in China with SIE.
What advice do you have for people about the SIE recruitment and interview process?
My first advice to anyone abroad, with any agency, is to be honest. Do not be afraid to admit your naivety or things you may be unsure about, this agency is here to help you. They can better help you when they have a greater understanding of where or why you are confused, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or explanation – I still do, all these years later!
How has SIE supported and assisted you since arriving in China?
SIE has been on hand for any last minute change or seeming emergency. I have found SIE very responsive, I never wait long on Wechat before I have a response and explanation to my question, and an answered phone call should the situation require it! SIE has taken my partner and I through our first few days each year we have been with them: finalizing residence permits, completing medical checks, finding apartments, etc.
You are teaching in Shenzhen at the moment, can you tell us a little bit about your impressions of the city? What do you like most about living there?
I really enjoy living in Shenzhen, I find it a lovely cultural mix of history and the modern world. Within one city, you can find historic parks and ancient villages, as well as modern styled bars, restaurants, and events. The expat world is very much alive in this city, it is young and full of things to do and things to try! I enjoy learning more about China’s history and cultural background, while also being accessible to food and familiarities that remind me of home. I have been able to have a Canadian Thanksgiving dinner at a local restaurant, and then go to an ancient village and temple the very next day!
What do you enjoy most about teaching English?
I work with younger students in particular, and I enjoy seeing the excitement and curiosity that comes with learning a brand new language at such an early age. Students have such an innate sense of curiosity and the ability to be excited about something that may seem as basic or fundamental in an English-first school.
Can you tell us about your favorite class at the moment?
I currently teach kindergarten, meaning I am with one class for the entire day. However, something interesting from that is that I am learning as much as I am teaching! I am getting to know these kids on a personal level and see the intricacies of their school day. I am also starting to learn a few key Chinese words or phrases by listening to their common dialogue.
Tell us about a recent fun experience or adventure you’ve had!
My partner and I have had countless little adventures throughout South China. There are countless cultural cities to explore – from boat tours in FengJian to Tea Farming in Yingde! Each weekend provides enough time for us to hop on a high speed train and explore a new city! Over the recent October holiday, my partner and I traveled to Taiwan for 5 days. The booking, travel, and adventure was easy and accessible. This is an opportunity we otherwise certainly would not have been able to seize. China makes such adventures so easy! Not only have we been able to explore Shenzhen, but this working opportunity has also opened us up to countless other adventures in places we would have never dreamed of.
Where are you from?
Wales, UK
How long have you been teaching abroad? How long with SIE?
I moved to China in January 2020 to teach English with SIE.
What has your experience been like so far?
I have been working as a kindergarten home room teacher in Shenzhen and I’m really enjoying China so far. Shenzhen has everything you could want from a city and it’s very easy to make friends and settle. SIE have been great setting me up in China and getting me everything I need to live a comfortable life here.I hope your will have a great journey in China too.
Where are you from?
Michigan, USA
How long have you been teaching abroad? How long with SIE?
I have been teaching abroad and with SIE for about 3 months now.
What advice do you have for people about the SIE recruitment and interview process?
The best advice I can give is to relax and be yourself. They are there to help you and want you to succeed. If they see anything you should work on with regards to teaching, they are right there to help you.
How has SIE supported and assisted you since arriving in China?
They have helped me find a great school, set up accounts, and even wrote a letter of invitation for my wife to help her get a visa. Anytime I have an issue and need help, the employees at SIE are always there.
You are teaching in Shenzhen at the moment, can you tell us a littlbe bit about your impressions of the city? What do you like most about living there?
I live in the Futian district and the city is surprisingly clean. You hear horror stories about China but when you get here it’s pretty different. The people are nice, the streets are cleaned daily and the public transportation is easy to use. Especially once you have a metro card and WeChat pay. I love Chinese food yes, but the best thing about living here is the cost of living. It’s very cheap. You can’t help but save. Especially if you eat Chinese food and don’t party too hard.
What do you enjoy most about teaching English?
I enjoy helping students get over blocks in their language abilities. Seeing them finally understand something and progress to the next level is rewarding. I also enjoy giving students the chance to just have a chat with me. Getting them comfortable with speaking is always a challenge and I enjoy it when they finally stop being shy.
Can you tell us about your favorite class at the moment?
My favorite class is grade 6. They started out the semester by misbehaving a little but they soon realized I was cool and we started talking about all kinds of things. They are very curious and are not shy to speak.
Where are you from?
Pretoria, South Africa
How long have you been teaching abroad? How long with SIE?
Since September 2019 till now.
What advice do you have for people about the SIE recruitment and interview process?
Just be yourself! Always remember that the SIE is here to help you with this process. The SIE staff are very thorough and being yourself will help them place you in the most appropriate school for you.
How has SIE supported and assisted you since arriving in China?
SIE has helped with all the necessary documents, as well as, everything we struggled with as foreigners. This is including but not limited to assistance with acquiring residence permits (in china), setting up phone contracts, as well as, acquiring the perfect place to rent. SIE has helped us every step of the way and it’s very reassuring that they are always just a phone call away.
You are teaching in Shenzhen at the moment, can you tell us a little bit about your impressions of the city? What do you like most about living there?
Shenzhen is very young and as such it attracts lots of different types of people, which gives the place a very vibrant atmosphere.
What do you enjoy most about teaching English?
I like the aspect of making a difference in the children’s’ lives. The education system encourages learning more than most countries, and as such the children have an outlook that makes them tend to want to learn from and respect their teachers. The kids in this country love learning about English which makes teaching it so much more enjoyable.
Can you tell us about your favorite class at the moment?
Class one and two are my favorite classes. They are full of energy and make teaching English so much more fun. Their eagerness to learn is inspiring and makes me enjoy teaching every day.
China is full of surprises and unexpected adventures, tell us about one you have had recently!
I didn’t come here with the intention of making friends, however I have met some incredible people who have made my stay here much more comfortable and supportive!
Where are you from?
South Africa
How long have you been teaching abroad? How long with SIE?
Abroad for 3 and a half years. 2 months with SIE.
What advice do you have for people about the SIE recruitment and interview process?
They are very reputable and they don’t change anything that wasn’t in your contract or has been discussed. I have heard a lot of bad stories from teachers in China, luckily I know I won’t have that with SIE.
How has SIE supported and assisted you since arriving in China?
They gave me a start-up loan to make sure I have enough money during my first month. My agent has even been helping me to buy everything I need online. SIE also assisted in getting all my documents and paperwork since I arrived.
You are teaching in Shenzhen at the moment, can you tell us about your impressions of the city? What do you like most about living there?
Shenzhen has so much to offer. The nightlife is great and has plenty western restaurants. You also have a lot of options to go hiking that are not too far away.
What do you enjoy most about teaching English?
Growing with your children and seeing how they improve, month after month.
Can you tell us a little bit about your favorite class at the moment?
I teach grades 5-9. Every class has their own personality and choosing a favorite would be like choosing what’s your favorite, cheese or ice cream haha.
China is full of surprises and unexpected adventures. Tell us about one you have had recently?
The other night I met some friendly people who helped me to get home in the early hours of the morning when my phone was dead! Sincerely many thanks!
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