When you mention that someone is an English teacher in China, it often elicits certain reactions from expats and locals alike. The whispers of LBH (Losers Back Home) seem almost inevitable, tainting what should be a respectable profession. But where did this stigma come from? And how does reality stack up against these negative perceptions?
The term "LBH" has been circulating on internet forums and in expat discussions for years now, with many attributing the trend to China's historically lax visa requirements. In days past, it was true that some individuals found their way into English teaching due to limited opportunities elsewhere.
1. The Era of Easy Employment: Back when anyone could apply and get hired as an English teacher based on a simple bachelor’s degree regardless of field, many took advantage of this opportunity for easy money while they backpacked the world or explored new horizons in China's bustling cities.
2. Low Standards vs High Demand: Many schools had lower standards to fill positions quickly due to high demand and short notice periods, which inadvertently attracted unqualified applicants.
These factors contributed to a misconception that all English teachers fit this mold of being "losers back home." However, times have changed dramatically in recent years with stricter visa requirements, especially since 2019. The profile of an average English teacher has undergone significant transformations:
3. Increased Qualification Standards: Many schools now require TEFL certifications and higher educational qualifications.
4. More Stringent Visa Requirements: China's government introduced more rigorous background checks for foreign workers.
Despite these changes in reality, the LBH stereotype persists among expat communities. So why does this perception continue?
Sarah Johnson, a veteran English teacher with 5 years of experience in Shanghai, sheds some light on this issue:
"I've encountered many fellow expats who view us as 'LBH.' But what they don't see is that teaching isn’t just about speaking the language fluently – it requires education skills. I hold an MA from Oxford and was a successful business professional before making the conscious choice to teach in China."
This perspective highlights one of the main reasons for this misconception: a lack of understanding about the field itself.
5. Misconceptions About Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Many assume that teaching is easy, especially when it comes to something perceived as "just talking." However, there's more to language instruction than meets the eye:
- Lesson planning and curriculum development
- Adapting methods for diverse student learning styles
- Cultural sensitivity in classroom management
6. The Reality of English Teaching Jobs
In reality, many schools now offer competitive salaries (upwards of $3k USD per month) and benefits like housing allowances or flight reimbursement. Moreover:
- Many teachers choose this career path due to a genuine interest in education, cultural immersion, and making a difference.
- Opportunities for professional growth are abundant with the ever-expanding demand for English language proficiency.
To illustrate this point, let's look at some numbers from Teaching China Teaching Jobs in China (https://teachingchina.org/), which showcases hundreds of job listings across various regions:
- Over 90% require a TEFL certification
- More than two-thirds offer salaries above $2k USD per month
- A significant portion provide benefits like health insurance, visa support, and holiday pay
7. Perspectives from the Other Side
Not everyone buys into this stereotype. Alex Thompson, an entrepreneur who has worked with several English teachers in China for his business ventures, offers a different view:
"From my experience working with expat teachers here, they're often more capable than many professionals I meet back home – resourceful, adaptable, and quick learners."
8. Changing Perceptions
As we continue to navigate the complexities of globalization and cultural exchange, it's important for us to recognize that our perceptions are not always in line with reality.
The field of English teaching in China has evolved dramatically over the years. It no longer represents an "easy way out" or a career path limited only to those struggling back home. Instead:
- Many opt into this profession as part of their personal and professional growth journey.
- The increasing demand for quality education requires more qualified, dedicated professionals
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