Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about applying? Here are the questions most coaches ask before they do.
What does ThinkWriteSpeak actually teach?
We run writing, debate, and reading programmes for students from Grade 1 to Grade 10. Our students attend some of the most competitive international schools in Shanghai and China. They are not beginners. They come to us because they want their writing and their arguments to match everything else they are doing.
Is this a teaching job?
Not in the traditional sense. ThinkWriteSpeak is not a school. We are a specialist coaching programme – parents choose us and pay a premium because they want something the school curriculum does not provide. That means smaller groups, higher expectations, and students who are genuinely motivated to improve.
If you are looking for a standard classroom role, this probably is not it. If you want to coach students who are serious about their craft, it is exactly that.
Do I need formal teaching qualifications to apply?
Not necessarily. We look for coaches with a strong background in writing, debate, literature, or journalism. What matters most is that you care about the craft and can communicate it clearly to students. Formal teaching qualifications are a plus, not a requirement.
What visa do I need to work in China?
You will need a Z visa (work visa) to teach legally in China. We guide you through the full process. The standard requirements are a bachelor’s degree, a clean criminal background check, and a medical check. We handle the paperwork on our end and will tell you exactly what you need to prepare.
What does a typical week look like?
Most coaching happens in the evenings and at weekends, when students are free from school. Classes run one to two hours each. You will have two days off mid-week, which gives you proper time to explore the city, prepare sessions, or just decompress. It is a schedule that works well in Shanghai – the city comes alive in the evenings anyway.
What is the salary?
We offer a competitive salary for Shanghai (which will be discussed in your interview), along with visa support and relocation assistance. Most coaches find they save more here than they did at home while living noticeably better.
Do you help with relocation?
Yes. We support you through the visa process and help you get settled. Shanghai is straightforward to navigate once you have the basics in place – WeChat Pay, Alipay, Meituan, and a VPN cover most of what you need day to day.
Do I need to speak Mandarin?
No. All of our classes are taught in English. Mandarin is useful for daily life in Shanghai but not required for the role. Most coaches pick up the basics quickly and find the city very manageable without it.
Is Shanghai a good place to live?
It is one of the best cities in the world for an expat on a professional income. Food is cheap, transport is excellent, and the city has a large international community. Most coaches find they live better here than they did at home for a fraction of the cost. The Life in Shanghai page covers this in detail.
How do I apply?
Use the form on our Teach With Us page. We will get back to you within 14 days. The process is straightforward: an initial conversation, a more in depth interview with a teaching task, and then visa paperwork once we are both happy to move forward.