"Top Marks"

My initial interview with the TOT was friendly, relaxed and informal. James and the team demonstrate a keen desire to understand your background, circumstance and motivation to travel and teach abroad.

The next stage of the recruitment process involves submitting a short introductory video and a mock demonstration lesson - this can be a daunting prospect if new to teaching. A subsequent interview directly with a friendly school supervisor from First Leap China follows a similar format. Fortunately, James and the team are at hand to provide all the materials, guidance and support you might need.

The same applies upon receiving an offer of employment. Help and advice from James and the team is inciteful and always forthcoming. Their experience counts when trying to make an informed decision and assess contract terms and conditions, employment conditions, remuneration, relative living expenses, location, etc.

Connecting to other new and experienced teachers in the same position via the Lark app is a relatively new experience for me but already proving invaluable. People with first hand knowledge and experience are happy to share and help answer any questions, which in turn is helping to foster a shared sense of experience and create a friendly community prior to travelling.

Obtaining a visa for China is quite a costly, arduous journey - only made bearable with the help of Bella at the TOT. The visa application process is broken down into timely, manageable steps so as to avoid any potential delays. I would not consider navigating the myriad levels of forms and checks without her assistance.

Although I’m still at the relative start of my journey to teach English in China after some unfortunate delays due to Covid - James, Bella and the team at TOT have remained patient throughout. Quick to respond and always willing to answer any questions, I’m certain they will do their utmost to help you fulfil any ambition you might have to travel and teach in China!

"Once in a lifetime opportunity"

This is my first time working with The Overseas Teacher and I have nothing bad to say whatsoever!
I was interviewed by James, who was the most welcoming and helpful person to chat to. It was definitely my most positive interview yet. Before I was even interviewed James sent me a full booklet that detailed everything I need to know, and helped me see all the benefits of going to China. This got me super excited which helped the interview process.
Since being accepted, the process has been great. James introduced me to Bella. Both have been super helpful in telling me what documents to get and how.
There is a fair bit of work to do before you get over there, including an online course for Teaching English As A Foreign Language. Even if you don’t go to China in the end, this is still a great qualification to have. There is also a fairly high cost before you get there, but you will quickly pay it off and will be extremely worth it.
They also created a group chat with all the other teachers so that we can all chat before we get there and get to know each other / help with any questions.
I’m super excited to start my journey with The Overseas Teacher and I can’t wait to get to China!

"My Time with TOT"

My interview was with James, from the first moment I met him (virtually) he made me feel instantly comfortable and confident which is something that I really struggle with especially when meeting new people in a professional environment. There was nothing too big or too small that he could do to help me. Even answering my messages late at night when I was worried or making sure that we could find a time to suit my schedule when things went wrong in my interview.

I feel like I was fully supported in the interview process with First Leap – again it was James that I was working with, and he helped me from start to finish. Even answering the questions for me that others might find silly. He completely made me feel as though I wasn’t alone in the process, honestly for an interview for a job I wanted so badly – he made the process enjoyable.

I think that the interview went better than I expected, as I was so prepared for the questions my interviewer asked and I had my answers ready. It helps that I have had online experience for the role for almost 12 months and I completely fell in love with the being a teacher. My passion for teaching also assisted me in the interview.

I believe that I had full support in looking at my offer letter, again this was with James, and we had a lengthy video call discussing all areas of the offer letter, feedback on the interview, what it would mean to accept, any other questions or queries I had been answered and he helped me to conclude that I wanted the role very quickly. We had worked on this together for a long time and this is what we were waiting for.

This is the first company I have worked for where I really feel like I am part of a team, from the internal management to the people I work with daily, I have never felt more comfortable and more supported in any job I have ever had. The management team truly do care about you and your well-being, they will support you in any way that they can and there are always opportunities to do more within the company. This is truly the best job I have ever had; with the best people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.


The visa prep assistance with the overseas teacher is incredible, I came into this feeling overwhelmed like I would never be able to understand what was expected of me, what I needed to do, where I needed to be, what document went where but then you meet Bella. Bella made it seem manageable, the way she organises the system for you, and you can see it happening and are updated step by step is amazing. She is always there to answer any questions you have and if she doesn't know the answer, she will find it for you. She truly supports you in every area and is somebody you need on your team. It is a pleasure to work with Bella.

I would 100% recommend The Overseas Teacher - I can assure you, there is no company out there like it. You would be lucky to work for them.