I've decided on coming to Kunming to teach English for a year. Do you guys think it is best to sort everything out back home or head to Kunming on a tourist visa and sort it out there?

Better at least do solid groundwork in your home country, especially concerning your work visa and whether or not that will require you to make a trip back home anyway.

tefl, and fbi background are a must. changing to and renewing student visas will require psb interview. changing from tourist to a work visa will require: BA degree, fbi crim history (not same as old county/state crim history), health check, tefl (40 hour minimum, for NEW work visa. renewing does not require),.and some places say they need 2 years exp....but thats only REQUIRED for business visa.

Only native speakers can qualify for a teaching visa now too (though I'm guessing that's one you have already ticked off!)

You really are better sorting things out before you leave home. If you are going to process stuff at home.

Step 1, check that you are qualified.
Step 2, find a job. There are lots of ads online.
Step 3, Send all the paperwork that your employer asks for. So that they can apply for other documents.
Step 4, Get all the additional paperwork that will be sent to you from you new employer, so that you can start the visa process in your home country.
Step 5, get the work visa in you home country.
Step 6, arrive in China.
Step 7, start additional admin required by Chinese authorities.

hi
are there any websites to find jobs in Kunming in English or Chinese version?i've searched a lot but i did not get too much

Tiger tiger is a Demi-god on this forum (not quite omnipotent, but damn close). He's always spot on about this practical stuff. Heed his advice ... or go to hell (more hassle).

the only thing is a place may want to do a face to face interview, but screw em if that's the case. This is the Age of Skype.

@Magnifico
Thanks for the big up, but I am not sure I deserve it.

You are right, most decent employers have moved over to Skype or phone interviews now anyway. Unless they are recruiting locally.

@Chado
Do you mean any jobs, teaching jobs, or just jobs for English speakers ?
I just did a google search for "jobs in Kunming" and a lot came back.

At home, make sure you have all certifications and qualifications needed to get a visa and teach. Also make sure you are a good teacher, and want to teach.

In Kunming on tourist visa, go to live interviews with schools and observe classes if possible.