(Photo: Global Times)

What's probably the most important need of Chinese students? English. Chinese parents' eagerness to teach their kids the language has created a bustling industry which often runs into a debate on the quality of teachers and what is being taught. English-learning has created numerous jobs for foreigners in China. But there are pitfalls that cost Chinese parents dear. According to a recent report by China Comment magazine, language training schools in China not only offer higher pay to foreign teachers, but lower the criteria significantly to easily source manpower. A foreign face can be more convincing to a Chinese than the qualification or capability. And foreigners are happy to make a fast buck. However, people paying through their noses to study often get a raw deal. There is a mismatch between the booming demand for native English teachers and the chaotic training industry. Authorities need to step up vigilance and regulation to build necessary platforms to better match eligible foreigners with the needs of educational institutions.