Teach English in China

There are many good reasons why you should consider teaching English in China.

Are teachers in demand in China? Yes! There is a high demand for English language skills in the country, with many schools and institutions actively seeking qualified foreign teachers to fill the gap. 

Plus, teaching English in China can provide valuable experience for individuals interested in pursuing a career in education, language teaching, or related fields. 

And let’s not forget about the competitive salaries and benefits that come with English teaching jobs in China, especially for those with experience or qualifications.

Another great perk of teaching English in China is the opportunity to travel and explore the different regions of the country while earning a stable income.

Now, let’s talk about where to teach English in China. Chinese cities are classified into different tiers based on their economic and social development. 

First-tier cities

Bustling metropolises filled with job opportunities

First-tier cities are typically the largest and most developed, with the best job opportunities and highest salaries. These include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, which are the most developed and popular cities in China.

Second-tier cities

Perfect alternatives with money-saving potential

Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xi’an, and Nanjing may not have as high a demand for English teachers as first-tier cities, but there are still plenty of teaching opportunities available. The cost of living in second-tier cities is generally lower, so teachers can save more money or enjoy a higher standard of living with the same salary.

Third-tier cities

For those who really want to go off the beaten path

These cities are rapidly developing, and as a result, there is an increasing demand for English teachers in these areas. Living and working in a third-tier city provides a more authentic Chinese experience, with the opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and customs.  Plus, the cost of living in third-tier cities is generally low.

Overall, teaching English in China is an exciting and rewarding experience that offers many benefits, from career opportunities and competitive salaries to travel and cultural immersion. Whether you choose to teach in a first-tier, second-tier, or third-tier city, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure that will enrich your life both personally and professionally.

Yes, as a foreign national looking to teach English in China, you will need to obtain a work visa, also known as a Z visa, to legally work in China. 

To obtain a work visa (Z visa) in China, you need to have a job offer from a sponsoring school that meets certain requirements set by the Chinese government. These requirements include a Bachelor’s degree or higher, two years of teaching experience, and a clean criminal record.

While there are other visa options such as L Visa and F Visa, please note it is illegal to work or teach with these types of visas. Teaching in China as a foreigner on the incorrect visa may result in huge fines or possible deportation.

While having teaching experience can be an advantage, it’s not always a strict requirement for teaching in China. Some schools may be willing to hire inexperienced teachers if they have other qualifications, such as a TEFL certification.

For teachers without any teaching experience, we recommend doing a Level 5 168-hour TEFL course. The combined course includes 10 hours of practical teaching in an authentic TEFL environment. Or you can do the online course with the added 40-hour Observed Teaching Practice Course. Either of these options provide you with teaching experience which will make your CV shine.

You need to have successfully passed a TEFL course to apply for a work visa. At a minimum this needs to be a 120-hour course, but for teaching jobs in China we recommend a Level 5 TEFL course.  

The Level 5 TEFL course serves as proof that you have not only met the minimum requirements to teach English to non-native speakers, but you have an advanced TEFL course. In short, the quality of your TEFL certificate can mean the difference between landing your dream teaching job or missing out on a valuable opportunity. 

With a valid TEFL certificate from The TEFL Academy, you’ll have the skills and credentials you need to succeed as an English language teacher in China or anywhere else in the world.

A Bachelor’s degree is required to obtain a work visa for teaching English in China. If you don’t have a degree but still want to live in the land of dim sum, have a look at the requirements for internships in China. Some internships don’t require a degree, as they fall under an X visa rather than a Z visa.

Yes, it’s possible for non-native English speakers to teach English in China. However, the specific requirements for teaching English in China can vary depending on the school or organisation you’re working for. 

Non-native speakers may be required to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and may also need to provide additional qualifications, such as a TEFL certification.

Non-native English speakers are required to also have a Bachelor’s degree or higher to qualify to teach English in China. This is because the Chinese government has set certain requirements for foreign teachers, including a Bachelor’s degree or higher, as part of the visa application process.

Many teachers are intimidated by the thought of having to learn Mandarin or Cantonese, but we’re happy to tell you that you don’t have to speak Chinese to teach English in China!

The basis of teaching English as a foreign language is immersion learning. This means that speaking the first language of your students within the classroom is discouraged. The only language you need to speak to teach English as a foreign language is English.

Of course, knowing a few phrases in Mandarin would be extremely helpful when you are exploring China and interacting with locals, even more so in more remote locations.

The amount of start-up capital required to teach English in China can vary widely. Some of the main expenses you can expect when moving to China to teach include visa and work permit fees, flights, accommodation, and living expenses. 

But let’s look at the start-up costs in more detail.

• Accommodation: First month’s rent and security deposit.
• TEFL certification: A TEFL course can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the length and level of the course and the course provider. 
• Document fees: Any costs related to certifying and notarising your degree and TEFL certificate
• Flight ticket: Variable. Your flight may be reimbursed by your school. 
• Visa application: The cost of getting a Z visa is subject to your home country. You can expect to pay between $90 and $140.
• Living expenses: You will need one month’s worth of start-up capital of about ¥10,000 ($1,500). This includes your first month’s rent and a security deposit.

Teaching English in kindergarten, to high school students, at a university, at a language school – China has it all! Here’s a brief overview of some of the most common types of English teacher jobs in China:

Government-sponsored programs

The Chinese government sponsors several programs that recruit foreign teachers to work in public schools, universities, and other educational institutions throughout the country. 

These programs often provide a comprehensive salary and benefits package, including airfare reimbursement, housing allowance, health insurance, and paid holidays.

Recruitment companies

Many foreign teachers in China find jobs through recruitment companies specialising in placing teachers in various schools and institutions nationwide. 

These companies may offer different types of contracts, including short-term or long-term positions, and may provide additional support with visas, housing, and other logistics.

Universities

Universities in China often hire foreign teachers to teach courses in subjects such as English, business, and international relations. 

These positions generally require a Master’s degree or higher and may offer higher salaries and more comprehensive benefits than other teaching jobs.

Private schools

Private schools in China cater to a range of ages and offer various curricula, including international programs. 

These schools often require teachers to have a Bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification, such as a TEFL or TESOL certificate. Most of these schools are bilingual schools.

English training centres

Private English training centres specialise in teaching English to students of all ages. 

These schools generally require teachers to have a Bachelor’s degree and TEFL or TESOL certification and may offer flexible schedules and competitive salaries.

How to get a job teaching English in China? It’s as easy as yī – èr – sān…uh…sì – wǔ!

• Find a job: In order to apply for a work visa, you must first secure a job offer from an employer in China.  Check out online jobs boards to see what opportunities are available to you.
• Gather documents: Once you have a job offer, you will need to gather the necessary documents to apply for a work visa. This includes your valid passport, a clear criminal record, certified degrees and a letter of invitation from your employer.
• Apply for the visa: You can apply for a work visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.  The application process can take several weeks or longer.
• Make travel arrangements: Once you’ve secured a job and obtained a work visa, you’ll need to make travel arrangements to get to China. This may include booking flights, arranging for housing, and preparing for your arrival.
• Enter China: Once you have your work visa, you can enter China and begin your job as an English teacher. You will need to apply for a residence permit within 30 days of your arrival in China.

The process for obtaining a work visa can be complex, and the requirements may vary depending on your nationality and other factors. Consult with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country or a reputable visa service provider to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information for a successful visa application.

Yes, you can teach English online to Chinese students. In fact, online English teaching has become increasingly popular in China, especially since the pandemic.

Recent legislation has become stricter regarding online English lessons for Chinese students but there are ways around it. According to the new regulations, Chinese online companies cannot hire teachers outside China to teach Young Learners online. So, if you are in China, it’s still possible, though there are restrictions on the number of hours you can teach. 

If you are elsewhere in the world, you cannot teach Chinese students online through a Chinese online company, but you may be able to find an online company based outside China that caters to Chinese students. It’s also possible to teach English online to Chinese adult students, as the regulations only apply to schoolchildren.

As a foreign English teacher in China, you can generally expect to earn a competitive salary with additional benefits that are often higher than what you would earn in your home country. What exactly does that mean? Let’s have a look.

On average, a native English-speaking teacher with a Bachelor’s degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification can expect to earn a monthly salary of around ¥9,000 – 35,000 ($1,200 – $5,000). 

• Teachers at  kindergartens typically earn about ¥16,000 – ¥18,000 ($2,300 – $2,600).
• At a  public school, you can expect to earn between ¥9,000 and ¥20,000 ($1,200 – $2,900).
• Jobs at  private or international schools pay around ¥30,000 ($4,300).
• English training centres pay ¥12,000 – ¥25,000 ($1,600 – $3,500).

Read more: How Much Do Teachers In China Get Paid?

Foreign teachers in China may receive a variety of benefits, depending on their employer and the specific terms of their employment contract. Some common benefits that TEFL teachers may receive in China include:

• Housing allowance: Many schools and employers in China provide TEFL teachers with housing, either in the form of a free apartment or a monthly housing allowance.
• Airfare reimbursement: Employers may reimburse TEFL teachers for the cost of airfare to China or for return airfare to their home country upon completion of their contract.
• Health insurance: Employers may provide health insurance to foreign teachers, covering the cost of medical treatment and hospitalisation in China.
• Paid vacation time: Foreign teachers may be entitled to paid vacation time, which can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the length of their contract and their employer’s policies.
• Visa sponsorship and support: Employers may help in obtaining a work visa and other necessary documentation for working in China.

Accommodation

• One-bedroom apartments: 

First tier cities: ¥6,500 – 10,000 ($945 – $1,450 USD)

Second tier cities: ¥2,500 – ¥5,000 ($360 – $720)

Third tier cities: ¥2,000 – ¥4,000 ($290 – $580)

Utilities

• Gas, electricity, water: ¥250 ($35) 

Groceries

• Monthly shop: ¥1,000 ($150)
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: ¥250 ($36)  | ¥200 ($30) | ¥150 ($22)

Transport

• Monthly pass: ¥200 ($30)
• Taxi, per km: ¥2.50 ($0.35)

Internet

•  Unlimited: ¥100 ($15)

In general, first tier cities are 20% more expensive than second tier cities, and 50% more expensive than third tier cities.

The cost of living in China can vary widely depending on the city or region. There are some cities and regions where the cost of living is lower, making them more affordable for expats or foreigners looking to live in China on a budget. Most third-tier cities or towns in China are generally considered to be cheaper to live in with the most popular being Chengdu, Xi’an, Kunming, Nanning and Changchun.

Yes, it is possible to save money as a TEFL teacher in China, depending on a variety of factors such as your salary, living expenses, and lifestyle choices.

While the cost of living in China can vary depending on the city or region, it is generally lower than in many Western countries. This means that, with a modest lifestyle, TEFL teachers can often save a significant portion of their salary. If you want to save, you can cook at home or eat street food and negotiate your salary and benefits.

Living and teaching English in China can be a unique and rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture, learn to speak Mandarin, and gain valuable teaching experience.

Here are a few reasons China is such a different experience for TEFL teachers.

• Culture shock: China can be a vastly different cultural experience for many Westerners, and it may take time to adjust to the different customs, traditions, and ways of life.
• Language barrier: While many Chinese people speak English, there may be some communication barriers, particularly in more rural areas. Learning Mandarin Chinese can be helpful, but not necessary.
• Teaching environment: English teaching jobs in China can vary greatly, from teaching young children to adults, in private schools, public schools, or language training centres. The teaching culture in China may be different from what you are used to, and adapting to this culture can take some time.
• Food and transportation: Chinese cuisine is varied and delicious, and can be relatively affordable. Public transportation in cities can be crowded, but efficient and inexpensive.
• Travel opportunities: China is a vast country with many different regions and cultural sites to explore, making it a great place to travel and explore on weekends or holidays.

Living and teaching English in China is a rewarding experience that allows for personal and professional growth, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.