The Best Agencies For Teaching English In China
Last Updated on March 29, 2025
China is one of the most popular destinations for teaching English abroad — and for good reason. With a booming education sector, thousands of schools hiring year-round, and competitive salaries, it’s an exciting place to launch or level up your TEFL career.
But navigating job offers, visa paperwork, and contracts in a foreign country can be overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time teaching abroad. That’s where recruitment agencies come in.
A trusted TEFL agency acts as your guide through the entire process. They help you find legitimate job offers, assist with legal documentation, and often provide support after you arrive in China.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- What makes a good TEFL agency
- The top recruitment agencies that place teachers in China
- Red flags to avoid
- How to choose the right agency for your goals
✅ What a Good TEFL Agency Should Offer
Not all agencies are created equal. The best ones do more than just send you a job listing — they support you before, during, and after your move to China. Here’s what to look for:
🔎 Job Matching That Fits You
Great agencies don’t just push random offers — they listen. They’ll ask about:
- Your preferred location (big cities vs. smaller towns)
- The type of school you want (public school, kindergarten, international, etc.)
- Your experience level and TEFL certification status
This personalized matching helps ensure your teaching job fits your lifestyle and goals.
🛂 Pre-Departure Support
Moving to China isn’t just about getting hired — it’s about getting there legally and prepared. Top agencies help with:
- Visa paperwork (especially the Z visa)
- Gathering and authenticating documents
- Preparing for interviews with schools
- Understanding what to expect once you land
They walk you through every step — reducing stress and avoiding common pitfalls.
✈️ Post-Arrival Help
Arriving in a new country can be overwhelming, so the best agencies don’t disappear once you’re on the plane. Look for those that offer:
- Airport pickup or clear arrival instructions
- Housing assistance (temporary or long-term)
- Local orientation to help you settle in
This kind of support makes your transition smoother — and can make a huge difference in those first few weeks.
📄 Transparent Contracts & Fair Conditions
Reputable agencies work with schools that offer:
- Clear salaries, schedules, and job duties
- Legal work permits and health insurance
- Paid holidays and proper working hours
If they won’t show you the contract upfront or avoid answering questions — it’s a red flag.
👥 Ongoing Support and Community
The best agencies keep in touch. They may offer:
- A community of other foreign teachers you can connect with
- Help if issues arise with your school
- Resources for professional development or travel
Especially if you’re new to China, it’s reassuring to know you’re not alone.
📌 Tip: Good agencies are free for teachers. They get paid by schools — not by charging you for placement.
🏆 Top Trusted Agencies for China TEFL Jobs
Choosing a reliable agency can make or break your teaching experience abroad. Here are some of the most trusted TEFL recruiters and placement programs for teaching in China — each with unique strengths depending on your background and goals.
🌟 Gold Star TEFL Recruitment
Audience: First-time and experienced teachers
Placements: Public schools, private language centers, kindergartens across China
Standout Features:
- China-focused with deep local expertise
- Schools are vetted for legal compliance and fair contracts
- Offers a comprehensive blog and teacher interviews
- Free service with step-by-step support — from interview to arrival
🌐 EF (English First)
Audience: First-time teachers, especially under 30
Placements: EF’s own schools in major Chinese cities
Standout Features:
- One of the largest English education companies in China
- Employer and recruiter in one — standardized contracts and onboarding
- Offers in-house TEFL certification, cultural training, and promotion tracks
- Strong expat community and internal support network
🧳 Teach Away
Audience: Licensed teachers and certified TEFL/TESOL grads
Placements: Public schools, international schools, and government programs
Standout Features:
- Global agency with high-quality, vetted schools
- Places teachers in bilingual and international schools
- Offers online TEFL certification in partnership with OISE/University of Toronto
🏙️ Teaching Nomad
Audience: New and experienced teachers
Placements: Kindergartens, language centers, international schools
Standout Features:
- Shanghai-based agency with country-wide reach
- Offers Accreditat-accredited TEFL courses
- Responsive, hands-on support for documentation, placement, and arrival
- Mix of free and premium services
🌏 China By Teaching
Audience: Independent job-seekers + those wanting curated support
Placements: Broad — across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities
Standout Features:
- Modern, filterable job board
- Resource-rich website with guides, blogs, and salary tools
- Not a recruiter in the traditional sense, but offers consulting-style matching
🏫 SIE (Success in Education)
Audience: Teachers seeking public and private school positions in Southern China
Placements: Kindergarten, primary, middle, and high schools in cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Zhuhai
Standout Features:
- Direct employer with over a decade of experience in teacher recruitment and placement
- Provides legal Z work visas, ensuring compliance with Chinese employment laws
- Offers competitive salaries and benefits, including housing allowances and paid vacations
- Comprehensive onboarding support, including assistance with accommodation, bank accounts, and SIM cards
- Emphasis on professional development with training and curriculum support
🌍 Footprints Recruiting
Audience: First-time and licensed teachers seeking curated placements
Placements: Public schools, private academies, and international schools in China
Standout Features:
- Long-standing agency with placements across multiple countries
- Free job placement with guidance from initial application to arrival
- Known for detailed matching and transparent hiring practices
- Offers reliable information about contracts, locations, and cost of living
🇰🇷 Korvia Consulting (Bonus)
Audience: Mainly Korea-focused, with limited China placements
Placements: Through affiliate networks and cross-country transitions
Standout Features:
- Well-established for Korea’s EPIK program
- Some help transitioning to China via partnerships
🚩 Red Flags to Avoid in TEFL Agencies
Not all agencies are created equal. While many offer excellent services, others may cut corners or operate unethically. Here’s what to watch out for when researching TEFL agencies for China:
-
💸 Charging you for job placement
Reputable agencies get paid by schools — not from placing teachers. It’s normal to pay for a TEFL course, but job placement itself should be free. -
🛂 Vague or missing info about visas
If the agency avoids talking about the Z visa or suggests entering China on a tourist visa, walk away. Legal work starts with a legal visa. -
📈 Overpromising on pay or schools
“Up to ¥30,000/month!” might sound great, but without school names, city info, or responsibilities? That’s a red flag. Ask for clear breakdowns. -
📞 Pushy or inconsistent communication
If an agency ghosts you for days, sends generic responses, or uses high-pressure tactics, that’s a sign they don’t prioritize teacher support. -
🧪 No independent reviews or only curated testimonials
Look for real reviews on forums like Reddit, Facebook groups, or GoOverseas — not just cherry-picked testimonials on their website.
⚠️ Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.
🧩 How to Choose the Right Agency for You
With so many TEFL agencies out there, how do you choose the one that’s right for your goals, experience, and personality? Here’s how to narrow it down.
🎯 Ask Yourself:
-
Do I want a guaranteed job or freedom to browse?
Some agencies offer placement-first programs, while others let you choose from multiple offers. Decide which approach fits your comfort level. -
Do I need in-country support, or just help getting a job?
If you’ve never lived abroad, agencies with airport pickup, housing help, and 24/7 support can be worth it. Experienced travelers may prefer flexibility. -
Do I already have a TEFL certificate?
If not, consider programs that bundle TEFL + job placement. These are great for first-time teachers who want a structured path. -
What type of school am I targeting?
Public schools = more holidays.
Kindergartens = playful energy.
International schools = top pay (but stricter requirements).
Match the agency to your preferred teaching environment.
🧪 Compare Agencies Based On:
- 📍 Location Coverage: Do they specialize in cities you’re interested in?
- 📚 TEFL Options: Do they include or recommend an accredited TEFL course?
- 🧳 Support Level: Do they assist with visa, housing, onboarding, etc.?
- 📄 Transparency: Are contracts, job expectations, and benefits clearly explained?
🧠 Pro tip: Don’t just apply to one agency — talk to a few, compare offers, and trust the one that makes you feel heard and supported.
📬 Next Steps — From Research to Placement
You’ve read the reviews, weighed the pros and cons, and now you’re ready to take action. Here’s how to go from browsing to boarding your flight to China:
✅ 1. Make a Shortlist
Pick 2–3 reputable agencies that align with your goals. Consider:
- Where you want to teach (big cities vs. smaller towns)
- The type of school you prefer (public, international, kindergarten)
- Whether you want job-only support or full relocation help
- If you already have a TEFL, or need one included
Need help understanding the broader TEFL landscape in China? Check out our complete guide to teaching English in China.
📞 2. Set Up Consultations or Deep-Dive into Reviews
Good agencies will happily chat with you, not pressure you. Ask for:
- Example job offers
- Visa support details
- School vetting process
- Contracts or sample placements
No reply or vague answers? That’s your signal to move on.
You can also dig through real reviews on Reddit, Facebook TEFL groups, or ESL forums — don’t rely solely on testimonials.
🎓 3. Start Your TEFL (If You Haven’t Yet)
Don’t wait until you’ve been offered a job — many positions require a TEFL to apply. Choose a 120+ hour accredited course:
- Online? Flexible and affordable.
- In-person? Great for practice and local connections.
- Want job support too? Consider bundled programs.
🔗 Check out the best online TEFL courses
📝 4. Apply and Ask Smart Questions
Once you’ve found the right agency, send in your application — but don’t stop asking questions. Clarify:
- Salary, hours, and bonuses
- Z visa assistance process
- Housing and arrival support
- Whether you’ll teach solo or co-teach
🔗 Need help? Review Z visa requirements for China
✅ Agencies Can Make Your China TEFL Journey Smoother
Teaching English in China is an adventure — but the logistics can be tricky if you go it alone. That’s where a reliable TEFL agency can make all the difference.
A good recruiter will:
- Connect you with vetted schools
- Help you secure your Z visa legally
- Offer pre- and post-arrival support
- Provide peace of mind every step of the way
Just remember — not all agencies are created equal. Take your time, compare offers, and choose based on transparency, support, and fit — not just big promises.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.