Finding Teaching Jobs in China for Non-Native Speakers

China’s demand for English education is massive—spanning from kindergartens in Beijing to business English classes in booming second-tier cities. But if you’re not from a native English-speaking country, you might be wondering: is it still possible to teach in China?

The short answer: you can’t legally teach English in China unless you hold a passport from one of seven designated countries—the U.S., U.K., Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. However, that doesn't mean your teaching dreams in China are off the table.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What China’s teaching visa rules really say
• What kind of jobs are still open to non-native English speakers
• Where you can legally teach in or near China if you're looking for more flexibility

Let’s get into it.

Who Can Teach English in China?

To legally work as an English teacher in China, you must meet all of the following:

• Be a native English speaker, which (by law) means holding a passport from one of the seven approved countries.
• Have a bachelor’s degree (in any field).
• Hold a TEFL certificate (120+ hours is standard).
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Be in generally good health.

If you're not from one of those seven countries, you can’t legally teach English in China—even if your English is flawless and you have years of experience.

⚠️ Important: Some schools may offer “under-the-table” jobs to non-native speakers. These jobs are illegal, risky, and often come with poor working conditions. We don’t recommend going that route.

What Non-Native Speakers Can Teach in China

The good news? You can still work in China’s education sector—just not as an English teacher. Schools and international programs often need qualified educators for:

• Subject teaching in English (e.g., math, science, IT)
• Teaching Assistant roles in international schools
• Curriculum development or admin work
• Online education platforms (if based outside China)

If you have a degree in a specific subject (STEM fields are especially in demand), you may be able to land a job teaching that subject in English—even if English isn’t your first language.

✅ Pro Tip: If you studied in an English-speaking country, or earned your degree in English, some employers may be more flexible.

Alternatives to Teaching English in China

If your goal is to live and work in East or Southeast Asia as a non-native English speaker, China isn’t your only option. While you might not be able to legally teach English there, you can still teach elsewhere—and sometimes get paid just as well.

Here are three smart alternatives:

✅ Subject Teaching in English

Even though you can't teach English itself, some Chinese schools (especially international or bilingual schools) hire non-native speakers to teach other subjects in English—like math, science, or business.

• You’ll need a degree in the relevant subject
• TEFL may help, but teaching experience is usually more important
• Often found in international schools or private academies

These roles are competitive, but they’re worth looking into if you have academic or teaching experience in a specific subject.

✅ Remote/Online Teaching from Outside China

If your goal is to reach Chinese students—but avoid the visa issues—teach online from another country.

• Plenty of online platforms (like Preply, AmazingTalker, or Italki) connect you with Chinese learners
• You set your own schedule and work remotely
• No visa stress—plus you can live somewhere like Thailand, Vietnam, or Georgia

✅ Teaching in Southeast Asia Instead

Southeast Asia is far more open to non-native English speakers than China. If you're flexible and certified (or willing to get certified), countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand offer real teaching opportunities—even without native-speaker status.

Let’s break that down:

🇹🇭 Thailand: Competitive but Doable

• Officially prefers native speakers, but many schools or private centers may hire non-natives with the right qualifications.
• A TEFL certificate and degree are essential.
• Internships or volunteer placements can help you get started legally.

Read More:Teach English in Thailand as a non-native English speaker

🇻🇳 Vietnam: Good Pay, Growing Demand

• Bachelor’s + TEFL required—even for non-native speakers.
• Demand is strong in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• If you have solid English skills and experience, you can do well here.

Read More:Teach English in Vietnam as a non-native English speaker

🇰🇭 Cambodia: Most Accessible

• No degree? No problem. Cambodia is one of the most flexible countries in Asia.
• TEFL certified? You can find work in private schools or language centers.
• Low barrier to entry, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Read More:Teach English in Cambodia as a non-native English speaker

🌏 Pro Tip: If you want to teach, travel, and live abroad—even without a native passport—start with Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam. They’re open, exciting, and full of teaching opportunities for qualified non-native speakers.

Standing Out as a Non-Native Teacher Abroad

Even if you can’t legally teach English in China, there’s still a big world of opportunity out there. The key is to build a strong, credible profile that shows schools you have the skills—and the drive—they’re looking for.

Here’s how to do that:

✅ Get TEFL Certified (120+ Hours Minimum)

• A solid TEFL course is your passport to the classroom
• Look for internationally recognized programs with teaching practice
• Bonus: Many TEFL providers offer job placement support

💡 Even if you’re not a native speaker, a great TEFL + a confident demo lesson can open a lot of doors.

✅ Showcase Your English Proficiency

• If English is your second (or third!) language, that’s a strength—not a weakness
• Emphasize your fluency, your personal journey learning English, and your ability to connect with learners
• Optional: Use IELTS or TOEFL scores to prove your level if schools ask

✅ Highlight Your Unique Advantages

• Are you bilingual or multilingual? That’s gold in a language classroom.
• Have you taught online, volunteered, or tutored before? That counts as experience.
• Did you study or work in an English-speaking environment? Show it off.

Schools often care more about your attitude, communication skills, and teaching ability than your passport.

✅ Go Where You’re Wanted

Don’t waste time trying to “force” your way into a country that won’t legally hire you.

Instead, focus on countries that actively welcome qualified non-native teachers, like:

• Cambodia – open to almost everyone with a TEFL
• Vietnam – requires a degree, but fair and growing market
• Thailand – more competitive, but possible if you have credentials
• Europe or Latin America – flexible markets, especially for EU citizens or Spanish speakers

5Final Thoughts: What to Do if You Can’t Teach English in China

Teaching English in China is not legally possible for non-native speakers right now. But that doesn’t mean your dream of living abroad and making an impact through teaching is over.

Instead, think of this as a redirection—not a rejection.

There’s a whole region (and world!) of countries where your passion for education, your English skills, and your global mindset are deeply valued. You just need to start in the right place, gain experience, and build from there.

🌍 Your Next Step: Consider starting in Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam, build your résumé, then explore higher-paying jobs later in places like Japan, the Middle East, or Europe.

Whether you’re teaching in a Cambodian classroom, tutoring online from a beach in Thailand, or exploring bilingual education jobs across Asia—there’s space for you in this field.

You just have to start.