China vs Thailand: Where to Teach English

If you're dreaming of taking your teaching career abroad, two destinations tend to rise to the top of the list: China and Thailand. Both are rich in culture, packed with opportunities, and full of experiences you simply can’t replicate back home. But they offer very different paths for those looking to live and teach overseas.

China is a powerhouse of opportunity, especially for those who thrive in fast-paced environments. The cities are vast and electrifying, the demand for English teachers is massive, and the potential to save money or grow your career is hard to ignore. There's a strong sense of momentum in China—whether you're working in a buzzing kindergarten in Shanghai or lecturing at a university in Chengdu, you're stepping into a society that's changing fast, and you'll feel it every day.

Thailand, on the other hand, pulls you in with its easygoing vibe and warm, welcoming energy. It’s a country where smiles are abundant, the food is unforgettable, and life tends to move at a gentler rhythm. Teaching here means more than just clocking in hours at a school—it often blends into the flow of everyday life, whether you're sipping coffee at a street stall, hopping between islands on weekends, or laughing through lessons with curious, lively students.

Both countries are popular for a reason. They offer completely different—but equally compelling—experiences for teachers looking to immerse themselves in a new culture, support themselves while living abroad, and gain something more than just a paycheck. Whether you're more drawn to the speed and ambition of China or the laid-back charm of Thailand will shape everything from your workday to your weekend. Let's explore the key differences that can help you decide which path fits you best.

Entry Requirements for Teachers

If you're planning to teach abroad, the first hurdle is making sure you meet the legal requirements. China and Thailand both expect you to have a degree and a clean record, but the level of strictness and flexibility varies significantly between the two.

China

Teaching English in China means navigating a more structured and regulated system. To qualify for a work visa (Z visa), you’ll need to be a native English speaker from one of seven approved countries (US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa). A bachelor’s degree in any field is required, along with a 120-hour TEFL certificate, a clean criminal background check, and a health exam.

China also imposes an age limit—usually under 60 for men and 55 for women. While experience isn’t mandatory, schools are becoming increasingly selective, and having a year or two under your belt can boost your options.

One upside? Some employers will sponsor your TEFL course or assist with paperwork, especially if you're already in the country or willing to commit long-term.

Thailand

Thailand’s entry process is generally more relaxed. A bachelor’s degree in any subject is still required for a work permit, and while native speakers are preferred, non-native speakers can qualify with a TOEIC score of 600+ or an IELTS score of 5 or higher.

A TEFL certificate isn't mandatory for the visa, but most schools require or strongly prefer one. It’s also a great way to stand out from other applicants, especially if you’re new to teaching.

Thailand also requires a police background check, a basic health check, and your documents must be verified for authenticity. The process can vary from school to school, and there’s often some gray area—especially if you're working in more rural areas or less formal institutions. Flexibility is the norm here, and that can be either a blessing or a source of confusion.

China: Stricter legal pathways and native-speaker-only hiring for English roles
Thailand: More accessible for non-natives; process is less rigid and more forgiving

Job Market Overview

Both China and Thailand offer plenty of opportunities for English teachers, but the structure of the job market—and where the demand is highest—varies quite a bit. Your teaching experience will largely depend on where you’re based, the type of school you choose, and the students you teach.

China

China’s sheer size translates into a vast and diverse teaching market. There’s strong demand across the board—from sprawling tier-1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai to smaller towns and provincial capitals. In tier-1 cities, international schools and premium training centers compete for qualified teachers, often offering the highest salaries and best benefits. These roles tend to attract experienced teachers with credentials, but entry-level teachers can still find a foothold—especially in kindergartens or private language centers.

Move into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and competition drops while demand remains high. These areas often offer a more “authentic” cultural experience, and schools may be more flexible about qualifications. Workloads can be lighter and the cost of living lower, though the salaries may reflect that.

Public schools, private language schools (also called training centers), kindergartens, universities, and international schools all hire foreign teachers. There's also a strong private tutoring market, especially in major cities, though recent government crackdowns have made this a trickier path to navigate legally.

Hiring tends to be year-round, though public schools and universities often recruit for the September and February terms. The biggest surge in job listings happens in the months leading up to those start dates.

Thailand

Thailand’s job market is smaller in scale but still very active—especially in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Most foreign teachers work in public or private schools, with a growing number also teaching at language centers or international schools. While international schools offer the most competitive salaries and benefits, they’re also the hardest to break into and usually require teaching licenses or several years of experience.

Public schools are plentiful and regularly hire foreign teachers, especially during the main school year starting in May and again in November. These roles are open to newer teachers and are often more relaxed in terms of requirements, though they also come with bigger class sizes and fewer perks. In rural areas, there’s often less competition and more community involvement—perfect for teachers seeking immersion over income.

Language centers in Thailand often operate in the evenings or on weekends and cater to both kids and adults. These roles can be full-time or part-time and offer a flexible way to earn additional income.

While there’s consistent demand year-round, peak hiring happens just before the Thai school terms begin. Many teachers find jobs after arriving in the country and interviewing in person, which is quite common in the local hiring culture.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

When it comes to earnings, China tends to lead the way—but raw numbers don’t tell the whole story. The cost of living, benefits, and type of job all affect how far your paycheck goes and what kind of lifestyle you can expect.

China

Salaries in China vary widely depending on location and school type. Entry-level positions at public schools typically offer between 10,000 and 20,000 RMB per month ($1,370–$2,740), while kindergartens and private language centers often pay a bit more, especially in larger cities. International schools top the charts with salaries ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 RMB ($2,055–$4,110), often accompanied by generous perks like housing allowances, paid holidays, health insurance, and annual flights home.

Universities, though more laid-back and academic, can range from 7,000 to 30,000 RMB ($960–$4,110) depending on prestige. Many teachers in China supplement their income through private tutoring or online platforms—though recent regulations have tightened restrictions on freelance education work.

Overall, most teachers find it relatively easy to save money while teaching in China, especially if housing is included or subsidized.

Thailand

Thailand offers lower salaries, but that’s balanced by a significantly lower cost of living. Public school jobs typically pay between 25,000 and 55,000 THB per month ($700–$1,540), while private schools and language centers might offer 35,000 to 70,000 THB ($980–$1,960). International schools can go much higher—up to 170,000 THB ($4,760)—but these roles are competitive and usually require certified teachers with several years of experience.

Universities tend to pay less, in the 30,000 to 60,000 THB ($840–$1,680) range, but offer flexibility and prestige. Private tutoring can be lucrative, especially in Bangkok or tourist-heavy areas, with rates between 400 and 1,000 THB ($11–$28) per hour.

Benefits vary: some schools include housing stipends, paid holidays, or health insurance, but many don’t. Still, thanks to cheap rent, affordable food, and low daily expenses, many teachers in Thailand enjoy a relaxed lifestyle even on modest wages.

China: Higher earning potential, especially in international schools and large cities
Thailand: Lower pay, but the cost of living stretches each baht surprisingly far

Cost of Living Breakdown

Choosing between China and Thailand isn’t just about what you earn—it’s also about how far your money goes. Both countries are affordable compared to the West, but the cost of living varies depending on where you live and how you spend.

China

In China, your cost of living depends heavily on location. Life in a major city like Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Beijing can feel expensive—especially when it comes to rent, imported goods, or dining out in trendy areas. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center might cost anywhere from ¥4,000 to ¥8,000 ($550–$1,100) per month, while in smaller cities or towns, you could find similar housing for half the price.

Food is generally affordable, especially if you eat like a local. A hearty bowl of noodles or a dumpling feast at a street stall might cost just ¥15 to ¥25 ($2–$4). Western restaurants and supermarkets, however, can quickly push up your monthly expenses. Public transportation is cheap and efficient, with metro rides typically costing around ¥3 ($0.40), and monthly expenses for utilities and internet stay modest for most.

Teachers often find that their biggest expense is rent—unless it’s covered by the school, which is common. If you live outside the big cities, you can save a significant chunk of your salary without much effort.

Thailand

Thailand is known for its budget-friendly lifestyle, especially when it comes to housing and food. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for as little as ฿9,000 to ฿15,000 ($250–$420) per month, and even less outside urban areas. Local food is incredibly cheap and flavorful—street meals typically cost ฿40 to ฿100 ($1.10–$3), and you can eat out daily without breaking the bank.

Utilities, internet, and transport are all wallet-friendly. A typical monthly internet bill hovers around ฿500 to ฿600 ($13–$17), and a ride on public transport can cost as little as ฿30 ($0.85). Even leisure activities—like gym memberships, massages, or weekend getaways—are affordable, especially if you avoid tourist traps.

Thailand is particularly attractive for new teachers or those looking to stretch their savings. Even on a modest income, you can enjoy a high quality of life, filled with travel, good food, and sunshine.

China: Mid-range cost of living with higher expenses in tier-1 cities; more saving potential in smaller cities
Thailand: Consistently low cost of living; easy to live comfortably even on an entry-level teacher’s salary

Lifestyle and Work Environment

Your day-to-day experience as a teacher isn’t just shaped by paychecks or lesson plans—it’s also about how your school runs, how your students behave, and how you fit into the local rhythm of life. This is where the cultural contrast between China and Thailand really shows.

China

In China, the teaching environment is generally structured, fast-paced, and professionally demanding. Class sizes can be large—especially in public schools—sometimes reaching 40 to 60 students. Schools tend to be organized and expectations are clear, with lesson plans, performance metrics, and learning outcomes often outlined in detail.

Students are typically respectful, academically focused, and used to a high-pressure education system. You’ll likely be seen as an authority figure, and there’s often an emphasis on grammar, testing, and results—especially in older age groups. That said, kindergartens and training centers are more playful, with room for creativity and games.

Teachers are usually well supported, with assistants, co-teachers, and staff to help you settle in. Work hours vary depending on the institution, but 20–25 teaching hours per week plus office hours is common.

Thailand

Teaching in Thailand is a much more relaxed affair. Public schools, in particular, lean into the country’s famously laid-back culture. You might be expected to "go with the flow" more often than not, and flexibility is a key asset. Classes can be large, but there’s less academic pressure on students and more room to focus on communication, fun activities, and cultural exchange.

Relationships with students and colleagues tend to be warm and casual. Students are generally cheerful and eager to interact, though classroom discipline can vary depending on the school. You might be creating your own curriculum or using minimal materials—schools sometimes lack resources, but they make up for it in community spirit.

Work hours are typically from early morning to early afternoon, with weekends off. Many teachers enjoy a sense of balance in Thailand that’s hard to find elsewhere, with plenty of time for personal projects, travel, or relaxation.

China: Structured work culture with strong academic focus and reliable support systems
Thailand: Friendly and flexible environment, ideal for those who value autonomy and low-stress teaching

Cultural Adaptation and Daily Life

Moving abroad comes with a learning curve—new habits, new norms, and a new language to navigate. How quickly you settle in depends on both your mindset and how easy the local environment makes it to adapt. In this respect, China and Thailand offer very different paths.

China

Living in China can feel like stepping into a parallel universe, especially if you’re based outside the major expat hubs. While cities like Shanghai and Beijing have international supermarkets and English signage, day-to-day life in smaller towns is much more local. The language barrier is one of the biggest initial challenges. Mandarin is not only hard to learn but also rarely substituted with English outside tourist zones. Even simple tasks—ordering food, using apps, reading signs—can take patience at first.

That said, China offers a deep cultural immersion. Locals are often curious and friendly once the ice is broken, and if you make an effort to learn basic Mandarin, doors will start to open. There’s a strong appreciation for teachers, and you’re likely to be treated with respect in your role. Daily life is efficient—QR payments, delivery apps, and public transport make urban living surprisingly smooth once you learn the ropes.

Expat communities exist but are more scattered outside the big cities. Still, it’s easy to build a routine filled with language exchanges, food adventures, and weekend trips. You’ll never run out of new experiences.

Thailand

Thailand is widely known as one of the easiest places in Asia for foreigners to settle into. The culture is famously warm, friendly, and forgiving, and the country’s popularity with tourists means you’ll find English spoken more often than in most Asian countries—especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other hotspots. While Thai is a tonal language, many foreigners get by with a few essential phrases and a smile.

Local customs are important—showing respect for elders and teachers, dressing modestly at temples, removing your shoes before entering homes—but there’s a level of flexibility that makes adapting easier. People are generally patient and open-minded with foreigners, and there’s a strong culture of “sanuk” (fun), which often spills into the classroom.

You’ll also find expat communities almost everywhere, from teaching groups to yoga circles to local Facebook forums. This network makes it easy to find friends, resources, and advice as you adjust. And thanks to the relaxed pace of life, most teachers quickly fall into a comfortable rhythm.

China: Deep cultural immersion and fast-paced urban life; language is a hurdle but also a gateway
Thailand: Easy adaptation with English-friendly infrastructure and welcoming local culture

Travel, Nature, and Free Time

Whether you dream of mountains, temples, or turquoise seas, your choice between China and Thailand will have a big impact on your travel lifestyle. Both countries are packed with beauty—but how you explore it will look quite different.

China

China is a land of extremes. You’ll find snowy mountains in the west, ancient temples in the heartland, tropical beaches in the south, and futuristic skylines in the east. The country is vast, and travel distances can be long—but China’s high-speed rail network makes it easy to hop between cities quickly and affordably. Whether you’re wandering the Great Wall, sipping tea in Sichuan, or hiking in Yunnan, there’s no shortage of destinations to explore.

Weekends and holidays are a chance to go deep into China’s cultural richness, but travel planning can require more effort, especially during national holidays when transport gets crowded. International travel from China is possible—but visa runs and short getaways can be trickier due to distance and bureaucracy.

Free time in the cities often revolves around food, shopping, night markets, and fitness. Many teachers also use their time off to learn Mandarin, take up tai chi, or dive into local hobbies like calligraphy or mahjong.

Thailand

Thailand is practically built for travel lovers. Whether you’re into island hopping, jungle trekking, temple sightseeing, or lazy beach weekends, there’s always a new adventure just a bus or short flight away. Domestic flights are cheap and frequent, and even the overnight trains are part of the experience.

From the mountains of Chiang Mai to the limestone cliffs of Krabi and the calm shores of Koh Lanta, Thailand offers some of the most accessible natural beauty in Asia. And if you’re teaching near a tourist area, a long weekend can feel like a mini vacation.

With generous school holidays and a culture that encourages balance, most teachers find plenty of time to travel—not just within Thailand but to nearby countries like Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The infrastructure is well-suited for short trips, remote work, and outdoor adventures.

China: Best for high-speed travel across diverse landscapes and cultural heritage sites
Thailand: A dream for island lovers, slow travelers, and weekend warriors with a backpack

Long-Term Opportunities and Visas

If you're thinking beyond a single contract and want to plant roots—whether for a few years or even permanently—then it's worth understanding the long-term outlook in each country. Both China and Thailand offer ways to extend your stay, but the pathways and security differ.

China

China can be a strong long-term option for those who are committed to teaching or looking to grow their careers in education. Visa policies are strict and closely monitored, but if you meet the requirements, it's possible to renew your contract and residence permit year after year. Many teachers stay for multiple years, transitioning into more senior teaching positions, curriculum development roles, or international school posts.

International schools in particular offer clear career ladders, with higher salaries, better benefits, and longer-term contracts for licensed and experienced educators. However, the bureaucracy is demanding, and visa rules can change with little notice—so it’s important to work with reputable schools that handle paperwork properly.

Permanent residency in China is rare and hard to obtain. There’s no clear “pathway” for most foreign teachers, but if you stay long enough, build local connections, and develop a niche skillset (like bilingual teaching or curriculum management), long-term work is feasible.

Thailand

Thailand’s appeal for long-term living is undeniable—but it’s more relaxed in culture than in structure. Many teachers renew their one-year work permits and visas annually, and it’s not uncommon for people to stay in Thailand for five years or more. However, without advanced qualifications or a teaching license, it can be hard to move beyond entry-level teaching roles.

International schools do offer multi-year contracts and better job security for qualified teachers, but these positions are limited. Some teachers supplement their school work with private tutoring or switch to remote work and stay in Thailand on education visas, digital nomad visas, or non-immigrant retirement options.

Unlike China, Thailand has a well-worn path for long-stay expats—though not necessarily tied to teaching. It’s easier to base your life here for the long haul, but the career progression within schools can plateau unless you upskill or move into higher-paying institutions.

China: Structured long-term teaching path if you’re qualified and persistent, but limited residency options
Thailand: More fluid and forgiving for lifestyle expats, though long-term teaching growth is less formalized

Which Country Is Right for You?

You might thrive in China if:

• You want to maximize earnings and save money
• You prefer structure and professional growth
• You're intrigued by Chinese culture and willing to study the language

You might thrive in Thailand if:

• You want a laid-back lifestyle and vibrant expat scene
• You're new to teaching and want a soft entry
• You value warm weather, street food, and flexibility

Still not sure? Read our full guides:
👉 Teach English in China
👉 Teach English in Thailand