The Best Paid TEFL Internships In China
Last Updated on March 10, 2024
China remains one of the most popular—and professionally rewarding—countries to teach English abroad. With its vast geography, deep cultural roots, and massive demand for English education, it's a top destination for new and aspiring teachers. But the legal and logistical steps required to work in China can be intimidating, especially for first-timers. Paid TEFL internships offer a well-supported path that includes training, guaranteed placement, and visa assistance.
These internships combine adventure with structure. You get the freedom to explore one of the most fascinating cultures in the world—while enjoying the security of a vetted job, a TEFL certificate, and help settling in. Whether you're drawn to neon-lit megacities like Shanghai or want to dive into life in rural Sichuan, internships offer a safe and exciting way to start your teaching journey in China.
Why Consider a TEFL Internship in China?
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Legal and supported entry into a regulated market
China has strict visa and employment regulations for foreign teachers. Internships help you meet those requirements legally and smoothly, especially if it’s your first time teaching abroad. -
High demand for English teachers across regions
From fast-growing second-tier cities to major urban hubs, the demand for English educators remains strong. Internships typically place you where schools are eager for motivated, energetic teachers. -
Visa sponsorship and work permit assistance
Applying for a Z visa (China’s work visa) can be daunting. These programs walk you through each step—from collecting documents to final approval—saving you months of stress. -
Blend of cultural immersion and professional development
You’ll gain hands-on experience in real classrooms, while also getting to explore Chinese food, language, traditions, and history. Some programs even include Mandarin lessons and cultural activities. -
Structured placements with housing and salary
Internships typically include a guaranteed job, a monthly salary or stipend, and housing assistance—helping you land on your feet from day one.
What to Expect From a TEFL Internship in China
Most TEFL internships in China follow a similar structure: you start by completing a TEFL course (either online or blended), then move into a fully arranged teaching placement with built-in support. These internships are designed to ease your transition, giving you the training, job security, and cultural guidance you need to thrive.
Expect to teach for anywhere between 4 to 12 months, depending on the program. Placements are often in private language centers, public schools, or kindergartens, with student ages ranging from young learners to teenagers. Your schedule will usually include afternoons, evenings, and weekends—common working hours in China’s ESL sector.
Many programs include free or subsidized housing, a monthly salary or stipend (enough to live comfortably in most cities), and visa sponsorship through the Z visa process. Upon arrival, you’ll typically take part in a short orientation, which might include classroom prep, cultural tips, and sometimes a bit of Mandarin language instruction to help you settle in.
While major cities like Shanghai and Chengdu are popular internship locations, some programs offer placements in lesser-known but equally vibrant regions—giving you a more authentic, immersive experience.
Best Paid TEFL Internships in China
🇨🇳 The TEFL Academy – Sichuan Internship
For those craving an authentic Chinese experience away from the megacities, The TEFL Academy’s Sichuan internship offers a rural adventure with full support. After completing a Level 5 TEFL course online, you’ll begin a 4.5-month teaching placement in a local school nestled in the heart of Sichuan—famous for its spicy cuisine, panda sanctuaries, and laid-back lifestyle.
The program includes a monthly salary, free accommodation, and full visa sponsorship, along with airport pickup, orientation, and in-country guidance. If you’re looking for meaningful cultural immersion and the chance to live in a slower-paced part of China, this is a unique entry point.
🇨🇳 The TEFL Academy – Shanghai Internship
Prefer the buzz of city life? The TEFL Academy’s Shanghai internship places you right in China’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan city. You'll complete the Level 5 TEFL course online, then begin a 4.5-month paid placement in a local language center or school.
Expect a competitive monthly salary, housing support, and full visa assistance, along with a smooth onboarding process that includes airport pickup and local orientation. With world-class amenities, international cuisine, and endless cultural sites, Shanghai is ideal for teachers who want the comforts of urban living with the excitement of life abroad.
🇨🇳 TEFL UK – China Internship
TEFL UK’s China internship is a classic program combining TEFL certification (completed online) with a 5-month paid placement across various cities. Schools range from public primary schools to private institutions, offering a variety of classroom settings.
The package includes a monthly salary, free housing, visa support, and ongoing assistance from the local team. It’s a great option for new teachers who want a clear, supported route into China’s booming ESL market without being tied to just one region.
🇨🇳 TEFL UK – Explore China Program
For a deeper dive into life in China, TEFL UK’s Explore China Program offers longer-term contracts (up to 12 months) and placements in both major cities and lesser-known areas. The program is designed to give teachers a richer cultural experience, with more time to grow professionally and personally.
Participants complete an online TEFL course, followed by a guaranteed teaching placement, full visa assistance, accommodation, and a local salary. If you’re looking to not just visit but truly live in China, this extended internship is an excellent choice.
How to Choose the Right Internship in China
- Region and city: Do you want to experience life in a megacity like Shanghai, a relaxed inland province like Sichuan, or a mid-sized tier-2 city? Your choice will shape both your daily lifestyle and the type of school you’ll work in.
- Course format: Some programs offer fully online TEFL certification, while others include in-country or blended training. Consider how you learn best—and how soon you want to get started.
- Duration: Are you looking for a short-term teaching experience, or do you want to explore China for a year or more? Some internships offer flexibility, others require a longer commitment.
- Pay: While most internships include a salary or stipend, check if it matches the cost of living in your placement city. Also ask if housing is included or requires additional rent.
- School type: Your role may vary depending on whether you’re placed in a public school, private language center, or kindergarten. Think about the age group and teaching hours you’d prefer.
- Support level: A good internship should offer full support with visa sponsorship, arrival orientation, housing arrangements, and on-the-ground assistance.
Who These Internships Are Best For
- First-time teachers looking to enter the field with training, mentorship, and guaranteed placement
- Degree-holders aiming to legally teach in China with minimal experience
- Travelers and gap-year adventurers who want to immerse in Chinese culture while earning a living
- Career changers interested in testing the waters of TEFL before committing to longer-term contracts
Final Thoughts
China offers an unmatched blend of career opportunity, cultural immersion, and day-to-day adventure. For new teachers, paid TEFL internships provide the structure and support needed to navigate visas, housing, and the classroom with confidence. Whether you're looking to launch a teaching career or simply live abroad for a few months, these programs make it easier—and more rewarding—to start your journey in one of Asia’s most fascinating countries.
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