In China, foreign ESL teachers typically find themselves choosing between two main types of employers: training centers and public schools. These jobs offer different rhythms of lifeâone is fast-paced and business-like, the other more structured and rooted in the national education system.
Your experience teaching in China can vary dramatically based on which path you choose. From working hours and student ages to vacation policies and classroom autonomy, the two options serve very different needsâfor both students and teachers.
Whether you're aiming for stability, creativity, higher pay, or cultural immersion, understanding these distinctions is key. And just to clarify: "public school" and "state school" are used interchangeably hereâthey both refer to government-run schools within Chinaâs national education system.
The first thing to understand is what separates a training center from a public schoolâbecause while both offer English classes, they operate in very different ways.
Training centers (sometimes called language centers) are private, for-profit businesses that focus on English education outside the standard school day. Their primary goal is to help studentsâkids or adultsâimprove fluency, pass exams, or gain a competitive edge. These centers run like companies, prioritizing customer satisfaction, student retention, and flexible learning.
Public schools, also known as state schools, are part of the Chinese national education system. These government-run institutions follow a standardized curriculum and serve students during their regular school hours. Teaching here is more formal, with set schedules and a focus on broader educational goals beyond just English.
The biggest differences come down to structure:
One of the biggest lifestyle differences between training centers and public schools is the weekly scheduleâand this can seriously affect your daily rhythm and free time.
At a training center, most classes happen after school or work hours, which means your shifts typically run from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, sometimes later. Weekend shifts are common, especially on Saturdays, since thatâs when students (or working adults) are available. While mornings are free, your evenings and weekends are often fully booked, which can limit your social life or travel opportunities.
In contrast, public schools operate on a traditional academic timetable. Your workday usually starts around 8:00 AM and finishes by 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. No evening or weekend work. This more structured schedule gives you evenings and weekends free, which is perfect for exploring China, meeting friends, or simply relaxing after class.
If youâre a night owl who enjoys slower mornings and doesnât mind working weekends, training centers can work well. But if you prefer a routine that matches the broader worldâs â9 to 5â rhythm, public schools will feel more naturalâand probably more sustainable.
Your day-to-day teaching experience can vary quite a bit depending on whether you're at a training center or a public schoolânot just in content, but in how much control you have over the classroom.
In a training center, youâre usually the lead teacher. That means youâre in charge of planning and delivering the entire lesson, managing behavior, grading, and sometimes conducting demo or trial classes to attract new students. There's often more pressure to maintain student engagement and meet performance metrics, especially since parents are paying customers.
At a public school, your role is typically more of a co-teacher. Youâll work alongside a local Chinese English teacher, who handles classroom discipline, translations, and many of the logistics. Youâll focus on activities, pronunciation, and cultural exposureâbasically bringing English to life. The structure is more predictable, and the overall pressure is lower.
If you're confident leading a class on your own and enjoy working independently, training centers offer a lot of autonomy. But if youâd prefer a supportive role with clearer guidelines, public schools might feel more comfortableâespecially for new or first-time teachers.
At a training center, youâll usually follow a pre-designed curriculum tailored to the schoolâs specific goalsâwhether it's building conversational fluency, preparing students for standardized exams, or keeping parents happy with rapid progress. Some centers offer highly structured lesson plans, while others expect you to adapt and supplement materials. Either way, the focus is on delivering results, and there's often less room for deviation.
In public schools, the curriculum is set by the government and tends to be more academically focused, especially in reading, writing, and grammar. As a foreign teacher, you're not expected to cover everythingâinstead, your job is to complement the local curriculum with engaging speaking activities, games, and pronunciation support. Thereâs often more freedom to be creative, as long as your lessons support the overall learning objectives.
Prep time and expectations differ, too. Training centers may give you everything you needâor ask you to prep everything from scratch. Public schools, on the other hand, often provide materials and leave you room to plan around them. If you enjoy customizing lessons, both roles can be fulfillingâbut public schools may offer a better work-life balance.
At training centers, especially after the 2021 education reforms, the focus has shifted toward adult learners, university students, and older teens preparing for overseas studies or exams like IELTS and TOEFL. These students often choose to be there, making them more motivated and goal-oriented. Classes are typically smaller and more personalized, which can lead to deeper engagement and meaningful teacher-student interactions.
In contrast, public schools serve a broader age rangeâelementary, middle, and high school studentsâand attendance is mandatory. That means youâll encounter a wider mix of motivation levels, English proficiency, and behavior. Classes are generally larger (20â35 students), and you may need to adapt your energy and methods to suit younger learners or less engaged teens.
If you enjoy working with adults, diving into advanced topics, or helping students reach specific goals, training centers are a great fit. But if you thrive on youthful energy, enjoy interactive games, and want to see students grow over time, teaching in a public school can be especially rewarding.
Training centers typically offer a monthly salary between „14,000 and „22,000 RMB, depending on the city, your experience, and the centerâs size. Many also include performance bonuses, housing allowances, and airfare reimbursement. Because they operate on a business model, some training centers provide financial incentives to retain teachers and drive results. However, these extras often come with higher expectations around student satisfaction and retention.
Public schools, on the other hand, usually pay „10,000 to „18,000 RMB per month. While the base pay can be lower, youâll often receive full health insurance, government holidays, and in many cases, paid summer and winter vacationsâwhich can significantly increase your quality of life and reduce expenses. Some schools offer on-campus housing or stipends, and public positions tend to be more stable over the long term.
When comparing the two, consider this: training centers may offer faster cash upfront, but public schools can offer better long-term value through time off, benefits, and work-life balance. If your priority is savings, your location, lifestyle, and spending habits will matter just as much as the salary number itself.
When it comes to downtime, public schools offer a clear advantage. Teachers usually get paid time off during both summer and winter breaks, as well as official Chinese public holidays. While the exact length of vacation varies by province and school, it often adds up to several weeks throughout the year. This structure is ideal if you value extended travel opportunities, want to explore Asia during off-peak seasons, or simply need time to recharge.
Training centers, on the other hand, operate year-round and generally align with their studentsâ availabilityâmeaning evening, weekend, and holiday classes are common. Vacation time is limited and may be unpaid unless specified in your contract. Chinese public holidays are usually observed, but donât expect extended breaks unless you negotiate them. Some training centers offer a few days of paid leave after your probation period, but itâs rarely more than 7â10 days annually.
If youâre the kind of person who wants to maximize travel and personal time, public schools provide the breathing room. But if you prefer a steady schedule with fewer long breaks, and donât mind working when others are off, training centers might suit you just fine.
The work culture in training centers and public schools reflects their core missionsâone is a business, the other is part of the national education system.
At training centers, the atmosphere is often performance-driven. These are private businesses, so student (or parent) satisfaction is directly tied to revenue. That means you may be expected to do demo lessons, track student progress closely, and even assist with marketing efforts or retention. The pace can feel more intense, and managers may place a strong emphasis on results and customer service. Staff turnover is generally higher, but thereâs also more fluidity and room for quick advancement if you're adaptable.
In contrast, public schools tend to have a more formal and stable environment. Youâll likely be one of the few foreign teachers on staff, working alongside a larger team of local educators. Thereâs less commercial pressure, but also more bureaucracyâincluding administrative rules, formal meetings, and school-wide initiatives. Relationships with co-teachers and staff are important, and maintaining professionalism within the local school culture is key. The pace is slower, but job expectations may be less flexible.
In short, training centers feel more like a private enterprise, while public schools operate like a government office. Some teachers thrive in the hustle of a center, while others prefer the predictability and structure of a school setting.
In 2021, China introduced major policy reforms aimed at reducing academic pressure on students. One of the most significant changes was the ban on for-profit tutoring in core subjects (including English) for students in Kindergarten through Grade 9. This law reshaped the ESL industryâparticularly for training centers, many of which had previously focused on after-school classes for children.
As a result, most training centers now cater to adults, university students, or those preparing for overseas tests like IELTS or TOEFL. While many reputable centers adjusted successfully, others closed or pivoted into grey areas. Thatâs why itâs essential for teachers to verify the legal status of any center before signing a contract. Make sure the school can sponsor a proper Z visa, is licensed to employ foreigners, and isnât secretly enrolling minors in violation of the law.
Public (or âstateâ) schools, on the other hand, generally operate with more legal transparency and government oversight. If youâre concerned about compliance or long-term visa stability, public schools are typically the safer option.
Whether you're drawn to a training center's flexibility or a public schoolâs structure, being aware of the regulatory landscape is crucial for a smooth and legal teaching experience in China.
Both public schools and training centers offer solid opportunities to teach English in Chinaâbut they cater to different kinds of teachers and lifestyles.
Public schools are ideal if you:
Training centers are better suited for those who:
Factor | Public School | Training Center |
---|---|---|
Work Hours | Weekdays, 8 AM â 4 PM | Afternoons & evenings, weekends |
Student Age | Children (6â18) | Adults, university students |
Teaching Role | Co-teacher, structured | Lead instructor, flexible |
Salary Range | „10,000â„18,000/month | „14,000â„22,000/month |
Vacation Time | Long summer/winter holidays | Limited time off, public holidays only |
Job Environment | Government-run, formal | Business-focused, fast-paced |
Best For | Routine-lovers, cultural immersion | City-based, independent teachers |
Whichever you choose, the right fit depends on your teaching style, goals abroad, and the kind of daily rhythm that keeps you energized.
Training centers and public schools each offer a unique window into life and work in China. The right choice depends on your goals, personality, and how you want to experience your time abroad.
If you're after structure, long holidays, and cultural immersion, public schools may be the better path. They offer government-backed job security, predictable hours, and a clear rhythm to the academic year.
On the other hand, if you enjoy flexibility, city life, and adult interaction, a well-run training center could be a more dynamic fitâespecially if youâre comfortable with evening hours and a business-oriented environment.
Take the time to weigh what matters most: Is it maximizing savings? Having downtime to travel? Building classroom autonomy? Or stepping into a role quickly?
Whatever your preference, teaching in Chinaâwhether in a public school or a training centerâcan be a rich, eye-opening adventure if you choose a role that truly aligns with your lifestyle and values.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.