Training Center or Public School: Key Differences for Teachers in China

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 life—one 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 needs—for 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 here—they both refer to government-run schools within China’s national education system.

📘 1. Training Centers vs Public Schools: What’s the Difference?

The first thing to understand is what separates a training center from a public school—because 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 students—kids or adults—improve 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:

• Funding: Public schools are funded by the government; training centers rely on tuition fees.
• Goals: Public schools aim for long-term academic development; training centers focus on specific outcomes like fluency or test prep.
• Atmosphere: Public schools are more traditional and structured; training centers operate more like businesses and often feel faster-paced.

⏰ 2. Weekly Schedules and Working Hours

One of the biggest lifestyle differences between training centers and public schools is the weekly schedule—and 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 that’s 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 you’re a night owl who enjoys slower mornings and doesn’t mind working weekends, training centers can work well. But if you prefer a routine that matches the broader world’s “9 to 5” rhythm, public schools will feel more natural—and probably more sustainable.

👩‍🏫 3. Your Role in the Classroom

Your day-to-day teaching experience can vary quite a bit depending on whether you're at a training center or a public school—not just in content, but in how much control you have over the classroom.

In a training center, you’re usually the lead teacher. That means you’re 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. You’ll work alongside a local Chinese English teacher, who handles classroom discipline, translations, and many of the logistics. You’ll focus on activities, pronunciation, and cultural exposure—basically 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 you’d prefer a supportive role with clearer guidelines, public schools might feel more comfortable—especially for new or first-time teachers.

📚 4. Curriculum and Lesson Planning

At a training center, you’ll usually follow a pre-designed curriculum tailored to the school’s specific goals—whether 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 everything—instead, your job is to complement the local curriculum with engaging speaking activities, games, and pronunciation support. There’s 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 need—or 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 fulfilling—but public schools may offer a better work-life balance.

👥 5. Who You’ll Be Teaching

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 range—elementary, middle, and high school students—and attendance is mandatory. That means you’ll encounter a wider mix of motivation levels, English proficiency, and behavior. Classes are generally larger (20–35 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.

💼 6. Salary, Benefits, and Perks

Training centers typically offer a monthly salary between ¥14,000 and ¥22,000 RMB, depending on the city, your experience, and the center’s 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, you’ll often receive full health insurance, government holidays, and in many cases, paid summer and winter vacations—which 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.

🎓 7. Vacation Time and Time Off

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 students’ availability—meaning 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 don’t expect extended breaks unless you negotiate them. Some training centers offer a few days of paid leave after your probation period, but it’s rarely more than 7–10 days annually.

If you’re 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 don’t mind working when others are off, training centers might suit you just fine.

⚖️ 8. Work Environment and Culture

The work culture in training centers and public schools reflects their core missions—one 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 there’s 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. You’ll likely be one of the few foreign teachers on staff, working alongside a larger team of local educators. There’s less commercial pressure, but also more bureaucracy—including 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.

📜 9. Legal and Industry Changes to Be Aware Of

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 industry—particularly 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. That’s why it’s 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 isn’t secretly enrolling minors in violation of the law.

Public (or “state”) schools, on the other hand, generally operate with more legal transparency and government oversight. If you’re 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 school’s structure, being aware of the regulatory landscape is crucial for a smooth and legal teaching experience in China.

✅ 10. Who Should Choose What?

Both public schools and training centers offer solid opportunities to teach English in China—but they cater to different kinds of teachers and lifestyles.

Public schools are ideal if you:

• Prefer a predictable routine and weekends off
• Want to enjoy long vacations for travel or rest
• Value job stability and working in a structured, traditional school system
• Don’t mind co-teaching and a more formal work environment
• Are seeking cultural immersion in a slower-paced setting

Training centers are better suited for those who:

• Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Don’t mind working evenings and weekends
• Prefer adult students or want to teach test prep and business English
• Like having more independence in the classroom
• Want to be in major cities with access to expat life and modern amenities

Quick Comparison Table

Whichever you choose, the right fit depends on your teaching style, goals abroad, and the kind of daily rhythm that keeps you energized.

📝 Conclusion: Picking the Right Fit for Your China Experience

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 fit—especially if you’re 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 China—whether in a public school or a training center—can be a rich, eye-opening adventure if you choose a role that truly aligns with your lifestyle and values.

👉 Find Teaching Jobs in China