Teach English in Beijing, China (2024)

Beijing, the heart of China and its ancient capital, stands as a testament to millennia of history and as a beacon of the country's rapid ascendancy in modern times. Lined with grand imperial palaces, such as the Forbidden City, and surrounded by ancient walls and temples, Beijing is a living museum. Yet, just a short distance away, contemporary marvels like the Bird's Nest Stadium and the avant-garde architecture of the CCTV Headquarters showcase China's progressive leap into the 21st century.

For an English teacher, Beijing offers more than just a job opportunity, it provides a front-row seat to a dynamic fusion of the old with the new, tradition with innovation. Amid the city's hutongs (narrow alleyways) and bustling markets, teachers will find a thirst for the English language and a keen interest in Western culture, making Beijing a rewarding and enriching destination for educators from around the globe.

Reasons to Teach English in Beijing

Deep Cultural Immersion: Beijing, with its rich tapestry of history, offers teachers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture. Visiting ancient sites like the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven allows educators to step back in time and experience the grandeur of China's past.
High Demand for English Teachers: As the nation's capital and an international hub, Beijing's demand for English educators is immense. Schools, colleges, and private institutions continually seek qualified instructors to help bridge the linguistic gap and facilitate international communication.
Attractive Compensation Packages: Schools in Beijing often offer competitive salaries complemented by additional benefits like housing allowances, health insurance, and flight reimbursements. This makes it feasible for teachers to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while saving money.
Professional Networking: Being the political and cultural center of China, Beijing attracts professionals, diplomats, and scholars from around the world. This provides English teachers with ample opportunities for networking and future career advancement.
Modern Amenities with Traditional Charm: While Beijing is replete with modern conveniences, shopping malls, and world-class public transport, it still retains its traditional charm in the form of hutongs, tea houses, and traditional markets. This blend offers a unique living experience.
Gateway to Exploration: Located in the northern part of the country, Beijing serves as a strategic starting point for exploring other parts of China. Whether it's the terracotta warriors in Xi'an or the picturesque landscapes of Zhangjiajie, many of China's treasures are just a train ride away.
Diverse Student Base: From teaching young learners in kindergartens to guiding adults in corporate settings, the variety of teaching opportunities in Beijing ensures that educators can find a niche that aligns with their interests and expertise.
Language Learning Opportunities: Living in Beijing presents a golden chance to learn Mandarin, one of the world's most spoken languages. Many schools even offer free language lessons to their teachers.
Vibrant Expat Community: With its large and diverse expat population, newcomers to Beijing will find a supportive community ready to share insights, experiences, and make the transition smoother.
Witnessing Evolution: Beijing is continuously evolving, and being a part of this transformation is in itself a unique experience. As the city gears up for global events and further modernization, teachers can witness firsthand the changes sweeping through the ancient capital.

Understanding Beijing's Education Landscape

Beijing, as the capital city, is not only the political nucleus of China but also an educational epicenter. The city is home to some of the country's most prestigious institutions, like Peking University and Tsinghua University. The education system is a blend of public and private institutions, spanning from kindergartens to universities.

Public Schools: These are government-funded and follow a standardized curriculum. English is a mandated subject, and the push for students to excel in it is strong, given its importance in the Gaokao, the national college entrance exam.

Private Language Schools: Catering primarily to students outside of regular school hours, these institutes focus intensively on English language skills. Their curriculums are often more flexible, allowing for a more interactive and dynamic teaching approach.

International Schools: Predominantly serving expatriate communities, these schools follow international curriculums like the International Baccalaureate or the Cambridge International Examinations. They offer a multicultural environment with students from diverse backgrounds.

Kindergartens and Preschools: These are becoming increasingly international in their approach, introducing English to children at a very young age through play and interactive activities.

Universities: Beijing's universities offer English programs, both as language courses and as medium-of-instruction courses in other subjects. These classes range from beginner levels to advanced academic English.

Eligibility and Requirements to Teach English in Beijing

While the general requirements to teach English in China are consistent throughout the country, it's essential to understand them, especially if you're focusing on Beijing as your chosen destination.

Bachelor's Degree: Regardless of the subject, a degree is a basic requirement.
Native English Speaker: You should hold a passport from The United Kingdom, The United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or South Africa. Non-native English speakers can still work in China as subject teachers, teaching assistants, or managers.
TEFL Certificate: Essential for obtaining a work permit. If you secure a job first, some employers might assist you in obtaining this certificate.
Health Check-up: A clean bill of health is mandatory.
Criminal Background Check: Schools will ask for this to ensure the safety of their students.
Age Limit: You should be under the Chinese retirement age, which is 55 for women and 60 for men.
Passion & Interest: A keen interest in the Chinese culture and a genuine passion for teaching English is a plus.

Salary and Benefits for Teaching English in Beijing

In comparison to other cities in China, Beijing often offers higher salaries due to its higher cost of living. Here's a general breakdown:

Public Schools: 11,000 – 22,000 RMB per month
Private Language Schools: 13,000 – 20,000 RMB per month
Kindergartens: 14,000 - 30,000 RMB per month
International Schools: 18,000 – 35,000 RMB per month
Universities: 8,000 - 32,000 RMB per month
Private English Lessons: 90 - 230 RMB per hour

Additional Benefits: Many schools in Beijing also offer other perks, such as:

Housing allowance or provided accommodation
Flight reimbursement
Health insurance
Contract completion bonuses
Paid holidays

Living in Beijing

Beijing, a sprawling metropolis with a rich history that spans millennia, seamlessly merges the ancient with the modern, offering its inhabitants a unique blend of cultural experiences. If you're considering making Beijing your home while teaching English, here's a glimpse of what life in this dynamic city is like.

1. Cultural Heritage: As you navigate through Beijing, you'll encounter ancient landmarks like the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Hutongs. These historical sites not only offer a visual treat but also allow for a deeper understanding of China's rich cultural tapestry.

2. Modern Marvels: Contrasting its historical sites, Beijing boasts avant-garde architecture like the CCTV Headquarters, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium.

3. Cuisine: Beijing offers a culinary journey that's hard to match. From the famous Peking duck to the bustling Wangfujing Snack Street, the city is a gastronomic paradise.

Facts about Beijing:

Population: Over 21 million people call Beijing home, making it one of the most populous cities in the world.
Area: It covers an area of 16,410.5 square kilometers.
Languages: Mandarin is the official language, with Beijing dialect being widely spoken.
Climate: Beijing experiences a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters.

4. Transportation: Beijing's extensive transportation network, which includes subways, buses, and taxis, ensures that getting around the city is convenient and economical. The city is also connected to other parts of China through its railway system and the Beijing Capital International Airport.

5. Recreation and Entertainment: Whether you're interested in watching a Peking Opera, exploring art galleries in the 798 Art Zone, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Sanlitun, there's no shortage of recreational activities in Beijing.

6. Cost of Living: While Beijing is one of the more expensive cities in China, teachers' salaries often reflect the higher cost of living. However, it's still more affordable than many Western cities. With smart budgeting, one can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

7. Environment: One of the challenges of living in Beijing is its air quality, which can be poor at times. However, in recent years, there has been significant progress in improving air quality, and days with clear blue skies are becoming more frequent.

8. Expat Community: With a substantial expat population, Beijing offers a sense of camaraderie among foreigners. Numerous expat groups, events, and hubs ensure that you won't feel isolated.

Teacher Stories

Sarah from the USA:

"When I first arrived in Beijing, the sheer magnitude of the city overwhelmed me. The busy streets, the rich history, and the blend of the old with the new. Over time, I formed a bond with my students, learning as much from them as they did from me. The city's energy is infectious, and its culture is captivating. My favorite memory is the Mid-Autumn Festival, where my students taught me to make mooncakes. It's these moments of cultural exchange that make teaching in Beijing truly unforgettable."

James from the UK:

"Coming from a small town in England, Beijing was a sensory explosion. The city's architecture, from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers, amazed me. Teaching here has been an adventure, with every day presenting a new challenge or a new story. My students' eagerness to learn and their genuine curiosity about my homeland has been a heartwarming experience."

Thuli from South Africa:

"I was drawn to Beijing because of its rich history and the opportunity to immerse myself in a culture so different from mine. I've had the privilege of teaching at a private language school, and the bond I've formed with my students has been the highlight of my journey. Outside of the classroom, I've explored the Great Wall and indulged in local cuisine. The city has truly become a second home."

Mia from Australia:

"I chose Beijing for its reputation as an educational hub. The resources and support I've received here as a teacher are unparalleled. From classroom materials to training workshops, everything is designed to make the teaching process smoother. But beyond the job, living in Beijing has been about exploring bustling markets, savoring Peking duck, and making friendships that I'll cherish for a lifetime."

Liam from Ireland:

"Beijing is a city of contrasts. One moment you're walking through ancient hutongs, and the next, you're marveling at avant-garde architecture. As a teacher, I've found that the students here are incredibly driven. They're not just learning English; they're absorbing culture, nuance, and context. The St. Patrick's Day celebration I hosted in my classroom, where I shared tales and traditions from Ireland, was a testament to the cross-cultural connections teaching here can forge."

Rachel from Canada:

"Teaching in Beijing has been a journey of personal and professional growth. The city's rhythm, its festivals, and its people have all played a role in shaping my experience. My students, with their endless questions and insatiable curiosity, have been a constant source of inspiration. Winter in Beijing, with its snow-covered landscapes, reminded me of home and made me appreciate the beauty of both worlds."

Aroha from New Zealand:

"From the Maori traditions of New Zealand to the historic richness of Beijing, my journey has been about bridging cultures. My students have been eager to learn about the Maori Haka dance, and in return, they've introduced me to Chinese calligraphy. It's this exchange of knowledge and culture that makes teaching in Beijing so special."

Moving Towards Teaching English In Beijing

Embarking on a teaching journey in Beijing is more than just a job; it's an immersive experience that promises growth, adventure, and cultural understanding. The tales of teachers from native English-speaking countries shed light on the city's unique allure, the bonds formed within its classrooms, and the endless opportunities for exploration and connection outside them.

From the grandeur of its historical sites to the modern vibrancy of its streets, Beijing offers a tapestry of experiences. Moreover, its status as an educational powerhouse in China ensures a supportive environment for teachers, with ample resources, training opportunities, and an eager student base.

If you're considering a move to Beijing, you're not just choosing a new city, you're choosing a new world filled with stories, experiences, and memories waiting to be made. Whether you're drawn to its historical charm, its educational prowess, or the promise of cross-cultural connections, Beijing beckons with open arms. Join the myriad of educators who've found a home in its heart and become a part of its ever-evolving story.