Has teaching English in China been something on your mind lately? Well, we’ve written an informative guide just for you. Here we will discuss the requirements needed to teach in China as well as the salary and benefits you will earn as an English teacher. We’ve also added a list of the latest jobs and best TEFL courses in China that could be helpful to you. After reading through the article you will know how and where to find an English teaching job in China.
China is a huge country in Eastern Asia that borders 14 countries. China is about the same size as the United States of America and has the world’s largest population of around 1.4 billion people. English teachers pick China because of the sheer energy the population creates. That might be because one fifth of the world's population lives in China or the speed of growth seen in the big cities. Cities are filled with skyscrapers that reach high into the sky and right besides them you can find many traditional Chinese buildings. The contrast gives Chinese cities a very exciting vibe. When you are not teaching, you will definitely want to see some renowned attractions such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors.
The weather in China differs in the North and South. The north has a subarctic climate and the south has a tropical climate. Northern China has four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Southern China has milder weather and is more humid and wet. In China English Teachers have an abundance of options when it comes to locations they can teach from. Beijing is the capital and cultural centre of China, Shanghai is a large economic city known for the Bund and riverside views, Shenzhen is the technology capital of China where you will find most high tech companies are based, Suzhou is located just west of Shanghai and is famous for its beautiful canals and gardens, Guangzhou is a modern and liberal city near Shenzhen and Hong Kong, Chengdu is known for having giant white Pandas, and who doesn’t love Pandas? Above we only covered a fraction of the locations you can teach in China. In China you have the option of teaching in one of the modern marvels filled with skyscrapers or in one of the smaller cities where you will see beautiful rice paddies, mountains and UNESCO protected rivers and parks.
If you have just graduated from university and have never taught English before, there are many TEFL programs to help you learn about becoming an English Teacher. If you are currently working as a teacher in any subject or have many years of experience, you can already start looking for a teaching job.
Now maybe you would like to teach in China, but don’t know what is required to be an English teacher. Some teachers worry that they are not experienced enough or come from an industry completely different so wouldn’t be able to get a job teaching in China. This is completely wrong as teachers come from many backgrounds. Some might include, doctors, lawyers, baby sitters, writers, models, and others have never had a job in their life. There is no requirement to have any experience as long as you are a team player and eager to learn. Experience is definitely a plus though and will help you stand out. There might be some exceptions to the rule, but here are the general requirements to teach English in China:
Would you like to know how much you can earn working as an English teacher in China? With the Chinese economy growing and more and more people needing English to improve their chances of succeeding at work, there is a huge demand for English teachers. The salary English teachers earn in China is usually more than enough to have a good quality of life.
The salary you earn will be dependent on a few factors. Firstly, your qualifications and experience. The more qualified and experienced you are, the more you can earn. Secondly, the type of institution. You might teach at a public school, private school, or international school. And thirdly, the location you teach at. If you teach in a first tier city you will earn more than teaching in a second or third tier city. Bear in mind that the cost of living will be much higher in a first tier city than a third tier city. Here are some average salaries English teachers are earning in China:
School | Salary |
---|---|
Public Schools | 10,000 – 20,000 RMB per month |
Private Language Schools | 12,000 – 18,000 RMB per month |
Kindergartens | 12, 000 - 28,000 RMB per month |
International Schools | 15,000 – 30,000 RMB per month |
Universities | 7,000 - 30,000 RMB per month |
Private English Lessons | 80 - 210 RMB per hour |
Public schools in China often have a lower workload than other options and also offer relatively good salaries and benefits such as housing on or near campus, school cafeteria lunches and paid vacation days. Public schooling is competitive and students are quite smart and diligent but classes are also quite large. Some might have up to 50/60 students per class. Teachers at public schools like to get fully involved by helping out with sports and cultural or talent events. Here teachers need to create their own lesson plans are are given a lot of freedom in how you want to conduct your lessons. Here English teachers typically work weekdays during the daytime and earn 10,000 to 20,000 RMB per month.
Kindergarten or preschools are for kids aged 18 months to 6 years. Depending on your personality, this can either be a really fun or have you begging for a vacation. Since you will be working with young kids your classes will focus on fun learning activities. Games, dancing, singing and flashcards. These are all provided by the school and you will have plenty of help from your Chinese teaching assistants. These classes are not too big and have around 4 to 20 students so they are very manageable. So if you love kids, this one is for you. Here English teachers work during the daytime on weekdays and earn a salary of 12,000 to 20,000 RMB per month.
This is the school that most English teachers work at in China. Because of the high demand for English language learning in China, there are many centres in every city, making it easy to secure a job. Here students can range from kindergarten, school kids, university students as well as adults and business professionals. The classes are mainly given in the evenings on weekdays and also on the weekends. One great thing about these jobs are that the centres usually have all your lessons prepared for you so you can focus on teaching and they will provide you with anything needed. Since these schools are privately owned they rely on technology like computer programs and whiteboards, which also make teaching a lot easier. Here teachers usually teach 20 to 25 hours a week (plus your office hours) and earn a salary of 12,000 to 18,000 RMB per month depending on hours taught and the location of the school.
These are the most sought after schools in China. The facilities are world class and the standard of education is second to none. Students at these schools are either from wealthy locals or expats. The fees are high and the entry requirements are much higher than other schooling options. Because of this these jobs usually require well qualified and experienced teachers (usually with a teaching license or Master's degree). The class sizes are also smaller than average and you will work during the daytime on weekdays.
International schools are pretty much like the schools in your home country, except that they are in China. They usually follow a British or American syllabus and give preference to teachers who have experience with these. In most cases English teachers receive free housing on campus, great benefits and a very good salary of around 15,000 to 30,000 RMB per month.
If you work at one of the top Universities in a tier one city you will need to have an advanced degree and experience but you will also get a great salary and benefits. For all other universities, the pay is usually lower than other options, but so are the work hours (never more than 20 hours a week). You will also have a lot of freedom when it comes to planning and teaching your lessons. So if you want a little more creative freedom and older, mature and more focused students, this a job for you. University jobs are also liked by teachers for the long and fully paid summer and winter holidays. Because of the lower salary, these jobs mostly offer on campus accommodation and a salary of 7,000 - 30,000 RMB per month.
In China, the cost of living hugely depends on the cities you live in as well as the lifestyle you choose to live. It's possible to live very well for under 6,000 RMB (1,000 USD) per month but then again it's also possible to spend that amount on just rent, if you choose to live in a luxury condominium in the city centres of Shanghai or Shenzhen. China has great public services so things like transport are very convenient and affordable. Food can easily be very cheap if you eat locally, but you can also eat at Michelin star restaurants or buy imported foods and the cost will be much higher. A single persons estimated monthly costs are 3,594.01 ¥ per month without rent. The currency used in China is RMB or ¥ (Yuan or CNY, which is the basic unit of Renminbi or RMB) and according to Numbeo here are some basic costs to consider in China:
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 3,201.08 RMB |
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 1,916.11 RMB |
Monthly basic utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 370.58 RMB |
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 94.29 RMB |
Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 4.32 RMB |
Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 27.50 RMB |
Potato (1kg) | 5.67 RMB |
Rice (white), (1kg) | 6.77 RMB |
Banana (1kg) | 8.74 RMB |
Local Transport (One-way Ticket) | 2.00 RMB |
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 250.95 RMB |
China is a popular destination for English teachers, with a high demand for language education and a rich culture. Here are a few places to consider when looking for teaching opportunities in China:
Beijing: Beijing, the capital of China, is a dynamic and historic city that is rich in culture and tradition. As one of China's largest and most important cities, Beijing offers a wide range of teaching opportunities for English teachers, from teaching young learners to working with business professionals. Teaching English in Beijing provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in Chinese culture, explore the city's iconic landmarks, and work with motivated and engaged students. With a large expat community and a high demand for English language education, Beijing is an ideal destination for teachers looking to gain valuable experience and advance their careers.
Shanghai: Shanghai, located in eastern China, is a bustling and cosmopolitan city that is home to over 24 million people. As a major economic and cultural center, Shanghai offers a wide range of teaching opportunities for English teachers, from working with young learners to teaching business English to professionals. Teaching English in Shanghai can be an exciting and enriching experience, as you will have the chance to explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, indulge in its diverse culinary scene, and work with motivated and enthusiastic students. With a thriving expat community and a growing demand for English language education, Shanghai is an ideal destination for teachers looking to advance their careers and broaden their horizons.
Guangzhou: Guangzhou, located in southern China's Guangdong province, is a vibrant and bustling city that is rich in history and culture. With a population of over 14 million people, Guangzhou is one of China's largest and most important cities, making it a prime destination for English teachers. Teaching English in Guangzhou can be a rewarding and enriching experience, as you will have the opportunity to work with motivated students, explore the city's historic landmarks, and sample its delicious cuisine. With a thriving expat community and a growing demand for English language education, Guangzhou is an excellent place for teachers looking to make a positive impact and advance their careers.
Shenzhen: Shenzhen, located in southern China's Guangdong province, is a modern and cosmopolitan city that has rapidly grown into a major economic and technological hub. As a result of its booming economy and its proximity to Hong Kong, Shenzhen has a high demand for English language education, providing a wealth of opportunities for English teachers. Teaching English in Shenzhen offers a chance to experience the fast-paced lifestyle of a dynamic and diverse city, while also immersing oneself in Chinese culture and gaining valuable teaching experience.
Chengdu: Chengdu, located in the southwestern province of Sichuan, is a charming and laid-back city that is famous for its spicy cuisine, tea culture, and giant pandas. Teaching English in Chengdu can be a rewarding and enriching experience, as you will have the opportunity to explore the city's rich cultural heritage, engage with friendly locals, and teach enthusiastic students of all ages. With a thriving expat community and a growing demand for English language education, Chengdu is an excellent destination for English teachers looking to make a difference and expand their horizons.
Chongqing: Teaching English in Chongqing offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture and history of one of China's largest cities. As a major economic and cultural hub, Chongqing offers a diverse range of teaching opportunities, from working with young learners to teaching business English to professionals. With its picturesque landscape and bustling city center, Chongqing is an ideal destination for adventurous English teachers looking to immerse themselves in a dynamic and vibrant environment.
Overall, China is a great place to teach English, with a high demand for language education and a welcoming culture.
Having the largest population in the world, China is bound to be one of the most diverse places on the planet. If you are new to China or even Asia, diversity could mean a whole lot of weirdness. One thing you should definitely not bring along, is your comfort zone. Some things might shock you and others will amaze you, but either way let's look at a few things that will help you understand China better.
The answer is that you don’t need to speak a word of Chinese. The reason is that schools prefer English teachers to only speak in English to the students so that the students can be fully immersed in the language and culture. However, learning some Chinese will have its benefits in building relationships and getting around.
If you want to work legally, you will need to obtain a Z visa. As a requirement for the visa all English teachers need to have a degree. The degree can be in any subject as long as it is a Bachelor's or above. There are many schools and agencies willing to hire teachers illegally on tourist, student or business visa's. Some schools also don't meet the qualifications to hire foreign teachers so they will also try to hire teachers without providing a visa. Please do this at your own risk if you decide to do it as you risk paying fines as well as deportation.
Teaching without a degree in China also has many indirect risks. Since your are not legally allowed to be working in the country, you lose all your worker rights and this makes it easy for your employer to take advantage of you. If they decide to change contractual terms, salaries or even not pay you, there is nothing you can do, so we definitely recommend you do your best to find a way to work legally in China.
One of the basic requirements to legally teach English in China is to be a native English speaker. This means you should hold a passport from a country where the national language is English. These countries are the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. This is a requirement to receive a work permit. Exception are made if you have a Bachelor's degree and/or a Master's degree from a native English speaking country listed above, preferably in English, Linguistics or Education.
Now we all know that there are English teachers from non English speaking countries who are qualified and experience teachers. They might have taught for many years and even at a high level like University. So why would a native English speaker be choses over someone like that. It has to do with more than just learning grammar and vocabulary. It has to do with teaching students to sound like English. As talented as non native speakers might be, they will probably have a slight accent. Schools also want the students to learn about English culture from the native English speaking countries.
However, schools do hire non native English speakers legally. They can hire you as a manager or assistant and issue you a work permit. For this schools need to see that you are have a degree and experience and it all depends on how willing the school is to do this.
A TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate is a certificate that allows you to teach in China. It is a requirement in order to receive a work permit. You can complete this after securing a job. You will only need it once processing your Visa. Although TESOL and TEFL are both accepted, the one schools are most familiar with is TEFL and they also require 120 hours or more.
You can take a TEFL course in China, in your home country, or even online, as long as the TEFL school is accredited and accepted in China. Note that not all schools accept online TEFL certificates so make sure about that before you take the course.
To work legally in China, you will need a Z visa. You can only apply for a work permit and Z visa once you have a job lined up and your employer sends you the relevant documentation. This is usually done electronically or by courier mail. Before, travelling to China, the first step is to apply for a work permit and once that is finished you can apply for your Z Visa. For the process you will need the following documents from your end:
Your employer will request copies of the necessary documents and apply for the work permit for you. Once it is ready your employer will send it to you along with an invitation letter. You can then visit your country's Chinese Visa Application Service Centre and complete the Z visa application. You will need the following documents:
Then once the visa process is done within 3-10 days, you are ready to travel to China. The Z Visa is actually a temporary visa and once you arrive in China your employer will help you convert it into a Residence Permit.
When applying for a teaching job in China you should know that different types of schools have different hiring periods and school dates might differ. For public or government schools, they are split up into two semesters per year. The first semester runs from September to January and the second semester runs from February to May, so most teachers will start working in September and February. Private schools and centres might have different start dates and often starting the middle of the year.
Schools will usually hire teachers 3 or 4 months before the start date to give teachers enough time to process visas and travel. If you are already in China hiring closer to the start date is also fine. Although the start of semesters are the biggest hiring dates, because of the huge demand for English teachers in China, schools will hire all year round so you will be able to find a job any time of the year.
Because of the rapid growth of the Chinses economy, there has been a huge increase in the demand for English teachers. Jobs are plentiful so there is a good chance you can easily find a job if you meet the minimum requirements. You can look for jobs on our China teaching jobs page, or Facebook Groups. The one thing you need to keep in mind is that there are also many people who would love to live and work in China so there is a ton of competition for the best jobs and schools. These schools or recruiters will receive many applications and the last thing you want is to be is lost in the pile. So here are some tips on how to secure a job at one of the top schools in China: