Teach English in China
Enjoying the perks of experiencing a completely different culture, and working to financially sustain your lifestyle. You can do both via teaching in China.
With its breath-taking landscapes, beautiful language, incredible food, rich history, wonderful people and fascinating diversity, China makes a great place for those who’re considering teaching English abroad.
By teaching English in China, you are opening yourself up to a whole level of living that has to be experienced to be believed! No teaching experience is required.
The best time to start new chapter in your life is always, NOW.
There are some basic requirements for teaching in China:
- English level: native fluency
- Have obtained a Bachelor degree (no specific field required);
- A 120-hour TEFL certificate (can be obtained after interview)
- Able to obtain clean police check;
- Able to work and live in China for at least one year.
How much can you make as a foreign English teacher in China?
A monthly salary ranging from 8,000 ~ 24,000 RMB (1,500 ~ 3,486 USD) . Bonuses include housing allowances, airfare reimbursement, visa support, as well as insurances. Cost of living in China is comparatively low meaning expats can easily enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Allows you to have a comfortable lifestyle teaching and living in China
The cost of living in China can vary hugely depending on the cities, regions as well as the lifestyle you choose. You can live in most China’s major cities for far less than $1,000 per month, and with a great lifestyle.
Public Schools
English is the mandatory subject in China's public schools. They are run fairly well when it comes to organization. You will find that you will have between 30 and 60 students in your classroom and you will be able to teach mostly what you want.
Private Language Institutes
English institutes cater to students who want to learn the English language after their normal school hours. This type of position will allow you to really get to know the locals in the area that you will be living in.
International Schools
A mixture of both Chinese students from more well-off families and non-Chinese students who happen to live in the country. These types of positions are more challenging to get, but the rewards are amazing, as are the benefits.
Kindergartens
Nowadays, English education has become so important that it's even the mainstream in kindergartens in China, therefore driving a huge demand for foreign English teachers who can nurturing the young minds.
You might want to read more about teaching English in China:
15 Benefits of Teaching English in China After College
The Truth About Teaching English in China
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Teaching in China
Testimonials From English teachers in China
“The experiences, stories, impact, development you have when you move back to Australia (if you do decide to move back) will change you. Quite simply you just become a more interesting person."
Harold AmanESL Teacher in Chongqing, China
"Personally, teaching in China for a year, I think that will show employers that I am going to throw myself in the deep end and that’s going to help me grow as a person and also show that I’ve a lot of perseverance from spending a year abroad by myself."
Darryl MartinESL Teacher in Hangzhou, China
"I think this is for anyone who wants to develop new skills and see something new and basically explore new parts of the world. I think China is just perfect place to be. It’s going to be also economical hub and it’s going to the center of trade."
Robert NiezgodtkaESL Teacher in Hangzhou, China
Previous
Next
We carefully select our educational partners and who are legally recognised by the SAFEA (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs), and expats had great experiences working with.
Once qualified for a position, your entire application process will be assisted by our Placement Success Manager. Teaching in China made easy with the help of Panda Buddy!
Step 1: Submit Application
Get started by submitting your online application, we will match you with the best suited position based on your qualification and preferences.
Step 2: Interview with School
The school will be in touch shortly (usually within 1~3 business days) to arrange an interview. It’s time to let your best self shine!
Step 3: Get hired
Once you pass the interview, an offer will be issued and the school will guide you through your on-boarding process (visa, flight, training, etc.)
The Typical Jobs Description of an ESL Teacher
Class Size: 20 ~ 60
Teaching Hours: Max. 20 hours
Office Hours: Varied by schools
Salary: 8,000 ~ 24,000 RMB depending on experiences and qualifications
Accommondations: Fully-furnished apartment of housing allowances
Syllabus and training are provided
Work Z Visa for Teaching in China
A list of documents needed for the work visa in China:
• Degree certificate
• Clean police check
• Passport scan
Headshot photo with white background
• TEFL/CELTA/TESOL certificate (or can provide reference letters accumulating to two years’ experiences instead)
The Process of a Successful Application
Step 1: Submit your online application
Step 2: Get matched with suitable positions
Step 3: Interviews with schools
Step 4: Receive and review contract
Step 5: Apply for the work visa
*TEFL certificate support is provided in some positions.
You might want to read more about teaching English in China:
Cost of living in China: Is It Expensive to Live in China?
ESL Teacher Apartments in China: The Ultimate Guide
Things you might be interested in before teaching in China:
I don't have prior teaching experiences, can I teach in China?
Though teaching experience is highly valued for this position, it’s not a must-have requirement. Most schools will provide teachers will training before their work to make sure they comply with their teaching curriculum and specific methods.
I can't speak Chinese, is that a problem?
Although it'll definitely make your life easier while living and teaching in China. You don’t have to be fluent in Mandarin in order to teach English in China.
Positions are available in big, medium, and small cities:
Teach English in Beijing
It’s definitely a city that can compare to lots of metropolitan cities in the world, and it can only be more intriguing because of its fast-developing speed.
Teach English in Chengdu
Everyone who chooses to go there is always impressed by what they can see and do on a regular day in this city.
Teach English in Shenzhen
Shenzhen has more young people than any other Chinese city. So now you know this place is going to be hip and fun. And truly it is.
Teach English in Chongqing
Chongqing is a major city that can be found in southwestern China and it is considered one of the four municipalities that fall under the central government.
You might want to read more about teaching English in China:
Living in China as a Foreigner: Expectation vs. Reality
5 Challenges Living in China as An Expat
Choosing A City: Beijing vs Shanghai vs Shenzhen
How to Prepare For Culture Shock in China?
How to prepare to be an ESL Teacher in China (and be Successful)
What's the experience like teaching in China?
There are so many things that you will be able to experience when you are living and teaching over in China. First, imagine all the students that you will have an impact on, whether with the language that they are learning, in other areas of school, or even in their personal life.
At the same time you’ll also have plenty of time to explore other areas of the country. Imagine taking a day to explore a city or town a couple hours away or taking a long weekend to see the sights that were recommended by your new friends!
Teaching in China Story: A Spontaneous Decision Turned Life-Changing Experience
"Spontaneous decisions don’t always end up the way you expect them to, but if you don’t take a chance, you’ll never know how life-changing something could turn out to be."
Teaching in China Story: A Tale of English Teaching in China
"My experience in China was truly life-changing. I spent two years there, and I learned as much about myself as I did about Chinese culture."
Teaching in China Story: Culture Shock? Most Welcome!
"I gave myself to teaching, learning about children, and connected with other people, hearing their stories."
Teaching in China Story: The Beginning of A New Chapter
"Ultimately, in the end, those were the kind of experiences that I valued the most. Making connections with people, that from the outside, no one would dare to guess. "
Teaching in China Story: I Learned to Speak Mandarin in 30 Days
"When people ask me whether I’m fluent in Mandarin, I tell them I know enough not to go hungry, enough to find my way home if I’m lost in an unknown city, and enough to say “I love you.”
How to Prepare for Teaching in China to Maximise Your Impact
"Being in China taught me that there is no right or wrong way to teach, and that every new learning environment you come across will provide you with a new challenge."