Do you want to explore the unique Chinese culture, take a vacation in China, find reasons to learn Mandarin, and make friends? And in all that, get a rewarding experience and earn some good money in the end?
If so, you can teach English in China. China is a perfect destination for ESL (English as a second language) teachers for many reasons.
You can find everything you need with this ultimate step-by-step guide to getting a job teaching English in China!
Let’s get started!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- The popularity of English in China
- Why teach English in China?
- How do you get English teaching jobs in China?
- How do you apply?
- Employment Benefits
- Conclusion: Should you teach English in China?
The popularity of English in China
Rapid globalization and massive volumes of information flow between countries, companies, and governments have been witnessed worldwide.
This has led to extensive use of English, which is now regarded as the lingua franca, business, and universal language.
These days, any form of international transaction requires English. Thus, many countries and people worldwide are attempting to learn and improve their English skills.
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is no exception!
The English language has gained popularity in recent years in mainland China. But, despite the focus on English education in China, English is not widely spoken in villages and small towns.
Thousands of private and public schools and colleges in China for different age groups offer English education.
As an ESL teacher, China is a suitable country to work in for both freshers and experienced English teachers.
To sum up, English is everywhere in this region. And the scopes are endless!
Why teach English in China?
There are several advantages and drawbacks associated with teaching English in China.
The following are a few things to look forward to when it is time for you to embark on your new career as an English tutor.
The Top 5 Benefits
Let’s begin with some obvious benefits!
1. A lifetime opportunity to visit China
China is an enormous and diverse country with hundreds of attractive places to see.
The Great Wall of China and the Imperial Palace, the Li River, the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, the Leshan Giant Buddha, and Hangzhou’s Historic West Lake are some of the infinite tourist destinations.
If you travel to China as a tourist, you have limited time and budget to enjoy countless stunning places.
It is unrealistic to see 30 different sites on a 7-day trip. You will focus on visiting well-known and not less-talked-about yet exciting locations, leaving much to be desired.
But, as an English teacher in mainland China, you are in for a treat.
Aside from weekends, you’ll have plenty of time to appreciate every aspect of China.
You can visit neighboring countries and regions like Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, to name a few. To do so, take a trip during long vacations, local holidays, or extended weekends.
China isn’t just about the most significant manufacturing powerhouse on earth.
The list is endless: delicious food, folklore customs, magnetic culture, entertaining nightlife, colorful festivals, and gorgeous spring blossoms.
You will have a splendid time and enough on your plate as an English trainer during your stay.
2. High demand for English teachers
China aligns with the international globalization trend and the spread of Western culture. Thus, being able to speak English is a valuable ability in China.
It is a mandatory part of the curriculum in most Chinese public schools. Many students need a high English score to perform well in the exam for college admission in China, which holds high stakes for the people of China.
The Chinese people would find it difficult to self-learn English. That is because the grammatical intricacies and pronunciations differ from their native tongues.
Over 300 million people (or over one-fourth of Chinese) take English classes.
This means English teachers are in high demand throughout China’s major cities, but ESL teachers are often in short supply.
3. The chance to make and save good money
Travel and unique Chinese experiences are appealing. Still, money is one of the biggest motivations for teaching English in China.
The good thing about it is you can earn a good paycheck and some extra bonuses and privileges.
In most parts of China, living costs are still relatively low. So, you’re likely to live comfortably on your salary and still have left with enough money to travel and save.
Living costs are relatively high in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, but salaries are also higher. So, no matter where you stay, you can save money with careful planning.
China is known for its generous remuneration schemes and many benefits. It also offers many places to choose from. As a result, it has become one of the most sought-after teaching destinations.
It is regarded as a high-paying country for foreign teachers in China. Still, where you teach determines how much you will be paid. This is true for both the city and the organization.
Pay packages in China range between 1,500 USD and 4,000 USD per month. Your position along that salary scale will determine your experience, qualifications, and ability to overwhelm at job interviews.
4. A unique personal and professional experience
Teaching in China is mainly seen as a great plus because ESL teaching in a new culture requires initiative, flexibility, cultural awareness, and ambition.
It also confirms to employers how comfortable you are teaching and living outside your comfort zone. Finally, it shows your adaptability and ability to transcend cultural barriers.
Also, teaching in such a fascinating and ever-changing country means you’ll make many new friends.
Because of its size, China offers infinite teaching options. From an international school in big cities to a public school in a rural village to a big college in a suburb, you can gain valuable professional experience.
Interacting with your students will provide unparalleled insight into modern Chinese society regardless of your chosen location.
Living in a unique nation like China with a distinct language, rituals, practices, and culture is a life-changing experience. You will get special memories that will last forever.
During your stay, you will meet many experts and professionals worldwide. Your experience from these exchanges and meetups can be crucial to your career path as an ESL instructor.
5. You will learn Mandarin through immersion
The benefits of learning Chinese are many. First, your job allows you to authentically study and improve your Chinese language skills.
Living in China without speaking Chinese is possible, but the experience would be different if you knew the local language.
By doing so, you will have a more comfortable stay and will engage in more genuine interactions.
It is well established that the best way of learning any foreign language is total immersion.
This is how we all learn our mother tongue through spaced repetition, mimicking, and the loci method.
A teaching position in China allows you to accomplish that without more expense or effort. In addition, you will have the chance to practice with native speakers in natural environments.
You can also take HSK, the Mandarin language test, to earn a recognized certificate proving your Chinese ability.
The frequency and number of testing centers in China are much higher than anywhere else.
The Top 3 Disadvantages
Despite some known advantages, there are some drawbacks you should know about before diving deep into it.
This article reflects the view I’ve heard and read stories from those who worked as ESL teachers in China.
Let’s find out the shortcomings.
1. You cannot survive easily with just English
China is like the USA in this regard. This means China is a monolithic society and monolingual to a large extent.
In big cities, many people know some English, and you will be fine without speaking any variant of Chinese.
However, outside that, especially in rural areas, finding someone who can speak English is difficult. Most locals will know little to no English. And you are pretty much on your own.
Signboards, menus, the internet, newspapers, hoardings, and nearly everything else are in the local language. So, surviving and staying comfortable without communicating in Chinese would be challenging.
With no genuine interactions with natives, you won’t be able to immerse yourself in culture.
So, if you intend to work in China, learn Mandarin. You do not need to be fluent, but at least a basic understanding will go a long way.
2. The internet is blocked or restricted
The Chinese government has enforced extensive internet censorship. All Chinese internet-based platforms follow self-censorship mechanisms.
It also monitors internet access and implements a digital firewall, which is why many foreign websites are blocked in China.
You are out of luck if you wish to open popular sites like Google, Wikipedia, Reddit, Netflix, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Bing, etc.
As an English teacher who is a foreigner, this can frustrate you. Since you aren’t Chinese, you can’t understand Mandarin, nor can you read or write it.
A VPN service for your laptop or mobile phone is the only way to bypass this firewall. Hence, I strongly recommend installing a VPN on your phone before arriving in mainland China.
3. You are at the mercy of school administrations
In China, most foreign teachers have temporary visas. Most employees must sign an extended legal contract with their employer, usually valid for a few months to 1 year.
What can you do if you don’t like your supervisor’s authoritarian personality or the unpleasant work environment?
It is difficult to disagree with your manager if they make illogical and unnecessary requests.
Please take it in stride and move with the wind. Cultural differences and habits also play a crucial role.
The short version always says Yes, Sir, and Yes, Madam.
Educators are provided with complimentary housing as part of their contracts. But, if you leave the job or are fired, they will revoke all your privileges.
Getting a new job and housing is challenging in that situation. It would be best if you had money and time for that. If you don’t speak Mandarin or can’t find reliable references, things will become worse.
How do you get English teaching jobs in China?
Employment as an ESL trainer is intriguing. Still, before applying for teaching positions in China, you need to learn many things and do proper research.
It’s time to get started!
Available job opportunities
There are two main options for teaching English in China: public schools or private academies.
Alternatively, you can work at colleges or universities, but fewer openings exist. Every institution has its hiring process and procedures.
(i) Public Schools
Public schools can be a great stepping stone to ESL teaching for those starting their careers as ESL instructors.
Teaching requirements would be limited to the school’s curriculum, and teaching hours would range from 10 to 15 hours per week.
Schools also give time off on weekends and during school holidays. ESL teachers are expected to assist and support Chinese language teachers with different pronunciations or nuances in the classes.
The expectation and responsibility as part of the job depend entirely on the type of school where you are employed.
Most institutions need a native English speaker who can assist students in learning English. They also allow them to hear a native English speaker rather than just grammar and reading.
It is essential to note that in China, ‘public schools’ refer to government-administered primary, middle, and high schools and government-run universities.
Such schools offer low payment rates, although the location and institution can affect the exact salary level.
This would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with many advantages.
Working with schoolchildren would provide an excellent chance to interact with a newer demographic and better understand Chinese culture, history, and lifestyle.
It will also help you learn Chinese more quickly than usual because you will interact with other teachers and children of all ages.
Schools are often relaxed and do not put too much pressure on the faculty. Working in this type of environment can be highly gratifying and fulfilling.
On the downside, it could be tough to adapt if you are not fluent in Chinese.
Since China has overly restrictive internet access, it would be tough to access translators.
Given their close community, it is also expected that most Chinese are not fluent in English and even refuse to speak sometimes. Besides, work could be exhausting, as classes have significant student strengths.
(ii) Colleges and Universities
Teaching roles in universities are more challenging and require higher qualifications, such as a master’s degree in English or related fields.
The number of lessons and working hours differs from university to university. Yet, because Chinese students study so hard at all levels of education. University is a time for them to unwind and enjoy life a little more.
The university’s work ethic reflects this. Pay is lower as the work lasts fewer hours. Regardless, this does not change the level of commitment you would be expected to have toward teaching and the job.
Universities are less stringent for teachers and students, which explains the low remuneration.
The older students are more precise in explaining why they want to pursue English education than school students who make it mandatory. Teaching at universities could be easier.
On average, ESL teachers can earn between RMB 6500 and RMB 16000 per month in public schools.
Despite working roughly 16 hours a week, you could earn as little as RMB 6500 if you teach at a university.
This would change based on multiple factors, such as a university or school-specific conditions or the city and location of the educational institution.
(iii) International schools
Most ESL teachers who travel to China aim to land a job at an international school. International schools offer ESL teachers some of the most well-paid and prominent opportunities.
It is implausible that a person starting in China as an ESL teacher could land a job in such schools. Yet, the opportunity could be very beneficial, as it adds tremendous value to your skills.
The job demands high dedication to match the school’s standards. Yet, it pays to check the work done, making it worth the time. The prerequisites at the best international schools are also very stringent.
They usually only take into account the most skilled and experienced candidates.
International schools are known for upholding the highest standards and offering classes in English, which allows you to work as a teacher in various areas.
(iv) Private schools
Private schools are almost like hybrids between public and international schools. Although they frequently follow a global curriculum, students do not always study in English.
Depending on the level of funding and the location, private schools can have vast differences. Still, the most prestigious private schools have excellent, elite features, high-standard infrastructure, and facilities.
Class sizes could be slightly large; however, remuneration is marginally higher than in public schools.
Parents who send their children to private schools often intend to send them to university overseas. This means they focus heavily on their performance and will quickly give feedback on the satisfaction of teaching standards.
Private schools pay more, with an average monthly income of RMB 10000, but you will have less free time and must find housing.
(v) Language learning centers
There are several openings at private language centers, sometimes known as English training schools.
Students who enroll in such institutes or centers usually attend to prepare for language examinations, such as the IELTS or SAT, or to learn basic English.
These facilities provide a more flexible schedule and smaller class sizes. The institute may also ask you to promote or be a communication medium as their Western spokesperson.
For example, you may be requested to greet parents or conduct a class demonstration for prospective students.
The class of students could be diverse, seeing a wide range of ages and abilities, from adults to high school students to preschoolers. Still, children are likely to make up the majority of the students.
One-on-one and group lessons are the usual modes of teaching in these centers. This depends on student requirements and institute policies or methods.
The work hours could be longer than at schools or universities. It can be extended to 25+ hours per week.
Working late afternoons, night hours, and weekends is also not unusual. There is a greater demand for teachers in training centers at those times.
Basic Requirements to be an ESL
For anyone considering becoming an English teacher in China, the most essential condition would be to have a bachelor’s degree, irrespective of the subject.
It does not have to be an education degree. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, the role requires a TEFL certificate, which is a qualification for teaching English.
It stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and is necessary for becoming an ESL, or English as a Second Language, teacher.
Two years of work experience in teaching would also suffice as an alternative to the certificate. Unfortunately, because of China’s visa policy, you must also be a native English speaker.
China’s visa policy only recognizes the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and the USA nationals as native English speakers.
If you have got your degree from an English-speaking country, it could be an exception to the policy.
If you meet all these requirements, you will be eligible to teach in China after obtaining the Z visa.
Do you need to speak Chinese?
Although your work requires you to teach English, this is not mandatory. As a teacher, you introduce students to a native accent, conversational skills, and Western culture.
As an ESL teacher, you need some Chinese knowledge to understand students’ questions if they don’t know English.
This matters particularly for second-year students or recent graduates. Understanding Chinese makes classes flow more smoothly.
As most natives don’t speak English outside the classroom, knowing the Chinese language can help converse with them.
You can also learn through immersion, taking no formal courses, adding more value to your resume.
Learning the language would be good, at least at the elementary level, but not hard.
How do you apply?
The English teaching market in China is one of the largest in the world.
There are round-the-year job opportunities, but first, take the interview in advance. Employers conduct online through Skype or other online meeting platforms.
These are some vital points to consider.
Application procedures
Most schools have an HR or recruitment team that posts job postings or has a communication platform on their official websites. However, it would be better to approach the school through a recruiter.
This helps you access a broader range of schools and find one that suits your requirements.
Since the school would pay the recruiter to hire you, their services could be available at almost no cost.
They usually also help with the visa process and settle in China. Another option is to opt for a Teach Abroad Program.
These help with the application process and enable smooth processing.
Plus, the program proposes your application to specific schools that might revert to your application with an offer. However, on the downside, your choice of schools is narrowed.
When to apply and contract duration?
The best months to apply are February and September when the spring and autumn semesters begin. This is because most Chinese schools are currently actively recruiting new ESL teachers.
Most contracts last one year, but you might get an extension of a few months if you wish to continue and your school likes your performance.
Employment Benefits
Based on what I heard, a 1-year contract is standard, and there is rarely any further extension.
One of the best aspects of becoming an ESL teacher in China is the fantastic benefits most employers offer as part of the employment package.
Although the perks differ from institution to institution, jobs at most foreign institutions come with a package of benefits. Plus, some advantages are standard across most institutions.
About housing, as long as you work full time for a school, you’re likely to be provided either free housing or a monthly housing stipend (1,000 RMB – 3,000 RMB). This should cover your living expenses.
Most private language schools in China will likely pay a monthly stipend to spend a significant part of your rent.
Conversely, some private language schools may only cover half of the security deposit, while others may cover the entire amount.
You might land a job that doesn’t provide housing help, which is unusual. Usually, this is not the case.
Such situations would be entirely your responsibility to handle. Some schools also cover relocation expenses or sometimes a free ticket back to your home nation at the end of the employment contract.
Some top-rated schools also provide comprehensive health insurance and yearly paid holiday expenses.
Bonuses could be performance-based, depending on student enrollment and retention rates. Or the standard end-of-year incentive for finishing your contract, which often corresponds to a month’s extra pay.
Cost of Living
The living costs in China differ based on the city, locality, and lifestyle.
While it is more challenging to meet expenses in bigger cities like Beijing or Shanghai, smaller cities or towns will enable you to get bigger homes and more comfortable living at affordable rates.
China has economical in-country transport, ranging from express trains to domestic planes. This makes it simple to visit the country during vacations from school.
Even on a limited budget, you could still get some entertainment every weekend in your neighborhood.
Most places in China have magnificent parks, gardens, traditional old towns to explore, and giant museums. Eccentric Hutong backstreets, modern art, theater, and mountain climbing make the possibilities infinite.
Conclusion: Should you teach English in China?
The demand for English language education in China is pretty high. Your ability and adventure can help you land a profitable job there.
You have an outstanding chance to travel to beautiful places, try delicious foods, learn how to speak Mandarin, meet new people, and understand their traditions.
And make money and earn experience. So, all around, I think it is worth it.
This is the practical information you need to decide whether to work as an ESL in China.
It is critical to make an informed decision before starting a career as an English teacher in China. I hope this information will assist you in that endeavor.
Are you interested in pursuing a career as an ESL teacher? Do you plan to apply to teach English in China through different programs? Share your opinions in the comments below!
