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 an ideal destination for ESL (English as a second language) teachers for several 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 among countries, companies, and governments have become widespread worldwide.
This has led to extensive use of English, which is now regarded as the lingua franca, the language of business, and a universal language.
These days, any form of international transaction requires English. Thus, many countries and individuals worldwide are seeking to improve their English skills.
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is no exception!
The English language has gained popularity in mainland China in recent years. 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, serving students of all ages, offer English-language 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 a vast and diverse country with hundreds of attractive places to visit.
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, not-overly-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 such as Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. To do so, take a trip during long vacations, local holidays, or extended weekends.
China isn’t just the world’s most significant manufacturing powerhouse.
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 be kept busy as an English trainer during your stay.
2. High demand for English teachers
China aligns with the global trend toward globalization and the spread of Western culture. Thus, speaking English is a valuable skill 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 on college admission exams in China, which carries high stakes for the Chinese population.
The Chinese people would find it difficult to learn English on their own. That is because the grammatical intricacies and pronunciations differ from their native tongues.
More than 300 million people (over one-fourth of the Chinese population) take English classes.
This means English teachers are in high demand across major cities in China, while 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 upside is that you can earn a competitive paycheck, additional 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 enough money left to travel and save.
Living costs are relatively high in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, and 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 options. 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 excel at job interviews.
4. A unique personal and professional experience
Teaching in China is widely regarded as a strong plus, as 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.
Given its size, China offers virtually unlimited 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 create lasting memories.
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 study and improve your Chinese language skills authentically.
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 to learn any foreign language is through 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 opportunity to practice with native speakers in real-world settings.
You can also take HSK, the Mandarin language test, to earn a recognized certificate proving your Chinese ability.
The number and frequency of testing centers in China are much higher than in other countries.
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 largely monolithic society and largely monolingual.
In big cities, many people know some English, so you will be fine without speaking any Chinese.
However, outside that, especially in rural areas, finding someone who can speak English is difficult. Most locals will know little to no English. You are mainly 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 the 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 want to access popular sites such as Google, Wikipedia, Reddit, Netflix, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Bing.
As an English teacher who is a foreigner, you may find this frustrating. 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, typically valid for 3 to 12 months.
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, Ma’am.”
Educators receive 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. Before applying for teaching positions in China, you need to learn a great deal and conduct thorough 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 pronunciation and nuances in class.
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 opportunity to engage with a new demographic and better understand Chinese culture, history, and lifestyle.
It will also help you learn Chinese more quickly by giving you opportunities to interact with other teachers and children of all ages.
Schools are often relaxed and do not place undue pressure on 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.
Given China’s overly restrictive internet access, it would not be easy to access translators.
Given their close-knit community, it is also expected that most Chinese people are not fluent in English and may sometimes refuse to speak. Besides, work could be exhausting, as classes have significant student strengths.
(ii) Colleges and Universities
Teaching roles in universities are more challenging and typically require higher qualifications, such as a master’s degree in English or a related field.
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 in their requirements 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 vary based on multiple factors, such as university- or school-specific conditions, the city and location of the educational institution, and other relevant factors.
(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 unlikely that someone starting in China as an ESL teacher could secure a position at such schools. Yet the opportunity could be highly beneficial, as it adds significant value to your skills.
The job requires strong dedication to meet the school’s standards. Yet it pays to review the work, making it worth the time. The prerequisites at the best international schools are also very stringent.
They typically consider only 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 funding levels and location, private schools can vary widely. 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 provide feedback on teaching standards satisfaction.
Private schools charge higher tuition, 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 it or serve as a communication channel as its Western spokesperson.
For example, you may be requested to greet parents or conduct a class demonstration for prospective students.
The class may be diverse, spanning 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 standard teaching methods at these centers. This depends on students’ requirements and the institute’s policies and procedures.
Work hours may 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 at training centers during those times.
Basic Requirements to be an ESL
For anyone considering becoming an English teacher in China, the most essential requirement is a bachelor’s degree, regardless 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 required to become an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher.
Two years of teaching experience 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 recognizes only nationals of the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and the USA as native English speakers.
If you have earned your degree in an English-speaking country, you may 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 knowledge of Chinese to understand students’ questions when 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 you converse with them.
You can also learn through immersion, taking no formal courses, and 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 year-round job opportunities, but first, schedule an interview in advance. Employers conduct online meetings via Skype or other 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 settling in China. Another option is to opt for a Teach Abroad Program.
These support the application process and ensure smooth processing.
Additionally, the program submits your application to specific schools that may respond 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 may receive a few-month extension if you wish to continue and your school is satisfied with 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 perks vary by institution, most foreign institutions offer a benefits package. 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 typically provide a monthly stipend to help with 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
Living costs in China vary by city, locality, and lifestyle.
While it is more challenging to meet expenses in larger cities like Beijing or Shanghai, smaller cities or towns can help you secure larger homes and more comfortable living at affordable rates.
China has efficient in-country transport, ranging from express trains to domestic planes. This makes it easy to visit the country during school vacations.
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 create endless possibilities.
Conclusion: Should you teach English in China?
The demand for English-language education in China is high. Your ability and adventure can help you land a profitable job there.
You have an excellent opportunity to travel to beautiful places, try delicious foods, learn to speak Mandarin, meet new people, and understand their traditions.
And make money and earn experience. Overall, I think it is worth it.
This is the practical information that will help you decide whether to work as an ESL teacher 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!
