TEACH ENGLISH IN CHINA

About Teaching English in China

To teach English in China, most employers will require TEFL certification and at least a bachelor's degree. Native English language proficiency is preferred. The average salary for an English teacher in China is $1,250 - $2,850 USD per month.

Considering teaching English in the largest TEFL marketplace in the world? Great, you’re in the right place. With over 1.3 billion citizens and an estimated 400 million English language learners, China shows no sign that it will give up its title as the top job market for TEFL teachers anytime soon.

There are a variety of reasons why English teachers love teaching ESL in China so much. The birthplace of one of the world’s great civilizations, China boasts an unmatched combination of history, culture, and cuisine. As a job market, teachers love it because employers typically hire in-advance and also provide teachers with free housing and airfare. So a lot of teachers love the peace of mind of being able to secure a job before leaving home.

Further, TEFL certified teachers typically save anywhere from $600 to $1,750+ per month after expenses, so this is a great destination for those looking to save money while overseas or pay off debt like student loans. China also hires English teachers year-round, so it’s a lot easier for prospective teachers to plan timelines and find jobs.

English teachers primarily work in either private language schools or public schools in China. It’s typical to teach about 20-25 hours per week and then expect an additional 10-12 hours on average for things like lesson planning and grading.

TEFL certified English teachers have a countless number of options when deciding where to work in China, as there are dozens of cities in China with over 1 million people in each. The most popular cities for ITA graduates are Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou.

Teach TEFL in China: Requirements

TEFL Certification China

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in China. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired.

Because schools interview prospective teachers in advance from their home country, most Americans and Canadians take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Read More: A 6-Step Plan for Getting Hired to Teach English in China

Native English-speaking Proficiency

For teachers looking to teach in the major cities in China, it is strongly preferred that teachers are native English speakers with citizenship from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, South Africa or New Zealand.

Degree requirements for TEFL in China

English teachers need a bachelor's degree to teach English in China. Please note, your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field.

Background Check

Depending on what province in China you are working in, your school will likely require you to get a state or federal background check done.

Age Requirement for Teaching in China

As part of your teaching English in China requirements, know that schools in China typically look for teachers under the age of 40. Is it impossible to get hired if you’re 50? Not technically, but it can be challenging. Technically China enforces a strict retirement age for local teachers, which also applies to TEFL teaching positions, so if you’re over the age of 60 or 65, schools won’t be able to sponsor your work visa.

Read More: Will I Face Age Restrictions Teaching English Abroad in Asia?

How to Find TEFL Jobs in China

English Teaching Jobs in China

There are several job opportunities to explore as an ESL teacher in China. The most common are:

• Teaching children and adults at a private language school.
• Teaching children at a public school.
• Teaching business English to adults via corporate training classes.

Finding ESL Jobs in China: Hiring & Visa

Unlike some other popular TEFL destinations, there is no peak hiring season in China - hiring usually happens year-round. Interviews are conducted via phone/Skype in advance of your arrival to China.

You enter China on a Z visa that you obtain from your home country prior to your departure. You cannot obtain this visa without first having a job offer. Teachers may work on other visas depending on their qualifications.

Read More: How Do I Obtain a Visa for Teaching English in China?

Teaching in China: Hours

English language schools in China offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of work per week, allowing for plenty of time to travel and explore.

Teaching Chinese Students

It is most common that your students will be school-aged children but depending on your job, you may find yourself teaching business professionals.

TEFL China Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,000 - $1,500 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in China until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like accommodation until you find a place to rent, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

China TEFL Salary

A generous monthly salary of $1,250 - $2,850 USD affords those teaching English in China the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle.

It should also be noted that your employer may sometimes provide you with either a round-trip or one-way flight reimbursement. It is best to discuss with your school about what benefits they offer and be sure to have these included in your contract.

Cost of Living & Savings &

The cost of living typically ranges between $650-$1,100 USD per month. Housing is sometimes provided/or subsidized by your employer - if this is the case, rent expense is not incurred. This provides an opportunity to save anywhere from $600 - $1,750 USD per month after expenses.

Vacation Time

English teachers in China receive 2-weeks of paid vacation and sick days as well as time off for national holidays including Chinese New Year when they teach ESL in China.