Teaching English in Beijing: Qualifications, Salary, and More

China is the most-visited country by ESL teachers abroad. With a population of 21.54 million people, Beijing has a diverse range of job opportunities. With a unique food culture you have to experience to understand and media industry that rivals Hollywood, teaching English in China can be one of the greatest and most rewarding journeys of your career. Best of yet, with all its job competition, teaching English in Beijing nets some of the highest average salaries and greatest benefits of any potential destination.

As one of the oldest civilizations and most developed modern countries, China has both a rich culture and fantastic luxuries. Beijing is a megacity with an ancient history that is easy for teachers in China to thrive in.

If you’re a native English speaker and teaching abroad in China is the adventure you need, continue reading so you’ll know everything you need to teach English in Beijing. Or, have a look at this guide: Best Cities for Teaching in China.

Life in Beijing Teaching English

One of the reasons many choose to teach English in Beijing is the high wages. Many foreign teachers can negotiate high salaries and fantastic benefits that allow them to save money and experience China at their luxury. China has the highest demand for international teachers, so reputable institutions compete with each other by offering great perks. With your fantastic new job, you can take advantage of the low cost of living in the city, where food and accommodations are cheap and abundant. Living here you will quickly realize that the quality of life in Beijing is one of the highest in China.

A large ex-pat community and international culture make transitioning to teaching English in Beijing very easy. And much like teaching jobs in Shanghai, the city of Beijing is safe and has a low crime rate.

This list will let you know all of the hottest destinations you can’t miss on your trip to Beijing:

• The Imperial Palace & Forbidden City
• The Summer Palace
• Beihai Park
• Tiananmen Square
• The Lama Temple
• Beijing Capital Museum
• The Temple of Heaven
• Coat Hill Park
• The Temple of Confucius
• The Great Wall of China

Want to learn how to teach English in Beijing? Keep reading for everything you need to know to teach abroad in this fantastic Chinese city.

Requirements to Teach English in Beijing

Like other developed countries seeking skilled educators, there are legal requirements in order to teach English in China. These are:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certificate
• Passport from English speaking country
• Supporting travel documentation

OR

• Two years teaching experience

These requirements will allow you to obtain a Z visa, which is the document needed for teaching English in Beijing.

Many schools will have specific requirements, especially private and international institutions.  Actually, if the institution you are applying to does not require a degree or TEFL, you should research and proceed cautiously. Because of the abundance of English teaching jobs in Beijing, there is the potential for scams. You can expect the higher-paying jobs with better benefits to have more strings attached! But don’t worry, if you still want to teach ESL in China without some of these requirements, there are many programs to work online.

Types of English Teaching Jobs in Beijing

As said before, China has more positions available for teachers abroad. Teaching English in Beijing is particularly easy because of the volume and quality of the positions. By competing with each other for qualified teachers, the schools earn prestige. Therefore, the more qualified you are, the better position you can locate.

Public schools offer less support to the teachers through the application process, while private schools will outbid each other for the best teachers. English is not a necessity in the classroom, but it is helpful in your career and social life. You may also find that China has an intense work schedule, so consider seeking employment that suits your schedule, or allows you greater freedom.

International Schools

There are many world-class international schools in China, like the Beijing City International School, which are recognized on the global community for excellence. For example, the IDEATE program is prevalent in many Chinese international schools. Students and teachers from all over the world gather here to learn. Some are non-profit, while others are privately run. These schools provide sophisticated curriculum, and they are constantly providing excellent English teaching jobs in China with high salaries.

Private Tutoring

With so many opportunities to teach ESL in Beijing, you can even teach outside the traditional classroom. Many chains and companies provide opportunities for teachers looking for part-time and full-time work. You can even venture on your own and run an independent tutoring service with a good amount of success, especially if you’re experienced in traveling in China. If you like the independence of creating your own schedule and clientele, China is one of the best locations to find success.

Adult Education

Beijing is a bustling professional city where adults and university students all seek to improve their English. As a teacher in Beijing, you will have the opportunity to tutor adult students or teach adult classrooms. There are even positions available within companies, where you can be hired to run English-speaking clinics for professionals in all fields of work. These positions can be very profitable depending on which company you work for, so when you apply, look out for them.

How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Beijing, China

There are a few concerns that you should take into consideration before moving internationally. You should start looking for work in June or Jule if you want to have a contract teaching English in Beijing in September. Positions are available throughout the year and they are numerous, however, the best and most reputable positions will advertise during these periods. Also, it is easier to get a high-paying position while avoiding scams if you are living in China while looking for work.

Word of mouth is definitely the best option when looking for ESL jobs in Beijing. Pretty much everyone in Beijing knows someone who has taught English in the city or has connections. On the other hand, you can visit the classified section of The Beijinger or E China Cities for English teaching jobs in China. If you are currently a student at a university, look around your campus for global opportunities to teach English. Often there are very reputable agencies looking for talented new graduates with an interest in teaching ESL in China.

Avoiding Scams when Teaching English in China

Because of the size of the education market, there are many scams and untrustworthy institutions. Keep an eye out for reputable recruiting agencies, and contact official communication lines only. If an institution has very minimal requirements, it might likely be a scam. Try to use reputable job hunting sites. If you’re a student, look through your university or college for opportunities to teach English in China.

Things to Consider for ESL Jobs in Beijing

At this point, you may already be excited to send in your application for a teach overseas program in China. But before you do so, you should read through the following things to consider before you apply to teach in China.

• More than any other country, there is a grand difference between the countryside in China and its cities. Consider if access to the countryside is important to you. Although Beijing is the largest city, if you plan ahead, you can teach in a district that will let you explore the mountains and jungles of China.
• The professional life of a teacher in Beijing can vary a lot depending on the school you work at. Many Chinese schools have high expectations for a teacher’s community involvement. Sometimes, you might have to participate in school culture or professional relationships that are unfamiliar.
• The dress code for teachers in China is usually casual. Men and women can dress as they please, so long as it’s professional. However, some schools still ask female teachers to dress more conservatively, which is a cultural aspect you should consider beforehand.
• In China, it’s common to greet with a gesture like a nod, wave, or handshake. As a foreigner, people will shake your hand because they know it is a traditional Western greeting, men especially. If you want to use more professional Chinese culture, make sure to pass all business documents with two hands.

FAQ for Teaching Abroad in China

Looking for information on how to teach English in China? Check out this quick list.

What is the average salary for English teaching jobs in China?

China is an excellent location to travel abroad with a high salary. At the lower scale, public school positions average between 1,200 to 1,600 USD per month, while private and international schools can provide salaries up to 4,300 USD per month. Part-time university work pays fantastically, on average 1,000 USD per month.

What qualifications for I need to teach English in China?

You will need a Z visa to teach English abroad in China. To get this, you need a passport from an English-speaking country or plenty of teaching experience. You will need a four-year bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate.

Is teaching English in China hard?

There are options for teachers of all experiences. For brave newcomers and veterans, you can teach English in Shanghai or teach English in Beijing. These megacities will let you teach any age and at any level if you are qualified, but the cities present their own challenges. If you want an easier transition from the West to China, you can try teaching English in Hong Kong. There are more English speakers here, with a more familiar culture and layout.

Will there be teaching positions during the 2022 Winter Olympics?

Beijing is set to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics in February. The entire country will be packed with visitors and athletes, with all the opportunities that such a large event brings. As with the last Olympic event in China, there will be a ridiculously large demand for English teachers in Beijing. In addition to the regular school positions, there will be more companies and athletic institutions, as well as publication offices seeking English teachers. The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics is a fantastic event to plan your trip around!

Should I Teach English in Beijing?

Deciding whether to teach English in Beijing, or anywhere else, is a personal choice that depends on various factors. While I cannot make the decision for you, I can provide some information to help you consider the pros and cons.

Pros of teaching English in Beijing

Cultural immersion

Beijing offers a rich cultural experience with its long history, iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City, and a vibrant mix of traditional and modern elements.

Demand for English teachers

China has a high demand for English teachers, and Beijing, as the capital, offers numerous opportunities for employment.
Professional growth: Teaching English in a foreign country can enhance your teaching skills, cross-cultural communication abilities, and adaptability.

Networking opportunities

Beijing is home to a large expatriate community and international organizations, providing opportunities to meet people from various backgrounds and expand your professional network.

Salary and benefits

English teachers in Beijing can often earn a competitive salary and receive benefits such as housing allowances, flight reimbursement, and health insurance.

Cons of teaching English in Beijing

Cultural adjustment

Moving to a foreign country can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the language and cultural norms. Adjusting to the local customs and lifestyle may take time.

Language barrier

While English is taught in schools, the general population in Beijing may not be fluent in English. Communicating outside of your workplace or with older generations may require some effort.

Competitive job market

As a popular destination for English teachers, Beijing has a competitive job market. It may take time and effort to secure a desirable teaching position.

Pollution and congestion

Beijing is known for its air pollution, which can have an impact on the quality of life. Additionally, the city experiences heavy traffic and congestion, which can be overwhelming for some individuals.

Workload and expectations

Teaching can be demanding, and the expectations placed on foreign English teachers in China can vary. Some schools may have a heavy workload or require additional responsibilities outside of teaching.

Join the Conversation About Teaching English in China

What are your thoughts about teaching English in this amazing country? Is it the right option for you, or are you looking for another high-paying Asian destination like Japan? If the climate and culture is what interests you, Thailand is an amazing place for teachers to practice their craft.

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API