Teaching English in China: Qualifications, Salary, Jobs and More

China is the most-visited country by ESL teachers abroad. With a population of 1.4 billion people, China has a diverse range of job opportunities. With a unique food culture, you have to experience to understand, and a 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, China has some of the highest average salaries and greatest benefits of any potential destination. You can also choose to teach Chinese students English online.

As one of the oldest civilizations and most developed modern countries, China has both a rich history and fantastic luxuries. From mega-cities to rural escapes, China has a unique culture that is easy to thrive in. You will have many opportunities to get immersed in the culture if you teach ESL in China. Native English speakers with bachelor’s degrees or experience teaching will have no trouble finding excellent work. Check out our guide to the best cities in China to teach English.

If you’re a native English speaker and want to teach English in China, continue reading so you’ll know everything you need to start a career as an English teacher in China. Or, you may want to teach in the capital city? Find out more about teaching English in Beijing right here.

Teaching English in China

With a large population eager for English jobs, there is a high demand for English teachers in China. In order to teach English in China, you will need a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification or two years of teaching experience. The average salary is 1,400-2,200 USD per month, which varies greatly depending on if you work in the country or city. There are an increasing amount of private and international institutions that offer higher salaries, up to 4,300 USD per month.

If the fantastic pay wasn’t attractive enough, Chinese schools regularly offer competitive benefits in order to entice the best teachers, like airfare reimbursement and subsidized accommodations.

Intrigued? Continue reading to find out more about how to teach English in China.

Requirements for Teaching ESL in China

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 of teaching experience

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

Many schools will have specific requirements, especially private and international institutions. You can expect higher-paying jobs with better benefits to having 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.

If you don’t meet these qualifications, there are certainly some volunteer English teaching programs for rural areas in China that have less stringent requirements.

English Teacher Salary in China

In a highly competitive job market, if you have the qualifications, you won’t have trouble finding a great salary and benefits. But teaching ESL in China offers more than that. Though the pay is lower in the countryside, your cost of living is lower, and the nature of your adventure changes.

Check out the average salaries of teachers in China:

• Public school – 1,200 to 1,600 USD per month
• Private school – 2,800 to 4,300 USD per month
• International school – 2,800 to 4,300 USD per month
• Private tutoring – 3,400 to 3,700 USD per month
• University – 1000 USD per month

Keep in mind that a university position is part-time, which will allow you to seek other work. These jobs also come with amazing perks and freedom in your classroom. Some private schools teach only adults, while some teach children. Overall though, these high salaries are enticing to new graduates and experienced teachers alike.

Check out these great perks you might find when you teach abroad in China:

• Health insurance
• Airfare reimbursement
• Subsidized or free accommodations
• Subsidized documentation and Chinese lessons
• Network of support from recruitment agencies and other teachers

Because of the large job market, there are teaching agencies and a community of international teachers there for support. That being said, the cost of living can be very high in the cities, even though affordable rent is usually achievable. You may also find that China has an intense work schedule, so consider seeking employment that suits your schedule or allows you greater freedom.

ESL Teaching Jobs in China

Here are some of the ways you can find English teaching jobs in China.

Public Schools in China

Public schools offer less support to the teachers through the application process, while private schools will outbid each other for the best teachers. That being said, the cost of living can be very high in the cities, even though affordable rent is usually achievable. 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 in China

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 curricula, and they are constantly providing excellent English teaching jobs in China with high salaries.

Private Tutoring in China

With so many opportunities to teach ESL in China, 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 travelling in China. If you like the independence of creating your own schedule and clientele, China is one of the best locations to find success.

Things to Consider for ESL Jobs in China

At this point, you may already be excited to send in your application to become a teacher in China. But before you do so, you should read through the following things to consider before you apply to teach 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.
• More than in any other country, there is a grand difference between the countryside in China and its cities. Take some time and consider which of these, you prefer. If you plan for it, you can travel and work from coast to country and to the cities all in one trip.
• The professional life of a teacher in China 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 a 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.

Can you save money as a teacher in China?

Because of the high average salaries and flexible cost of living, it is absolutely possible to save money while teaching English in China. Many schools will provide free or subsidized accommodations, which greatly helps with expenses. Even if you don’t find this benefit, there are many rental agencies that can help you find affordable housing.

Should I Teach English in China?

Deciding whether to teach English in China is a personal choice that depends on various factors and your individual circumstances. Here are some points to consider when making your decision:

Interest and passion

Do you have a genuine interest in teaching English and a passion for working with students? Teaching can be a rewarding experience, particularly if you enjoy helping others learn and grow.

Cultural experience

Teaching English in China can offer a unique cultural experience. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture, learn about Chinese traditions, and develop cross-cultural communication skills.

Language barrier

Consider your comfort level with potential language barriers. While many Chinese students are eager to learn English, the overall proficiency levels may vary, especially in more rural areas. However, this can also provide an opportunity for you to develop your own communication skills and find creative ways to overcome language barriers.

Qualifications and requirements

Look into the qualifications and requirements for teaching English in China. Typically, a bachelor’s degree is required, and having a teaching certificate (such as TEFL or TESOL) can be beneficial. Familiarize yourself with visa regulations and any other necessary paperwork.

Work environment and lifestyle

Research the teaching environment and living conditions in the specific region or city where you intend to teach. Consider factors such as the cost of living, local amenities, healthcare, and safety.

Career prospects and future opportunities

Teaching English in China can provide valuable international work experience and enhance your resume. It may also open doors to other opportunities in the field of education or international relations.

Personal considerations

Reflect on your personal goals, aspirations, and long-term plans. Teaching abroad can be a transformative experience, but it’s essential to evaluate how it aligns with your broader life goals.

Teaching ESL in China: Join the Conversation

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 are what interest you, Thailand is an amazing place for teachers to practice their craft.

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