| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach in China | 21,833 CNY £2,339 GBP $3,008 USD | September | Yes, if degree obtained from an English-speaking country | Under 55 |
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With so many opportunities for English teachers in China, it’s hard to know where to begin! Here’s our comprehensive guide.
If you’re looking for a TEFL job, China is the biggest market in the world. China has hundreds of millions of English learners. Across this gigantic country, English teachers are in great demand, with excellent wages and benefits.
English is a mandatory subject in many Chinese schools, which means there’s a need for teachers who can teach young learners. The need isn't just for kids, though. There’s also an immense need for Business English and English for Academic Purposes . Foreign TEFL teachers are needed across different levels of education in China.
In this article, we'll explain how to find teaching opportunities in China, covering the types of available teaching roles, the requirements, and much more.
Where to find TEFL jobs in China
There are countless jobs for teaching English abroad in the public and private sectors. Most often, TEFL teachers look to private language schools first. These schools hire more quickly and readily than others, and are great for newer teachers.
Schools across China are always on the lookout. If you have the relevant qualifications, jobs at international and private institutions can pay exceptionally well. Other options include teaching in a kindergarten, or helping adult learners with Business English.
Types of English teaching jobs in China
Where are the best places to teach English in China?
Public schools
English teachers can expect around 20 hours of teaching time per week and plenty of holidays. Semesters run from September to January and March to July. An offer to teach English at one of China’s public schools usually includes flight reimbursement and a free apartment or a housing allowance.
Teachers are also assigned their own TA (Teaching Assistant) who will help you significantly.
Teaching programs in China
China offers nothing as widely known as EPIK or JET. However, some teaching programs are available for teachers hoping to work in China.
For example, there’s the InterGreat Chinese English Teaching Program with the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), which allows TEFL teachers to work for up to 10 months in a Chinese state school or university. Teach English in China is another organisation setting up teachers across Shanghai, Shenzhen, Jiujang, and many other exciting locations. Both programs offer a monthly salary, assistance with accommodation, and other benefits.
Make sure that you sign up for an established language teaching organisation to avoid any problems, including incorrect visas. The X visa is for those studying part-time or full-time in China. You’ll be on this visa if you do an internship programme in China, which is the only legal way to teach English in China without a degree.
Employers in China
If you’re seeking an opportunity right away, consider setting up job alerts for any of the following:
- Find all the latest jobs, wherever you want to start teaching English abroad, on our TEFL Org Jobs Centre! You’ll gain lifetime access to the Jobs Centre if you get your TEFL certificate through us.
- Teach English Global is a high-quality recruiter working in China. Listen to founder Dan Wharton’s episode of ‘I Taught English Abroad’ to hear about his experiences.
- Berlitz requires a degree, TEFL certification, and preferably experience, especially in Business English.
- BFSU offers one-year job contracts teaching young learners in their English training centres in Beijing, Nanjing, and Suzhou.
- Chengdu Golden Apple Child Education Group has a variety of opportunities available.
- EF English First is a global education company with over 300 schools in China across 60 locations.
- Gold Star Recruitment employs numerous teachers to send to China every year. Qualifications, including degrees and TEFL certificates, are preferred.
Best cities for English teaching jobs in China
Where are the best locations for teaching English in China? Here are some of our picks:
Shanghai
Shanghai is one of the most exciting places to teach English anywhere in the world. A fast-paced, multicultural metropolis, Shanghai has countless teaching jobs and landmarks like the Bund and the Shanghai Tower.
Home to world-famous theme parks, like Happy Valley or Jinjiang Amusement Park, Shanghai is an ideal place to live for thrill-seekers. Or, you can head to Shanghai’s restaurants to try local delicacies like Gui Hua Lian'ou, Ci Fuan Tuan, and Xiao Long Bao.
Every area feels different, from the old neighborhoods to the modern skyline of Pudong. Whether you enjoy busy nightlife, quiet parks, or street food, Shanghai has much to offer, alongside one of the world’s most acclaimed school systems.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou is both a modern city with plenty of opportunities and a perfect place to get lost in nature.
Guangzhou is one of China's culinary centers, home to iconic Cantonese dishes like Dim Sum. Alongside the culinary scene, Guangzhou also has famously serene spaces like Baiyun Mountain and Shaiman Island, formerly a famous trading port and now an upmarket neighbourhood.
A historic trading city, Guangzhou is cosmopolitan and well-educated, with plenty of interest in English.Shenzhen
Shenzhen represents modern China, focusing on technology and a young, eager population with a thirst for English proficiency. Shenzhen's status as China’s Silicon Valley and the need for Business English mean there are plenty of jobs.
It’s not all about futuristic teaching jobs, though: off-beat attractions make Shenzhen particularly interesting. Splendid China Folk Village, for example, recreates multiple Chinese landmarks in miniature form.
There is a vast amount of opportunity for TEFL teachers, but Shenzhen is alluring inside and outside the TEFL experience.
Common teacher benefits
While not every English teaching job is the same, here are some things a teacher can reasonably expect to see when they teach English in China.
Salary
The average salary for an English teacher in China ranges between CN¥ 14,000 – CN¥ 21,833 (£1,451 – £2,339 / $1,940 – $3,008) per month. Salary can vary based on city tier, institution, experience level, and qualifications. For example, a Beijing private school salary can rise to around CN¥ 31,050 (£3,326 / $4,278).
Accommodation
Employers, especially private language centers and elite institutions, often offer accommodation assistance - a stipend, or a furnished apartment.
Visa assistance
If you meet all the requirements for a Chinese Z Visa, an employer must assist with some essential documents. This includes an invitation letter, a work permit, and the application forms. Most employers will also offer to help financially.
Other benefits
Other benefits for English teachers in China can include:
- Flight reimbursement
- Performance bonuses
- Free meals (on-site)
- Mandarin lessons
- Medical insurance/private health care assistance
Basic requirements for English teaching jobs in China
Here are the requirements to teach English in China:
Z Visa
Most English teachers in China will use the Z visa, which is the only visa that allows you to teach English full-time.
To be eligible for the Z visa, you will need:
- A bachelor’s degree (in any subject)
- A 120-hour TEFL certificate or two years of teaching experience
- To be 55 or younger
- A clean criminal background check
General requirements
The requirements you must meet as either a native English speaker or a non-native English speaker differ slightly.
Native English speakers require:
- A bachelor’s degree (any subject)
- A TEFL certificate (120 hours or more)
- A valid passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa
Non-native English speakers will require:
- A bachelor’s degree (ideally from an English-speaking country)
- TEFL certificate (120 hours)
- Two years of teaching experience
How to find jobs
The best approach is often to use a mix of resources and techniques. We’d recommend using the following:
- Online job boards: Job boards, including The TEFL Org Jobs Centre, are the best way to find the latest teaching jobs in China.
- Recruitment agencies: Agencies can put you in high-quality schools and guide you through the Z Visa process.
- Networking: Having a social media presence is a big part of direct networking as a TEFL teacher. TEFL groups on Facebook and resources like LinkedIn and Reddit are useful. Remember, social media is different in China. Once you’re there, try apps like WeChat and Sina Weibo to find the latest teaching jobs.
- Applying directly: When you get to China, watch local employers.
- Word of mouth: Personal recommendations make a significant difference.
Interview & application tips
What should you know about applying for teaching jobs in China?:
- Avoid repetition: Customise your application for each job.
- Cover letter: Your cover letter should explain why you want to teach in China, what makes you stand out, and how you’ll contribute to the school’s goals.
- Prepare for a quick response: Chinese employers often respond quickly if interested. Be prepared for an online interview.
- Explain your methods: Be ready to explain your teaching methods, teaching philosophy, classroom management style, and why you’re interested in working in China.
- Knowledge: Show that you’ve taken time to learn about the institution and the city.
TEFL Org teacher story: Sarah, Beijing
Find out what our other TEFL graduates have to say by reading more student stories.
Curious to find out what it’s really like living and working in China? Don’t just take it from us! Here’s what Sarah - one of our TEFL Org graduate teachers - had to say about her experience of teaching in China:
“I arrived here with no Chinese, not much money, and no sense of direction. I was placed at a campus in the south of Beijing, which is now like my second home. I have been teaching at the same campus for my whole time here, which is quite unusual for many foreigners who flit between jobs depending on which way the wind is blowing, but the company I work for is solid, legitimate and has a serious amount of 关系 (GuanXi). GuanXi means connections of significance and translates to the western world as “friends in high places”. So, working here is really a fantastic, fulfilling and interesting experience.
“I really enjoy working for a government company, although it can sometimes be culturally challenging, I work with so many local Beijing people but also far away provinces. One of my best friends in Beijing is my TA (Teaching Assistant) Flora, who I’ve known since I arrived. She is from a small province in the southwest of Beijing, and she has helped me engage with Chinese culture in a really personal way. I know we will always be friends, which is really something special. My colleagues are extremely helpful, kind and respectful of my culture and experiences and like to spend time sharing treats from their home provinces or videos of their families who live in faraway cities.”
What you need to know about teaching English in China
China takes English education as seriously as any country in the world. It’s a mandatory part of the curriculum from the third grade onwards, though many Chinese kids will learn some English in kindergarten. TEFL teachers are required in public schools, kindergartens, universities, international institutions, and private language schools.
Best time of year to apply for Jobs in China
While the academic year begins in August, there’s never a bad time to apply for English teacher jobs in China, where English teacher jobs are available year-round.
China’s education policies
In 2021, China banned outside tutoring for K-12 students. Many online TEFL companies based in China either changed their approach or shut down. Private language centers still exist, but now serve adults only.
Explore job opportunities in China
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much do English teachers get paid in China?
The average salary for an English teacher in China ranges between CN¥ 14,000 – CN¥ 21,833 (£1,451 – £2,339 / $1,940 – $3,008) per month.
Q. What is a Z-Visa, and why is it important?
Most English teachers in China will use the Z visa. It’s the only visa that allows you to teach English full-time.
Q. How long are English teaching contracts in China?
A contract for an English teacher in China usually lasts a year. Contracts are typically extended based on strong performance.
Q. Do I need to know Chinese (Mandarin) to teach English?
No, you don’t need to be fluent in Mandarin to teach English in China, but having a working knowledge of a local language helps wherever you teach.
As the biggest TEFL market in the world, there is plenty of interest worldwide in English teaching in China. Here are our answers to the biggest questions: