20 Things to Know Before Teaching English in China in 2024 [Updated]

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China with its population of 1.357 billion is a Mecca for new TEFL teachers. In addition to this, China recognizes the importance of getting its citizens well versed in the international business language of English. There is a demand for 10000 or more English teachers and a job is the least difficult thing to find if your aim is teaching English in China.

However, what is important is to do your homework before you embark upon the journey. You need to be equipped mentally, academically, and emotionally because the job has its own opportunities as well as peculiarities. So here we go we are listing some requirements to teach English in China that you should be aware of before you channel your ambitions in this direction.

1. Basic Requirements for Teaching English in China

  You must fulfil some basic following requirements for teaching English in China:

●       You must be minimum 18 years of age and

●       You must possess a Z visa

A  Z-type visa is a compulsory requirement for a TEFL teacher in China. You can get it within 2 to 4 days after submitting the following:

●       Valid passport

●       Your recent photo

●       Duly filled application form

●       Bachelor’s Degree

●       Invitation from the institute that employs you (sent by post)

●       Criminal Background Check

●       Medical examination

2. Getting a TEFL Certificate

In order to be legally eligible for teaching English in China, you will require a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate or you should be a certified teacher in your home country. TEFL is the most widely accepted certificate and so it is highly recommended for teachers planning to teach English in China.

CELTA is the most respected brand of all the TESL certificates. Though it may cost you a bit, it is regarded as the best teach abroad certification among the various TEFL that are available. You will need a 120-hour TEFL as a requirement for teaching English in China.

 The most prestigious online TEFLs will cost you around $300 or more while in-person TEFL range around $1500-$3000 USD.

You can also read Top 10 TEFL Courses in Florida

3. A Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is a must if you wish to pursue any kind of employment in China, and regarded as a fundamental requirement for teaching English in China. It must be a three to four-year College degree depending on the educational practices of different countries. Two-year degrees are not accepted for legally teaching in China.

In addition to that, the bachelor’s degree you possess must be authenticated.

 The government of China has tightened the rules regarding these degrees and a large number of teachers were deported from the country due to growing practices of creating fake diplomas and passports.

4. “Native English Speaker” Requirement

This is one very important requirement for teaching English in China, that compels you to possess a passport from one of the seven native speaker countries, namely the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is so because legally only these countries are allowed to teach English in China as a second language (ESL).

 Of course, you can teach in China even if you are not from the native speaker countries. If you possess a two-year teaching experience being a certified teacher in your home country, you can legally teach in China, but not English. In this case, you can teach other subjects such as Maths, Science, History or anything else where you can apply English.

Now, here’s the breather for non-native English speakers. The Foreign Experts Bureau (FEB) requires aspiring teachers to have a bachelor’s degree and/ or Master’s degree from these native speaker countries as a requirement for teaching English in China.

5. Criminal Background Check

A clear criminal background record is something that you will require for any kind of job in China, so it is a precondition for teaching English in China. Even if you do not live in your home country, they will ask you for a criminal background check from your home country. The same rule applies even if you have been living in China, that is, you still need to get a green signal from your home country regarding your criminal background.

 Now, a little twist here: if you are from the US, there are cities in China that may demand an FBI background check which can take up to two months. Criminal background checks and takes a few weeks depending upon the country you are from.

6. The Chinese Retirement Age

You cannot legally teach English China if your age exceeds the Chinese retirement age, which is 55 for women and 60 for men.  This requirement for teaching English in China cuts short the aspirations of many talented teachers who according to China are quite old to teach. So, age is not just a number here.

7. Applying Directly

You can apply directly for teaching English in China through the job listing or websites of the schools. When you can interact with the representatives of the school make sure that your resume is flawless and error-free. If you do get an interview, dress appropriately, and articulate clearly.

8. Applying Through a Recruiter

These recruiters help you to find the teaching job at schools that seem fit for you. They do not charge anything from you as they are paid by the schools.  These recruiters help you in ways more than one:

●       They help you to apply for jobs in schools that seem a good fit for you.

●       They help you get your visa.

●       They are there to clear your doubts and questions.

 Of course, they charge fees but not from you; they are paid by the schools which hire them to help them get qualified teachers. Do check their credentials before entering into a contract with them.

Beware of two things

●       Firstly, the recruiter should not ask for any money from you as they are entitled to be paid by the schools.

●        They should not pressurize you for any school in which you are not interested.

Go through your teaching contract carefully before you sign it. Take advice from your recruiter if you need it.

9. Applying via Teach Abroad Programs

This is one more way of landing a job for teaching English in China. There are certain teach abroad or TEFL certification programs that land you your first school for teaching English in China. These programs come laced with certain benefits like a free TEFL, Chinese lessons, orientation, and such other perks. The salaries they offer are a bit lower than what you might expect if you apply via a recruiter or even directly.

10. Salary Structure in China

Unlike India and many other countries, Chinese jobs display the salary you will be getting per month in RMB. Mostly the salary mentioned is after-tax; in simple words, they tell you the net amount you get after tax. Tax is automatically deducted in China and the actual salary is deposited in your bank account.

If a school tells you your salary before tax, find out what it will be after-tax. Not only English, keep your Maths strong too.

 11. Housing Stipends

Some training centers in Beijing and Shanghai may give you a housing stipend rather than providing accommodation. A housing stipend is an amount that you get for using it to pay the rent of your apartment. It is provided separately without including it in the salary because it is taxed at a lower rate.

 Some employers will provide you free housing while others will give you a housing allowance and you will have to look for accommodation yourself. There are local agents to help you in such cases. But try to understand that sometimes the amount you get as a stipend may actually not cover the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city where you wish to work. So keep your calculator handy for making wise decisions.

 12. Best Cities for Teaching English in China

 Hangzhou

Population: 8 million

Language: Mandarin Chinese

Average salary: 8000 to 12000 RMB per month

Cost of the apartment: 2000 to 4000 RMB per month for one-bedroom style.

Reasons to stay the old-world charm laced with contemporary lifestyle.

 Chengdu

Population: 14 million

Language: Mandarin Chinese Sichuan dialect

Average salary: 6000 to 8000 RMB per month

Cost of the apartment: 5000 to 6000 RMB per month for one-bedroom style

Reasons to stay: the capital of Sichuan, is the ideal place for English teachers in love with spicy Chinese food and culture. A great combination of cost-efficiency and a vibrant community, this is the city that cooks some of the best food in China.

Guilin

Population: 5 million

Languages: Mandarin Chinese Cantonese

Average salary: 8000 to 12000 RMB per month

Cost of the apartment: 3000-5000 RMB per month for one bedroom-style

Reason to stay: a beautiful city in Guangxi province, situated on the Li River, Guilin is an ideal city for nature lovers and explorers. However, job opportunities here may not be as vast and varied as compared to the bigger cities.

 Beijing

Population: 20 million

Languages: Mandarin Chinese

Average salary: 10000 to 16000 RMB per month

Cost of the apartment: 2500-5300 RMB per month for one-bedroom style

Reasons to stay: Beijing, the seat of power in China, the city of the Great Wall, Summer Palace, is a place that no traveler in China can miss. Some schools here even offer Chinese classes as a part of your teaching package. Here the job opportunities are immense for everyone, beginning with small to International schools.

Shenzhen

Population: 14 million

Languages: Mandarin Chinese Cantonese

Average salary: 10000 to 14000 RMB per month

Cost of the apartment: 2000-7000 RMB per month for one-bedroom style

Reason to Stay: Las Vegas of China and the city of many International Schools ESL academies and kindergartens, this city offers you a lot of job options.

 Shanghai

Population: 23 million

Languages: Mandarin Chinese Shanghainese

Average salary: 10000 to 16000 RMB per month

Cost of the apartment: 5000-7000 RMB per month for one-bedroom style

Reasons to stay: Shanghai and China are almost synonymous for most of us.

A hub of internationally-minded population, Shanghai is the place for you if you are interested in teaching adults or business English.

Other Cities like Nanjing, Xi’an, and Kunming also provide English teaching opportunities. However, choose your city based upon what kind of job you are interested in, the affordability of lifestyle, and the pace of life that you feel comfortable with.

However please remember that the average salaries mentioned above will vary according to the type of school or institution you teach in and your qualifications and experience for teaching English in China.

 13. What do they expect from you

 Requirements for teaching English in China at Kindergarten’s

●       patience

●       understanding of child psychology

●       some basic drawing and singing skills, creativity in thinking preference for experience with young learners.

 The salary you can expect: 10000-16000 RMB per month depending upon the city

  So, here it is not only about teaching English but also taking some art classes, engaging with the kids in some outdoor activities and things like that. A real break from teaching English to Chinese kids.

 Requirements for teaching English in China at Public Schools

●       adaptability

●       handling a large group of kids

●       creativity in teaching

The salary you can expect 10000-16000 RMB per month depending on the city.

Here, classes may have up to 50 students; of course, there will be teaching assistants for helping you. Innovation is the key here—teaching through games, fun videos and creative activities will help you to a great extent.

Requirements for teaching English in China at private schools

●       modern methods

●       regular feedback

●       patience

The salary you can expect: 20000-30000 RMB per month depending on the city and your qualifications and experience

Here, class sizes are smaller and might be limited to upto 20 students. The pay is higher as is the requirement of giving personal attention to each student.

Requirements for teaching English in China at International Schools

●       subject teachers needed

●       experience and additional certifications are preferred

The salary you can expect: 14000-24000 depending upon your qualifications and experience

They do not prefer freshers because they pay handsomely.

Requirements for teaching English in China at Training Centres

●       flexibility to work on weekends

●       late evening classes

●       ability to work with different age groups

The salary you can expect: 200-400 RMB per hour for Native speakers

150-300 RMB per hour for Non-Native speakers.

Here, you can expect lots of free perks and the possibility to teach adults.

The same rates of remuneration apply for private tuitions as well.

 Requirements for teaching English in China at Universities and Colleges

●       fewer working hours

●       bachelor’s degree is preferred

●       interest in academic teaching

 Here, you might be working for 5 to 10 hours a week and get a lot of spare time. This arrangement works best for those who want to study for an exam or explore China without worrying too much about the money.

Also Check: Top 15  TEFL Certification Online Free in 2021

14. Classrooms and Kids

Teaching is one of the most respected professions in China. Due to differences in culture, teaching English to Chinese children can be difficult but it is rewarding. Chinese kids respect their teachers and are eager to learn. Expect them to get homemade snacks for you, asking selfies with you, along with some exceptional hard work they put in your class.

Yes, it sounds unreal but it is true. Be creative in your work and you will go a long way. Chinese students appreciate colorful cards, games, pictures, and other artistic forms of interaction.

The classrooms are a teacher’s paradise, equipped with modern technology like smart boards, projectors, and PCs.

The initial stages of interactions are very crucial. You have to be an icebreaker to overcome the language barrier.

15.  Things to Pack or Not to Pack

You can pack :

●       Some interesting teaching material from your country,

●       Some special medication if you take any,

●       Cosmetics,

●       Your bank cards travel adaptor

●       Phone

●       Neutral wardrobe

●       Sunscreen and deodorant

Do not wait to land in China for wardrobe shopping. Whatever your notion, China is not cheap. Can you believe it that clothes and shoes are rather more expensive in China than they are in the US?

So, do your shopping in your good old hometown before leaving.

Of course, there are great bargaining markets in China if you want to buy silk, fake bags, and jade for reasonable prices, and T&M or Taobao is the place for you if you really need to buy something.

Do not pack:

●       Any kind of weapon or explosives

●       Items like currencies or securities

●       Sick animals or plants

●       Any kind of drugs or poison namely, heroin, opium, marijuana, etc.

16. Download All the Apps

Forget YouTube, Google, and Facebook while in China.

The Great Chinese Firewall prohibits these apps and many more in their country on account of “Internet sovereignty” and as a measure to prohibit cybercrimes.

Here are a few apps you must download in the process:

●       WeChat

●       Ofo

●       Pleco

●       Waygo

●       CTrip

●       VPN ( virtual private network)

VPN helps you to access the apps banned in China ( Google, YouTube, Facebook).

Did I see you smile?

17. Get Ready for Culture Shock

While in China, always remember to avoid the 3 “Ts”, namely Tiananmen, Tibet, and Taiwan. This will save you from getting into unnecessary arguments and unpleasant situations.

Expect sudden changes in schedules, meetings, holidays without proper notifications. It may be irritating in the beginning, but you will get used to it.

You might get bumped into several times in the bustling streets, you might find Chinese people and their mannerisms loud and rude, but it is their culture.

Lack of proper queuing in public places, split pants of small kids, the language barrier, and such things may be quite difficult and odd for you.

Be tolerant because you have come to their country and you need to respect their culture. Think of it all as a new experience that you will remember all your life.

Try to embrace the things you admire and gradually things will start falling into place.

18. Start Your Job Hunt

Now, that you are equipped with basic facts and figures, we are listing here some of the best places to start finding a job for teaching English in China:

●       Teaching Nomad

●       Reach To Teach

●       Adventure Teaching

●       New Life ESL

●       Opportunity China

●       ESL Jobs

●       Dave’s ESL Cafe

●       Teaching

●       TEFL.com

19. Can vegetarians survive?

China is a food paradise for nonvegetarians and a struggle for vegetarians. It all depends on which part of the country you are in. It is difficult but not impossible to find vegetarian food. In cities like Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai you will find Indian restaurants with viable vegetarian options. There are millions of vegetarians in China commonly among the religious communities as Taoism and Buddhism advocated Vegetarianism.

20. Get Ready for The Adventure

So now that you have a formal ( and some informal) insight into the various aspects of teaching English in China, please up yourself for an adventure of a lifetime. A land of deep history, vast landscape, diverse culture, and some best food in the world is waiting for what you have to offer.

Give the opportunity your best shot and the experience will be overwhelming and enriching, transforming you and your life.

Also Check this Video

 FAQs

Q-1. Do I get free airfare from my employer if I land a job for teaching English in China?

Ans. Yes, most schools in China do offer a free flight to and from the country at the beginning and end of your contract. They will actually reimburse you, that is, you pay for the flight first and the school will pay you back. They can pay you back immediately or with your first month’s salary.

Q-2. What are the other benefits I receive from my employer apart from salary while teaching English in China?

Ans. You get a paid airfare at the beginning and end of your contract. Insurance visas, training, and orientation, free Chinese lessons, paid Chinese government holidays, health insurance, and other benefits are provided by schools looking to attract highly qualified teachers for teaching English in China.

Q-3. What is the limit of healthcare and health insurance covered by the schools for the teachers teaching English in China?

Ans. Legally, your school will provide you health insurance which basically covers your doctors and hospital visits, the limit varying from $100-$200.Chinese healthcare is phenomenally affordable and most high-level and International schools offer a more catastrophic health cover.

Recommended Read:
– What is TEFL Certification
– Top 10 TEFL Certification Program in 2021
– Top 5 Programs to Get Your TEFL Certification in South Africa
– Top 50 Best TEFL Certification Courses
– TEFL Vs. TESOL

 

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