We will introduce you to good schools to interview withTeach English in China: Start Your Adventure Today!
If you’ve ever dreamed of living abroad while making a difference, teaching English in China could be the perfect opportunity. With a booming ESL market and thousands of schools hiring foreign teachers every year, China remains one of the best destinations for new and experienced educators alike.
It’s an exciting place to live, where ancient culture meets rapid modernization, and every day brings something new to discover. Whether you want to work in a big city like Beijing or a charming smaller town, there’s a perfect teaching job in China waiting for you.
Why Teach in China?
China has one of the fastest growing ESL industries in the world. The demand for qualified teachers has led to competitive salaries, generous benefits and fantastic opportunities for cultural exchange.
Compared to other countries, the cost of living in China is much lower than in the US or South Korea, meaning your salary goes much further. Many teachers are able to save money each month while still enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. Teaching English in China is a wonderful way to experience the world and grow your savings account!
Outside of major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, living costs drop even more! This makes smaller cities an excellent choice for teachers who want to save or experience a more authentic side of Chinese life.
Teaching Jobs in China: Salaries & Benefits
Teaching English in China offers a strong financial package with plenty of perks.
Average Salary: $1,500–$2,500 USD per month (some positions pay $3,000+ for experienced teachers)
Common Benefits Include:
- Free or subsidized housing
- Airfare
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation
- Contract completion bonuses
- Opportunities for raises and contract renewals
Most teaching schedules are around 20–25 classroom hours per week, leaving you with plenty of free time to explore, study Mandarin, or travel.
Where You Can Teach in China
With more than 160 cities of over one million people, you’ll find incredible diversity across China.
Here are just a few popular destinations for foreign teachers:
- Beijing & Shanghai: modern, global cities with endless entertainment and opportunities.
- Chengdu & Chongqing: known for spicy food, relaxed lifestyles, and rich culture.
- Dalian & Qingdao: coastal cities with European influence and scenic beaches.
- Sanya (Hainan Island): China’s tropical paradise with palm trees and ocean breezes.
- Kunming (Yunnan Province): beautiful weather year-round and vibrant local traditions.
Most jobs are in private language schools or chain academies like English First (EF), though there are also public school, international school and university teaching positions for experienced educators.
Qualifications to Teach English in China
To qualify for most teaching jobs in China, you’ll need:
- A Bachelor’s degree (in any field)
- Citizenship from a native English-speaking country (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa)
- A 120-hour TEFL certificate (in-person or online), or 2 years work experience post graduation
- A clean background check
While previous teaching experience isn’t always required, it helps you qualify for higher-paying positions. Some schools even help cover the cost of your TEFL certification or provide in-house training!
Life in China as an English Teacher
Living in China is a fascinating mix of ancient tradition and modern innovation. You’ll find friendly people, delicious food and a lifestyle that can be both fast paced and deeply rewarding.
Foreign teachers often describe China as one of the most welcoming countries for expats. Locals are curious and kind, and you’ll likely make friends quickly. Expect to be treated like a bit of a celebrity, especially outside of major cities!
You can also take advantage of your free time to explore, China’s high-speed rail network makes weekend trips affordable and convenient. Many teachers travel to Thailand, Vietnam, or Japan during school breaks.
Visa Process and Legal Requirements
Your hiring school will help arrange the correct Z Work Visa, so you can legally live and teach in China. You’ll need to provide documents such as:
- Your degree and TEFL certificate
- A background check
- Medical check results
Avoid accepting positions that ask you to work on a tourist or student visa. China has tightened visa regulations and working on the wrong visa can result in fines or deportation.
At Footprints Recruiting, we guide you through every step of the visa process ensuring everything is handled properly before you arrive.
Why Apply with Footprints Recruiting
The ESL industry in China is massive, fast moving and school quality can vary. Choosing a reputable teach abroad recruiter ensures your experience is smooth and rewarding.
At Footprints Recruiting, we:
- Carefully screen every school before recommending it
- Speak directly with past teachers for honest feedback
- Provide guidance with interviews, contracts, and visas
- Offer ongoing support before and after you arrive in China
We’ve helped thousands of teachers find safe, legitimate, and exciting positions in China and we’d love to help you too.
Apply Now to Teach English in China
Useful Resources for Teaching Abroad
We want you to succeed. We want you to have the experience of a lifetime, teaching in places around the world! To help you along your journey, we have curated some helpful resources below: