Teaching English in ChinaBack to Tefl World

China occupies a whole swathe of land in the Far East which brims over with diversity from deserts to rainforests, mountains to grasslands, and old mixed with new visible within cities across this country of 1.3 billion people.  It is the biggest recruiter of TEFL teachers in the world.  There are thousands of TEFL positions which will appeal to teachers of all backgrounds: some schools offer in-house training for those with no teaching experience (so you can find out if TEFL is for you before you spend money on a TEFL course), and universities offer very respectable packages for more experienced teachers, especially in EAP (English for Academic Purposes).   It’s such a vast and diverse country it’s well worth researching where you’d like to live and then search for jobs accordingly. 

Essential requirements

China’s legal framework for foreign teachers is strict, so make sure you meet the criteria before applying:

Passport & age – You usually need to hold a passport from the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa and be under the Chinese retirement age (55 for women, 60 for men).

Education & credentials – A bachelor’s degree and a TEFL/CELTA certificate (120 hours or more) are required. Licensed teachers or those with two years’ teaching experience may also qualify, but documents must be authenticated.

Background check & medical – You’ll need a criminal background check and to pass a health examination.

Work (Z) visa – Apply for a Z work visa rather than a business or tourist visa. Your employer will provide an invitation letter and assist with the process.

Tip: Start gathering documentation early. It can take several months for degrees and certificates to be notarised and legalised.

Finding the right job

China’s enormous TEFL market means there’s a position for almost every skill set. Here are common job types:

Public schools

8 am – 4 pm, weekdays; large classes (40–60 students)

$1,250–3,000

Focus on conversational English and cultural exchange; generous holidays.

Training centres

Afternoons/evenings and weekends; small classes

$1,250–3,500

Cater to all ages; flexible schedules; may require night/weekend work.

International schools

Full‑time hours; smaller classes

$3,000–5,000

Require teaching licence; offer high salaries and excellent benefits.

Universities

12–16 teaching hours per week

$1,000–2,000

Low contact hours; may include housing.

Private tutoring

Flexible; one‑to‑one or small groups

$10–36 per hour

Target adults or exam preparation; restrictions exist on tutoring minors.

*Salaries vary by city tier, qualifications and experience. Tier 1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) offer the highest wages but also have higher living costs.

Salaries, benefits and savings

China remains one of the most lucrative TEFL destinations. According to Go Overseas’ 2024 data, public school teachers typically earn $1,250–3,000 per month, training centre teachers $1,250–3,500 and international school teachers up to $5,000. The TEFL Org notes that international schools may pay experienced teachers $2,500–4,700 and that even Tier 3 language centres can pay over $4,000 per month.

Many employers sweeten the deal with benefits such as free housing or a housing allowance, flight reimbursement, medical insurance, paid holidays, and visa sponsorship. These extras, combined with the relatively low cost of living, mean teachers can save substantially. For example, a Teach English Global study estimates that teachers in Shenzhen earning 18,000 RMB/month can save around 8,000 RMB (£850/$1,150) per month, while those at international schools on 29,000 RMB/month can save about 23,000 RMB (£2,450/$3,300).

Cost of living and lifestyle

Living costs in China vary widely by city tier:

Housing: A one‑bedroom apartment in central Beijing or Shanghai can cost about 8,000 RMB/month, while similar accommodation in Tier 2 or Tier 3 cities may be 1,500–4,000 RMB. Many schools provide free accommodation or a housing stipend, reducing expenses.

Daily expenses: Comfortable living (rent plus food, transport and entertainment) in Shenzhen is estimated at 10,000 RMB/month. Eating locally, using public transport and living outside city centres can drastically reduce costs.

Savings potential: Most teachers can save USD 600–1,500 per month. International school teachers save the most, while those working for agencies or training centres still set aside sizeable sums.
 

Money‑saving tips

• Eat at local restaurants or markets — meals are inexpensive and delicious.
• Use public transport; taxis and metro rides cost around USD 30–60 per month.
• Avoid importing Western luxuries (wine, cheese, branded clothes) as these attract high tariffs.
• Consider living slightly outside the city centre; rentals drop dramatically just 15 minutes from downtown.

Classroom culture & teaching tips

Teaching in China may look different from what you’re used to. Joshua, a TEFL teacher interviewed by The TEFL Academy, shares several insights:

Students are disciplined and eager to learn – Many Chinese students take education very seriously, so mix fun activities with learning to keep them engaged.
 

Large class sizes – Expect classes of 40–60 students. Project your voice (microphones are often provided) and use interactive games to maintain attention.
 

“Saving face” matters – Students may be reluctant to speak in front of peers due to cultural notions of avoiding embarrassment; build trust and use pair/group work to encourage participation.
 

Be a guide rather than a lecturer – Joshua found success acting as a facilitator, using PowerPoint slides, games and activities to complement students’ existing lessons.
 

Respect and routine – Students often show respect through greetings and daily rituals like morning exercises and “eye gym” breaks. Participate and show interest in their routines to build rapport.
 

Use simple language and humour – Speak slowly, simplify instructions and sprinkle in a little Mandarin where possible. Sharing meals and showing curiosity about students’ culture helps bridge the gap.

Popular places to teach

China is huge, so choose a destination that matches your lifestyle. Go Overseas highlights several top locations for TEFL teachers:

Beijing – China’s cultural and political capital; historic sites like the Forbidden City and Great Wall.

Shanghai – A global financial hub with a vibrant expat community and skyscraper skyline.

Shenzhen – Modern tech city bordering Hong Kong; offers high salaries and subtropical weather.

Chengdu – Laid‑back city famous for pandas and spicy Sichuan cuisine.

Other choices – Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xi’an and Hong Kong offer diverse environments; smaller cities like Guilin or Kunming provide a slower pace and lower living costs.

How to apply

• Research destinations and school types: Decide whether you prefer a public school schedule, training centre hours or the higher salaries of international schools.
• Gather documents: Prepare notarised copies of your degree, TEFL certificate and background check.
• Choose an application route: Apply directly to schools, work with a recruiter, or join a TEFL program that includes placement . Recruiters such as Teaching Nomad or Impact Teaching are reputable.
• Secure a contract and Z visa: Once hired, follow your employer’s guidance to obtain the work permit and visa invitation letter. Start this process well in advance.

Final thoughts

China’s blend of ancient tradition and rapid modernisation makes it a fascinating place to teach. The pay is competitive, the benefits generous and the cultural experiences unforgettable. By meeting the legal requirements, choosing the right job and embracing the local culture, you can embark on a TEFL journey that enriches your career and allows you to save for future adventures.