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Should you teach English in China?

Author

Emily Carr

Published Mar 10, 2026

Should you teach English in China?

This type of teaching job is suitable for people from all different backgrounds! To intern at a school in China, you do not necessarily need to have a degree, teaching experience, or be a native English speaker; you will, however, need a TEFL certificate. If you are not yet TEFL qualified, not to worry!

Keeping this in consideration, is teaching English in China a good idea?

Teaching English abroad in China might make you feel like a little fish in a big pond, but it'll be worth it in a BIG way. You'll learn to build relationships with foreigners even if you don't know the language. Additionally, you'll develop stronger cross-cultural sensitivity, self-reliance, and dependability.

Subsequently, question is, why do you want to teach English in China? There are so many reasons why you should teach English in China: from the people, the food, the unique differences, future opportunities and the awesome travel experiences.

Thereof, is it hard to teach English in China?

All you really need to teach English in China legally is a bachelor's degree, two years of work experience (though there are ways of getting around this), a TEFL certificate, all the requisite background checks and of course, a healthy dose of enthusiasm.

How much money can you make teaching English in China?

Those who work in teaching English in China in 2020 can get between 6,500 RMB and 16,000 RMB. That's roughly $920 and $2,300 per month (depends on qualification, city, education level, and experience).

Is it worth teaching English online?

As long as you do your research and choose the type of position that meets your needs, schedule, and teaching style, online English teaching – whether full-time or as a side gig – is definitely worth it.

Is English mandatory in China?

English has become a compulsory subject from Primary Three in China since 2003 and is gradually being introduced even earlier into the curriculum in many schools. However, although a compulsory subject, there are fewer English lessons than for Chinese and mathematics, the other core subjects.

How do I become an English teacher in China?

Full-Time Teaching Positions
  1. A bachelor's degree in any subject.
  2. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification.
  3. Two years of work experience in any field.
  4. Be between the ages of 24 and 55.
  5. To be a native English speaker.

What do I need to know before teaching in China?

11 Things to Do Before You Teach English in China
  • Get a TEFL Certificate. In order to legally work as an English teacher in China, you'll need a 4-year college degree and a TEFL.
  • Find a Job. Photo by Winnie M., Teacher Link China Alum.
  • Start Saving Now!
  • Get Your Visa.
  • Buy a VPN.
  • Do Some Shopping.
  • Stock up on Deodorant and Sunscreen.
  • Visit Your Doctor.

Can I teach English in China without a degree?

Teaching English in China Without a Degree – How to Do it Legally. While you won't be able to work as a full-time teacher, you can do an internship. In China, it's perfectly legal to work as an intern on a student (X) visa and this is the only legal way to teach English in China without a degree.

What do Chinese parents look for in a teacher?

Teacher Characteristics

An enthusiastic, friendly, approachable, and confident teacher that will readily engage their child. For Chinese parents, they are additionally looking for the native English-speaking teacher to facilitate an English-language teaching environment.

What's it like to teach English in China?

Teaching Chinese students English here is a lot like at public schools, except for class sizes: they are limited to about 20 people. It makes a teacher's life much easier! The pay is higher, but you are also expected to work hard and be more attentive to each one of your students.

Why should I teach English abroad?

Teaching abroad is an opportunity to experience another culture and see the world in a way no tourist can. It's a chance to meet people, share ideas, and forge lasting friendships. And, it's the jumping-off point for an international adventure of travel, cultural exchange, and personal enrichment unlike any other.

What is a TEFL qualification?

A TEFL (English as a Foreign Language) certification is the globally accepted qualification to teach English abroad to students (both children and adults) whose first language isn't English. A TEFL is what most hiring schools are looking for on a teach abroad application.

Is it hard to teach English abroad?

As far as starting goes it's not that hard to get a job teaching English abroad since it's not that competitive of a market in many countries. English is in demand around the world. Sure some schools can be harder to get into, but it's an industry that is growing and that has a high turnover rate.

Do you need visa to work in China?

According to the Exit and Entry Administration Law of China, foreigners who want to work in China should obtain a work permit and a work-type residence permit.

How do I become an English teacher in Korea?

What requirements do I need to meet to teach English in Korea?
  1. Possess a bachelor's degree/diploma from an accredited institution.
  2. Be a citizen of the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa or New Zealand.
  3. Pass a health and drug test.
  4. Have a clean national-level criminal record.

Is China safe to travel alone?

Actually, traveling alone is very doable in China as the country is relatively safe, and its main issues (such as language barriers and scams) are relevant whether or not you are alone. They are also easy to avoid with a little bit of preparation.

Why do you want to teach in China?

This means that having Chinese work experience on your resume can give you a competitive edge in the global job market. Teaching in China also gives you a chance to immerse yourself in one of the most universally useful world languages - Mandarin language lessons are often subsidized by teaching programs in China.

How can I become a Chinese teacher?

You must have a bachelor's degree in Mandarin Chinese, education, or a related field. If you intend to teach in a public school, you must earn a teaching certification from your state, the requirements for which may depend upon your locality.

Why do you want to work in China?

Choice of Jobs and Building a Successful Career

A skills shortage across industries means that jobs in China are beginning to offer higher salaries and jobs with more responsibility and career development. Fast career progression and higher earning potential are two of the best reasons to work in China.

Why do you want to teach ESL?

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is a rewarding career that helps children and adults improve their English language skills. As an ESL teacher, you are able to help students overcome their problems with the language, which can make them improve in all of their studies.

Do you need to know another language to teach ESL?

The good news is you don't need to. In fact, the single most important aspect of your job as an ESL teacher is simply your English skills. Leading a classroom where you only communicate in English is a great way to immerse your students in the language and facilitate some serious learning.

Why do people teach?

Arguably the most common reason that teachers decide to teach is the ability to make a difference. In low-income areas where some students may not have both of their parents around, teachers can provide an important influence that helps their students make the right decisions, even when they are not in the classroom.

Why you should teach?

One of the most common reasons to become a teacher is to make a difference in the lives of as many students as you can. Becoming a teacher lets you impart life lessons that they will never forget and puts you in a position to influence their decisions, behaviors, strengths, weaknesses and imaginations.

Where can I teach English in China?

The best places to teach English in China
  1. Beijing. China is a vast country just Beijing you to come teach English.
  2. Yangzhou. You'll find so much more beyond the stereotypical postcard views teaching English in China.
  3. Harbin. What's cooler than cool?
  4. Guilin.
  5. Shanghai.
  6. Chengdu.
  7. Xi'an.

Is 15000 RMB a good salary in China?

Livable Salaries in China for Overseas Professionals

While salaries an range widely in China based on the profession and level, the salaries for expats are quite livable. The typical salary can range from an average of 10,000 – 15,000 RMB per month. This converts to roughly $1500 - $2200 USD per month.

What is the highest paid job in China?

Top 10 Highly Paid Jobs in China 2020
  • Sales Executive For Luxury Goods.
  • Computer Software Application Engineer.
  • Advanced Financial Controller.
  • General Manager and Supervisor.
  • Senior Management of Hotels.
  • Loan Officer.
  • Foreign Bank Executive.
  • Mortgage Broker.

Do you need to speak Chinese to teach English in China?

It's not necessary to speak any Mandarin (or Cantonese) to be hired to teach in China. In fact, it's actually preferred that you don't speak anything aside from English to your students. Schools will want their students to be fully immersed in the English language when they are in the classroom.

Which country pays teachers the most?

10 Countries With The Highest Teachers Salary In The World
  1. Switzerland. Average Salary – $110,000.
  2. Luxembourg. Average Salary – $100,000.
  3. Canada. Average Salary – $74,000.
  4. Germany. Average Salary – $70,000.
  5. Netherlands. Average Salary – $67,000.
  6. Australia. Average Salary – $67,000.
  7. United States. Average Salary – $60,000.
  8. Ireland. Average Salary – $53,000.

How much is the salary of Filipino teachers in China?

Bello said the monthly salary offered was $1,200, adding that the agreement with the Chinese government could be renewed after two years if the need arises. The hiring and deployment of Filipino teachers would be through a government-to-government arrangement.

What is a good wage in China?

Those on salaries of 2,000 to 5,000 yuan (US$295 to US$740) a month were deemed “middle income”, while a “relatively high” monthly income was 5,000 to 10,000 yuan (US$740 to US$1,480). Anyone earning more than 10,000 yuan a month was in the “high income” group.

How much do teachers in China make a year?

1. Your salary teaching in China depends on where you're teaching.
Institution typeSalary range (USD)
Language centers$1,500 - 1,850
Public schools$1,400 - 2,300
International schools$2,000 - 3,500
Universities$1,000 - 1,300

Is it expensive to live in China?

The cost of living in China can vary hugely depending on the cities, regions as well as the lifestyle you choose. You can live in most China's major cities for far less than $1,000 per month, and with a great lifestyle. However, there's always room for luxury and more spending.

How much do English teachers earn in Japan?

How Much Can You Earn Teaching English in Japan? As an ESL teacher in Japan, you can expect to earn anywhere between 200,000 and 600,000 Yen ($1,700 - 5,000 USD) per month. Hourly tutoring rates hover around 3,000 Yen ($28 USD) per hour.