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Teach English in China

Teach English in China

Good Jobs, Great Adventures!

OnTESOL provides teaching resources, job assistance, and TESOL / TEFL certification courses that are internationally recognized so that you can teach English anywhere in China – or move to another country after your contract in China is over.

The most populous country and second largest economy in the world has plenty to offer for your TESOL career. Common teacher placements are at: cram schools that offer test preparation programs for public school students; small private language schools; and large international chains such as Disney English, Wall Street Institute, Aston English, Longman Schools, and English First (EF).

It is recommended that new teachers start at one of the major international chains because they are well-established organizations that pay well, pay on time, provide the work permit before the teacher arrives in China, and generally provide benefits such as accommodation and travel allowances. You can apply directly or via a recruitment agency.

Many cram schools and small ESL schools are excellent organizations, but teachers should visit these schools in person before signing any contract.

Minimum Job Requirements:


How much do you make teaching English in China?

1. Internships: Just run away from TEFL internship programs! They charge a placement fee of $1000+ and these jobs pay about $300/month.

2. Cram Schools: Try to avoid these types of jobs too. You will earn about 4,000 RMB per month (About $650). These jobs are easy to get, but you will be placed in programs with 50+ students.

3. International Programs (RECOMMENDED!): These jobs start at 12,000 RMB per month plus benefits that include airfare allowance, cash bonuses, health.

Recommended TESOL Certification For Teaching English In China

The minimum requirement for obtaining the work visa in China is a 120-hour TESOL certification. The 120-hour Advanced TESOL Certificate course offered by OnTESOL includes course material recognized by TESL Canada as well as professional tutor support. Your personal tutor will give you great feedback and help you apply your knowledge effectively in the classroom.

How To Become an English Teacher in China

You completed your TEFL certification course and you are now looking for the right English teaching job in China. Where can you begin looking for your first teaching job?

Private ESL Schools

Private ESL schools are becoming more popular in China as the standard of living continues to improve. International and Chinese national chains of ESL schools play an important role in raising the English language proficiency in China. With classes of 10 to 18 students, a well-defined curriculum for each level, and the availability of technologies and varied resources, ESL teachers can use Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) methods to their full potential.

The largest market for private English instruction consists of after-school programs for elementary and primary students; therefore, a 120-hour TEFL certificate with TEYL specialization is highly recommended. The market for TEYL lessons is so large that many private organizations specialize in Teaching English to Young Learners. EF English First is one of the largest language institutes in China and OnTESOL will help you apply for jobs with EF. Another large language school is Disney English, which specializes in TEYL lessons.

High-school students and business people also attend private ESL school programs.

Cram Schools

Cram schools are popular in many East Asian countries. In China, cram schools are responsible for preparing over 9 million students every year to pass the gaokao, China’s National College Entrance Exam. The curriculum is intensive and teachers face large classes with 50+ students, many of whom have different levels of English language proficiency. Teaching experience is highly recommended.

Public Schools

China achieved universal education in 2011 when primary school enrollment reached 99%. English teaching jobs are available throughout China, but there is a great demand for ESL teachers in rural areas. Native-speakers are often hired to teach speaking skills alone and this becomes a difficult task when students have poor English language proficiency. As with cram schools, teachers will face large classes and they are provided with few resources. ESL teachers cannot play a significant role in the overall development of their students’ language skills under such pedagogy.

Universities

ESL teachers with as little as 4 years of teaching experience can apply for a university teaching post in China. The main advantages of teaching English at the university level are obviously the salary and the reputation. Furthermore, students are generally proficient in the English language so it is easier for teachers to prepare lessons. Teachers also enjoy many freedoms and they can develop their own curriculum. But the downside of hiring teachers with little experience is that few of them are able to deliver dynamic and effective lessons. The 250-hour TESOL Diploma is recommended for university ESL teachers in China.

Accommodation, Salary, Part-Time Jobs And Taxes

TEFL CHINA

One of the reasons people choose to teach English in China is that schools provide foreign teachers with paid accommodation. I’m going to tell you how to negotiate a higher salary and find a better place!

Get Free Job Placement Assistance In China!

OnTESOL offers various job assistance services in China. All of them are free! You can apply through us to teach with the largest language schools with more than 200 locations in more than 60 Chinese cities!

You can also use our job board to find new openings or access the list of schools from your OnTESOL student account.

Featured English Teaching Job In China

JOB BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Work visa processing included and sponsored directly by the school
  • Airfare allowance
  • Relocation cash bonuses
  • Free Professional Development TESOL training,
  • and Chinese language lessons

Top Cities To Teach English In China:

One of the main reasons that China has become a popular destination is that it has thousands of well-paid TESOL jobs readily available in different regions. However, the main reason people choose China is because it is a great country to travel!

China is home to large and ever-expanding cities the likes of Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. You must take a long weekend to visit all of them! The main attraction of China, however, is  not the intimidating skyscrapers. If China becomes your TESOL spot, you cannot miss the astonishing natural wonders and historical sites of the Guilin, Sichuan, Fujian, or Chengdu provinces!

Teach English in Beijing, China

Teach English in China with English FirstESL teachers in Beijing can experience a rich history that dates back to the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) and has shaped the city’s various architectural sites. The most visited tourist destinations in Beijing are the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Mao Zedong Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, and the towers Gulou and Zhonglou.

Beijing Transportation    Beijing Restaurants

Teach English in Shanghai, China

Adaptation blog- teaching English in ChinaShanghai is the place for young ESL teachers who are interested in living in a city that never sleeps. This is a city that offers great diversity and contrast; alleys of the tallest and most modern buildings sprout almost on a weekly basis around 10th century temples and classical Chinese gardens. You can enjoy a meal at a street stall or dine in a designer restaurant.

Shanghai Transportation   Shanghai Restaurants

Teach English in Guangzhou, China

Teaching English in GuangzhouOverwhelming with energy, colour, size and lights, Guangzhou is favoured by young ESL teachers who are starting their English teaching careers abroad. Deeply influenced by Hong Kong, Guangzhou has turned into a modern, fast-paced cosmopolitan center. As the pictures below show, ESL teachers will also find tranquility and beauty near Guangzhou.

Guangzhou Transportation    Guangzhou Weather    Guangzhou RestaurantsRead: Teaching in Guangzhou

Teach English in Chengdu, China

Teach abroad in ChinaIn the rapidly growing city of Chengdu, glassy skylines mingle with wooden architecture and tree-lined streets. ESL teachers in Chengdu are close to some of China’s most beautiful natural treasures. Take a weekend trip to visit the Huanglong Valley, or go to the research base for giant panda breeding, Mount Quincheng. You will want to go back over and over again!

Chengdu Transportation   Chengdu Weather  Chengdu Restaurants


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