Known commonly as the "Paris of the East," Shanghai is the fastest-growing city in China and is quickly becoming a commercial centre of the world. There are plenty of highly paid teaching opportunities for those who want to teach English in China — especially experienced teachers who can teach Business English. Shanghai is the perfect city for those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene and want a cosmopolitan base with an array of Western comforts.
Great benefits
If you teach English in Shanghai, most employers offer accommodation and a shuttle to and from school. This is a real perk given the congested traffic and overcrowded buses — routes are challenging to figure out and drivers usually only speak Chinese. That said, the transport system is cheap and most teachers figure out the routes after a few months.
Great city life
Modern, vibrant architecture meets Old World China in this fast-paced city. Join the crowds at the Bund, a walkway that showcases the city's modern bright buildings along the Huangpu River. To escape the crowds, spend a quiet day at the Yu Garden, a Zen garden built with classical-period buildings by a Ming-dynasty government officer for his family in the 1500s.
One of the best reasons to teach in Shanghai is the food. If you're not sure what to order, many new TESOL teachers recommend the city's food tours for an in-depth introduction. UnTour is one of the most popular — it takes you into parts of the city most foreigners never see.
Add a Business English specialist to your TEFL
Shanghai's market leans heavily on corporate language training and in-company programs. Pair OnTESOL's 120-hr TEFL with the Teaching Business English (TBEC) specialist to arrive interview-ready for the city's highest-paying roles. Both are TESL Canada recognized and ACCET accredited — the documentation pairing China's Z visa requires.
View Business English Course →Shop for cheap
If you want quality clothes on the cheap, head to East Nanjing Road. This part of the city mixes local, decades-old shops with international stores. Look out for the Chinese calligraphy shops for a more authentic souvenir. Haggling in market stalls is commonplace and even expected, so don't be shy. Most locals don't speak English, so bring a Chinese-speaking friend or brush up before you go.