ESL Job
in China

China has the world’s biggest population and its third biggest economy.

As it continues to open itself up to the world, there’s been a huge increase in demand for ESL teachers. Learning to speak the global language offers local people increased chances of finding work and the prospect of a brighter future.

All the Essentials:
Details about i-to-i ESL jobs in China

Earn as much as 6,200RMB ($900*) each month and your employer will even provide accommodation... for free! You’ll also get free Chinese lessons, flexible timetables, lots of vacation and the chance to earn a month’s bonus! Get ready to enjoy a new life in China… apply today!

Details

• Salary: Earn up to 6,200RMB ($900*) each month.
• Bonus: 700RMB - 7,900RMB bonus on successful completion of contract.
• Accommodation: Furnished private bedroom in shared, rent-free accommodation.
• Locations: Changchun, Dalian, Shenyang, Dandong, Pulandian, Tangshan, Yantai, Linyi, Weifang, Zibo, Dongying, Qingdao, Jinan, Lianyungang, Xuzhou, Hefei, Wenzhou, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Xiangfan, Wuhan, Taiyuan, Chongqing, Guiyang, Mianyang, Chengdu, Xining, Lanzhou, Yinchuan, Erdos, Hohhot, Yulin, Ankang, Yan'an, Hanzhong, Xingping, Xianyang, Xi'an, Weinan, Yanliang, Tongchuan, Baoji.
  
  The offer of a job depends on your qualifications, so we can’t guarantee that you’ll end up in your first-choice. However, if you express a preference we’ll do our utmost to try and get you a job offer there.
• Contract length: 6, 7.5, 12, 13.5 months
• Departure Dates: September & March (6 or 12 month contracts); January & July (7.5 or 13.5 month contracts).
• Student age range: From 4 to 50 years of age.
• Chinese lessons: Chinese classes, taken by a qualified Chinese teacher, are included in the package provided by the school.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

Requirements

i-to-i's overseas partner has set the following requirements for all candidates:

• Native English speaker – you must have a native English passport (UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA or Canada). South Africa is also accepted, as English is the first language.
• ESL-certified (100-hour or 120-hour ESL course recommended).
• Holder of a university degree.

Teaching and Employment

• What age and level of students will I be teaching?
  While most students are aged between 4 and 15 years, you should be able to teach a variety of age groups and levels.
• How many students will there be in each class?
  No more than 18.
• How long are the classes?
  Usually 2 hours long with a mid-way break.
• Are there teaching resources available?
  All schools have plenty of resources available, but it’s always a good idea to bring some pictures of your home country, family and friends.
• Will I be teaching alone or team teaching?
  Children’s classes will usually have a Chinese teacher present, while you’ll usually be alone with higher level children and adult students. Your manager and other teachers will, however, be on hand to offer help and advice.
• What kind of school will I be teaching in?
  A private language institute.
• How much will I be paid?
  Your monthly salary will depend on your weekly hours as follows:
  • 15 hrs: 3500RMB
  • 20 hrs: 5000RMB
  • 25 hrs: 6200RMB
  Your salary will be paid into your local bank account in RMB. You will be helped to set this up when you arrive.
  
  The cost of living is approximately 3000RMB ($440*) per month (please note that this is a guide only).
• Do I receive a bonus or flight re-imbursement?
  Depending on the length of your contract, you will receive 700RMB - 7,900RMB upon its successful completion.
• How many days holiday will I receive per year?
  On a 12 or 13.5 month contract, you’ll get two weeks’ unpaid holiday, while a 6 or 7.5 month contract offers one week’s vacation. You’ll also get 6 unpaid days for Spring Festival and 10 Chinese National holidays per year.
• What are my working hours?
  It’s your choice: either 25 hours, 20 hours of 15 hours each week; you’ll be expected to teach some evening and weekend classes. If you work for 25 hours, you’ll have 2 non-consecutive days off each week, on a 20-hour contract you’ll work for 3-4 days a week, while on a 15-hour contract it’ll only be 2-3 days.
• Can I renew my contract?
  Possibly, but you should discuss this with your school.
• What happens if I need to break my contract?
  Your visa is linked to your contract, so your stay would become illegal. You’d also lose your right to a bonus and any other related payments.
• What will my accommodation be like?
  The will be provided with a free private room in fully furnished accommodation. You’ll usually share with other English teachers.
• When should I book my flights?
  You’ll have to purchase and book your own flights, but it’s best to wait until your teaching contract is signed.
• Who is my contract with?
  Your contract will be with your employer: the language school or institute. It will not be with i-to-i or with our overseas partner. If you have any problems while on working, you’ll have to take them up with the employer themselves, rather than i-to-i.
• What visa do I need?
  Our in-country partner will help you with the visa requirements and application. This is partly why the job requirements are so important: some are also essential requirements for the visa.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

Recommended Training

While you can find work with limited ESL skills, our in-country partners suggest taking our top courses, the 100-hour Online ESL Course or the 120-hour Weekend ESL Course to give you the best chance of finding a good job. This will qualify you for more specialised and challenging ESL jobs with higher salaries.