A Guide to Teaching English in China
If the 20th Century was an American Century, then the 21st looks set to belong to China. But rather than making everyone else learn Chinese, they've decided to learn English, which is great news for TEFL teachers! There are an estimated 400 million people learning English in China, so the demand for English teachers is huge!
TEFL Opportunities in China
China has well and truly opened its doors to the world and thousands of people travel there every year in search of TEFL jobs. The restrictive bureaucracy of the past has lessened so getting the relevant work permits and finding a job and a place to stay is usually pretty straightforward.
TEFL Hotspots in China
These are our top three TEFL destinations in China. They all offer something a little different, but each have one thing in common: a high demand for TEFL teachers and lots of TEFL jobs.
TEFL Jobs in Beijing
Beijing is a bit of an obvious choice really. It is one of the key centers for international business and the demand for TEFL teachers is high. It is also a relatively easy place for Westerners to live in and there is a significant ex-pat community that will help you settle in.
TEFL Jobs in Shanghai
Shanghai was opened up to international trade back in 1842 by the Treaty of Nanking, and it hasn't looked back since. Shanghai now boasts the world's largest cargo port and is considered to be the most important financial and commercial centre in mainland China
TEFL Jobs in Kunming
Kunming is the capital of the southeastern province of Yunnan. As capital, the city is the political, economic, communications and cultural centre of the province and home to all the key economic, cultural, and educational institutions.
Wages and Cost of Living
Obviously that depends on your level of training, how much experience you have and where you're teaching. With a respected TEFL certificate and little or no previous experience you can expect to earn around 3,500RMB a month (£330 or US$500). That would rise to nearer 9,000RMB (£850 or US$1300) for more experienced teachers. Unless you choose to rent a penthouse apartment in the coolest part of downtown Hong Kong, Beijing or Shanghai, China is a very cheap place to live.
Talk China - Join in the conversation...
China Recent discussions
- August 2012 china
Created about 7 hours ago
Yeah I am Amanda... I went to high school there! I don't really live near there but I went to...
- Advice for newbies (Z visa, contract, salary, visa process..)
Created about 3 days ago
As of perhaps a month ago, today is 2/5/2012 China now requires a BA for a Z visa. Good thing...
- Do we book our flights before our visa application???
Created about 3 days ago
Hey there :) I'd probably say theres no rush in getting your flight tickets as they usually tend to stay at...
- Hong Kong or Guangdong
Created about 9 days ago
Hello, Does anyone have any experience and/or advice with teaching in either Hong Kong or Guangdong?
- EF Tangshan, Hebei Province
Created about 23 days ago
Ali!! are you teaching at EF Tangshan??, I am too!, not sure when I'm arriving.
Recent journals
- Aloha
Posted 09 Feb 2012
Alooooooha! Kara I just wanted to write you an email and let you know I PASSED! YIIIPPIIIIEEE!!And to thank you personally...
- Age is a Concern
Posted 09 Feb 2012
Can anyone give me some idea what the chances are of working in Europe or Asia beyond the age of...
- friends?????
Posted 09 Feb 2012
why can't I see my friends when I go to view my friends??Can any one help?????
- Day 11: Everyone should get a massage in China at least once
Posted 09 Feb 2012
I decided to indulge myself and get a backrub. They are very cheap here and I had heard good things....
- Unsure what to do...
Posted 09 Feb 2012
So I've blatantly bored/annoyed the hell out of the Chalkboard community already by demanding advice on what I should be...
