Teaching English in China

China is the most populous country on the planet with a booming economy that continues to rise. With its rise, the demand for TEFL teachers has increased massively as locals are eager to learn English in order to improve and improve their opportunities at home. Speaking English can mean a better life and future for locals living in China.

Recommended Training

While you can find a teaching job with basic TEFL skills, our in-country partners recommend our top-level courses in order to find you the best job abroad!

• 100-hour Online TEFL Course
• 120-hour Weekend TEFL Course

A top level course will increase your prospects, as you’ll qualify for more specialised and challenging TEFL jobs with higher salaries.

The Employment Basics

• Salary: Earn up to 6,200RMB ($900*) a month.
• Requirements: You must be a native English speaker and have a university degree
• Contract Lengths: 6 - 13 months

How to Apply

1. Get in touch with us

• If you don’t have a TEFL qualification, give us a call on 800-352-1793.
• If you’re already TEFL qualified, send us your details and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.

2. We’ll provide you with all the details you need to start your application

3. Our in-country partners will then begin their search for your dream job!

Please note: The job placement service does not guarantee that an applicant will be offered a position. A job offer will be made providing you meet the initial requirements, successfully pass any interview process and that a suitable position is matched to your profile.
i-to-i UK Limited is acting as an employment agency for the purposes of the job placement service.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

What can you expect in China?

• Salary: Earn up to 6,200RMB ($900*) a month.
• Bonus: 700RMB - 7,900RMB bonus on successful completion of contract.
• Accommodation: Private bedroom in rent-free fully furnished shared 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.
  
  Not every location will be available to every teacher as placement in the schools will depend on your qualifications, and although you can express a preference we cannot guarantee that your job offer will be in the city of your choice.
• 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: 4-50 years old.
• Chinese lessons: Free Chinese classes in the school provided by a qualified Chinese teacher.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

Requirements for China

i-to-i's Overseas Partner requires that all candidates meet the following criteria:

• Native English speaker. Must be a holder of a native English passport eg. UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada. South African with English being the first language is also accepted.
• TEFL qualification (100-hour or 120-hour TEFL course recommended).
• University degree holder.

Frequently asked questions about teaching in China

1. What age and level of students will I be teaching?

You will need to be prepared to teach all levels and all age groups. Most students are aged 4-15.

2. How many students will there be in each class?

There will be a maximum of 18 students per class

3. How long are the classes?

Most classes are 2 hours long with a break in the middle

4. Are there teaching resources available?

Yes, institutes are well-resourced. You may also like to take photos and pictures of your home country, family and friends.

5. Will I be teaching alone or team teaching?

For most of the children's classes there is a Chinese teacher in the class working with you. For higher level children and most adult classes you'll be working alone. However, you will have the guidance and support of other teachers and your manager.

6. What kind of school will I be teaching in?

You will teach in a private language institute.

Frequently asked questions about employment in China

1. How much will I be paid?

Your monthly salary will depend on the number of hours you choose to work a week as follows:

• 15 hrs: 3500RMB
• 20 hrs: 5000RMB
• 25 hrs: 6200RMB

You will be paid in RMB into your local bank account (you will be assisted in setting this up on arrival.) The tax rate is 0-10%.

The cost of living is approximately 3000RMB ($440*) per month (please note that this is a guide only).

2. Do I receive a bonus or flight re-imbursement?

You will receive a bonus of 100 - 1150 USD on successful completion of your contract. (This bonus increases with project length and contracted hours.)

3. How many days holiday will I receive per year?

You will receive two weeks unpaid vacation for 13.5 / 12 month contracts and one week unpaid vacation for 6 / 7.5 month contracts. There are short end of term breaks for those on 13.5 / 12 month contracts. There are also 6 unpaid days for Spring Festival and 10 Chinese National holidays per year.

4. What are my working hours?

You can choose whether you work a 25 hour week, a 20 hour week or a 15 hour week. Each contract requires you to work up to 8 hours on both Saturdays and Sundays. Some classes are held in the evening. The number of days off you'll have depends heavily on the contract you sign. A 15 hour teacher will only work 2-3 days a week. A 20 hour teacher will only work 3-4 days a week. A 25-hour teacher will have 2, non-consecutive days off a week.

5. Can I renew my contract?

Your contract may be extendable; you would need to discuss this with your school.

6. What happens if I need to break my contract?

As the work visa has been applied for by the school, to break the contract would directly cause your stay to be illegal. You would lose your bonus and any other related payments.

7. What will my accommodation be like?

You will have a private room in rent-free fully furnished accommodation, usually shared with other English teachers.

8. When should I book my flights?

It is your responsibility to book and pay for your flights, and to arrive in good time for your flight. We advise you refrain from booking your flights until you have signed your teaching contract.

9. Who is my contract with?

The contract you sign will be with the language school or institute that you will be teaching at, not with i-to-i or with our overseas partner.

10. What visa do I need?

Our in-country partner will advise on the visa process and requirements for this. It is important that you meet all the requirements outlined for the placement as some or all of these may be essential requirements to get the correct working visa.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

100 Hour Online and 120 Weekend TEFL course

i-to-i's overseas partner requires that all applicants have a TEFL qualification to apply for the positions. If you need to get TEFL qualified, i-to-i's 100 Hour Online and 120 Weekend TEFL courses are our most comprehensive TEFL courses, providing you with in-depth TEFL training. Not only will you receive in-depth theory training, but also specialist courses for every teaching situation. Increasing the number of hours of study will also give you more confidence, make your CV more attractive and maximize your earning potential.

Choosing the 120-Hour Weekend TEFL course also adds practical training your certification!

• Internationally Recognised Certificate
• 20 hour Weekend TEFL Course*
• 20 hour Specialist Certificate in Grammar
• 40 hour Online Course
• Video & audio tutorials
• Personal 1 to 1 tutor support
• Lifetime Access to Teaching Helpdesk
• 40 hours in 8 Specialist Certificates

*Not included in the 100-hour Online TEFL Course