China is an extremely rewarding place to show, however what are the ten greatest cities to show English in China? With such a singular and assorted panorama, from the Himalayas to the Gobi Desert, from the Karst mountains, to vibrant and bustling cities, China has all of it!
With 56 distinct ethnic teams scattered throughout this huge panorama, the totally different cultures to see are unparalleled to wherever else.
Every area or metropolis has its personal particular delicacies. From duck in Beijing, to dim sum in Guangzhou, scorching pot in Chengdu, or lamb in Xinjiang, China is a foodie’s heaven. Being a rustic with a robust Buddhist affect means vegetarians should not dissatisfied both.
It’s no secret that China has been a powerhouse with regards to the TEFL/TESOL industries, however since covid, issues have been shaken up dramatically.
I’ve taught English in China for over six years each earlier than, throughout, and after the preliminary outbreak of covid. I first taught within the metropolis of Harbin, the place I obtained my TESOL certificates, earlier than shifting to Luoyang. My ultimate months in China had been spent dwelling within the metropolis of Sanya, on tropical Hainan Island.
On this full information, I’ll let you know all it’s essential find out about selecting the perfect metropolis to show English in China, what necessities there are, and a few helpful insider suggestions.
Can Foreigners Nonetheless Train English in China?
Sure, foreigners can most undoubtedly nonetheless educate English in China, and in reality, in some methods, now has by no means been a greater time to go. With many foreigners having left throughout the covid outbreak, there’s a extreme scarcity of lecturers, and salaries advantageously replicate this.
Sadly, the times of working few hours for prime pay in coaching facilities are over, because of the authorities’s ban on instructing English for revenue. Nonetheless, there are nonetheless loads of alternatives to show in kindergartens, excessive colleges, worldwide colleges, and universities.
There are new alternatives for instructing English mixed with sports activities, so when you have expertise in teaching basketball, soccer, (soccer), or some other sport, then there are many positions obtainable.
10 Finest Cities to Train English in China
Under you could find 10 of the easiest cities in China to show English. From the bustling capital, to lesser well-known, however no much less charming locations, you can be positive to seek out the right place to embark in your TEFL journey in China.
So, with out additional ado, let’s dive proper in and uncover the perfect locations to show English in China!
1. Beijing
Beijing is without doubt one of the high cities to show English in China because of its vibrant mixture of previous and new traditions, world-famous vacationer websites, and wonderful nightlife.
There are numerous colleges and universities throughout the capital providing instructing positions, and that is the place many individuals begin out their instructing careers in China.
One of many issues you possibly can take pleasure in throughout your day off is to discover the hutongs, that are slim alleyways the place folks have lived in shut proximity for hundreds of years.
Beijing is filled with cultural websites; from the Forbidden Metropolis and lakeside Summer time Palace, to the Lama Temple and way more.
Beijing is without doubt one of the few cities in China the place you could find cuisines from around the globe, so if you’re on the lookout for selection when consuming out, Beijing is the place to be.
Beijing is without doubt one of the best cities to seek out instructing jobs, and one can find that kindergartens are typically the highest recruiters. Working in a kindergarten is rather less glamorous than instructing at a highschool or college, and means additionally, you will tackle the function of “nanny”, which can not enchantment to some seeking to get began within the TEFL/TESOL discipline.
That being stated, because the capital, there are nonetheless loads of roles in center and better schooling. Phrase-of-mouth and WeChat teams are among the greatest methods to seek out work in Beijing. If you happen to can attain out to lecturers already within the metropolis, then your possibilities of discovering work can be excessive.
Be cautious of Chinese language recruitment brokers and make sure you do your individual analysis, as some firms are likely to function in a gray space, and might over-promise with out delivering.
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2. Luoyang
Luoyang was as soon as the capital of China throughout the Sui and Tang dynasties, and retains a lot of its imperial allure. It’s a small metropolis by Chinese language requirements, (with a inhabitants of round 7 million), so you possibly can anticipate a extra relaxed tempo of life right here compared to cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Luoyang is filled with cultural and pure wonders just like the unbelievable Longmen Grottoes; a sequence of stone carvings of the Buddha engraved into the hillside, the White Horse Temple, and close by Shaolin Temple; the birthplace of Kung-fu!
I lived in Luoyang for 5 years and located it an excellent metropolis to stay and work in.
There’s actually sufficient to maintain lecturers occupied throughout downtime, and its central location means visiting different locations in China could be very simple. Xi’an is simply 90 minutes away by quick prepare, and Beijing round 4 hours.
The expat scene in Luoyang is small, and also you gained’t discover many different cuisines other than Chinese language, however in the event you’re eager to get a really feel for the true China, then Luoyang is a superb choice!
Lecturers on the lookout for work right here can apply to Luoyang Regular College, which has a overseas instructing division. Maple Leaf is one other high employer within the metropolis, and there are numerous excessive colleges steadily on the lookout for lecturers.
As with Beijing, and most cities in China, word-of-mouth tends to be a good way of discovering positions. If you may make contact with lecturers within the metropolis, then you definitely stand an excellent likelihood of discovering employment.
3. Hangzhou
Hangzhou is one in every of China’s most lovely cities, and the most effective locations for instructing English in China.
The town is famed for West Lake, a big physique of water surrounded by hills and mountains. It’s in these hills that the world-famous Dragon Nicely Tea has been cultivated because the occasions of the emperors.
Hangzhou additionally has a contemporary metropolis middle with all of the leisure, eating choices and nightlife to maintain you entertained throughout your day off.
The town is simply 175km from Shanghai, and even nearer to a few of China’s well-known water cities resembling Wuzhen and Xitang. The town hosts many occasions all year long, together with live shows and festivals, yoga workshops, and extra.
As one of the crucial lovely cities in China, Hangzhou is vastly fashionable with overseas lecturers, and it’s simple to seek out work within the metropolis. Zhejiang College is a superb choice for these taking a look at instructing in larger schooling, and there are a number of excessive colleges and kindergartens at all times on the lookout for overseas lecturers, so examine the native Wechat teams for job postings.
4. Sanya
Sanya is China’s beachside paradise on Hainan Island; the southernmost province of China and nearer to Hanoi in Vietnam, than Beijing. Lecturers right here can anticipate year-round heat climate and loads of beachside actions, from snorkeling and diving, to browsing and boat journeys.
Sanya has some wonderful eating places. I can personally suggest Casa Mia, the perfect Italian restaurant in China, and the Dolphin Bar and Grill, which is a cool hangout for town’s expat scene that entertains with stay music most nights.
Some of the enjoyable issues to do round Sanya is to discover the plush jungle and mountains surrounding town. There are numerous nationwide parks inside simple attain the place you possibly can uncover the native wildlife, and in the event you’re fortunate, spot a clouded leopard or Chinese language cobra!
Having lived within the metropolis for six months, I can suggest Sanya as the most effective cities to show English in China. Excellent seashores, lush jungle, nice bars and eating places, and a thriving expat scene make this my primary alternative!
It’s no secret that many lecturers wish to head to Sanya to work and stay, however regardless of this curiosity, there are normally vacancies obtainable all year long.
As with Beijing, there are many kindergartens in Sanya at all times on the lookout for lecturers. Take a look at That’s Sanya on WeChat for job postings.
5. Chengdu
Chengdu is one other fashionable metropolis for foreigners instructing English in China. The town is famed as the house of the large panda, and you may go to these cute creatures on the Chengdu Breeding Middle. It’s wonderful to see the panda cubs messing round!
Chengdu is a contemporary metropolis with massive purchasing malls, eating places, loads of leisure, tradition, and a big expat scene.
There are many fascinating websites close by, such because the Leshan Big Buddha. Chengdu additionally makes a wonderful base for exploring the Tibetan Autonomous Area, which doesn’t require a particular allow to go to.
It’s simple to seek out instructing work in Chengdu given the scale of town and the numerous colleges and universities there. Chengdu College is an effective choice, and you may normally discover postings within the metropolis on Dave’s ESL Cafe.
As a tier 1 metropolis, you possibly can anticipate a excessive wage, much like Beijing and Shenzhen.
6. Guangzhou
Charming Guangzhou is unquestionably the most effective cities to show English in China, because of its wealthy tradition, tasty Cantonese meals, (the perfect dim sum in China is discovered right here!), and proximity to the coast.
Guangzhou advantages from year-round heat climate because of its southerly location, so you possibly can anticipate balmy evenings in brief sleeves, even in winter.
The ultra-modern middle is dominated by the Pearl River and the 600-meter Canton Tower. However if you wish to expertise nature away from town, Baiyun Mountain Park is only a 30-minute bus experience away.
Guangzhou is one other tier 1 Chinese language metropolis with loads of high-paying ESL jobs, making it the most effective cities to show English in China. A lot of alternatives exist for kindergarten, highschool and worldwide colleges resembling ISA Liwen.
☞ SEE ALSO: Educating English in Guangzhou – An Interview With an ESL Instructor
7. Xi’an
Xi’an is one other of China’s historic capitals and was the primary metropolis on the traditional Silk Highway that led the west into Europe. The town has an actual east meets west really feel to it, and that is most obvious alongside “Muslim Avenue” the place you possibly can pattern dishes from China’s far west Xinjiang area.
Xi’an is bursting with tradition and is thought around the globe because of the 1974 discovery of the Terracotta Military of Warriors and Horses.
The middle of town is dominated by the traditional defensive partitions, which kind a path stretching 14km across the metropolis, and is ideal for biking.
Xi’an sits on the central plains of China which means it has nice connections to the remainder of China, with Chengdu simply 4 hours away by quick prepare. Xi’an has a thriving bar scene with some nice faucet homes to check out. Be sure you go to Close to Wall Bar the place you possibly can see the brewery behind the bar!
The town is fashionable with foreigners on the lookout for the perfect cities to show English in China; there’s a big expat group, and loads of roles from public colleges, to universities, can be found.
8. Qingdao
Laid-back Qingdao is a seaside city on the east coast of the nation, and one other fashionable metropolis for instructing English in.
Qingdao has a protracted stretch of golden, sandy seashore excellent for cooling off in summer time. The town can also be house to the Tsing Tao Brewery, one in every of China’s hottest beers which is exported around the globe.
The town was as soon as occupied by the Germans, and retains structure from this era resembling St Michael’s Cathedral. There are many parks across the metropolis; from Zhongshan Park, to the gorgeous Laoshan Scenic Space which overlooks the Yellow Sea.
Qingdao has a decent-sized overseas instructor group with numerous alternatives. Salaries is perhaps a bit decrease than the top-tier cities, however the usual of dwelling is excessive, and residence leases are cheaper than in Beijing and Shanghai.
9. Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s monetary hub and affords a really excessive way of life for these wishing to stay and work within the metropolis. This does come at a value although, and you may anticipate to pay significantly extra for an residence in Shanghai than in among the much less well-known cities.
There are numerous alternatives for instructing in Shanghai; from kindergarten and public colleges, to universities. Wages are typically larger to replicate the excessive price of dwelling, however you’ll actually discover your cash doesn’t go as far right here.
For these on the lookout for a little bit of glitz and glamour, Shanghai is unquestionably an excellent choice for instructing English in China. You will discover many different foreigners within the metropolis, so you possibly can anticipate a greater social life right here than you’d discover in smaller locations.
There’s a lot to maintain you occupied in Shanghai. From strolling across the Bund, to ascending skyscrapers for a hen’s eye view of town. Shanghai additionally has among the greatest eating places in China, so town is a superb choice for meals fanatics!
10. Shenzhen
Shenzhen is one other bustling metropolis, and China’s know-how middle. As such, there are many alternatives right here for foreigners wanting to show English. The town is in an excellent location, with Hong Kong simply accessible through MTR, bus and boat.
As with Beijing and Shanghai, you possibly can look forward to finding a wide selection of consuming choices providing a variety of alternative. On weekends, you possibly can head to the close by seashores resembling at Huidong. Guangzhou is a brief prepare experience away and likewise makes for excellent day journeys from town.
Shenzhen is a vastly fashionable place to show English because of the excessive salaries and enormous overseas instructor group.
Easy methods to Discover Jobs Educating in China
Probably the greatest assets for locating English instructing jobs in China is Dave’s ESL Cafe. They’ve a complete job board devoted to China, and it was right here that I discovered my job in Luoyang which lasted for 5 years!
You can too attempt trying to find colleges on-line, however until you communicate Mandarin, or know they’ve a International Lecturers’ Supervisor, then contacting colleges straight will not be the best choice.
One other good way of discovering work is thru WeChat teams. WeChat is China’s reply to WhatsApp or Fb; a messaging and social media platform that may make your life a lot simpler in China.
Be a part of teams for town you might be pondering of shifting to, and one can find numerous jobs marketed.
TEFL firms resembling MyTEFL and English First are one other nice solution to discover job alternatives throughout China. Be cautious of Chinese language businesses as many function illegally. At all times examine your contract completely, and look out for crimson flags resembling wanting to maintain your passport, (which is unlawful!).
Professionals and Cons of Educating English in China
As with all job, there are each execs and cons to instructing English in China, nevertheless, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Professionals of Educating English in China
- Wage – you possibly can anticipate to be paid between $2,200 – $4,000 monthly with free or sponsored lodging
- Way of life – you possibly can take pleasure in a a lot larger way of life in China, and your cash will go loads additional
- Rewarding profession – instructing English in China could be vastly rewarding and one can find the college students typically very properly behaved
- Nice working hours – You’ll normally have free weekends to discover China’s fascinating tradition
- Journey alternatives – China is filled with fascinating cities, nationwide parks, seashores, mountains and extra
- Meals – one of many perks of dwelling in China is with the ability to attempt the totally different meals on supply
- Studying a language – ever wished to be taught one other language? Residing someplace is a sure-fire solution to grasp one other ability
- Tradition – from the tribes of Hainan Island, to the peoples of the north, you possibly can anticipate to expertise some unbelievable cultures
Cons of Educating English in China
- Zero covid coverage – lockdowns, quarantine, and restricted journey and so on are prone to final for the foreseeable future
- Being stared at – if it was unhealthy earlier than covid, it’s a complete lot worse now, as Chinese language folks are likely to assume each foreigner has it
- Shady employer practices – try to discover a college with a International Lecturers’ Supervisor who can bridge the hole between you and Chinese language administration
- Noise and air pollution – China is noisy, and relying on which metropolis you educate English in, could be very polluted in winter
Educating English in China Necessities
Listed below are among the foremost necessities to show ESL in China. The primary three are a very powerful.
- A notarized diploma certificates
- A clear prison document (from your own home nation and the final place you lived)
- English as a local language
- A Chinese language visa (that may then be canceled and changed with a “Z” work visa and resident’s allow).
- A TEFL or TESOL certificates (MyTEFL is a professional, inexpensive choice, use promo code GOATS50 for a 50% low cost)
- Educating expertise
It could or might not shock you that a lot of the above could be sidestepped for the proper value, (prison document examine and visa however for apparent causes).
I’d not recommend anybody work in China illegally as you can be fully by yourself if the authorities meet up with you. At the easiest, you possibly can anticipate to spend time in a Chinese language jail earlier than being deported; please make sure that necessities are revered.
FAQs About TEFL in China
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on TEFL in China.
Is there a Demand for English Lecturers in China?
There’s an enormous demand for English lecturers in China. The demand is so excessive the truth is that many firms function illegally to fulfill Chinese language mother and father’ demand for lecturers. Watch out about who you signal a contract with, and make sure the college is above board by asking for a replica of their license.
Which Metropolis is the Finest to Work in China?
That is fully subjective relying on the type of particular person you might be, and what you’re on the lookout for. I’m biased, however I can say with out a shadow of a doubt that the perfect metropolis to stay in, in China, is Sanya.
12 months-round scorching climate, lovely seashores, thriving nightlife, mountains, ethnic tribes, and contemporary seafood. I might go on all day… If you would like glitz and glamour then head to Shanghai, however don’t look forward to finding the true China there.
Beijing is an effective all-rounder and affords an honest quantity of genuine Chinese language tradition with a extra worldwide scene. And naturally, Luoyang, my house for 5 years, can also be an excellent place to stay.
Can I Train English in China with No Expertise?
Sure, it’s undoubtedly attainable to educate English with no expertise. Many faculties give on-the-job coaching, and ongoing efficiency opinions that can assist you enhance as a instructor. The extra expertise you achieve as you educate English in China, the upper your wage will change into.
Are English Lecturers Paid Nicely in China?
English lecturers in China are paid extremely properly. Because of the low price of dwelling, (outdoors of huge cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen), you’ll discover your cash goes a good distance. The common wage for an English instructor in China is $2,200 USD, plus an residence that’s paid for, or typically a subsidy to cowl dwelling preparations.
Because of the present scarcity of lecturers in China, it’s even attainable to earn as much as $4,000 monthly in among the bigger cities resembling Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Conclusion
I hope you could have discovered this information to the ten greatest cities to show English in China helpful. Whether or not you might be on the lookout for tradition, nightlife, meals or points of interest, every of those cities affords a lot for overseas lecturers making the transfer to China.
Whichever metropolis you select, you might be assured the expertise of a lifetime with a rewarding and enjoyable job, and the chance to actually expertise the nation’s wealthy tradition and historical past.
