TEFL Travel Guide: China
春节快乐 - Happy Lunar New Year!
China has long been one of the most popular destinations for TEFL teachers, and for good reason. With a huge demand for English, competitive salaries, rich culture, and the chance to explore one of the world’s oldest civilisations, teaching English in China can be both a career boost and a life-changing adventure. If you’re considering teaching in China, here’s what you need to know about TEFL requirements, finding work, and what life is really like.
TEFL Requirements
China has clear visa and employment requirements for foreign English teachers. While specific rules can vary slightly by region, most schools and employers require a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours, a clean criminal background check, and native or near-native English proficiency. The degree does not need to be in education or English, but it is essential for obtaining a legal work visa (Z visa). The TEFL certificate should be accredited and cover lesson planning, classroom management, and grammar instruction. In addition, teachers must complete a basic medical check as part of the visa and residence permit process.
Finding Work in China
China offers a wide range of teaching opportunities, including public schools, private language centres, international schools, universities, and kindergartens. When searching for a job, it is important to use reputable recruiters and websites, apply early (especially before the spring and autumn semesters), and carefully review contracts for salary, working hours, housing, and holiday entitlements. Good employers often provide visa support, housing, and guidance to help teachers settle in smoothly.
Teaching in China provides a unique combination of professional growth and cultural immersion. Salaries are competitive, and many contracts include benefits such as free or subsidised housing, flight reimbursement, paid holidays, and health insurance.
Life in China
Culturally, China is rich and diverse. From bustling modern cities to ancient temples and scenic landscapes, there is always something to explore. Regional cuisines offer endless culinary experiences, and everyday life, shopping, using transport, and interacting with locals, becomes a practical lesson in language and culture. The cost of living is relatively low, particularly outside major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, allowing teachers to live comfortably, travel, and even save money.
In the classroom, students are generally respectful and highly motivated, with parents placing a strong emphasis on education. Teachers who bring creativity and enthusiasm are especially valued.
While rewarding, teaching and living in China comes with its challenges. Language barriers outside the classroom, cultural differences, restricted internet access, and busy schedules, especially in private language centres, can take adjustment. However, most teachers find these challenges manageable, and many view them as part of the adventure of living and working abroad.
China combines professional development, travel opportunities, cultural immersion, and financial benefits in a way few other countries can. Whether you are a newly qualified TEFL teacher or an experienced educator, the demand for English teachers, competitive salaries, and rich experiences make it an ideal destination. With the right preparation and TEFL certification, teaching English in China can be not just a job, but a global adventure.
