Teaching English in China- The Ultimate Guide.

Do you want to teach English in China? Here you will find 5 steps to help you start teaching English in China.

Less than one year ago, I was where I guess you are now, thinking of maybe becoming a teacher in China. The idea of teaching English in China excited me, especially as someone who loves to travel. However, the lack of information about life as a teacher in China was holding me back.

I spent hours of my days trying to find answers to my (one billion) questions or someone who could help me by sharing their own experience with me. But I struggled to find just that.

Don’t get me wrong, I found many companies, agencies and older people who previously lived as teachers in China, but I could not find someone who had just graduated university or who was still young and new to their experience in China. And that’s really what inspired me to write this guide.

I hope this guide helps anyone who is considering teaching English in China. I hope it answers all your questions. And if it doesn’t don’t be afraid to reach out to me with your questions, I would only love to help you along your journey.

So, if you are where I was not so long ago, keep reading. Everything you need to know about teaching English in China will be found in the steps below.

And if you never plan on teaching English in China, but are just reading this out of curiosity, I hope you enjoy it.

This guide is broken into 5 main steps, so you don’t need to read it all if you don’t want to. You can easily just skip to the parts you want more information on.  

Table of Contents:

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Step 1: Why teach English in China?

The first step in becoming an English teacher in China is understanding why you should teach English in China. So far, teaching English in China has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had, and it could be for you too.

Why should you teach English in China? There are many reasons why you should choose to teach English in China. Below are some of my favourite reasons:

• Cultural immersion and travel opportunities.
• Competitive salaries and benefits.
• Cost of living.
• Personal and professional growth.
• Friendships.

Cultural Immersion and Travel Opportunities

Firstly, and the most attractive reason for me was that China provides you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely new culture, along with endless opportunities to travel. Not only are you open to travel all of Chinas wonderful cities, from Beijing to Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guilin and Hong Kong, where you can explore everything from ancient temples to cutting-edge skyscrapers. But, you also have Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and so many more beautiful countries right on your doorstep (and with cheap flights too!).

Competitive Salaries and Benefits

Beyond immersing yourself in a new culture and opening your opportunities to travel, you can also live a very happy life financially as a teacher in China. One of the biggest perks of teaching English in China is the competitive salary, which often comes with great benefits. Many schools offer free or subsidized housing, flight reimbursements, and paid holidays, allowing you to save a significant portion of your income.

The Cost of Living

Don’t get me started on the comparisons of the cost of living here compared to back home. The cost of living here is so much lower. I was a fully qualified full-time teacher at home, and I was still living paycheck to paycheck most months as the cost of living at home had unfortunately gone so high. In China, I pay my rent, bills, eat out multiple times a week, travel and most definitely spoil myself, and I never have to worry about my financial situation.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Dublin (including rent) is 108.7% higher than living in Shenzhen!!! And I well believe it. We can eat out in a fancy restaurant here and pay €10-€15 per person including drinks (and that’s considered expensive!).

Personal and Professional Growth

And lastly teaching English in China offers incredible opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Personally, you will be stepping completely out of your comfort zone moving to China, adapting to a completely new culture, new language, new lifestyle (new food!). It’s a completely new world.  So far, I have built great confidence in myself, resilience and a deeper understanding of the world.

Professionally you will be gaining international work experience, building new skills such as cross-cultural communication (imagine how much you can stand out in future interviews saying you worked in an environment surrounded by no English, just the Chinese language). You also build flexibility and all of the skills gained from teaching such as classroom management, behaviour management, planning, organisation… and so on. The list of professional skills you gain is endless.

All of this new personal and professional growth can open many doors for future opportunities.

Step 2: Fulfil the basic requirements to teach in China

Secondly, you need to fulfil some basic requirements and qualifications before you can become an English teacher in China.

Basic requirements to teach English in China:

• A bachelor’s degree
• TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification.
• Native or near-native fluency in English
• Criminal Background Check/ Police Clearance Certificate

1. A Bachelor’s degree

To qualify for a legal work visa, a bachelor’s degree is necessary to work as an English teacher in China. However, you can have a degree in any subject. A degree in education is not necessary, but it can provide you with a better position or better pay maybe.

For example, I have a degree in the field of education, and my partner doesn’t. Both of us secured jobs in China no problem. I just had the opportunity to start on a higher rate of pay. But this is not always the case.

2. TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification.

Most employers in China require a teaching qualification such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), or CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). A minimum of 120 hours is generally the standard for these certifications.

We got our TEFL certification through The TEFL Institute of Ireland.

I could not recommend TEFL.ie enough. My partner had a small issue with his certificate. It stated TEFL Ireland rather than UK (because he went through their Irish website). Because he is from the UK he could not get the Irish version of the document apostilled in the UK (more info on this in step 4). However, one very quick call with the staff in TEFL.ie and they changed it for him and sent the updated certificate in less than 30 minutes.

Therefore, a quick tip, if you live in Ireland make sure you purchase the course through the Irish site here.

And if you live in the UK or USA (or anywhere else for that matter), make sure you purchase the course through here.

NOTE- You can secure your teaching job in China before you complete your TEFL course. You just have to have it completed before you apply for your work permit (step 4).

3. Native or near-native fluency in English

Many schools prefer native speakers from countries like the US, Ireland, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. However, near-native speakers with excellent language skills and the right qualifications can still find opportunities. This is because the demand for English teachers in China is still going strong. The country continues to put a huge emphasis on English education across all age groups.

4. Criminal background check/Police Certificate

A criminal background check, or police clearance certificate, is a document showing you have no serious criminal record. It’s required to teach English in China and helps you meet visa and employment regulations in China.

Here’s how to apply for a criminal background check in Ireland and the UK:

Ireland

1. Apply for a Police Certificate through your local Garda Station. Bring a completed application form, photo ID, and proof of address.
2. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to process and is free of charge. For quicker processing it is worth mentioning it’s for an overseas job application. I received mine exactly 14 days after I applied.

UK

1. Apply for a “Basic Disclosure” through the UK government website. The application process is available online. You’ll need ID and proof of address.
2. Processing typically takes up to 14 days. Unlike in Ireland, you will pay a fee for this. It costs £18. However, on a good note in the UK, you can actually apply for an express service and receive it within 2 days (but you pay more for this service).

Step 3- Find a teaching job in China

If you understand why you should teach English in China, and you fulfil the requirements to teach English in China, then it is time for you to find a teaching job in China.

First, I recommend you research and understand the types of teaching jobs you can apply for in China. Then think about which city you would like to teach in, for me it was Shenzhen. And finally, go find that job!  

Key points to consider when finding a teaching job in China:

• The types of teaching jobs in China
• Popular cities for teaching English in China
• How to find a teaching job in China

The Types of Teaching Jobs in China

There are many different types of teaching jobs available in China. It is a personal choice which you prefer. However, you should consider things such as the age you are comfortable teaching or the level you can teach. The pay and the working hours should also be considered.

Here is a list of the different types of teaching jobs available in China:

• Kindergartens (Younger learners)
• Public Schools (Primary & Secondary age)
• Private Language Schools (Training Centres- Evening and weekend work)
• International Schools (High standards/Teaching qualifications needed)
• Universities
• Online Teaching Platforms

I advise you to research the different types of schools to see what you would prefer.

However if you like working with young children (1-6 year olds) then Kindergarten is a good option for you. If you prefer to work with children who are a little older, and have a basic understanding of English then maybe Primary or Secondary school is more suited for you.

At home I taught teenagers, but I ended up getting offered a kindergarten job in China. My youngest class being 1–3-year-olds (nursery) and my older class being 3–4-year-olds (K-1). At first, I thought there was no way I could teach children so young. But now I am glad I accepted that offer. Teaching young kids how to speak English, is so rewarding.

I’m not going to say it’s easy, it can be exhausting some days. But when you see your kids, who can barely speak Chinese yet, speak English, it makes the tough days worth it.

Popular cities for teaching English in China

Choosing which city to teach in is solely a personal decision and it really depends on your lifestyle preferences, financial goals, and desired cultural experience.

Additionally, factors like climate, the cost of living and expat communities can impact your decision, so consider which aspects align best with your priorities for a fulfilling teaching experience.

There are many cities to choose from in China, each with their own benefits:

• Beijing: Cultural and historical capital. Higher salaries and higher cost of living.
• Shanghai: Modern, cosmopolitan life with plenty of Western amenities.
• Shenzhen: Young, modern, tech hub with a fast-paced vibe and an active expat community.
• Chengdu: Known for its laid-back vibe and affordability. 
• Guangzhou: A blend of traditional and modern life. 
• Smaller Cities: Lower cost of living, but fewer expat communities. 

We chose to teach in Shenzhen. We didn’t want to live in a main city such as Beijing or Shanghai as it can be more expensive, although the pay for teachers can be higher in these larger cities.

While Shenzhen is more affordable than the bigger cities, it still offers a great quality of life. The cost of housing, transportation, and dining out is more reasonable compared to these larger cities (allowing us to live beyond our means and still save money!).

Finding a teaching job in China

Once you understand the types of jobs available, and have chosen the city you would like to work in, go find a teaching job in China, you can do so in any of the following ways:

• Popular online job boards: Dave’s ESL Cafe, Teach Away, GoAbroad.com.
• Networking and social media platforms (LinkedIn/ Indeed/ Facebook groups)
• Direct applications to schools and language centres.

If you would like more information on how I found my job, feel free to send me an email or reach out to me on social media. I would be more than willing to share this information with you.  

Step 4- Apply for your work permit and Z-Visa 

 Ok so once you meet the basic requirements and have secured a job, you can move onto obtaining your visa and work permit to teach English in China.

This is the part that really stressed me out at the time, because I had no idea what the correct steps were, how long it was going to take or what I was doing. But in the end, it was actually quite simple, if I just had some clear steps and timeline to follow.

So don’t stress (like I did), I am going to tell you exactly what you need to have, what you need to do, and how it works (just please do not leave it all until the last minute before moving to China like we did).

Visa Requirements

• Z-Visa (Work Visa):

To legally work in China as a teacher, you’ll need to secure a Z-Visa, which is the work visa for foreign employees. This process involves several steps (outlined in detail below) including securing a job offer first, then receiving an invitation letter from your employer, followed by applying for the visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.

• Legal Documentation:

Part of the visa process includes providing various documents such as a criminal background check and a medical examination. The background check must typically be authenticated, and the medical exam may be completed either before or after arriving in China. We had our medical examination on arrival in China. But your employer or agency will explain which is necessary for your situation.

Work Permit and Z-Visa Application Process

I have broken this process down into small steps, to make it easy for you to get your work permit and Z-Visa.

1. Gather the required documents
2. Authenticate your documents
3. Send authenticated documents to your Chinese employer
4. Apply for work permit
5. Receive work permit
6. Apply for Z-Visa
7. Receive Z-Visa

1. Gather the required documents

You need to have all of your documents gathered- that is:

• Your Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (a notarised copy)
• Your TEFL certificate (original)
• Police clearance certificate (original)

Note:

Regarding a notarised copy of your degree, it is a copy of the original certificate you received when you graduated from college/university. Then you must bring the copy and original bachelor’s degree to a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths. They will verify that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original document and provide a notarisation (an official stamp and signature).

2. Authenticate your Documents

You need to get your documents authenticated with an Apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in your home country (or the country the documents were received in).

In Ireland: You can submit your documents in person or by post to the Department of Foreign Affairs – Consular Section.

• In person: Visit the DFA office in Dublin or Cork.
• By post: Send the documents, along with the Apostille Application Form and a self-addressed envelope for the return of your document.
• You can find the office opening hours here along with information on postal services.

In Ireland, if you go to the office, you will wait there and receive your authenticated documents back on the same day– this is what I done. However, if you send the documents via post, I would give it a week to get back to you.

If you are in the UK, you do not get your documents back on the same day, it takes 2-3 Business days to get them back so make sure you factor this into your timeline.

Note- if you are in the UK, you can get your documents notarised and authenticated all at once (step 1 + step 2) via an online service. There are many to choose from. My partner used Hague Apostille and he had all of his documents back within 3 days.

3. Send your authenticated documents to your employer in China

Once all of your documents are authenticated/apostilled, you then send the authenticated documents to your recruiter in China (your employer will explain to you how to do this).

4. Apply for Work Permit

Your employer in China will apply for your Work Permit, once you have sent them all your authenticated documents.

5. Receive your work permit.

Your employer in China will send you a copy of your Work Permit once they receive it. It can take up to 2 weeks.

6. Apply for Z-Visa

As soon as you receive you work permit, you will go to the Chinese Embassy in your country, to apply for your Z-visa. Be sure to check out the opening hours before you go.

Below are the opening hours for both Ireland and the UK (updated November 2024). However I advise you double check that no changes were made before you go.

Ireland: Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00—12:00 (Holidays are excluded). Address: 118 Merrion Road, Dublin, Ireland.

Uk: Opening hours: 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00, Monday-Friday (except British and Chinese Holidays). Address: 49 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL, UK.

7. You receive your Visa.

It can take 5 working days to receive your visa once you apply at the embassy.

However, if you opt for express service, it may take two to three working days, but this usually comes with an additional fee (I went for the express service to get my visa quicker and I had it within 3 working days).

Once you have your working visa (Z-Visa), you can travel to China!!

Estimate timeline for the work permit and visa process.

This is really the longest and in my opinion the most difficult part of becoming an English teacher in China. I advise you to give yourself lots of time and have patience with this step and it will all come together.

Below is an estimated timeline for the work permit and visa process. (However, I can not tell you how long it will take for you personally, this is just a guide from my own research and experience to help you see how it may unfold).

Estimated Timeline:

• Gather documents- One day
• Get documents Apostilled and send to your recruiter/employer in China- One to Seven days (depending on your country and depending on whether you go in person to the office or post the documents to the office- check the details on authenticating your documents in the section above).
• Wait for your recruiter to send you back your work permit- up to 3 weeks
• Go to the Chinese Embassy, apply for Visa- Receive the visa 3-5 working days later
• Leave for China- any day after this process is completed and you have your Z-Visa.

So, I would recommend that you give yourself roughly 4-5 weeks from start to finish for this process if you want it to be a stress free process.

(Please do not leave it until literally the last 4 weeks before you go- unlike us running around like headless chickens trying to get it sorted in time before we left for China).

Step 5- Prepare to become an English teacher in China

If you have carried out all of the steps above, then all that is left is to prepare yourself to move to China as well as prepare to become an English teacher in China.

Below are some of my tips to help you with this preparation:

• Gather necessary documents
• Pack wisely
• Learn basic mandarin
• Download key apps
• Familiarise yourself with Chinese traditions/customs
• Pack teaching necessities
• Get inspired

Gather Necessary Documents

You need to have your passport (within date of at least 6 months), Z-Visa, Criminal background check, copy of your degree and medical examination records if you needed an exam before departure.

Pack Wisely

Prescription medications, toiletries and comforts from home (I regret not bringing more skincare from home, so if you use certain products that you love, make sure you pack them!). Regarding clothes, pack for the climate appropriately (Shenzhen is a lot hotter than I expected), and don’t overpack as you can get endless amounts of clothing in China at good prices.

Learn some basic mandarin

Yes you do need it, I had zero words on arrival and was quite shocked at how little English there is in China. Duolingo can be a good start to get familiar with the language, but to be honest it did not teach me how to have a conversation in Chinese. If you want to be able to communicate with people in China, I highly recommend using Pimsleur, which helped me learn the basics of conversational Mandarin very quickly (and you can keep levelling up at your own pace!).

Download Key Apps

Install apps like WeChat (for communication and payments), Didi (for taxis), and Alipay (for cashless payments). VPN services are necessary to access certain websites, like Google, Instagram and Facebook, which are restricted in China.

Chinese traditions and customs

Familiarise yourself with Chinese traditions and customs. One thing we learned very quickly was to respect the correct use of chopsticks- do not stick chopsticks upright in rice. This gesture is considered highly disrespectful because it resembles the practice of placing incense sticks upright in sand or rice during funerals. They believe sticking the chopsticks upright resembles an image of mourning and death. I found this so interesting.

Another key thing to point out is the toilet situation. Most public toilets are not like the toilets we have at home, it is more of a ‘hole in the ground’ style toilet- so be prepared for that. I was shocked when we arrive at the airport and I could not find what looked like a western toilet. Oh, and the toilet roll situation– you will very seldom find toilet roll in public bathrooms when you are out and public, so be prepared, I always carry some tissues in my handbag.

Other things to remember is the Chinese really respect their elders and they like to avoid making loud noise on public transport but equally be prepared for a completely different understanding of personal space. Queuing in a manner similar to back home is a rare sight, and people are often happy to stand shoulder to shoulder with one another in busy areas. However, don’t take this personally, or feel it’s in anyway disrespectful. It’s simply just a result of a country bustling with people!

Pack teaching necessities

In my opinion, a laptop, a USB stick and a teacher planner/diary are necessary when becoming a teacher in China. A laptop is needed to plan classes, where I recommend having a Microsoft Office 365 account so you can use Word and PowerPoint.

A USB stick is very useful for saving PowerPoints, songs and videos on and then you can easily bring it to your classes and plug it into the computer.

A planner or a diary makes life so much easier as a teacher. You can quickly jot down a plan for the week and see what classes you have and what you plan to teach each day (It also makes me feel so much more organised even on the days that I am not).  

Get Inspired

Have a look at how others teach English as a foreign language and take some ideas and inspiration from them. You can find lotsssss of channels on YouTube dedicated to teaching English as a foreign language. And if you are teaching young kids Super Simple Songs is a great place to find fun songs to engage your learners (the children love getting the opportunity to sing and dance!). On their website you can also find lots of free resources like worksheets, crafts and games that you can use in your class.

Conclusion

Teaching English in China offers a unique blend of personal and professional growth, cultural immersion, and adventure.

With so many cities to choose from, a wide range of job opportunities, and a fascinating cultural landscape, it’s a fantastic path for those looking to experience life abroad.

As you consider this journey, remember that thorough preparation—from gathering necessary documents to understanding local customs—will set you up for success. With the right mindset and a bit of adaptability, teaching in China can be a deeply rewarding experience that leaves a lasting impact on both you and your students.

Deciding to take the leap, and become an English teacher in China has probably been one of the best decisions I have ever made. And it could be for you too!

I hope this 5-step guide to teaching English in China gave you all of the answers you need to become an English teacher in China.

I hope it not only gave you clear steps to follow to become an English teacher in China, but I hope it inspired you to just go for it.

If there is anything that was not clear enough, or anything you would like more information on, please feel free to reach out to me!

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