How to become an ESL teacher in China

ESL teaching jobs in China come in all sorts of shapes and sizes or – in this case – salaries, working schedules, flexibility, independence and overall workload. If you’re seeking English-teaching opportunities abroad for the first time, you may be tempted to simply scroll down for the best-paid jobs. We’ll save you the hassle: it’s the most prestigious international schools. Yet take it from those in the know – familiarise yourself with the pros and cons of every type of teaching job before honing in on a favourite. Pay isn’t the only thing you should be focusing on.

Given that every single teaching destination country is unique, none more so than China, you should probably do this even if you have taught abroad before.

At China by Teaching, we’re connected with all sorts of teaching institutions: from some of the most prominent kindergartens, schools, universities and training centres in major capitals (Tier 1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai) to smaller teaching institutes in lesser-known destinations, which we call the Best of the Rest.

ESL teaching is immensely popular in China, so you’ll find a multitude of jobs offered all over the country. Most jobs are in the central, eastern, northern and south-eastern regions. Yet, jobs really can pop up just about anywhere!

Selecting the right teaching job in China depends on two major factors:

  1. What kindof ESL teaching job you’d like (in this case, continue reading to discover more)

Where you’d like to live and teach. Finding a suitable destination that satisfies your likes and needs can be difficult. Our  Teaching Destinations will surely help.

Under the ESL teaching job umbrella is where you’ll find an extensive variety of positions. Whilst most people only imagine teaching English in China, quite a few jobs require you to teach other subjects, only doing so in English.

Teaching positions in International Schools, for example, require subject specialisation for secondary teachers. Yet, many standard kindergarten jobs simply require you to speak English to the children while looking after them. In the grand scheme, these two specific examples can be the best-paid jobs as long as you are in a prestigious institute in one of the major Tier 1 cities.

Teaching subjects other than English can also be ideal if you are eligible to work in China (see our Am I Eligible Page?)

but don’t have TEFL qualifications or enough practical teaching hours. Tier 1 English-teaching positions can have strict requirements in this regard. Teaching other subjects can be a great way to get your foot in the teaching in China door.

So, how different can ESL teaching jobs really get? Well, look at it this way: you could be paid to play, dance and paint with two-year-olds in kindergartens or required to get into heated socio-economic debates with curious young adults at universities in China. You can be helping out a couple of students supplementing their schooling as their English tutor or following a pre-set curriculum at an international school. The options are nearly endless.

It’s important to understand that China is a unique country, and ESL teaching jobs here are inarguably different to what you’re used to. Even if your teaching career has been based solely on kindergarten work, you’ll still have to learn the intricacies of that kind of work here.

Surprisingly, this also holds true for  teaching in international schools in China, which seem to beat to a whole different drum, even though many are branches of foreign-based schools. When applying for a job, it’s worth researching the specific school you’re applying to. Most importantly, read reviews from foreign teachers who’ve worked there before. Knowing the kind of teaching environment, you’ll be heading into is half the battle won!

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Types of ELS jobs in China

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Kindergartens

Kindergarten positions a

are renowned for being among the best-paid (and easiest to secure) ESL teaching jobs. The catch? You really must love working with children. Kindergarten teaching jobs rock if you’re enthusiastic and enjoy being creative at work. These jobs’ high pay, lower working hours, better conditions and overall lower stress levels translate into enviable teaching positions for the right candidates.

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Public schools

Public school jobs in China

may not be the best paid. Yet, given your working hours are set (weekdays only), they suit those who love stability, having all school holiday time off and being free every weekend. Most contracts will include apartment subsidies and flight reimbursement. Although class sizes can be considerable, you’ll have a local teaching assistant and training/help along the way. This is one of the least stressful teaching jobs of all in China. Generally speaking, you’ll only be required to teach about 20 hours weekly.

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International schools

If you’re experienced and have a subject specialisation, you can vie for a position with an international school.

It helps if you’ve previously held a position with the school (say, a Montessori in another country). Still, if you haven’t, your CV will need to shine slightly brighter than usual. Positions with reputable schools are the best-paid teaching jobs in China and come with many perks.

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Training centres 

There’s a great deal of variety between these private language centres but they all have one thing in common: curriculums are designed to complement English-language schooling in China so lessons are given outside of normal schooling hours. 

That’s of course if many even exist anymore. Most language centres closed down in 2019/2020 when the Chinese government sought to curtail these extracurricular schools. Many saw it as an attempt to take focus on teaching English at such an early stage. While it used to be the mainstay of Teaching in China jobs, it’s probably one to stay away from as many of these schools operate outside government rules.

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Universities

University and college ESL teaching positions are perfect for more experienced teachers, those who love planning their own classes, debating with students and feeling like they’re making a real difference. Remuneration can be very generous, especially when you consider you may be teaching only a handful of classes a week. For obvious reasons, university jobs are fiercely coveted in China.

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Online ESL teaching jobs

Online jobs usually denote a location-independent position, yet online ESL jobs in China require you to be based in-country. Most agencies are in Beijing and you’ll be required to come into the office to either pre-record or give lessons live, broadcast to thousands of students. 

Another teaching type has been decimated by Chinese government rule changes. These jobs are now thin on the group.

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How to be an effective ELS teacher in China

Everyone has the potential to be a good teacher, but not everyone knows how to be a great and effective one who actually makes a difference. When it comes to ESL teaching in China, there seems to be an even greater need for teachers to connect with their students, especially outside of university jobs. Up to the age of 18, Chinese students mostly learn by rote. Yet, as a proud and experienced language teacher, you’ll no doubt want your students to understand what they’re teaching, not just parrot your sentences.

So how do you solve this conundrum?

Be genuine – choose the right teaching job for you

Kids can tell a mile away when adults aren’t really interested in them, and that’s why we stress how the love of working with children is absolutely imperative in kindergarten jobs in China.

They’ll sniff you out if you’re just there for the cushy hours. What’s worse, you’ll probably make no impact on their language-learning skills at an age when they could be learning new things at double speed. So, for your sake and that of your future students, choose a teaching job you like, one that excites and challenges you in equal measure. You may find it difficult to engage Chinese students initially, but if you show enthusiasm for the job (and them), you’ll help them crawl out of their shells. That’s when they’ll really learn.

Research and understand Chinese culture

It’s essential to get where your students are coming from (figuratively speaking): to know why they may not want to speak up in class or won’t get into a ‘discussion’ with you when they’re still young and used to respecting (and not arguing with) authority. Know and understand the local culture of your specific destination (regional differences also translate to cultural differences) and ask foreign colleagues for advice on how to engage students. Experienced foreign teachers who’ve been around a while in China are an incredible source of information – tap into that as much as possible.

Build strong relationships

Build positive relationships with your students, their parents, and your colleagues. Communicate regularly and openly with parents about their child’s progress and provide feedback. Collaborate with local teachers and administrators to exchange teaching strategies and learn from their expertise.

Be positive, warm and welcoming – always

The most effective ESL teachers establish a strong rapport with students and maintain a positive and welcoming attitude. Creating a vibrant and engaging classroom environment helps facilitate learning. Additionally, skilled ESL teachers should possess effective communication skills to express their ideas in simple terms – easily understood by students for whom English is a second language.

Adapt your teaching style

Understand that Chinese students may have different learning styles and expectations than students from other countries. Adapt your teaching methods to suit their needs, incorporating teacher-led instruction, group work, interactive activities, and visual aids. Focus on building strong speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, as these are often priorities in Chinese English language education.

Perfect your ESL teaching technique and hone in on age-appropriate activities

Teaching kindergarten, primary and secondary school students is different in every country. In China, it’s a whole different ballgame. Your ESL training and experience will have already taught you that. Yet, suppose you have a specific job in mind (like teaching adults in a training centre). In that case, it’s a great idea to research techniques specific to that target audience.

Make your teaching activities short, sweet and fun

ESL teaching activities differ depending on the student’s age and skills, BUT what they all should have in common is enthusiastic enjoyment and interaction from all the students. You can facilitate this by creating fun activities in groups or pairs that are time-limited to create buzz, excitement, and a little stress. Students’ concentration doesn’t waver under (short) pressure, so utilise this trick. Make jokes, have a laugh and let students relax in your company, and they’ll be much more receptive to learning – whether they’re 5 or 50 years old.

Embrace the experience

Immerse yourself in the local culture, try to learn Mandarin, explore the country, and engage in cultural activities outside of work. Embracing the experience fully will enrich your personal life and enhance your teaching abilities by providing a deeper understanding of your students’ perspectives.