Teaching abroad in China offers a unique way to see the world, make friends, immerse in a new culture, all while earning a salary. However, it can be a big undertaking for a first time teacher to move abroad.
Whether you’re unsure about the logistical process, the work culture, or what life is like in China, there’s much to unpack in this vast and enchanting country.
Read on to find out some of the cultural, logistical, and teaching things that you need to know about teaching abroad in China!
1. China is a Huge Country
Although it may seem obvious to most, China is a vast country. However, it’s not only enormous in terms of landmass, but China is the country with the highest amount of megacities in the world.
This means that there are plenty of opportunities to teach abroad in China, if you can overcome the dizzying amount of location options. Each location will offer unique cultural characteristics, salary and benefits, cost of living expectations, landscapes, and so on.
While Beijing offers an excellent culture, arts, and history scene, Shanghai is a more modern and cosmopolitan destination. Shenzhen has a booming stock market and tech industry, whereas Chengdu is home to some of China’s cutest giant pandas. Each location will offer something different, so it’s important to consider lifestyle compatibility when wanting to teach abroad in China. However, you’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to traveling in China during the holidays!
The most popular places to teach abroad in China include:
Shanghai
Beijing
Shenzhen
Chengdu
Hangzhou
Read more: The 5 Best Places to Teach English in China
2. Visa and Work Permit Requirements
In order to teach abroad in China legally, you’ll have to obtain the necessary work visa and work permit to avoid any issues while living and teaching abroad in China. You’ll need to obtain the Z-Visa to teach abroad in China. With this visa, you’ll be able to open a bank account and live in China as a legal worker.
Here’s how you can obtain a Z-Visa for teaching in China:
Meet the basic requirements: First of all, you’ll need to ensure that you meet the job requirements to become a TEFL teacher in China. Requirements vary from one position to another, but generally, you’ll need; a Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate, and a clear criminal background check to teach abroad in China.
Find a job: Once you’re qualified, you can search for TEFL jobs in China! You can search job boards, program providers, or you can submit your resume right here at TeachThere!
Prepare documents: Allow enough time to prepare your documents in advance just to avoid any delays or issues down the line. You’ll need the Z-visa application form, a valid passport, your degree and other academic transcripts, TEFL certificate, health check, and so on. Your employer will also apply for the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit.
Apply for your visa!: Once you have the necessary documents and you’ve secured a position as a TEFL teacher in China, you’ll need to submit your documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. They will then help you obtain your visa which will take 1 to 2 weeks depending on the time of year.
Apply for Residence Permit: Once you arrive in China, you’ll need to apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days. This document is necessary for allowing migrant workers to stay in China for an extended period of time. To apply for this, you’ll need your Z-visa, work permit notification, passport, health check, and so on.
While it can seem overwhelming, just know that you’ll receive plenty of support from your in-country employer or your recruiter when you’re dealing with the visa logistics!
3. Teaching in China Salary and Cost of Living
The English teacher salary in China is not only high, but teachers may receive a range of benefits depending on their experience, qualification, and school type. TEFL teachers in China can earn anywhere from $1,500 - $3,500 USD per month.
Of course, the TEFL salary will vary according to a number of factors. Typically, bigger cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen will offer higher salaries. However, they’ll also offer a higher standard of living - and higher costs of living - than other cities in China.
Additionally, international schools will offer a higher salary than public schools, but the workload will also be greater. This is because the requirements are higher for positions at these schools.
The cost of living in China is typically lower than western countries such as the UK or US. It’s estimated that the cost of living in China is around 52% lower than in the United States.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in China:
Apartment in the city center: 3,650 CN¥ or $500 USD per month
Apartment outside the city center: 2100 CN¥ or $280 USD per month
Monthly transportation pass: 204 CN¥ or $28 USD
Gym membership: 291 CN¥ or $40 USD
A cup of coffee: 20 CN¥ or $3 USD
In addition to the high salary and low cost of living, many teachers may receive perks such as reimbursed airfare, free accommodation, health insurance, and more! This combination of salary, benefits, and low cost of living can allow for great saving potential.
4. Significant Cultural Differences
It’s not uncommon for teachers to experience culture shock while living and teaching abroad in China. This doesn’t necessarily mean that teaching abroad isn’t for them, as most people experience culture shock to some degree.
However, there are some cultural differences that teachers should be aware of before teaching abroad in China.
Respect for teachers: People in China can be very welcoming and hospitable towards travelers - and teachers especially. Teachers are highly regarded in Chinese society, and your students will be very inquisitive about your interests and background.
Family values & Collectivism: In China and many other Asian countries, there is a greater emphasis on family values whereas western countries may value independence more. As expected in a communist country, there is a greater emphasis on collectivism, whereas western countries may prioritise the individual. The notion of collectivism is also woven into the inherent family values displayed in East Asian societies.
Saving face: “Saving face” is a common concept in Asian countries where people try to maintain social dignity and reputation by avoiding disagreement. In Western countries, communication can be more direct, straightforward, and even confrontational in the workplace. Contrastingly, people in Asian countries may lack bluntness in order to be polite and “save face.”
Taboo topics: On the other hand, topics which are considered taboo in the west may not be taboo in Asia. For example, an Asian person may make a comment regarding someone’s weight or complexion, without meaning to offend and also being unaware of the social implications in the foreigner’s home country.
Education: The academic environment is very competitive in China, with parents wanting to ensure their children are gaining an advantage any way they can. This also offers TEFL teachers in China opportunities to earn additional income outside of school. However, while private tuition can help students achieve higher grades, it may also lead to burnout and fatigue.
5. The Importance of TEFL Training
Teaching methods in China will vary to what you’re used to back home. Even if you’re a qualified and experienced teacher at home, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the nuances of the ESL classroom. Teaching English as a foreign language is a whole different game to teaching students who are native English speakers.
Here are some quick tips to adapting to the ESL classroom:
Engage: While the western classroom often focuses on book work, lectures, and reading and writing tasks, the ESL classroom requires more engaging methods to teach the classroom. Often, ESL teachers will need to employ a range of vocabulary or grammar disguised as games to facilitate learning. Whether you use chanting, role play, or music to engage students, it can help them focus and participate even when they have a limited vocabulary.
Body language: While it’s easier to converse with your students in an English-speaking classroom, the ESL classroom requires much more body language and gestures. The TPR approach - or Total Physical Response - requires the teacher to use clear and obvious body language for the students to attach meaning to particular words or points. This helps foster memorisation.
L1 interference: L1 interference, or mother tongue interference, is when relying on your native language actually hinders second-language development. Some students may look for shortcuts, through Google Translate, for example, and it may not translate directly into English if the grammar structures are different.
Teaching Abroad in China Like a Pro!
Teaching abroad in China is no easy feat, but preparation and also immersion will help you become a natural among the Chinese community. The first few weeks of teaching and adapting to a new culture will always be full of hiccups, misunderstandings, and confusion. However, after you’ve found your feet in the wonderfully complex nation that is China, you will have established a second home and become a member of the local community.
Read more about teaching abroad in China:
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