China is well known as one of the top destinations to teach English abroad, and for good reason. If you need some more convincing, here are plenty of reasons why teaching in China is a great option.
One of the most important things to know is that the number of English teaching opportunities in China is proportional to its size—both are huge! From Beijing to Shanghai, the country is home to hundreds of schools and language centers, and even more travel opportunities. If climbing the Great Wall, learning the world’s most widely spoken language, and tasting some delicious food sound appealing, read on to find out how to teach English in China.
What are the visa requirements to teach English in China?
Learn how to teach English in China and get ready to see some iconic sights for yourself!
If you’re wondering how to become an English teacher in China, visa requirements play a key part in your preparation. Visa requirements to teach English in China are different from the requirements when you’re visiting the country as a tourist. It’s strictly forbidden to work on a tourist visa in China, and the police run regular checks in schools and language centers.
To teach, you will need a Z Visa, also known as a working visa. Along with the necessary documents, you will need to fill out the visa application form online, which will guide you further on what to do.
Here are the documents you will need to obtain the Z visa:
- Visa application form completed online and signed by hand
- Passport that is valid for at least six months, with at least two blank pages
- Recent passport photo in color (not black and white)
- Foreigners Employment Permit of the People’s Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities or equivalent documents (you will get this when your teaching placement is confirmed)
The requirements may also depend on which Chinese consulate you’re applying from. It’s a good idea to check your consulate’s website or give them a call in case you have any questions.
Can I teach English in China without a degree?
Teaching English in China without a degree was common in the past. However, today, for full-time teaching jobs, you need at least a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certification, and two years of experience.
That being said, your bachelor’s degree can be in any subject, not necessarily in teaching or English. Some organizations, such as training centers or kindergartens, may also accept it if you have less than two years of experience—but they will still require a degree.
Other requirements to teach English in China
In addition to a working visa and a degree, here are five other requirements to become an English teacher in China:
- TEFL certification: A standard TEFL course takes 120 hours to complete and opens the doors to teaching in many countries, including China.
- Native English speaker: In most cases, China requires English teachers to be native speakers, usually from the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
- Work experience: To teach at K-12 and international schools, you need two years of experience.
- Clean criminal record: A complete background check is necessary to prove that you have a clean criminal record. You can get this at a local or state police office.
- Age: You need to be younger than China’s retirement age, which is 55 for women and 60 for men.
Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 teaching programs in China—for free!
6 steps to teach English in China
It’s time to start studying and get TEFL certified to prepare yourself for your teaching days.
Ready to make your dream of teaching English in China a reality? Here are some top tips to help you prepare, apply, and settle in once you’re there. From choosing the right city to understanding the visa process, we’ve got you covered!
1. Decide where to go and where to teach.
With over 1.4 billion citizens and millions of English learners, China isn’t short of amazing cities for English teachers and expats alike. To make the best decision, consider if you want to be in a mega city like Shanghai or a smaller city like Nanjing, and it will be easier to narrow down your choices.
Your English teaching salary in China will also depend on the location. Bigger cities often offer higher salaries, but the cost of living is higher too.
When it comes to where to teach, you need to choose a school depending on your experience level. K-12 and international schools require at least two years of experience, while training centers might accept newer teachers.
2. Choose a program and apply.
Once you have a few cities in mind, it’s time to apply for English teaching programs. If you have two years of experience, a degree, and a TEFL certificate, you can get a full-time English teaching job in most types of schools.
If you don’t have a TEFL certification, don’t worry—in many programs, an online TEFL course is also included. Alternatively, you can also enroll in a TEFL course in China.
If you don’t have at least two years of experience, you can apply for beginner-level teaching opportunities or volunteer teaching programs in China.
3. Apply for a visa.
By now, you probably know that teaching English in China has some complex visa requirements. Make sure to apply well in advance, and if your organization offers guidance, use it!
When you arrive in China on a Z visa, keep in mind that you will also need to apply for a residence permit within 30 days.
Whether you’re dreaming of teaching in the countryside or a big city, you’ll need to meet some requirements to teach English in China.
4. Download travel apps.
Some apps, such as Google, TikTok, and Instagram, don’t work in China. Learn about the alternative apps to use and let your family know what ones they can communicate with you on. For example, instead of WhatsApp, you can use WeChat, the most common messaging app in China.
5. Make a pre-departure checklist.
Make a checklist so you don’t forget anything; be sure to include your laptop, chargers, and clothes, with the weather in mind. If you have any questions about the dress code at your school or any teaching materials you need to bring, ask your program coordinator.
You can also consider adding Mandarin classes to your pre-departure list. You can learn some basics of the language through apps, movies, or even look into language courses online or in-person in China. Having some knowledge of Mandarin will facilitate your daily life and help break the ice with your students when you first arrive.
Most English teaching jobs in China also offer accommodation, so that’s something to cross off your checklist right at the beginning!
6. Book your flights.
Visa, check. Documents, check. Basic Mandarin, check. Now it’s time to book your flights! Arrive at least a week before your work contract begins so that you’ll have enough time to settle and apply for residency.
Top programs to teach English in China
The final yet most important step to figuring out how to become an English teacher in China is finding the program. Here are three programs that include visa guidance, accommodation, and a competitive English teacher salary in China:
Teach English in China + Visa Assistance with CIEE
Why? CIEE has been sending English teachers to China since 1997. If you want a hassle-free experience with extensive pre-departure assistance, this is the program for you. You have the chance to complete your TEFL course with them, choose from six amazing cities in China, and get in touch with former teachers who can tell you what they wish they knew before going.
Where? Chongqing and Shanghai
Read CIEE Teach Abroad reviews
Teaching English with LoPair Au Pair China
Why? If you want to fully immerse yourself in Chinese culture while teaching abroad, LoPair Au Pair China is the program for you. Live with a welcoming host family in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Hangzhou. For a mere $300 program fee, you will receive round-trip flights to China, 3 days of paid leave a month, travel insurance, visa assistance, and pocket money. You’ll also have access to weekly Mandarin classes and cultural activities.
Where? Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou
Read Lopair Culture Exchange reviews
China Teaching Experience with Travel Grad
Why? Are you straight out of college, looking for a new adventure where you’ll get paid and teach English abroad, ideally in China? Then this program ticks all the boxes. You will be going on a 10-month experience, tailor-made for recent grads who want to work and travel.
Where? Beijing, Guizhou, Shanghai, Foshan, Guiyang, Nanning
Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad to compare these programs side-by-side
Experience teaching in China
The adventure of a lifetime awaits.
Years of history, a rich culture, and a different way of life—teaching English in China will be an experience like no other. Start making your plans to teach abroad and see for yourself what makes China such a great destination for English teachers.
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