Why teach in China? 

It’s no surprise that China has become such a popular destination for teachers - not least because it boasts more than 560 international schools.

What’s more, despite the countries’ rapid modernisation, its ancient traditions and buildings are ever-present and perfect for exploring and seeing a part of the world quite unlike any other. 

The country’s sheer size means there are endless things to see and do; from visiting the Great Wall of China and performing Tai Chi in a centuries-old-temple to enjoying the colonial and sky-rise architecture in Shanghai and Bejing’s famous neon-lit nightlife. And the nation’s excellent railway infrastructure means it’s possible to see most of it in relative comfort.

Eating and drinking in China is also a mind-broadening and enjoyable cultural experience, from spicy Sichuan hot pots in Chengdu to market-stall buns in Beijing. 

Salary 

Teaching salaries in China vary based on your experience. If you have all of the required qualifications but no experience, you’ll earn around $1,500-$2,900 (£1,145-£2,215) per month teaching, but if you’re an experienced, licensed teacher, you can expect to earn anywhere from up to $4,700 (£3,590) per month teaching at an international school in China. 

Salaries also differ depending on where you’re teaching. In “tier 1” cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, you’ll earn between $2,500-$4,700 (£1,900-£3,590) per month teaching in an international school. This decreases to $2,000-$3,500 (£1,525-£2,675) if you’re in a “tier 2” city, which includes Nanjing, Chengdu, Kunming, Wuhan and Xiamen. 

Academic requirements

The qualifications required to teach in China can vary, and is dependent on the position and the type of school that is hiring you. 

However, in the majority of cases, international schools will require a relevant bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certification (if you’re looking to teach English), and two years’ work experience. Some schools will also request a PGCE (Postgraduate Certification in Education) or a QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). 

Before travelling to China, you’ll also need to obtain a Z Visa. To do so, you’ll need a valid passport with more than six months left before expiration, a foreign work permit from the Chinese Labor Ministry, a Foreign Experts License from the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau, and a health check screening for TB, HIV and drug use.

Your place of work must also sponsor your visa application; all officially registered schools will be able to help with this. 

Cost of living

The cost of living in China is more than 40 per cent lower than in the United Kingdom. While this will vary depending on which city you’re in - Beijing and Shanghai, for example, are much more expensive than Chengdu or Kunming - you should be able to live comfortably on a teachers’ salary.

Rent typically costs around 3000-4000 RMB (Renminib) per month (£330-£495), a month’s worth of food will cost 2000 RMB (£220), China’s excellent, yet inexpensive public transport system means a ride on the Metro will cost you just three RMB (33p).

Culture

Travelling to China can be a very rewarding experience but it does come with its share of challenges and there are a number of things you’ll need to be aware of before you arrive in the country. 

The so-called Great Firewall of China, for example, blocks all access to Google, Facebook and Twitter, so if you rely on these services for keeping in touch with friends and family, you’ll need to install a Virtual Private Network (VPN). 

You might also encounter some language difficulties. While many people do speak English, particularly in cities, you might notice a language difference if you plan on visiting the smaller cities off the main tourist trail, such as Zhangjiajie and Yangshuo. Speaking basic Mandarin is invaluable. 

And don’t be shocked if Chinese groups or families ask to pose for a photo with you, particularly in public places such as parks and Tiananmen Square. 

Views from teachers in China

Benjamin Sanders, middle years NAE thematic learning co-ordinator and grade 7 homeroom teacher at Nord Anglia School Beijing, Fangshan:

“I particularly enjoy teaching in China because the students are incredibly hard-working and well behaved. There is also a cultural appreciation for education in China; being a teacher is a respected position in society and this can be very gratifying. 

“For teachers considering the move, if you are offered a place at a well-paying and well-funded school then it is worth going. Like with any international move, things won’t always be easy and it may get frustrating at times, but talk to some of the ‘old hands’ and your Chinese colleagues and listen to their advice.

“Beijing is a truly amazing place with a huge variety of things to do for almost every possible taste - though if you don’t speak Chinese, it may take a bit of finding.

“Some of Beijing’s suburbs, where a lot of the private schools are, tend to be quieter and aren’t designed to cater to western tastes, so getting familiar with taxi apps and subway times is really important for a varied social life.

“The main hobby that I can really indulge in here is Karaoke. It is a big thing in China and the song selections are usually eclectic enough to make the whole thing really interesting.

“Beijing has loads of board game cafes which is a great way to be sociable with a few friends for a few hours. There’s also the usual range of sporting activities on offer, although I did find playing rugby tricky as Beijing as getting tackled on very hard, dry ground is not fun.

“Travelling in China is pretty easy. The trains are clean and very cheap, and you are able to go and see a stunning variety of different places. My personal favourite is Inner Mongolia (like a dry version of Scotland), with beautiful open landscapes, and amazing trekking and camping opportunities.

“There is something for everyone in China and you have amazing east Asian destinations right on your doorstep. Flights to these places from Beijing are low cost so you can go on holidays that you never would normally dream of.”

Garry Russell, vice principal at The British School of Guangzhou:

“China is the most amazing country to live and work in. The people are so welcoming, the culture so diverse and the landscapes are breathtaking.

“Cuisine is delicious and varied, travel opportunities unique and the history is fascinating. Travel around Asia in general is also extremely rewarding with short flight times and easy connections to a wide-variety of countries. 

“Whether you are teaching in an international or bilingual school, the students’ desire to learn is obvious and teachers are extremely well respected. Of course, expectations are high and many students attend top universities both in China and around the world. 

“Most teachers are required to have a recognised degree, a teaching qualification and at least two years of teaching experience, though it is always best to check with individual schools as local regulations do vary.

“A sense of adventure and patience is also encouraged as, like any country, there can be some frustrations. However, the rewards are certainly worth it.”

Carly Page is a freelance journalist.