Teaching English in China has become a popular choice for people looking for a fresh adventure or a career change. If you’re curious about life as an ESL teacher in China and what the experience is really like, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll share an honest, down-to-earth look at what to expect, so you can decide if teaching in China is the right move for you.
Salaries and Benefits for ESL Teachers in China
In general, the salaries and benefits of ESL teachers in China depend on several factors, like the city and type of school where you teach, as well as your teaching experience and qualifications. On average, salaries for ESL teachers can range from 12,000 to 28,000 RMB per month (approximately 1,600 to 3,900 USD). Some international schools and prestigious institutions may offer higher salaries.
In addition to the salary, many schools provide benefits such as housing allowances or free accommodation, flight reimbursements, health insurance, and paid holidays. With this income level, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in China, especially in smaller cities and rural areas where the cost of living is lower.
Classroom Atmosphere for ESL Teachers in China
A teacher teaching in a classroom with students.
The Gen Z in China are open-minded and liberal. Most of the time, Chinese classrooms are vibrant and engaging, filled with enthusiastic students eager to learn from you. Additionally, Chinese students are friendly and welcoming to foreign teachers, and you’ll find students curious about your culture and totally up for learning from you. As an ESL teacher in China, you’ll experience the joy of interacting with students who are enthusiastic about the English language and curious about different cultures.
Does China Offer a Supportive Work Culture for ESL Teachers?
Yes, China has a supportive work culture for teachers. In school, teachers often get support with their jobs and daily life. Some schools even help with visas and legal stuff. Additionally, there are usually opportunities for professional development and collaboration with other teachers, like workshops, training sessions, and school events. Some schools even provide free Mandarin lessons.
How Many Hours Do Teachers Work in China?
You may have heard of some horrible story of China’s 996 work culture, which stands for the work hours: 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. But don’t worry, most companies in China don’t follow the 996-work schedule, even though some industries may have longer hours. China’s labor laws strictly limit employees to 40 hours per week.
The standard workweek for foreign teachers in China is usually around 15-25 hours of classroom time per week. Most schools in China follow a Monday-to-Friday workweek with weekends off. However, the specific work hours may vary depending on the type of school.
- Training center: maximum weekly teaching hours- 25 hours per week. Total work week with teaching time and office hours- 40 hours per week.
- Kindergarten: maximum weekly teaching hours- 20 hours per week. The total work time at school is around 40 hours per week.
- International School: varies between 18-22 hours per week, but the teacher is expected to be at school around 40 hours per week.
Generally speaking, you don’t need to worry about working more than 40 hours per week. However, the higher paying subject teaching jobs at top-end international schools will have more work to do during your office hours, and primary homeroom jobs and kindergartens will be a bit less demanding. Training centers and public school jobs are often the most relaxing outside of teaching hours.
Visa and Legal Support for ESL Teachers in China
Work visa for foreign teachers to teach in China
Yes, most schools in China will assist foreign teachers with visa and legal requirements. Most of the time, schools that hire foreign teachers will provide support and guidance throughout the visa application process.
Their support may include:
- Work Visa (Z Visa) Application: Schools will often provide the documents and information required for foreign teachers to apply for a work visa, which includes a valid employment contract, invitation letters, and other relevant paperwork.
- Residence Permit: Once in China, foreign teachers will need to obtain a residence permit. Schools usually help with the residence permit application process, including guiding teachers to the local public security bureau for registration.
- Health Check: Foreign teachers will undergo a health check in China as part of the visa application process. Some schools may arrange and facilitate this health check for their employees.
- Accommodation: In terms of accommodation, most bilingual schools and international schools will provide a housing allowance. Some schools even offer on-campus accommodation. For other schools, such as educational institutions, they may assist teachers or give some advice on how to rent a house.
In China, the working conditions can differ a lot depending on where you are and the type of school you work at. Before you make the move, it’s a good idea to do some research and find a school that genuinely cares about its teachers and offers the kind of environment you’re looking for. The right school can make all the difference in your teaching experience in China.
