9 Best Teaching Jobs in China in 2024
Over the past four decades, China has undertaken what is perhaps the world’s most marked economic and social transformations. In doing so, the once closed-off country has welcomed the flow of international trade and ideas, all the while maintaining its millennia-long identity. Today, the country has an estimated 300 to 400 million English language learners—right on par with the entire population of the United States—making China the largest single market for ESL teachers. Because of the sheer demand for English language instruction, most teaching jobs in China will focus mostly, if not completely, on ESL instruction.
When you teach in China, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous architecture like this one!
To go along with the number of English teacher jobs in China, there is a commensurately wide range in the kinds of placements, so there is something for everyone. Some require TEFL certification and others will provide it. Opportunities in formal education span the gamut from primary to post-secondary education. Countless private organizations specialize in age or subject. Many Chinese parents enroll their children in kindergartens that teach English and some even hire au pairs in order to immerse their children in the English language. Placements are predominantly urban but rural English language teaching jobs in China can provide teachers with a window into the country seen by few outsiders.
The size of the market for English language teachers can make finding the best ESL jobs in China a daunting task. From among the many we have picked some of our favorite programs and the best schools to teach English in China.
These include all kinds of schools, experience levels, durations, and costs!
The 9 best teaching jobs in China this year
1. Teaching Nomad—9.73
As a relative newcomer to the game, Teaching Nomad has skyrocketed to the top of the list as one of the best ways to find teaching jobs in China. Teaching Nomad has an international presence and support network and their geographic reach within China is vast. Opportunities provided by Teaching Nomad include compensation at the higher end of the scale, while teachers can also choose to work less in order to have more time. What’s more is that Teaching Nomad matches teachers of all subjects, including sciences and arts, with some of the best schools in China. Placements vary accordingly but are primarily for full academic years.
- Where: Large cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and many more!
- When: Year-round
- More program info
2. English First—9.33
English First lives up to its name by being one of the first private international education programs out there. EF works with schools and businesses all over the world and, in China, their reach is no less impressive, with schools in over 60 cities. Teaching positions include in-class and online environments with kids, teens, and adults. Vacancies are usually for full-year placements or longer, and EF encourages its teachers to move around. Additionally, EF provides its teachers with a number of benefits, including flights up front for many of its programs, advances on salary, and the opportunity for EFL sponsorship.
- Where: More than 20 cities all over China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi’an
- When: Year-round
- More program info
3. WorldTeach China Global Leadership Year—9.5
In line with its overarching mission to partner with local entities to empower education, English language teaching jobs in China through WorldTeach works directly with the Hunan Province Ministry of Education to provide high-quality EFL teachers to schools not just in the province’s large cities, but in the towns that dot the far-flung areas of Hunan in the capacity of a paid volunteership. Placements run from August until the end of the following academic year and include TEFL certification, in-country support, airfare, and insurance, and schools always have at least two WorldTeach teachers. The non-profit focus makes WorldTeach’s China Global Leadership Program one of the best ESL jobs in China for those who want to have the greatest impact.
- Where: Cities and towns in Hunan province
- When: Annually, beginning in late July or early August
- More program info
4. Flying English Shanghai—9.63
Located in Huangpu, Shanghai, it’s really difficult to get more in the middle of the action than Flying English, an after-school English program for children. Being an after-school program, placements with Flying English are not constrained to the academic year. Classes are small, consisting of 4-6 children from age 3 to 12. Flying English provides its teachers with in-country support and competitive pay. If small classes and teaching children interests you, check out Flying English.
5. Top Notch ESL—9.6
Based in the capital city of Beijing and with placements elsewhere in China, Top Notch ESL connects teachers with public schools, language centers, full-time in-home tutoring jobs, and kindergartens. Considered among the best ESL jobs in China by its enthusiastic alumni, Top Notch ESL has a reputation for making it so teachers can focus on teaching instead of logistical hoops. Commitments, especially for positions in schools, are for the whole academic year.
- Where: Beijing
- When: Academic Year
- More program info
6. LoPair Au Pair China—9.6
Completely immersing yourself in Chinese culture and language is perhaps the best way to learn about China. While it is not a conventional teaching job, LoPair matches each English-speaking au pair with one Chinese family, giving the child (and, increasingly common, children) direct access to a valuable English-learning resources. Au pairs talk about how quickly their children learn English and many au pairs even return from their time in China speaking Mandarin! Placements with families are in cities all across China and range from several months to year-round.
- Where: Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan Province, Guangdong Province, Shaanxi Province, Zhejiang Province, and Jiangsu Province
- When: Year-round with placements ranging from 3 to 12 months
- More program info
7. ImmerQi—9.61
If committing to a year in China is a little daunting but you still want to check out teaching in a formal setting, ImmerQi has you covered. ImmerQi places its English teachers at schools in Guangdong Province at the start of the fall or spring term, giving teachers a chance to work for a shorter period or to test the waters. Programs are six months in duration with start dates in January and August, and the ImmerQi experience can help you negotiate a new contract with your school or at a new location.
- Where: Guangdong Province
- When: Year-round with 6-month placements
- More program info
8. International TEFL Academy—10
Not a teaching program in and of itself, International TEFL Academy, a previous GoAbroad.com People’s Choice Award winner for international programs, provides current and prospective teachers with high-quality TEFL certification. After completion of a four-week course (which are offered in-class all around the world as well as online), graduates have access to International TEFL Academy’s job search guidance. With their one-on-one assistance, graduates will be able to find the best schools to teach English in China. Take your teaching career to the next level with English teacher jobs in China through the International TEFL Academy!
- Where: Classes are online and all over the world. Placements can be all over China.
- When: Year-round
- More program info
9. International Volunteer HQ—9.54
Perhaps the timing of an academic term doesn’t work so well or you have a passion for serving others. There are a number of good reasons to consider the volunteer option. International Volunteer Headquarter has operations the world over, including a teaching program in Xi’an, China. IVHQ has a track record of safe operations and low program fees. IVHQ’s programs are based in the ancient city of Xi’an and in surrounding towns and villages, which start twice per month and can range in duration from one week to six months. If you hear the call to volunteer, check out International Volunteer HQ.
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You’ll be strolling these streets in China, having great adventures in no time!
With hundreds of vibrant cities, thousands of years of history, and millions of eager English learners, China offers unparalleled opportunities for teaching. The number of opportunities can make it difficult to figure out where to begin. If you are looking for the best teaching jobs in China, it really comes down to what makes the program best for you.
Ask yourself these questions: What subject do I want to teach? What age group do I want to teach and in what setting? Where do I want to teach? What kind of experience is needed? Once you have figured out what you are looking for, finding a job is easy. The best part about teaching in China is that there are jobs that will satisfy what anyone is looking for!
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