Where are the best places for teaching English in China?
When choosing the best location for teaching English in China, a country that hosts tens of thousands of ESL teachers, several factors should be considered. The most prominent markets for foreign English teachers are Beijing and Shanghai, China's two major cities known for their vast educational opportunities and cultural experiences.
However, China's opportunities extend far beyond these metropolises. The country boasts over 150 cities with populations exceeding one million, each offering unique teaching roles. Cities like Shenzhen and Chengdu are also popular, combining a high demand for English teachers with a blend of modern and traditional Chinese culture.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences, whether you seek the bustling life of a mega-city or a deeper cultural immersion in smaller cities or towns. Each location offers distinct advantages, from higher salaries in major cities to a more relaxed pace and lower cost of living in smaller ones, making China a diverse and dynamic destination for teaching English.
Table of Contents
Should I teach English in Shanghai?
Should I teach English in Beijing?
Should I teach English in Shenzhen?
Should I teach English in Chengdu?
Should I teach English in Nanjing?
Should I teach English in Hangzhou?
Should I teach English in Guilin?
Should I teach English in Kunming?
Should I teach English in Harbin?
Should I teach English in Shanghai?
Deciding whether to teach English in Shanghai involves considering the unique aspects of this vast and dynamic city. As one of the most populous cities in the world with over 20 million residents, Shanghai offers a wide array of teaching opportunities, especially in business English due to its status as a global financial hub. The city's job market for English teachers is extensive, and positions are known for offering competitive salaries. In addition to the professional opportunities, Shanghai's large expatriate community contributes to its cosmopolitan atmosphere, providing a blend of diverse cultures and international influences.
However, the bustling and constantly vibrant nature of Shanghai might not suit everyone. While many teachers thrive in the energetic environment, others may find the city's pace and scale somewhat overwhelming. Ultimately, Shanghai stands out as one of China's premier ESL hotspots due to its rich cultural experiences, professional opportunities, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Prospective teachers should weigh these factors against their personal preferences and teaching goals to determine if Shanghai is the right fit for their overseas teaching experience.
Should I teach English in Beijing?
As the capital of China, Beijing rivals Shanghai in size and scope, with a vast array of jobs in the ESL sector. The city's diverse educational landscape provides ample opportunities for both first-time and experienced teachers, ranging from language schools to universities and private businesses. A key advantage of teaching in Beijing is the opportunity to learn Standard Mandarin, China's official language. In fact, many schools and educational institutions in Beijing include Mandarin lessons as part of their benefits package for English teachers.
Beijing is not just a hub for language education; it is also a city steeped in history and culture, offering teachers a rich experience of traditional and modern Chinese life. However, potential teachers should be prepared for the city's fast pace and its unique cultural and social dynamics. Overall, teaching English in Beijing can be a deeply rewarding professional and cultural experience. It is ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in learning Mandarin and experiencing the rich historical tapestry of China's capital city, all while advancing their teaching careers.
Should I teach English in Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has grown from a small market town into a city of 10 million people in less than 20 years. It enjoys a popular location in the south of China, just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong. Due to its location, warm climate, and lively nightlife, the city is an increasingly popular destination for foreign teachers. The local job scene is also in a healthy state and you will find a wide choice of options that pay a good salary, including language academies, kindergartens, and international schools.
Should I teach English in Chengdu?
Located in Sichuan province, Chengdu is famous for its spicy cuisine that has been exported to towns and cities all over the world. Despite its large population of around 10 million people, Chengdu has a slower pace of life than other big cities such as Shanghai and Beijing. It is also a much more affordable location in comparison to the east coast cities, so your saving power will be greatly increased. The Sichuan region is also famous as the home of most of the world's remaining giant panda population. Animal lovers will not want to miss out on the rare chance to visit these unique animals.
Should I teach English in Nanjing?
Nanjing is an important cultural center that is known as one of the four ancient capitals of China. The city has many historic buildings and monuments and is located within easy reach of its neighboring city, Shanghai. Nanjing also has many green public spaces such as parks and gardens, scenic lakes, and rugged mountains in and around its boundaries. Although the number of jobs are not on the same scale as some bigger cities, the demand is high enough to all but guarantee employment for any TESOL qualified teacher. Your salary will also go a long way in this city, so most teachers can save a good chunk of their earnings each month.
Should I teach English in Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is another city that is located within easy reach of Shanghai. This modern and prosperous city is world famous for its natural beauty, as well as its many historic and cultural attractions. West Lake is its most well known area which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides the perfect location for exploring the country?s cultural heritage or for simply relaxing in your freetime. Well paid jobs are typically easy to come by in this pleasant and picturesque city.
Should I teach English in Guilin?
Fans of outdoor pursuits such as hiking and biking will love the city of Guilin. The city has a warm climate and excellent transport links that make it an ideal base for exploring further afield. As it is a relatively small city, the job market is not huge by Chinese standards, but there are still enough jobs to go around as the competition is lower than in some other areas.
Should I teach English in Kunming?
Kunming has a famously pleasant climate year-round which gave rise to its nickname of 'Spring City'. The city is also an important regional hub and a popular destination for national and international tourists. Outside of Kunming you will find vast areas of stunning scenery, while within the city limits there are many cultural attractions to explore, as well as a modern, vibrant entertainment scene. One of the main attractions of this area is it offers foreign teachers a more authentic Chinese experience than international cities such as Shanghai and Beijing.
Should I teach English in Harbin?
The city of Harbin is located in the far northeastern corner of China. This unique city is a fascinating place for teaching English abroad that is far removed from many other areas of the country. The region is known for its sub-zero winter temperatures that are also responsible for Harbin?s nickname of the 'Ice City'. Every year thousands of people flock here to experience the annual ice and snow sculpture festival that has become internationally renowned in recent years. Despite its chilly winters, Harbin has a thriving expat community that consists of teachers from all over the world.
