Teaching in China: 8 Lessons I Learned as an English Teacher Abroad

The most life-changing part of an immersive international experience, like teaching in China, can be the opportunity to live like a local in a whole new culture. Not only do you get to taste exotic foods and do things no liability waiver would allow you to do back home, but you also get to live as everyday people do in a different part of the globe.

It is the ultimate “virtual reality” because you get to totally change your reality, for a short time.

China has been a strong contender for top teach abroad destinations for years now. Whether you’re drawn to historic Beijing or prefer the glitz of Shanghai, one thing remains: the culture of the Middle Kingdom is AWESOME. But to get the most bang for your kuai (Mandarin Chinese for buck), you should be aware of certain differences from your own country.

Looking back, these are the lessons I wish someone had shared with me before I stepped into the classroom.

Teaching in China means discovering a country rich in history, culture, and adventure.

The Biggest Lesson? Expect to Be Surprised

Some of my biggest adjustments weren’t classroom-related; they were cultural.

“Figure out how Chinese names work”

Chinese names are structured differently than Western names. The family name comes first, followed by the given name (and they almost always go by both). Taking the time to learn and pronounce names correctly is a simple way to show respect from day one. Whichever way your Chinese supervisor or student introduces themselves, that is how you should refer to them.

Even so, many of your students may have adopted English names. You’ll probably meet a lot of Michaels, but you’ll also run into some honorifics like “Eleven,” “King,” or “Panda.” If your students prefer you call them by their English name, go for it. They may also want to dub you with a Mandarin version of your name; it’s really fun to have your students help 起名 (qǐ míng) and christen you with a Chinese name.

“Prepare for a different online world”

Among the first few surprises are the similarities to life back home and the notable differences, especially when it comes to using the internet in China.

Many Western-based websites, including Facebook, news agencies, and anything owned by Google, are totally blocked by the “great fire-wall”. This can be an exceptional bummer for international teachers, because it makes Googling class ideas all the more challenging!

In order to stay connected with family and friends back home (and plan last-minute ESL lessons), you’ll want to purchase a VPN that allows you to access blocked websites. Most of your Chinese students will have one, and they will happily help you set it up. Alternatively, you can sign up for one before leaving for China (as some VPN services are blocked there, too!).

Life abroad means more than teaching—it means becoming part of a new city and culture.

The Classroom Was Only Half the Experience

I quickly realized teaching English wasn't the biggest challenge. Learning to deal with culture shock and navigate daily life outside school was.

“Accept that you’ll stand out”

Unless you have Chinese ancestry, you won't blend in. Both physical appearance and body language differ between the West and the East. You’ll also find that locals take a keen interest in foreigners, particularly if you have notably different physical features, such as body hair, blonde hair, blue eyes, or dark skin. They may want to touch you or take your picture (even in the middle of class!).

Culturally, Chinese people regard teachers as highly honorable. Enjoy feeling like a celeb for a bit! Bluntly complimenting foreigners is quite common; you may be told you are very attractive with pretty eyes, while also being told you are fat. Neither the compliment nor the criticism is meant to be intrusive or insulting. It is simply an expression of genuine interest. If you are getting a lot of compliments, return them with similar flattery. If you feel insulted, just shrug it off.

“Be willing to share details”

From a more conversational perspective, Chinese people can be quite open when discussing personal matters. They may talk openly about their finances, health, relationships, and other topics that you might consider rather personal or private.

During my time teaching and living in China, I was often asked personal questions about my marriage status, whether I had a girlfriend, why I was single, and when I planned to start a family. While these questions may feel quite personal depending on your cultural background, they are often part of a more open conversational style.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, try not to become defensive or feel offended. Simply answer as openly as you feel comfortable, or politely let the person know if you'd rather not discuss it.

From the classroom to the Great Wall, teaching in China opens the door to unforgettable adventures.

“Personal space looks different here”

In a country with over a billion people, a comfort bubble from physical closeness to others doesn't exist. Inside the classroom, you should be fine. Your commute to school may be a different story.

From subways to supermarkets, you may encounter busy, crowded environments where people move and communicate more directly than you might be used to. In some places, queuing may feel less structured than what you're accustomed to, and boarding a crowded train can involve plenty of jostling.

Rather than taking these moments personally, try to stay aware of the flow around you and adjust to the pace of your surroundings. If things start to feel overwhelming, step aside and give yourself a moment to regroup.

What Made Me a Better Teacher

Once the culture shock faded, I started focusing on becoming a better teacher.

“Don’t be afraid to teach differently”

One benefit of learning English from a foreign teacher is hearing the language spoken by a native speaker. Another lesser-known advantage is experiencing new approaches to learning.

In China, education has traditionally placed a strong emphasis on memorization as a way of absorbing information. As an English teacher, you can introduce students to learning methods that may differ from what they're accustomed to. Beyond foundational grammar and vocabulary, you can offer glimpses into your culture and share perspectives on how other parts of the world approach language and education.

Mix it up! Have students write short essays one day, watch a movie the next, work in small groups on another day, and present to the class on day four. Encourage them to share their opinions, discuss different perspectives, or make a case for an idea they believe in. You can even ask them to draw a picture based on a paragraph of descriptive language.

Challenge students to use different parts of their brain. Happy students = happy teacher!

“Invest in your qualifications early”

Looking back, getting TEFL certified was one of the smartest career decisions I made. While certification requires an upfront investment, it can help you qualify for a wider range of teaching opportunities and potentially access better-paying positions. That additional income can give you more financial freedom, whether you're paying down student loans or planning trips to nearby destinations during national holidays (Southeast Asia, anybody?).

Thriving as a teacher in China means embracing a whole new lifestyle. When you aren't stressed about money, it is much easier to settle in, explore your new home, and truly enjoy the expat experience.

“Enjoy life outside the classroom”

Young people in China often have demanding academic schedules. Spending weekends studying or staying several hours at the library can be part of everyday life, so don't be surprised if your students invite you to lunch or dinner to continue practicing their conversational English. Be ready to join them for multi-course, shared meals—food is often a wonderful way to connect outside the classroom.

At the same time, make room for your own downtime. Teaching in China can be challenging, but there's plenty to enjoy once the school day ends. Late-night KTV sessions. Weekend trips to picturesque Hangzhou. The occasional Tsingtao and 串儿 (chuàn'er)—that’s beer and grilled meat—while sitting on a tiny street-side stool. These are often the moments that turn living abroad into an experience you'll remember long after you've gone home.

Learn more life lessons from traveling

After the school day ends, discover the flavors, energy, and street-side charm of life in China.

Ready to Teach in China? Your Next Steps

Don't pack your bags juuuust yet. There are a few items on your teach abroad to-do list you should check off first.

• Decide where to go. Figuring out where to teach in China isn’t easy. The gorgeous coast? Somewhere in inner Mongolia? Don't let the hot pot hold you back; choose a place that's right for you.
• Get TEFL certified. Even if it is not required for the specific position you’re considering, TEFL training can be a wise investment. It can prepare you for the realities of teaching English. But you'll still need to learn to think on your feet once you're in front of your students.
• Choose your teaching environment. Adults, kids, private schools, public schools? Think about who you actually want to teach and what kind of classroom suits you best. Opportunities can range from teaching children to working with university students.
• Compare teach abroad programs. Look beyond the destination and salary when weighing your options. Pay attention to factors like school reputation and the support available to teachers. GoAbroad is your pre-departure HQ. Compare thousands of study, volunteer, teach, and intern abroad programs, read verified reviews from past participants, and save your favorites in MyGoAbroad.
• Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go so you can cover daily essentials, airfare, upfront costs, and a little travel on the side. Research expected English teacher salary in China and cost of living, then leave yourself some financial breathing room for expenses that pop up after arrival.
• Prepare for departure. Finally, turn your attention to the practical details of moving abroad. Use your final weeks to organize documents, create a packing checklist, get travel insurance, and prepare for those first few days in China so the transition feels less overwhelming.

For more help getting ready, explore GoAbroad’s Travel Resources for practical guidance on everything from visas and flights to accommodation and international mobile data.

Your teaching adventure in China can take you far beyond the classroom.

You're Ready for Teaching in China!

Take the time to observe the differences around you and enjoy all of the opportunities to learn about life in one of the world’s oldest societies. Teach in China, but also be taught.

The experience will likely challenge some of your assumptions, push you outside familiar routines, and introduce you to ways of living and communicating that may feel completely new at first. That’s part of what makes teaching abroad so valuable.

As a foreign teacher, you’d expect to share your knowledge. Instead, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for a different culture, lifelong memories, and lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. If you're open to learning as much as you teach, China has a way of rewarding that curiosity.

Zach Herzog

GoAbroad Contributor

What started as a degree in international business, has grown to in a bona fide case of wanderlust. As an Eagle Scout, Zach's had a love for adventure. From climbing 14ers in Colorado, to studying abroad in Prague, and working in Shanghai, he likes trying new things and seeing all that the world has to offer.

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