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 10 best teaching jobs in China at a glance:
- ESL Teaching in China's Core Cities with Weihai Chuanyue Cultural Exchange
- Teach in Shanghai with Flying English
- High School English Literature Teaching with SIE (Shenzhen & Guangzhou)
- China Teaching Experience with TravelGrad
- Make English Teaching Fun with MEF China
- Teaching English with LoPair Au Pair China
- Teach English to Children in Rural China with Stepping Stones
- Teaching Internship with TEFL Certificate with Gotoco
- TIE (The International Educator)
- Teach at SIAS University (Zhengzhou)
Not sure which of these settings is right for you? Here's a quick breakdown of each pathway and who it suits best.
Types of Teaching Jobs in China: Find Your Path
Public schools suit teachers who want to work alongside local teachers in an established, government-affiliated classroom, often across several nearby cities rather than one fixed location.
Private language centers are a good match for teachers who like smaller, interactive classes and don't want to be tied to a single-city, single-school commitment for the full academic year.
International schools work best for credentialed teachers looking for a Western-style curriculum and often higher pay, usually with a full teaching license or 2+ years of subject-specific experience expected.
Universities suit teachers with a bachelor's degree (or higher) who want fewer weekly teaching hours, an older student population, and a more academic pace overall.
Kindergartens are a strong fit for teachers who enjoy working with young children and want an activity-based, high-energy classroom rather than a lecture format.
Au pair placements suit teachers who want full immersion in a Chinese household, teaching English one-on-one to a family's children rather than working in a classroom.
Volunteer programs are best for teachers prioritizing impact over income, often placed in rural or under-resourced schools where the need for English instruction is greatest.
TEFL teaching internships are ideal for newer teachers who want structured mentorship, TEFL certification, and a lower-commitment entry point before signing a full academic-year contract.
Once you know which setting fits you best, here are 10 standout teaching jobs in China recommended by GoAbroad, drawn from providers listed and reviewed on our platform.
The 10 best teaching jobs in China this year
1. ESL Teachers Wanted in China's Core Cities with Weihai Chuanyue Cultural Exchange
This program places native English speakers from the UK, US, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, and Australia across public schools, private language centers, and kindergartens in China's major cities. It's a solid entry point if you're not sure yet which classroom setting fits you best, since placements span multiple school types.
- Where: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Ningbo, and other major Chinese cities
- When: Year-round
- What: Public schools, private language centers, kindergartens
- More program info
2. Teach in Shanghai with Flying English
Located in Huangpu, Shanghai, Flying English is an after-school English program for children ages 3 to 12, with small classes of just 4 to 6 students. Placements aren't constrained to the academic year, and teachers get in-country support and competitive pay.
- Where: Shanghai
- When: Year-round
- What: Private language centers
- More program info
3. High School English Literature Teaching in Shenzhen & Guangzhou with SIE (Succeed in Education)
SIE places teachers in private, bilingual, and international schools teaching students aged 16 to 18, with positions available throughout the year. Teachers get a housing allowance, full relocation support, a complimentary hotel stay during their first week, and a capped 18 teaching hours per week.
- Where: Shenzhen and Guangzhou
- When: Year-round
- What: International schools
- More program info
4. TravelGrad — China Teaching Experience
TravelGrad's 10-month China Teaching Experience places recent grads in a supported cohort, with a 120-hour online TEFL course included for first-time teachers. TravelGrad's team stays hands-on with visa paperwork and regulatory changes throughout the program, not just before you land.
- Where: Beijing, Shanghai, and Guizhou
- When: Year-round starts; 10-month or short-term placements
- What: TEFL Teaching Internship
- Salary: £1,000–£2,000/month depending on placement
- More program info
5. Make English Teaching Fun in China with MEF China
MEF has recruited kindergarten teachers in China for over 20 years, no prior teaching experience required. The program includes a free TEFL course, housing allowance, and free Chinese lessons, with a strong emphasis on bridging the cultural gap between foreign teachers and their students.
- Where: Multiple cities across China
- When: Year-round
- What: Kindergarten
- More program info
6. Teaching English with LoPair Au Pair China
While not a conventional teaching job, LoPair matches each English-speaking au pair with one Chinese family, giving the child direct, daily access to English immersion. Placements range from several months to year-round, and many au pairs return home speaking Mandarin themselves.
- Where: Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan Province, Guangdong Province, Shaanxi Province, Zhejiang Province, and Jiangsu Province
- When: Year-round, placements from 3 to 12 months
- What: Au pair
- More program info
7. Volunteer to Teach English to Children in Rural China with Stepping Stones
Founded in Shanghai in 2006, Stepping Stones places volunteers in migrant schools and community centers, plus rural schools outside the city, teaching English to underserved children. No native-level English is required, just a minimum 3-week commitment during school term or school breaks.
- Where: Shanghai and surrounding rural provinces
- When: September–December, February–June, or winter/summer holidays
- What: Volunteer teaching
- More program info
8. Teaching Internship (with TEFL Certificate) in Asia & Europe with Gotoco
Gotoco offers free or low-cost, TEFL-inclusive teaching placements in China alongside Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Europe. No prior teaching experience is needed, and the program bundles in accommodation, meals, cultural activities, and career mentorship throughout.
- Where: China, plus additional placements in Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Europe
- When: Year-round, with options from 3-week summer placements up to 6 months
- What: TEFL Teaching Internship
- More program info
9. The International Educator (TIE) — Teach in International Schools Around the World
Running since 1986, TIE functions as a job board built specifically for international school placements, with postings in Beijing alongside openings across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It suits teachers with at least 2 years of experience who want to browse and apply directly to specific international school vacancies.
- Where: Beijing, plus international school postings worldwide
- When: Year-round; placements from 3-6 months up to a full year
- What: International schools
- More program info
10. Teach in China: Join the Adventure at SIAS University
SIAS is the first solely American-owned university in Central China, hiring both Oral English and Academic Course instructors. Its faculty is drawn from over 20 countries, and the university offers ongoing professional development through workshops, seminars, and international conferences.
- Where: Zhengzhou, Henan Province
- When: Year-round
- What: University
- More program info
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You’ll be strolling these streets in China, having great adventures in no time!
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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.
Still weighing your options? How to Teach English in China walks through qualifications and the application process in more depth, How Much Do English Teachers Make in China? breaks down realistic salary expectations by school type and city tier, and 7 Best Places to Teach English in China in 2026 can help you narrow down location.
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Carla leads content and marketing strategies at GoAbroad and is dedicated to connecting travelers with life-changing opportunities. Having traveled across North America and Asia, with unforgettable journeys in South Korea, Thailand, and Canada, she knows firsthand how transformative global immersion can be. And she’s always eager to experience new cultures, discover authentic regional dishes, and collect inspiring stories from around the globe.
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