Teaching English in Shanghai should be your next move—here’s why & how. Imagine living in a city rich in history, a blend of Western and Eastern traditions, infused with modern culture and arts, and with spectacular views to top it off! (And we haven’t even mentioned the shopping). Imagine feeling fulfilled through your work, teaching adorable children. Your housing is paid for, you have a meal stipend, and you still make a regular salary. You can save a lot of that salary because everything is cheaper. What if we told you this exists outside your dreams?
Teaching in Shanghai means nonstop access to incredible views like this one.
Teaching English in Shanghai is one of the best ways to travel abroad. You spend time teaching valuable language skills to cute kids, travel around China and Asia, and get paid for it all! You’ll love learning about Chinese culture through full immersion. Shanghai is an incredible, bustling city that will be yours to explore! There are tons of options for teaching jobs in Shanghai, all with different pros and cons. Whether you want more flexibility for travel or you favor a higher salary, there’s an opportunity out there for you! Read on to find out some answers to frequently asked questions about teaching in Shanghai.
FAQs on teaching in Shanghai
What are the requirements for teaching in China?
If you are in between the ages of 18-35, in good health, and from an English speaking country (England, Australia, United States, etc), then you are a perfect fit for teaching jobs in Shanghai!
A lot of programs require a Teaching English as a Foreign Language, or TEFL, certification, which is different from a college degree. This certification takes 170 hours (they recommend spreading it out over 11 weeks) and is ~$1,400. At the end of the course, you’ll be ready to teach English in Shanghai!
In addition to this certificate, you’ll need your passport, visa, and work permit. There can be a lot of hoops to jump through with these, including physicals, drug tests, and lots of official seals, so make sure you start early!
Can you teach English in Shanghai without a degree?
Short answer: Kind of. For English teaching jobs in Shanghai, a lot of programs only require the TEFL certification.
Cutie kiddos will make you smile every day!
Long answer: However, the Chinese government has tightened requirements on work visas in recent years. To legally teach in China (and not get scammed), you’ll need a bachelor’s degree too (and beware of schools or recruiters who claim otherwise!). The good news is that you don’t need a teaching degree or even an English degree. You could have majored in underwater basket weaving, and as long as you have the bachelor’s degree to prove it, you’re good to go!
What is the average teaching English in Shanghai salary?
It’s more $$$hanghai than $hanghai. The salary for an English teacher in Shanghai varies from job to job. If you work with a company like English First, for example, you’ll earn ~$1,900 - $2,200 (13,000-15,000 RMB) per month with a flight allowance of ~$1,200. Echo Education provides a similar salary at around ~$1,500 - $2,000, (10,000 - 14,000 RMB) per month, and they offer free housing in addition to flight reimbursement. Not all programs’ salaries are so high, though. PremierTEFL's program only pays about ~$760/month but also includes amazing cultural excursions and unparalleled program support!
So the average compensation is~$1,500 per month, plus benefits. If that doesn’t seem like a lot, keep in mind that the cost of living in China is much, much lower than the United States. When all of these cost breaks have been factored in, teaching English in Shanghai for a salary provides a very affordable and profitable option. And even the lowest salary will guarantee you can afford the best culinary experience Shanghai has to offer: Xiaolongbao! (Delicious pork and broth dumplings. Trust us. Or google it.)
What are the types of teaching opportunities in Shanghai?
There are four main types of schools in Shanghai, and they all have different pros and cons. Here is a handy cheat-sheet for you to refer back to when trying to decide which opportunity is the best fit for you.
Teaching jobs in Shanghai generally fall into four main categories.
- Kindergartens. Who doesn’t love bright eyed kiddos? You’ll adore the small children and their ease to excitement. Because you likely won’t teach complex topics, you have less preparation hours outside of class. Unfortunately, sometimes housing isn’t included in these English teaching jobs in Shanghai—and you might earn lower wages to boot.
- Private Language Schools or Academies. Because these schools are… well, private, you’ll work with smaller class sizes and likely earn higher bonuses as well. However, since these schools aren’t regulated by the Chinese government, salaries and benefits can vary a lot. Work hours might go over the twenty hour week common with other types of schools. However, private language schools are most common in big cities, so Shanghai has plenty of these opportunities!
- Public Schools. Public schools are standardized and regulated, so teaching benefits and conditions are guaranteed. This gig also comes with paid vacation - more time for you to travel around Asia! But, public also means more students in class, with up to 50 students per class. With more students in class, you’ll also have varying abilities, making teaching a little more difficult.
- Summer / Winter Camps. Summer or Winter camps are perfect if you don’t have a whole year to spend teaching in Shanghai. Plus, summer camps mean tons of awesome summer activities for you to experience! Because the camps are so short, you’ll be working up six days a week, which can get a little intense! The short length also means most programs won’t reimburse you for your plane ticket.
Is it safe to teach abroad in China?
There are currently no travel advisories for China. That said, there’s risk of danger whenever you travel somewhere unfamiliar, especially a big city like Shanghai. Beware of tourist scams including counterfeit money and pickpockets, especially on Nanjing Road where alllll the best and greatest world-class shopping is in Shanghai. If you are aware of your surroundings and trust your gut, you’ll have a great time!
Researching and reading about your destination is a helpful way to prepare and lower the risk of danger. Enjoy these tips about teaching in China from an ex-teacher! And if you’re still feeling a little nervous, read some general safety tips about living abroad here.
Xiaolongbao (n). Way of life
Do I need to know Cantonese or Mandarin before teaching in Shanghai?
Nope! Speaking the local language can definitely be useful for getting around, ordering, and working with students who might not be as fluent. However, for an English teacher in Shanghai, fluency Cantonese or Mandarin isn’t required. In fact, some programs even offer Cantonese lessons while you are in Shanghai! There are definitely ways to teach English in Shanghai without being fluent in Cantonese. (We would, however, recommend learning how to ask where the bathroom is).
Where can I find ESL jobs in Shanghai?
A google search for ESL jobs in Shanghai will bring you tons of web pages! The demand for English teachers is high, so there are a lot of teaching jobs in Shanghai just waiting for you. If the options seem overwhelming, you can always use our GoAbroad job board for expert advice and reviews that will help you narrow your options and find a perfect fit! We’ve even laid out some of our favorite teaching programs below.
[Browse ALL Open Teaching Positions in Shanghai Now]
What are the best jobs and programs for teaching in Shanghai?
1. Premier TEFL
Premier TEFL offers services to get you TEFL qualified. Plus, after you’re certified, they’ve got extensive lists of great teaching position in Shanghai. They offer both jobs and internships, with a variety of lengths and salaries. Their resources also extend to travel, visa, and the best places to eat out. TEFL will help you become an English teacher in Shanghai in no time!
2. English First
English First boasts a large and experienced company to help you teach in Shanghai. They are established enough that they are able to provide free flights to your destination! All of their classrooms are equipped with the technology you need to teach, including computers, interactive whiteboards, and ipads. English First offers tons of extra experiences, including free Mandarin lessons, weekly cultural experiences, ten days of paid leave, and a decent salary!
3. Teaching Nomad
Teaching Nomad is a great service that provides support by getting to know yon and arranging interviews with schools that matches your qualifications and interests. That means they can pair you with tons of English teaching jobs in Shanghai! From helping with placement to assisting with documents and visas, Teaching Nomad will continue to provide support for the duration of your stay in China at absolutely no charge.
4. Echo Education
Echo Education is certified by Chinese Government SAFEA (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs) as one of the top companies assisting with foreign teacher placement in China. Because they are such a huge company, it can be a little impersonal. However, they have lots of opportunities to teach in Shanghai and similar cities. As an extra plus, if you certify for TEFL, use Echo’s services, and are selected for a job, Echo will reimburse the fee you paid for your TEFL certification.
5. AuPairia China
AuPairia’s program is unique because it places you with a single family instead of in a big school, allowing for more personal connection between you and your few students, the children of the family. The highlight of this program is the provided Mandarin lessons! Learning the native language while you live there is a wonderful opportunity for full immersion. AuPairia stations workers in cities including Beijing, Shenzhen, Dalian, and, of course, Shanghai! Assistance is provided every step of the way, from visas to airport pickup.
[Browse ALL English Teaching Jobs in Shanghai HERE]
Now’s your chance to find English teaching jobs in Shanghai
Beautiful streets, delicious eats, great pay, incredible culture. What more could you want?!
If teaching abroad by yourself seems daunting, going to teach in Shanghai is perfect for you. It hosts a perfect blend of Eastern and Western culture, so not everything will be unfamiliar! And, because it’s a big city, you’ll be exposed to a wide variety of Eastern cultures, giving you a comprehensive taste of China.
Enjoy spectacular views from the Pearl Tower, or marvel at nature’s beauty as you wander the Yu Garden. You can take a river cruise along the Bund or even meditate in the Jade Buddha Temple. Plus, teaching English in Shanghai for a salary is an affordable option to help you travel abroad. These programs are all amazing opportunities just waiting to be taken! Fall in love with teaching in Shanghai by exploring and truly living there.
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