Where are the best places for teaching English in China?

If you want to join the tens of thousands of people who are teaching ESL in China right now, the first decision to make is which location would suit you best. The largest markets for foreign teachers are in the two big cities of Beijing and Shanghai. However, there are another 150 other cities with a population of over one million people, where ESL jobs can also be found.

Should I teach English in Shanghai?

Shanghai is a truly vast city with a population of over 20 million people. Across the city there are countless potential employers, particularly in the field of business related English. As jobs are so widespread and the salaries are generally very competitive, Shanghai is one of the most popular teaching destinations anywhere in Asia. The city?s population is swelled by a huge number of expats from all over the world that have helped to shape it into the cosmopolitan place it is today. Many teachers find the never ending vibrancy of Shanghai to be exciting and full of opportunity, while many others find it can be a bit overwhelming at times. Whichever way you look at it, Shanghai is one of the country?s main ESL hotspots.

Should I teach English in Beijing?

The country?s capital is almost as huge as Shanghai and jobs are just as weidspread. First-time teachers will have plenty of options among Beijing?s vast number of language schools, while experienced teachers can opt for positions in schools, universities, and private businesses. Beijing is also the home of Standard Mandarin which is China?s official language, so it is popular with teachers who also want to learn the language during their stay. Many employers in the city actually include local language lessons in their teacher?s benefit package.

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.