At a Glance: Teaching English in China
35,119 Certified Grads since 1992


At a Glance: Teaching English in China

This massive country has a great deal to be famous for: its five millennia of history, the Forbidden City, landscapes like the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River or the volcanic dishes of Sichuan, and dazzling cities like Beijing and Shanghai. But it is also famous for its strong ESL market, which makes for attractive contracts, finding positions quickly after certification, and the ability to teach and travel with friends or a spouse.

Living and Teaching in China
China: At a Glance
China: Living in China
China: Teaching ESL in China
China: Financial Snapshot
Monthly Salary*:
12,000 - 30,000 CNY
2,400 - 6,000 CAD (May 22, 2023)
Private Tutoring per Hour:
150 - 500 CNY
30.00 - 100.00 CAD (May 22, 2023)
Income Tax††: 3 - 25%
Ability to Save per year: 21,000 - 53,000 CAD
Airfare: Reimbursement (full or partial) usually given
Accommodations: Usually included or allowance given
Health Care: Supplementary healthcare recommended
Holidays: Usually paid
Teaching Hours per Week: 15 - 35
Typical Contract Length: One year
Typical Start Month(s): August/September, February/March, or year round
Application Timeline: 3 - 6 months
Work Visa: Employer sponsors
Minimum Requirements: High School Diploma (For Internships), Bachelor's Degree and Oxford Seminars TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Additional Notes: Most cities in China require teachers to have a bachelor's degree and 120+ hours of TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification; internships may be available for those without a bachelor's degree

Other East Asia / Southeast Asia Countries:

Cambodia ~ China ~ Hong Kong ~ India ~ Indonesia ~ Japan ~ Korea ~ Kyrgyzstan ~ Laos ~ Malaysia ~ Nepal ~ Taiwan ~ Thailand ~ Vietnam

Teaching English in China gives you the chance not only to explore its bustling city life, but also the quiet of the countryside and the mystery of the desert. China is the fourth largest country in the world. Its history dates back over 6,000 years. The yin of Imperial structures, calligraphy, Tai Chi, the Great Wall, and green tea is balanced by the yang of cell phones ringing, glass towers, and efficient mass transit.

The combination of Oxford Seminars' internationally recognized TESOL/TESL Certification and our Job Placement Service included with the course makes teaching English abroad a reality. Learn more about teaching English in China and other opportunities teaching English abroad by calling 1-888-227-6755, or by attending an upcoming free Information Session in your area.

* Wages vary depending on the economy of the country.
Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
†† You will be paying income tax while teaching abroad, and the tax rate can change depending on how much money you earn.

Oxford Seminars makes every effort to keep our information as up-to-date and accurate as possible. However, individual teaching positions and experiences may vary with job market conditions. Specific information listed cannot be guaranteed to be applicable when you are seeking employment teaching ESL in a specific country.

Note that certain positions require additional qualifications and credentials that are not negotiable due to specific country legislation.