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Work abroad in China
When you work abroad in China, you will interact with the current and future leaders of the country. It is a great job opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how Chinese people see the world.
We have students of all ages from three-year-olds to teens, albeit not in the same class.
At English 1, we believe our greatest asset is our teachers, and we provide them with the support they need to perform their jobs well. English 1 has a standard contract for English teaching jobs in China and offers one of the best benefits packages in the industry.
When is the best hiring season for teaching jobs in China?
A lot of people often ask when the best season is to get a job in China and the answer most often is year-round as there is always demand for teachers! To see some of the types of jobs available, please see the categories below.
Your responsibilities
In-class schedule
About 20-25 hours of your job as a teacher in China will actually be spent in the classroom, teaching a class. An example schedule across the products is found below. Note below is just a sample and the actual schedule is determined while teachers are already in their centres:
Monday: 2:00 pm- 8:30 pm (three 1-hour classes)
Tuesday: OFF
Wednesday: OFF
Thursday: 2:00 pm- 8:30 pm (three 1-hour classes)
Friday: 1:30 pm- 8:45 pm (one 1-hour class and one 2-hour class)
Saturday: 10:00 am- 6:00 pm (one 1-hour class and two 2-hour classes)
Sunday: 9:00 am- 6:00 pm (three 2-hour classes)
Other duties
The hours outside of the classroom will be divided into prep time, admin work, and training.
English 1 provides teacher's notes and classroom materials for you. As you get to know your students, you can tailor some of the lessons to meet their needs and personalities. As long as the objectives are met, there’s nothing wrong with putting your own spin on the lessons!
Admin work entails progress reports, open lessons, correcting tests, evaluating homework, and parent-teacher conferences.
Schools also conduct in-centre training for you to participate in with a varying range of topics to help you become a better teacher and give you transferable skills that you can use in the future.
Locations
English 1 has many available teaching jobs in China, with many schools located in major cities. Whether you’re looking to live in a big Chinese city or a smaller, more rural area, you can be sure we have the right place for your needs and wants. English 1's centres are mainly located in tier-one and tier-two Chinese cities. Here’s a little bit more about each one:
Truly the most diverse and fast-paced of all the tier-one cities, Shanghai is home to millions of Chinese locals and expats alike. You can be sure to always find something to do whether shopping, eating, or exploring.
This is China’s third-largest city and is a thriving commercial center. It’s quite close to Hong Kong for convenient trips out of the country. The architecture of Guangzhou is a sight to be seen.
A tropical city in the south of China, Shenzhen is more often warm than cool. Palm trees are dotted around the city and beaches are a short ride away. This is an artistic city with lots of cultural paintings and dancing.
Known for its dramatic skyline and mountainous terrain, Chongqing is one of China's largest and fastest-growing cities. A major economic hub in the southwest, it blends modern skyscrapers with historic alleys and spicy hotpot culture. With its bustling nightlife, scenic river views, and dynamic street life, there’s always something to explore in this vibrant metropolis.
A blend of ancient charm and modern development, Fuzhou is a coastal city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Known for its traditional Fujian architecture, lush parks, and famous hot springs, it offers a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. With its thriving tea culture, fresh seafood, and scenic riverfront, Fuzhou provides a unique and inviting atmosphere.
Foshan, a city with deep cultural roots, is renowned for its martial arts legacy and rich Cantonese heritage. As the birthplace of Wing Chun and a hub for traditional ceramics, it blends history with modern industry. With vibrant food markets, ancient temples, and a strong artisan culture, Foshan offers a dynamic yet traditional experience in southern China.
Job requirements
English 1's requirements to become an English teacher in China are simple and can be broken down into three categories:
Degree. In order to educate Chinese students, we need you to be educated as well by at least possessing a bachelor’s degree. We aren’t picky about what your major is or what subjects you studied. As long as you have your original degree from your four-year university (or equivalent), we’ll consider your application.
Passport. The reasoning behind this is simple; in order to be a teacher of English, you need to hold a passport from one of the following English-speaking countries as recognised by the Chinese government: the US, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. This position requires at least a 120-hour TEFL certification to consider your application. Don’t have one? Don’t fret – English 1 offers full sponsorship for a 120-hour online TEFL course for you to take advantage of.
Arrival welcome and support
Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome at the airport by one of our English 1-approved drivers. You will be invited to stay at a hotel for up to two weeks at our expense. During this time, we will assist you in finding suitable accommodation, introduce you to your colleagues, and give you the training you need.
Insurance specially designed for teaching jobs in China
As an English 1 teacher in China, you will be offered medical and accident insurance. The policy has been specially designed for English 1 teaching jobs in China. It has automatic coverage and offers extensive coverage for Medical and Accident and Liability Insurance. This is co-paid between you and English 1.
Teaching visas and work permits
As a reputable company, English 1 provides legal teaching jobs in China with correct working papers. English 1 pays for and arranges all visas for your arrival to your new job. Based on the country’s foreign employment regulations, teachers are required to obtain a working Z-visa before their arrival.
A visa is necessary to enter the country and can be easily obtained at the Chinese embassies or consulates in your country of residence. Attaining this visa can take up to two months so it is best to plan accordingly.
Learning and development
On-going training throughout your teaching career
Our teaching jobs in China include ongoing teacher training. All English 1 schools have a Director of Studies or Center Education Manager. This person has a wealth of experience within the world of English as a Second Language (ESL) and will assist in the professional development of the teaching staff. they will hold a new teacher orientation program that includes an in-depth explanation of the courses, curriculum, resources, and methodology. To hone your teaching skills and help you improve consistently, English 1 offers continuous professional development meetings on a weekly basis so you can teach English with confidence.
Chinese language lessons
While you are teaching English as a foreign language at English 1, you may want to learn one yourself. Language classes for the city in which you reside will be made available to you through Chinesetown.