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Guide to Living and Teaching English in China

So you’re thinking of going  to teach English in China, but you’re not quite sure where to start. Luckily for you the helpful staff at Reach To Teach has compiled a list of useful resources for teachers considering teaching abroad in Mainland China.

Administrative Tools for Living in China

When you come to China, you will make a very nice salary, depending on whether you want to work full- or part-time. Most of our part-time teachers work 20 hours per week and make around $1,400USD per month. With the lower cost of living in China compared to other destinations, teachers should be able to save even more every year. Teaching English in China is become more lucrative for ESL teachers every year. Full time teaching positions that combine teaching hours and office hours will add up to around 40 hours a week. Teachers will make between $1,600USD and $2,400USD per month, with many schools throwing in added perks such as free housing, free flights and contract completion bonuses.

Tips for Living in China

At the end of a China day, you may come to feel a bit bonkers. The food’s different, the people are different, the language is different. There’s no harm in being frustrated by your situation, but we encourage you to rise above it. Embrace the challenges and learn from them!

  • Escape Artist – A quick list of unwritten rules for surviving life in China – read for a quick laugh and remember you’re not alone!
  • Lost Laowai – The expat section of this website is especially useful, as you can offer advice, rant, and learn the behavior of both “good” and “bad” laowai.
  • Cultural China – This website attempts to explain in laymen’s terms China’s 5000+ year history.
  • The Beijing Reviewer – Practical advice from a long-term ESL teacher’s perspective. If you’re considering working while studying, check this out!
  • @tbjTeachEnglish – Follow this Twitter account for real-time job opportunities for English teachers in Beijing.

Things to do in China

As a teacher in China, you’ll inevitably have some free time in need of filling. Whether you prefer to take in more cultural activities, taste local cuisine, or check out the local nightlife, these websites will point you in the right direction for upcoming events and activities.

  • City Weekend – No matter what Chinese city you are studying in, City Weekend is your go-to resource for what’s happening nearby.
  • The Beijinger – This website is always the first to know what’s happening in and around the capital city.
  • Shanghaiist – For students in Shanghai, check out this website to make your weekend plans.
  • Heyrobics – If you’re packing on the pounds from too many helpings of dumplings, check out this fun and colorful exercise club in Beijing.
  • Shanghai Highlights – A great resource for finding day/weekend trips outside the city – including nearby Hangzhou and Nanjing.

Learning Chinese

There are loads of online resources and language tools for learning Chinese.

About China

Chinese Culture - ESL Abroad ‘…China is such an immense country that there is no simple way to define it’s Culture within a neat frame. It has evolved and changed over thousands of years into what it is today, a beast that dominates the Asian continent…’
History of China - ESL Abroad ‘…the History of China is as long as it is interesting. No other country in the world can boast such a continued and sustained presence in world affairs, and one that still continues to grow today…’
Learn Chinese - ESL Abroad ‘…Learning another Language is a challenge for everyone, and Chinese is one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn…’
The weather in China - ESL Abroad ‘…China is a huge country with many different Climates and types of landscape…’
Map of China - ESL Abroad Here you will find useful Maps about China and where it is in relation to the rest of Asia.

Cost of Living in China

Food in China - ESL Abroad ‘…as China is a geographically huge country, it is diverse in climate, ethnicity and subcultures. Not surprisingly therefore, there are many distinctive styles of Cuisine…’
Housing in China - ESL Abroad ‘…Housing will be provided free of charge, but you might have to pay a small fee for the utilities you use…’
Transportation in China - ESL Abroad ‘…China currently has a comprehensive system of modern Transportation, which includes civil aviation, railway, road traffic, and water transportation…’
Phones in China - ESL Abroad ‘…Telephone service is available everywhere in China and works quite well…’
Internet in China - ESL Abroad ‘…Internet access in China is nowadays more advanced than in many Western countries, at least in the major cities…’

Services in China

Banking in China - ESL Abroad ‘…One of the first things you will need to do as an English teacher living in China is open a local Bank account…’
Medical services in China - ESL Abroad ‘…Health care is widely available in China with clinics being found in every village, but in many areas the local facilities are very basic and not generally used by expatriates…’
Embassy in China - ESL Abroad Should you need Embassy services in China we have listed here the offices and contact information for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Misc. Information for China

Holidays in China - ESL Abroad China has many Holidays throughout the year that are worth noting, particularly if you are planning other travel destinations during your time off.
Sports in China - ESL Abroad China has a lot to offer when in comes to getting involved in outdoor activities and Sports. Baseball, soccer, and rugby are particularly popular among the ex-pat community and it is never difficult to jump on a team and meet new friends and start having some fun!