Is Teaching ESL in China a Good Career Move or Just a Temporary Job?

This is an excellent question, and the answer really depends on your educational and professional goals. Some people use ESL teaching in China as a launching pad for a long-term career in education. Others use it as a short-term opportunity to travel and experience life abroad. Both approaches are completely valid, and both are achievable through a career in ESL.

Career Options and Trajectories

Over the years, I have known people who treated their time in China like a working holiday. Others used it as a way to move into a different industry within China. Some went on to become long-term educators either in ESL or in their home country. Others used their time in China to earn a degree in a completely different field.

Personally, I began my own teaching journey in China through a company called China Link ESL. They offered me a position in Chongqing. At the time, I had a bachelor’s degree and a Level 5 TEFL from the TEFL Academy of Chicago. Later, I moved to Beijing and earned my CELTA. I eventually accepted a Director of Studies position in Hohhot. After that, I transitioned into educational management. So in my experience, this career path has been rewarding in many ways.

How to Advance Your ESL Teaching Career

If you are interested in making ESL a long-term career, there are generally two main directions: international education and domestic education in your home country. Either can work well depending on your goals.

If you want to teach around the world, many people start with a TEFL or TESOL and begin working in China or another country. During this time, new teachers gain valuable classroom experience. Most will then pursue higher certifications like the CELTA. If your goal is to move into management or advanced roles, here are some qualifications to consider:

• DELTA is an intensive six to twelve-month certification for experienced teachers looking to move into leadership or curriculum roles

• Trinity DipTESOL is another advanced certification similar to the DELTA

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) can be earned online while gaining classroom experience abroad

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) is a common next step for teachers who already have a bachelor’s degree

In many cases, teachers complete these qualifications while working in China and then return to their home countries fully licensed. I have personally known several teachers who became certified for their state or national teaching license while working abroad.

ESL as a Stepping Stone

Not everyone wants to stay in ESL long term. Many teachers only plan to stay for one or two years. This is especially common among younger people who want to save money and travel at the same time.

Plenty of people use their ESL income to fund degrees in unrelated fields or to pursue different careers entirely. It can be a great way to finance a transition or enjoy life before settling into a long-term profession.

I have worked with teachers who took ESL jobs specifically to gain access to certain countries. One coworker in Riyadh taught English so he could also work as a construction consultant under a secondary visa. Another teacher in Vietnam used her time there to improve her Vietnamese in preparation for a diplomatic career. A friend of mine taught in Ecuador for six months before moving to Peru to work in sustainable tourism.

The Realities of Teaching in China

There are some honest truths to know about teaching in China.

First, the salary is very livable within China. You can have a comfortable life and still save money. However, this same salary does not stretch nearly as far in countries like the US, UK, or Canada. Your lifestyle in China may not be sustainable if you try to replicate it back home.

Second, it is very important to do your homework on the company or school you are working for. To avoid these issues, here are some best practices:

• Make sure your contract is clearly written in English

• Make sure you know who to contact if something goes wrong. The Chinese national labor hotline is 12333 (Mandarin only)

• Always get important conversations in writing so you can reference job responsibilities. If someone gives you a verbal update, follow up with a text or email

• Join WeChat expat groups in your area and ask others about the school or company

• Watch out for job offers that sound too good to be true

• Look for schools with up-to-date testimonials from teachers

• Check the contract for pay, expectations, teaching hours, office hours, housing, and flight reimbursement

Typically, a fair contract will list around 25 teaching hours and 15 office hours per week. Housing and flight reimbursement are often included or clearly outlined. While this is slightly flexible, this is a good rule of thumb to consider.

How the ESL Industry in China Has Changed

The ESL industry in China has changed quite a bit over the last decade. In the early 2000s, ESL teaching in China was very lucrative. But the economic slowdown and the effects of COVID have lowered the average salaries.

Right now, most ESL teachers in China earn between 2,300 to 4,800 US dollars per month. Housing is often included or covered, and the low cost of living helps teachers save money. Travel is also very affordable thanks to China’s high-speed train network and local airlines.

The work schedule is also manageable. A typical week includes 25 classroom hours and about 15 office hours. Some schools may ask for a little more, but most stay within this range.

Major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Guangzhou usually pay more to reflect the higher cost of living. Smaller cities and countryside placements offer good value locally, but the money may not stretch far outside that region.

During my own time in China, I was able to travel across the country and experience new places without spending too much. Food, transit, and domestic flights are all affordable.

Final Thoughts

Teaching English in China is a valid career path with a lot of room for growth. It can lead to further teaching opportunities, advanced education, or even a completely new direction.

At the same time, it also works well as a stepping stone for people who want to live abroad, save money, or travel before moving into something else.

I hope this gives you a well-rounded picture of the pros, cons, and possibilities of working as an ESL teacher in China. Good luck to everyone who is considering the journey.