The Truth About Teaching English in China


I decided to go to China through a teaching English program and had the opportunity to test out multiple types of schools that revealed positives and negatives when working with schools directly, being managed by a placement agency, and choosing between an international or national Chinese program.

I hope to share with you all some of my observations and experiences shared with me about working as an English teacher in China before making that big move!

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CHINESE AGENCY
Not a bad option if you are a first timer in China and a great way to get started when you do not know the culture, language, etc. My suggestion is do at least a 6 month contract with an agency so you can transition well into China.

PRO
If you do not know how to read, write, and speak Chinese, this is the best choice to start because they will assist with the visa process, help with setting up a bank account, register at the police station, and other important needs to transition into your life in China.

CON
They take a pretty big cut from your paycheck. Expect a typical 8,000-12,000RMB paycheck when you could get +20,000 RMB without an agent.

PRO
Some offer free Chinese classes and job orientation to help you understand the customs and work culture.

CON
They can do some pretty sketchy business activities if you do not have a base contact from your country that also helps manage you. For example, I had an American agency that managed me and the Chinese agency, which helped a lot, because they were trying to use confidential documents of another English teacher for me to start asap so they would not lose their contract with the school.

PRO
Housing is included with some but that may be due to the cut they take from your pay. Make sure you are aware, if they are taking a big cut from you check, they at least are offering you free housing, health insurance, cell phone, etc!

CON
Free housing can mean that to keep it low-cost, you may have roommates. Remember, not all roomies are clean or respectful of quiet hours!

PRO
They find you a job ASAP! Basically, if you are not getting paid, you are an expense to them so they want to find you work by the next day if possible. Also, I have dealt with some schools who are picky and can be racist so you can be left without a job for awhile if looking on your own. With an agency, some know how to sweet talk schools into hiring you as a teacher.

CON
If you do not finish or pay off your contract with an agency, I have been told stories of police looking to arrest English teachers who abandoned their jobs and were then prevented them from leaving the country or blocked from entry if they left before police got to them. Remember, be professional and responsible wherever you go.

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DIRECT EMPLOYMENT W/SCHOOL
Depending on where you go, international or national, you have to be an advocate for yourself and make sure you do not get taken advantage of! I have heard many unfortunate stories about English teachers being ripped of or deported/taken to jail because they do not have the appropriate visas.

PRO
You get to keep your paycheck! Well, most of the time depending on if they school is reputable and is not operating illegally... I have heard unfortunate stories that schools, running illegally, kept teachers paychecks or ended their contracts early.

CON
Yes, there are schools that operate illegally and if it is an illegal school and the police find out, you could be put in jail or deported! Just be aware.

PRO
You can choose your own apartment, if the schools do not include one, and decide to live on your own or with roomies!

CON
If you do your own apartment, some renters want about 3 months of rent paid to them in advance.

PRO
Have more decision power about which schools you want to work with and *the type of work hours you want.

CON
Though you are on your own to find a teaching English job, some schools unfortunately discriminate against you if you do not speak English with an American accent or look the part, which is blonde hair, blue eyed. China does not have laws yet against discrimination so this can be a challenge when you do not have an agency to help you out.


Did I miss any tips or curious to know more? I have other posts about traveling to China or connect with me on Instagram. 

Location: Beijing, China

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