teach and travel china

TEACH ENGLISH AND TRAVEL IN CHINA

Teach and Travel in China is an education company, We hire English native speakers from the whole world to teach kids in China.

Travel all around the cities of China

Enhance your learning experience, learn more, get results, go further.

We hire hundreds of teachers from South Africa every year. We need teachers to be very responsible, patients, love children and education. We hire teachers to work in China, teachers need to have at least bachelor degree, clear criminal paper. If have teaching experience already, that’s the best. 

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A review of Teach and Travel China (TTC) by i-to-i

published by Bren

Last updated: May 19, 2020

I normally don’t publish guest posts but today I’ve made an exception. JY is a good friend of mine who recently completed TTC (Teach and Travel China) with i-to-i. I actually remember wanting to do this programme back in 2011, but couldn’t find a review of it anywhere! So, I’ve decided to publish this recap of his; hopefully it’ll be of some help to you budding ESL teachers out there.

I first heard about TTC ( Teach and Travel China ) after being recommended it by a friend. There are literally hundreds of sites offering the same thing, but i-to-i is one of the more reputable ones out there (note: The TTC program is offered by various other agencies too, such as IESGlobal and Bunac, among others).

The price I paid was a little cheaper than the listed $1,800 as I caught it on special (thinking it’d be totally worth it, since it included the $399 TEFL certificate course and a two week training course in Beijing). We were able to choose a start date in either February or August, and I decided to take the August semester.

• A Beginner’s Guide To Studying Chinese In China
• The Practical Guide To Making Money While Travelling
• Study Chinese In China For A Year…For Free!

i-to-i calls this program a “voluntary internship”. The pay is not great, around $400 a month, but accommodation is included as well as 3 meals a day, Monday to Friday.

The year I went (2012), there were 141 of us – 4 from NZ, about 8 from Aussie, 20ish from the US and 93 from the UK. We all met in Beijing, got split up into 5-6 groups and got put through the 2 week course. In reality, it was more like a two day course – 2 days on actual teaching methods and mock classes and the rest of the time doing things like tai chi, calligraphy and basic Mandarin classes.

Interestingly the process went like this – while we were in Beijing, the schools in the TTC program actually chose us. We didn’t really have a say on where we went. We got to put down 3 preferences, and I chose South as my first choice, then North, then Central. In the end I got placed in Chengdu which is Central. We also were randomly given pre-school, primary, intermediate or high school (luckily I got primary, which is what I had hoped for). As for the location, it seemed like the boobie area was Inner Mongolia. I still remember on our 3rd to last day in Beijing, everyone was running to the pin board as if they were getting their exam marks, but it was just the placements. As soon as one of the girls found out she got Inner Mongolia, she cried.

Then we were given the stats. Of the 141, 30-40% were expected to leave the internship. This was due to culture shock and homesickness, as well as many teachers getting poached by other agencies offering much higher salaries (up to $1,900 per month compared to the $400 paid by TTC).

For the duration of the internship you get assigned a person who speaks English from your school, so if you ever have any problems or questions you have someone to talk to. This is good and ensures that you’re well looked after during the entire 5 month internship. You can also request to be placed at the same school as your girlfriend/boyfriend/husband/wife.

As for the actual teaching part, we were required to work a maximum of 16 hours a week. Usually that worked out to around four 40 minute classes per day, and sometimes it was as little as two. That might not sound like a lot of work, but honestly, it is! We also had to plan our own lessons, so there was a fair amount of prep time too.

There’s quite a few downsides to the TTC program. First, it’s expensive. Then there’s the uncertainty and mystery on where you’ll be placed and with which age group. Accommodation quality can be a problem too – I visited some of my friends’ apartments in Chengdu which were appalling.

Lastly, there’s the pay situation – it’s natural to wonder how much TTC is taking of your salary considering a normal English teacher’s salary is around $1,500 a month and you’re only receiving $400.  This is probably why it’s so common for interns to get poached by other agencies and in some cases people just go looking for other work themselves. However for me, it was all for the experience and never about money. I made some really good friends, had an experience I’ll never regret and definitely reconnected with my inner roots.

In the end it was quite a costly way to experience China but luckily for me it all worked out -accommodation was awesome, school was awesome, students were awesome and teaching experience was totally awesome. Every man to his own opinion and experience. Even if I had been placed in Inner Mongolia or some place rugged, I wouldn’t have minded at all – would’ve just made the experience my own and appreciated everything.

For those thinking about teaching in China, here’s my recommendation – get TEFL qualified by doing the i-to-i TEFL course online (around $399, click here to check it out ) and then find work through your own agent (the challenge is to find a reliable one and not get scammed – do your research!) Also, travelling in China can be a scary place if you don’t know the language, so make sure you have reliable sources and a backup plan if things don’t work out. As for me, I’m adding a little detour to my next trip to visit my old school in Chengdu. I miss my kids, definitely had an experience to remember and don’t regret it one bit.

Got questions? Taken a Teach and Travel China internship of your own? What’s your experience? Let us know in the comments below!

Note: This is a guest post by a friend of mine. If you have questions about the program, leave a comment below or send me an email and I’ll do my best to connect you.

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• For affordable accommodation, I highly recommend using Airbnb. You can get $25 of Airbnb credit, absolutely free, using this link.
• For easy and affordable travel insurance, I always go with World Nomads.
• For more useful websites for cheap flights, accommodation and other travel needs, you can check out my Resources page.

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I even find the i-to-i online TEFL course to be a rip off – I’m currently working with TEFL247 and they offer the same course for a fraction of that price. I can’t speak to the quality of the i-to-i course as I’ve never done it, but am happy with the one I am doing and cannot imagine the i-to-i course having much more to offer!

Interesting, never heard of them, will check it out. Where r u planning to teach?

I’ve just come back from China where I did a 4 month internship with ESLstarter. There is no program fee at all and it was amazing!

Hey Sarah 🙂 What type of visa were you issued? And did people from ESLstarter pick you up from the airport? I’m considering them too 🙂

are native speakers of english the only ones eligible for this program?

No, I don’t believe so.

I was currently accepted into the TTC program, but I’m trying to figure out if I should accept or not. The experience is definitely more important than the money, in my opinion. But still, I would like to be safe financially. So I’d be better off getting my TEFL here and then searching for a better position?

I’ve never done TTC, this was a guest post from a friend, but if it were me I’d probably do that i.e. get the TEFL and find my own work.

I am currently busy with the 150 hour course from Global TEFL, then i was planning to do the TTC through i-to-i, but they are very expensive and do not offer many benefits, so I am looking at other programs as well.. any advise on worthwhile programs through other companies?

Hi Megan, I don’t have much experience with this, but perhaps the forums over at Dave’s ESL cafe will give you some ideas!

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Teach Travel China

Get paid to teach. travel china., no prior teaching experience necessary., get tefl qualified to become globally employable., program snapshot.

Teach & Travel China Overview

Teach & travel china combines a 120 hour online tefl certification, 2 weeks training and orientation in china, and a 4.5-month teaching placement in a chinese school., online tefl course, training & orientation, teaching internship, online modules, personal tutor, 24/7 access.

Access your modules at any time of the day from your tablet, laptop or phone.

Beijing Arrival

Training in harbin, cultural activities, teach english, online tefl certification, in country tefl training, teach for a semester, five killer reasons to teach in china.

• Trial your new career before you commit to it long-term
• Test-drive your knowledge and skills in a challenging, international environment
• Enhance your CV in China, a market all multinationals have a keen interest in
• Build your professional network in a place that is encouraging innovation, research and entrepreneurship
• Exposure to the Chinese business environment, business customs and culture will help with future job searches

Program Highlights

Guaranteed Internship

TEFL Training

Chinese Lessons

Arrival & Orientation

Social Activities

Pre-Departure & Visas

Housing & Meals

On Site Staff

Prices & dates.

The following table outlines current prices for our Teach & Travel China Program, excluding flights and insurance.

We take payment online through secure online gateways. Start dates are available twice per year.

• Pricing in USD
• Program Dates

Meet the Team

Ben Bray, Program Manager

Matt Piechocki, Application Specialist

Lorcan O'Hara, Program Coordinator

Lorcan first came to China in 2014 to take part in ImmerQi’s Teach & Travel China Program. He is from Tipperary, Ireland and has a keen interest in photography and travel. He has taught TEFL to kindergarten and primary school students in Guangzhou and Taipei.

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Step In Teach And Travel China

Why the Step in Teach and Travel Program?

For those looking for an up-close and personal way to experience all that China has to offer, the Step In Teach and Travel program is the ideal solution. As part of the program, aspiring teachers take a two-week course in China, during which they learn about the culture, history, and lifestyle of the country while at the same time learning the language and suitable teaching methods.

The program combines two exciting opportunities, giving participants the chance to not only explore a beautiful country but also enhance their skills as a teacher. During the trip, participants will have the opportunity to work with both international and local teachers, as well as talk to the unique people of China. From the cities to the rural villages, participants will experience a combination of educational learning and cultural exploration.

The Step in Teach and Travel China program gives participants a unique experience, as they are not tourists but actually opportunities to live the experience of what could become a long-term career.

Benefits of Step In Teach and Travel Program

The Step In Teach and Travel Program has a variety of benefits. The two-week course not only provides participants with unique teaching experiences but also provides invaluable cultural immersion. As participants explore both the country’s hectic cities and quiet rural villages, they will gain an understanding of the unique aspects of Chinese culture that can only be learned with a firsthand experience.

Participants will also learn key teaching approaches and strategies used in the country, from activities that include lectures, simulations, field trips, field research, and more. These activities give participants the skills needed to teach international classes in China in the future. In addition to learning about different teaching strategies, participants will also have the opportunity to practice their language skills.

The Step in Teach and Travel program is also an excellent opportunity to build meaningful friendships and create professional networking contacts. During the two-week course, participants have the opportunity to make lifelong connections with like-minded people, including both current students and professors. With these newfound contacts, participants can have the added benefits of learning from the experience of others and receiving valuable advice on future career opportunities in teaching in China.

Requirements to Participate

In order to participate in the Step In Teach and Travel program, participants must meet in the following requirements. First, all applicants must demonstrate basic proficiency in the Chinese language. In addition, all participants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, have teacher certification, or have at least two years of prior teaching experience. Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose and a current resume. More information on the application process can be found on the program’s website.

Once the application materials are submitted, participants can begin the entry process. After initial screening, applicants have an interview with a program coordinator. Once accepted, participants can participate in the program as soon as possible.

Cost of the Program

The cost of the Step In Teach and Travel program is dependent on the length of the trip and the number of people in the group. All groups must be made up of at least three people. Prices start at $1,400 and can differ depending on the extras involved, such as meals, accommodations, and cultural activities. Participants should factor in these costs when applying and budgeting for the trip.

Benefits After The Program

After the conclusion of the two-week program, participants will be equipped with education and cultural understanding that will be useful for years to come. In addition, some participants find they are able to find employment after the program, either in the education system or in related fields. This program also gives participants the opportunity to teach in China on a short-term basis, giving them the ability to further their education and gain valuable teaching experience.

The step in Teach and Travel program is a great way for aspiring teachers to gain valuable insight into the culture and teaching methods of China. By presenting the perfect balance of education and exploration, participants of this program can explore the wonders of the country while also obtaining a better understanding of their career goals in the education system.

Feelings and Experiences During the Program

The experience during the program is one filled with excitement, learning, and self-discovery. Until this point, participants may consider themselves a tourist, but during the program, they become immersed in a culture that is completely different than their own.

Living with local people, practicing the language, and adapting to different customs and customs opens the participants’ minds to new possibilities. Additionally, the teachers in the program are always available to answer questions and ensure that all of the participants are maximizing their experiences.

Participants also has the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful sights in China, learn about the long and storied history of the country, and explore unique and fascinating places that they may have otherwise missed.

Tourism Opportunities in China

As part of the Step In Teach and Travel program, participants will have the opportunity to explore many of China’s most popular tourist spots. Participants can explore cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou, the ancient Great Wall, the diverse areas such as Daocheng and Jiuzhaigou, and many of the country’s idyllic beaches.

In addition, ‘night markets’, bustling street-food scenes, beautiful public parks, and traditional markets will also await exploration. With countless activities to suits everyone’s taste, participants of this program will gain more than just a better education.

Benefits of Living and Working in China

Living and working in China can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for those who decide to take the plunge. It provides insight into the culture and a deeper understanding of the language while presenting the opportunity to teach in a new setting. Depending on the city, living costs can be quite low, and there are a wide range of teaching opportunities for those who are interested in finding employment.

Those who decide to stay in China after the conclusion of the program will also have the opportunity to blend into the country’s culture and learn more about its unique and fascinating customs. They can also meet a variety of people from various parts of the country and learn from their experiences.

Impact of the Program

The Step in Teach and Travel Program has the potential to revolutionize the way people experience a country as vast and unique as China. Not only does it provide participants with the education they need to teach in China, but also with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to live and immerse themselves in the culture and lifestyles of the Chinese people.

The program offers participants an invaluable experience during which they can explore the world, create meaningful connections, expand their network, and live and teach in a foreign country. For those looking to take their teaching career in a new direction, the Step in Teach and Travel Program offers a unique experience that allows participants to become well-rounded teachers and explore a beautiful country at the same time.

John Melendez

John J. Melendez is a journalist, author, and commentator specializing in Chinese culture, politics, and international relations. He is a frequent guest on radio and television programs, and is the author of several books on Chinese culture and politics. He currently resides in Beijing, China.

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HOW TO TEACH AND TRAVEL IN CHINA

One of the best reasons to start a job in China is that you can travel around a country that has over 5,000 years of history. Many of EF's teachers love to teach and travel in China. In this post, you'll learn some great tips on how you can make the most out of your holidays and days off to travel.

The "How To's" Of Teaching and Traveling in China

With the national holiday or “Golden Week” as the locals call it finally behind us, teachers seem to be settling back into their normal routines of lesson planning and teaching. But what about the rest of us who are travel addicts? When you are not planning your next lesson this down time is perfect for looking forward to the next upcoming holiday. Technically, the next major week-long holiday is not until the Chinese New Year, but don't let that discourage you! There is plenty of one and two-day trips you can take to escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai and you can definitely teach and travel while you're living in China.

Tips For Taking Quick Day Trips

Stay close:.

Anywhere that you can travel to by bus or train is perfect for a one or two-day trip. Any place you would need to fly to takes up too much time and money.

Teacher's Weekends

Most teachers have weekdays off which is ideal for travelling. Although China is known for overcrowded areas, travelling on the weekdays makes it a lot easier to beat some of these crowds.

Travel within the country on a national holiday

Tour Groups

No need to worry about language barriers, booking hotels, or transportation. Let someone else handle the hard work and just sit back and relax

Ask For Help

If you are not familiar with Chinese ask for help from a Chinese colleague in using a tour group. In my experience, they are always more than willing to help out if needed.

For your next quick trip check out Putuoshan Mountain or “Putuo Mountain.” The perfect two days and one-night adventure is only a 5-hour bus ride and a quick 15-minute ferry ride away from Shanghai on Zhoushan Island in the Zhejiang Province. For the holiday myself along with 6 of my friends decided to travel to the sacred Putuoshan Mountain. I personally do not advise travelling to any sacred areas; local temples included on holidays because it is extremely overcrowded. But when adventure calls I simply cannot say no. A perfect place for hiking, Putuo Mountain is a holy Buddhist mountain that is home to several sacred temples, small sacred caves, huge golden statues, and more.

With the help of two amazing local teachers who organized the trip with the tour group we were able to receive a special group rate that included the price of entering the island, entering the temples, a hotel, and free breakfast.

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How to Teach English in China

Originally from Cyprus, Yaren is an island girl who writes about all things travel and expat life...

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China is one of the dream destinations to teach English abroad . And for good reason. The number of English teaching opportunities in China is proportional to the country’s size—both are huge! From Beijing to Shanghai, the country is home to hundreds of schools and language centers…

…and even more travel opportunities ! If climbing the Great Wall, learning the world’s most widely spoken language , and tasting some delicious food sound appealing, read on to find out how to teach English in China . Not only will you make unforgettable memories, but you will also gain some in-demand skills .

What are the visa requirements to teach English in China?

Learn how to teach English in China and get ready to see some iconic sights for yourself!

If you’re planning on teaching English in China, visa requirements play a key part in your preparation. Visa requirements to teach English in China are different from the requirements when you’re visiting the country as a tourist. It’s strictly forbidden to work on a tourist visa in China , and the police run regular checks in schools and language centers.

To teach, you will need a Z Visa, also known as a working visa. Along with the necessary documents, fill out the visa application form online , which will guide you further on what to do.

Here are the documents you will need to obtain the Z visa:

• Visa application form completed online and signed by hand.
• Passport that is valid for at least six months, with at least two blank pages.
• Recent passport photo in color (not black and white).
• Foreigners Employment Permit of the People’s Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities or equivalent documents (you will get this when your teaching placement is confirmed).

These requirements might depend on which Chinese consulate you’re applying from. It’s a good idea to check your consulate’s website or give them a call in case you have any questions.

Can I teach English in China without a degree?

Teaching English in China without a degree was common in the past. However, today, for full-time teaching jobs, you need at least a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certification , and two years of experience.

That said, your bachelor’s degree can be in any subject, not necessarily in teaching or English. Some organizations, such as training centers or kindergartens, may also accept it if you have less than two years of experience—but they will still require a degree.

5 other requirements to teach English in China

It’s time to start studying and get TEFL certified to prepare yourself for your teaching days.

In addition to a working visa and a degree, here are five other requirements to teach English in China:

• TEFL certification: A standard TEFL course takes 120 hours to complete and opens the doors to teaching in many countries , including China.
• Native English speaker: In most cases, China requires English teachers to be native speakers, usually from the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
• Work experience: To teach at K-12 and international schools, you need two years of experience.
• Clean criminal record: A complete background check is necessary to prove that you have a clean criminal record. You can get this at a local or state police office.
• Age: You need to be younger than China’s retirement age, which is 55 for women and 60 for men.

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 teach abroad programs in China—it’s free!

How to teach english in china, 1. decide where to go and where to teach..

With over 1.4 billion citizens and millions of English learners, China isn’t short of amazing cities for English teachers and expats alike. To make the best decision, consider if you want to be in a mega city like Shanghai or a smaller city like Nanjing, and it will be easier to narrow down your choices.

Your English teaching salary in China will also depend on the location. Bigger cities often offer higher salaries, but the cost of living is higher too.

When it comes to where to teach, you need to choose a school depending on your experience level. K-12 and international schools require at least two years of experience while training centers might accept newer teachers .

2. Choose a program.

Once you have a few cities in mind, apply for English teaching programs. If you want to increase your chances, choose program providers that offer teaching experiences in various cities . This research puts you well on your way to discovering how to become an English teacher in China!

3. Check application requirements carefully and apply.

If you don’t have a TEFL certification, don’t worry—in many programs, an online course is also included. Alternatively, you can also enroll in a TEFL course in China .

Whether you’re dreaming of teaching in the countryside or a big city, you’ll need to meet some requirements to teach English in China.

If you don’t have at least two years of experience, you can apply for beginner-level teaching opportunities or volunteering programs . If you have two years of experience, a degree, and a TEFL certificate, you can get a full-time English teaching job in most types of schools.

4. Apply for a visa.

By now, you probably know that teaching English in China has some complex visa requirements. Make sure to apply well in advance, and if your organization offers guidance, use it! When you arrive in China on a Z visa, keep in mind that you will also need to apply for a residence permit within 30 days.

5. Download some travel apps.

Some apps, such as Google, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram don’t work in China. Learn about the alternative apps to use and let your family know. For example, instead of WhatsApp, you can use WeChat, the most common messaging app.

6. Make a pre-departure checklist.

What do you need to pack to work abroad in China? Make a checklist so you don’t forget anything, including your laptop, chargers, and clothes depending on the weather. If you have any questions about the dress code at school or any teaching materials you need to bring, ask your program coordinator.

Also, add taking some Mandarin classes to your pre-departure list. You can learn some basics of the language through apps, movies, or language courses online or in China . Having some knowledge of the language will facilitate your daily life and help break the ice with your students when you first arrive .

Most English teaching jobs in China also offer accommodation, so that’s something to cross off your checklist right in the beginning.

7. Book your flights.

Visa, check. Documents, check. Basic Mandarin, check. Now it’s time to book your tickets to China! Arrive at least a week before your work contract begins so that you’ll have enough time to settle and apply for residency.

4 teach abroad programs in China to consider

The final yet most important step to figuring out how to become an English teacher in China—finding the program. Here are four programs that include visa guidance, accommodation, and a competitive English teacher salary in China.

1. Teach English in China + Visa Assistance with CIEE

• Why? CIEE has been sending English teachers to China since 1997. If you want a hassle-free experience with extensive pre-departure assistance, this is the program for you. You have the chance to complete your TEFL course with them, choose from six amazing cities in China, and get in touch with former teachers who can tell you what they wish they knew before going.
• Where? Chongqing and Shanghai
• Read CIEE Teach Abroad reviews

2. Travel, Teach, & Explore China with Teaching Nomad

• Why? According to this program’s stats, the salary for teaching English in China is between $1,500 and $3,000. Depending on your experience, you will be working in a training center, kindergarten, international school, public school, or university in one of the program’s 11 cities. If you want to have as many options as possible, this program is great!
• Where? Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Harbin, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Xi’an
• Read Teaching Nomad reviews

3. Teach Abroad in China

• Why? Teach Away has over 200 English teaching opportunities in Chinese private language schools, kindergartens, international schools, and more. Plus, the jobs come with great perks and benefits, including health insurance, free Mandarin lessons, and paid vacation days. Go ahead and check out their vacancies to see what’s there for you!
• Where? Various cities
• Read Teach Away reviews

4. China Teaching Experience

• Why? Are you straight out of college , looking for a new adventure where you’ll get paid and teach English abroad, ideally in China? Then this program ticks all the boxes. You will be going on a 10-month experience, tailor-made for recent grads who want to work and travel.
• Where? Beijing, Guizhou, Shanghai, Foshan, Guiyang, Nanning
• Read TravelGrad reviews

Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE

China is one of the most popular places in the world to teach english—find out why.

The adventure of a lifetime awaits.

Years of history, a rich culture, and a different way of life—teaching English in China will be an experience like no other. Start making your plans to teach abroad and see for yourself what makes China such a great destination for English teachers.

Explore ALL Teach Abroad Programs in China on GoAbroad.com!

Explore English Teaching Programs on GoAbroad.com

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Teach in China and Learn Chinese

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Teach English in China

With the fastest growing economy in the world and an education system that encourages economic and cultural development, there is no shortage of opportunities to come to China to teach English. You don’t have to be studying to be a teacher or a qualified teacher to take advantage of this opportunity! High school students can come over and teach in their gap year between school and college, teachers looking for international experience can come, and new grads can use this as an opportunity to gain experience while traveling and enjoying a rich and diverse culture. Yes, you can get paid to teach English in China, while enjoying the traveling and learning opportunities we have to offer.

Coming to China to teach abroad is a fantastic opportunity. You’ll have a chance to make a difference for your students, learn the world’s most spoken language and experience all the wonders China has to offer. Depending on your stage in your studies and life, we have a number of opportunities you can choose from!

Why Choose Go Abroad China Teach in China Program

Although you may like the options you see above; you may still be unsure if China is the destination for you. Here are a few reasons you should come to China to teach:

• The demand for English teachers is growing exponentially, and with no shortage of opportunities, you are guaranteed placement.
• China has a rich culture and diversity. Few other countries can offer the history, culture, and experiences that you’ll have in China. Better yet, you’ll get to experience it all like a local.
• Chinese students love learning. English classes may offer students a chance to relax a little, and you’ll get to have fun with them while teaching them the second most spoken language in the world.
• Acquire a new language that can open up opportunities, easily. Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world and is easier to learn when you are immersed in it. Your Teaching package will come with the opportunity to take lessons, to practice throughout your stay and to go home with impressive new language skills.
• There’s always someone looking after you. Whether it’s the Go Abroad China team or your teaching mentor, you’ll always have support while you are with us.

Transferring to an international university in another country can be a complicated process. Making sure you have everything sorted, from choosing the right place to study to transferring credits, organizing visas and getting around can do your head in. Go Abroad China is here to make the process as smooth as possible; we’ll handle all the details and ensure your stay in China is memorable for the right reasons! Go Abroad China  can make sure you get into your choice of university, organize all the details for you, help you with your visa and arrange the little extras that make the experience worthwhile! Go Abroad China arranges affordable, accredited and quality Chinese language programs. We’ve placed thousands of happy students and would love to do the same for you.

Tuan - Australia Internship Program in Beijing

Living and working in Beijing really opened my eyes. The people are extremely nice and helpful. During work, even though there is a huge language barrier, my colleagues do try to communicate with me and the manager was able to organise me to learn from different departments. I was able to make new friends and visit many places in Beijing. Everyone from GAC are very helpful and supportive. Overall I am satisfied with the program. Read More

Laura - USA Internship Program in Shanghai Go aboard China was the one of the best things to happen to me!!! I did the homestay program where I stayed with the cutest family they were so kind to me!!! Kinder then the family I have now lol I actually miss them and think of them often even though it's been a few months since I left the program. I also got to work in an amazing engineering firm Wison were I had the most loving and hilarious coworkers, I literally just fit right in ! GAC I would recommend to a friend or any one reading this. Even when i wasn't in the city of Shanghai , GAC still helped me, plan , get and make sure I was safe during my trip to Beijing. I love GAC!!! Read More

Chris - United Kingdom Internship Program in Beijing My time in China has been extremely rewarding. When I arrived, the culture shock was immense but I quickly settled into Chinese life, thanks to Gina and the GAC team. My internship was exactly what I was looking for, and it gave me the opportunity to work in a fantastically social co-working space in the heart of Sanlitun SOHO, a cosmopolitan and refined area. Read More

David - Australia Internship Program in Shanghai Overall I enjoyed my experience with GAC. I was pleased with the amount of knowledge I learned and the new experiences I went through during my internship as a financial analyst at a finance company which GAC found on my behalf. The internship made me realize how fast things move in the finance industry and I feel it has prepared me well for the transition from university to the work force. Read More

Program Highlights

Go Abroad China organizes tailored Chinese teaching and learning experiences based on your needs, goals, and interests. Your program will include:

• Language classes tailored to your level of Mandarin proficiency, from absolute beginner all the way through to advanced lessons and an intensive Mandarin program
• Free cultural or language-based electives to choose from
• A language exchange program with a native Chinese speaker - one of the best ways to grasp the Chinese language is to talk to Chinese people in everyday conversations
• A teaching placement, whether it’s for a gap year, full-time teaching abroad or a teaching internship in China.
• Free guided city tours, outings, and other acivities.
•  Accommodation in a private or shared apartment with a Chinese roommate, or homestay

Apply today for the opportunity to learn, teach and grow in an incredible setting.

• Spend your gap year abroad in China and combine paid work, with learning, adventure, travel, and fun! Come between high school and college, or when taking a break from your studies. Take the opportunity to expand your knowledge of the world, get to know yourself better and make friends from across the globe. Teaching abroad in China is a unique opportunity to work and travel in a culturally rich country while deciding on your future. While you are here, you’ll be able to take part in immersive Mandarin Chinese classes that will enable you to speak the most spoken language in the world; this is your chance to see and experience China as a local.Go Abroad China is here to help you arrange an incredible gap year in China, from your visa, accommodation, and travel to a paid placement. Join other gap year students in the opportunity of a lifetime, while working and traveling. Better yet, you’ll make new friends for life.

What’s Included?

Accelerate your fluency in Mandarin with our popular internationally recognized Summer Mandarin Language Programs. Our study abroad programs have been developed to include all the extras you need to have a comfortable, safe and enjoyable time in China, from day-to-day support through to visa help, accommodation, medical aid, cultural and sightseeing activities, and more (all included in our standard package at no additional cost).

Chinese Language Curriculum

Housing Accommodation

Welcome Pack & Orientation

24/7 Onsite Assistance

Professional Development

Workshops & course materials

Visa Support

Activities & Tours

Business Networking Events

Certificate and Credits

Get an internationally recognized credit for Mandarin

Learn chinese in a culturally immersive program that is internationally recognized, which will open doors for your future career. live, learn, laugh and experience chinese in this immersive cultural experience that will leave you feeling like a new person., price for  go abroad china teaching  program, please send us email to [email protected] or contact our friendly team for further information., photo gallery.

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Four Easy Steps to Teach  in China

Step one: apply online.

Before you apply, remember to do your research, so you have an idea about where, when and for how long you want to intern abroad. When you have an idea of what you’d like, complete our online application form to get the ball rolling.

Step two: Assessment

To make sure we know what you want from your internship experience – where you want to work, what you want to achieve, where and for how long you’d like to stay – we’ll organize a 15 minute Skype interview with you. From this, we can make sure we tailor the right Internship Package for you. We’ll also know if this is the right program for you. Within two to three days after the interview, the coordinator will be in touch by email to let you know if your application has been successful. If so, we’ll send you a formal offer.

Step three: Confirmation

To confirm your placement in our program, you’ll need to reply to our letter of offer and pay your agreed deposit. Once this has been done, we’ll send you all the documents you need: your contract with us, your employment contract and all the required documents for your visa application as well as your pre-departure package. The pre-departure package contains all the information you’ll need regarding your trip including where you’ll stay.

Step Four: Start your China Internship experience

Once your flights have been booked, let us know your arrival details (date and time, flight number) so that we can organize airport pick-up. We’ll be excited to welcome you to our program in person!

Our support doesn’t end when you arrive. We are as dedicated to ensuring you have around the clock support for the duration of your stay as we do in getting you here. Your journey will include your paid internship, accommodation, language courses, cultural experiences, tours, and networking.

Have a question?

See our FAQs or contact our friendly team for more information.

Come to China for your teach in China program

Have all your needs taken care of, broaden your horizons, be more independent, and make friends for life!

Promotions & Financial Aid

We want everyone to have the chance to live and study in China; to make this possible we have a range of financial options available to support students who cannot afford full fees. Contact us today to discuss promotions, full and partial sponsorship opportunities.

Our prices start from US$1,980, depending on your service components, accommodation and length of stay.

View Special Offers, Scholarship And Financial Aid

• Work Abroad
• Teach English Abroad

FAQs - Teach in China

Topics on This Page:

Application Process  | Job Placement |  Living and Working  | Travel and Arrival

Application Process

CIEE offers two Teach Abroad programs in China: 

Teach in China “Regular” . This program includes our online TEFL course and connects you with the full range of available locations and placements.

Teach in China “Basics” . If you already have an Education degree or TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification, this is the program for you. It includes all the same placements and support that come with the “Regular” program, just without the included TEFL certification , and it has a lower program fee as a result.

Both programs include personal assistance and support from CIEE staff in the US and in China, and in-country orientation. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, schedule a call and we can advise you further!

Yes! To get a Chinese work visa, you’ll need to prepare two signed original recommendation letters. These actually aren’t important for the CIEE selection process or hiring decisions – they are only required for the visa process. You can submit your application and get a job without letters, but you’ll have to prepare them eventually. You can find more detailed instructions on your CIEE application .

Probably. On your application, you may use a letter from your academic advisor to confirm your anticipated graduation.

The bigger issue is, you can’t start working on your Chinese visa without an authenticated copy of your actual Bachelor’s degree. Visa officers just won’t accept transcripts or verification letters. Check with your school to see if your degree will be handed to you at graduation, or if it gets mailed out weeks afterward. The Chinese visa process is lengthy and inflexible - it takes about 10 weeks from the day you receive your degree to the day you get your visa back. For people who won’t receive their degree until June or July, this means a late arrival in September or maybe even October. Some schools can accommodate a late arrival, so this may be possible but it's not guaranteed.

To participate, you will need a passport that's valid at least six months beyond the END DATE of your desired Teach in China program. If your passport will expire before then, renew it right away! You can still apply to our program while waiting for it to arrive, just enter "000000000" as your passport number on the application, which will signal to us that a renewal is in progress.

Job Placement

No. It’s very difficult to “import” an animal into China, and then repeat the process to come back into the USA. Employers and landlords won’t let you have a pet in your small, high-rise apartment either. You’ll need to find someone back home for your pet to live with while you teach abroad.

We’ll gather your preferences about location, age group, and salary, and then show your application to employers we think are a good match until one requests an interview. We’ll show you a detailed School Profile at that time. If you have questions or concerns about a potential job, make sure to discuss them with us so we understand what you’re looking for.

We work hard to honor requests from our teachers to the extent possible, but we can't guarantee that we'll be able to follow all preferences. We don’t have jobs in every part of China, so be sure to check our program pages to see what locations are available. While you’re there, visit the Job Description section for more information on what types of employers are hiring.

There is HUGE demand for English teachers in China, and that’s good news for you! Some opportunities, like university positions, and private school jobs with the highest salaries, can be fairly competitive and may require prior teaching experience. For all candidates, it's important to smile and show enthusiasm in your application photos and video interviews. That said, there are large numbers of positions overall and we have an excellent track record with successfully placing our teachers. Don’t worry if you don’t have an education degree or much experience – lots of people just like you have landed great jobs in China.

Living and Working

Past teachers describe their housing as small but comfortable. Most teachers will have either a studio apartment to themselves, or a 2BR shared with another teacher of the same gender. Everyone will have a private bedroom! Housing is provided by your employer, so it varies a bit from placement to placement. Schools usually finalize housing just before you arrive in China, so don’t expect photos or details of your exact housing. Have faith that your school will take good care of you; we’ve selected our partners for exactly that reason.

So many answers to this question! On top of the great job benefits, we like… the never-ending flow of superb food… trips to China’s mountains, lakes, and national parks… gleaming high-speed trains… easy access to Asia’s travel destinations… and learning to play cards and Mahjong with retirees in city squares. Plus, you’re learning about one of the world’s most important countries firsthand!

Maybe. This is a bit tricky, since it’s very difficult to set up transfers from a Chinese bank to a US one, and services like Western Union charge a large fee for funds from China. Past teachers have had success linking an international PayPal account to a Chinese bank, and then transferring from there to a US PayPal account, but it takes a long time to set up. If you need to continue making regular payments, make sure you have at least 4 months’ worth of payments saved up before you go. You should also check with your loan servicer and see if it’s possible to pause payments using deferment or forbearance while teaching abroad.

In recent years, it has become easier to find familiar western grocery items like peanut butter, cheese, deodorant, and toothpaste in China. Prices might be a bit higher than you’re used to, but large cities will have options for malls and grocery stores that cater to foreigners. Anything you can’t find there, you can order online through Taobao, the Chinese equivalent of Amazon. 

China's air quality has been steadily improving since 2008. It does still vary depending on the day, and where in China you’re going. CIEE places teachers far away from heavily industrialized cities like Lanzhou and Zhengzhou, where the air quality is the worst. Air quality is often better in the summer, since fuel isn’t being burned for heat.

We asked our former teachers about this issue: 30% said that the air quality in their city made them uncomfortable to some degree. 85% said they had a good experience in spite of it, and only 15% said concerns about air quality would deter them from returning to China.

For most people, the air quality isn’t bad enough to prevent them from signing up to teach in China, but if your top priority is to live somewhere with really clean air, you might consider a different location.

Travel and Arrival

This is a great question, and we actually have a whole handout devoted to this topic! Click here to learn more.

In some ways, getting the "Z" work visa is the hardest part of teaching in China. There’s a long list of documents to prepare, and the sequence of different processes takes at least 2-3 months. Thankfully, CIEE has videos and detailed instructions to guide you step by step. When you have questions, you’ll get helpful, personalized advice from our experienced staff, based in the US and Shanghai. We can't do it for you, but we'll help you every step of the way!

Because the Chinese visa process can be lengthy and unpredictable, we ask participants not to buy flights until their visa approval is confirmed. In most cases, this doesn’t happen until 1-3 weeks before departure, which means you will probably be buying a flight on relatively short notice. For domestic flights in the US, that’s usually a recipe for a costly ticket, but in Asia everyone else is doing the same thing so it’s not quite as bad. And, if you sign up for a 2 semester duration, you’ll receive an airfare reimbursement bonus of at least 8,000 CNY on the successful completion of your contract!

Because of the Chinese visa process, it is not possible to plan other international travel in the two months before your program begins. Plan to be in your home country during that time. 

More Information

For eligibility requirements, compensation, program fees, and more visit our Teach in China Program Pages

See more  FAQs .

More Questions? Email us !

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Teach and Travel in China: When Traveling Overseas Teach ESL Or TEFL In China To Experience China While Living There Paperback – October 11, 2015

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• Print length 48 pages
• Language English
• Publication date October 11, 2015
• Dimensions 5.98 x 0.1 x 9.02 inches
• ISBN-10 1514228343
• ISBN-13 978-1514228340
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 11, 2015)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1514228343
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1514228340
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.88 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.98 x 0.1 x 9.02 inches
• #2,323 in General China Travel Guides

About the author

Peter legrove.

When Peter LeGrove was at school he loved archaeology and cavemen. Now after spending his working life as an ‘English as a Second Language Teacher’ in many different countries he spends his time writing ‘Caveman Kids’ stories for children. Also after being inundated with doom and gloom news stories about Peak Oil, Global Warming and now pandemics he and his family try their hand at ‘Self-Sufficiency in Suburbia’ and ‘Living Cheap’ while using the internet to learn new skills.

Peter LeGrove started teaching English years ago in Mexico when he was learning Spanish at the University of Mexico City. Before that he did a course at the University of Minnesota about "Teaching Agricultural Extension in Developing Countries" and that opened his eyes to what you could teach with nothing except your voice and the chalkboard. Since then he has taught English mainly in Asia. He had a session in Indonesia before it went mad and then he left for China and Hong Kong.

Lately he has been in Vietnam teaching in Hanoi and volunteer teaching in poverty areas in North Vietnam. His whole life has been about teaching English in developing countries and now he spends six months teaching and the rest recovering in New Zealand to get away from the pollution and the crowded cities. In his spare time he writes books about his experiences in different countries and now he is trying his hand at illustrated children's books.

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What is teaching abroad?

Do you want to work overseas, but you don’t have much professional experience? If you speak English, you have one of the most desirable skills to work in some non English speaking countries. You can use this skill all over the world to teach English as a valid and meaningful occupation earning a generous salary to fund your travels (and life). Our Teach trips give you the chance to take part in a 3-4 week class-based TEFL or TESOL course where you’ll learn how to teach English to foreign students. You’ll be provided with accommodation, transfers and cultural activities and excursions throughout your course. Upon completion, you’ll be awarded an internationally-recognised accreditation which will give you the freedom to teach and travel all over the world or land a local teaching placement. You may enjoy it so much that you take it up as a long term career as there is growth potential! Most of our English teaching trips are in destinations where your dollar will go far to experience more - from cheap exotic food and booze to transportation, you’ll be able to party hard and travel loads when not teaching.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get a job teaching English abroad, wonder no more. This is your chance to take a break from your routine back home, connect with a new community, challenge yourself in an exciting way and, most importantly, return home feeling proud of the positive impact you’ve made on someone’s education.

Highlights of teaching abroad with Global

No experience is necessary if you speak English natively or fluently

• Non-Degree Holder trips available

Earn an internationally-recognized TEFL or TESOL certificate to be able to teach all over the world

Growth potential to teach English as a long term career

Dedicated Trip Coordinator & In-Country Partner to help sort everything from job interviews to accommodation

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