Teaching in China - FAQ
I can't speak Chinese; is teaching in China for me?
Teaching in China with EF does not require you to know how to speak Chinese. This is a good opportunity for you to teach and learn at the same time. We encourage our teaching staff to learn some Mandarin if they are interested in doing so. Mandarin classes are included in your the employment package.
What salary do you pay?
Salaries vary by school location and position. English teachers in our schools in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are paid 12,350RMB per month along with a full benefits package. Please refer to our current job listings for more details on the employment package for each available position.
Will my teaching job provide me enough money to support myself?
EF offers a competitive salary that supports a good standard of living locally. Our teachers generally find that the amount they earn from teaching in China allows them to live comfortably and gives them a stronger purchasing power than they are used to at home.
See cost of living details for China
I don't know if I'm qualified. Can anybody teach in China?
We only consider candidates with the following qualifications:
- Native English speaker
- Bachelor's degree
- At least 1 year of teaching experience, preferably ESL or EFL
- Aged 24-55 (due to China visa regulations)
- Citizen of the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa
- TEFL certificate
- No criminal record
We do not consider applications from candidates who do not meet all seven of these minimum requirements for our schools in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Schools in other locations may have more flexibility if candidates are lacking one qualification, but preference is still given to candidates meeting all requirements.
How will I find a place to live?
We will help you find appropriate accommodation in a convenient location. Some schools will provide housing for their teaching staff while others provide housing assistance.
How can I make friends while I am teaching in China?
In addition to your colleagues in your center and the local community, you may meet other EF's teaching staff in your local area and at various events between and among different EF centers over the academic year. To meet some EFers who have already had the experience teaching in China for us, join the Facebook group "EF English First Teachers".
What happens if I get sick in China?
We provide comprehensive health insurance coverage for you with ERIKA™ Insurance. It will cover you in the event of sickness and injury. ERIKA™ health insurance has been specially designed for EF training positions in the country. It includes:
- Round the clock coverage
- Worldwide assistance service
- Low deductibles
What are my teaching hours?
You are contracted to work 40 hours a week, including an average of 20-25 teaching hours. Contact hours will depend on your center and sometimes the time of the year. Some schools have summer and winter peak periods during which teachers receive only one day off per week and may be asked to teach up to 26 contact hours. During non-peak periods you will have two consecutive days off per week and less contact hours.
How much holiday do I get?
You will get a minimum of ten days paid holiday during your twelve month contract as well as all public holidays.
How big a class will I be teaching?
Class sizes at EF range from one-on-one private lessons to workshops of up to 25 students.
Is there a teaching dress code?
EF operates the best-in-class English language training schools in the country. There is a professional dress code we expect employees to comply with. Details of the dress code in your particular school are provided well in advance of your departure to allow you time to pack accordingly.
Does EF have any other expectations?
We expect all our staff to be punctual, since the classes have to adhere to a schedule and students expect to receive their full alloted instructional time. We also expect teachers to represent EF well, both inside and outside of class.
Will teaching in China with EF provide me opportunities for promotion?
Yes, teaching in China with us can be your first step towards launching a great career. We do promote our best teachers to Senior Teachers, Director of Studies or even to work in one of our 400 worldwide schools and offices.
I have a question that's not answered by this site
Just send us an e-mail: efrecruitment@ef.com. We'll be glad to answer your question individually.