ESL Job Description
The job description below is a general overview of typical ESL teaching positions in China. It is not a listing for a specific role, but rather a realistic guide to help you understand what you might expect when applying through Foreign Teacher.
From school types and salary ranges to work schedules, benefits, and visa requirements, this sample outlines common conditions across a variety of teaching roles—including public schools, kindergartens, private language centers, and international institutions.
Keep in mind that each job offer will differ based on the location, school type, and your personal qualifications. Use this example as a benchmark for assessing opportunities and preparing for interviews, not as a guarantee of specific terms.
If you're new to ESL teaching or just starting your journey toward teaching in China, this guide will help set expectations and answer common questions. For live job listings and tailored matches, head to our Application Page or speak with one of our partner agents.
Position Overview
Job Title:
ESL Teacher (Z‑Visa Sponsorship)
Locations:
Major Cities & Regional Centres across China
School Type:
Public Schools · Private Language Centres · Kindergartens · International & Bilingual Schools
Deliver high‑quality English instruction to students of all ages, leveraging interactive methodologies and cultural exchange. Collaborate with local staff, participate in curriculum development, and promote an engaging English‑only environment.
Typical School Types & Salary Expectations
Public Schools:
Monthly Salary: ¥10,000–¥20,000 RMB
Highlights: Stable government funding; tier‑city pay scales (Tier 1 top end, Tier 3 bottom end)
Private Language Centers:
Monthly Salary: ¥12,000–¥18,000 RMB (up to ¥20,000 RMB at boutique schools)
Highlights: Flexible evening/weekend classes; performance bonuses; smaller class sizes
Kindergartens & Early‑Years Programs
Monthly Salary: ¥12,000–¥28,000 RMB
Highlights: Short, play‑based lessons; daytime schedules; top‑brand kindergartens at the upper range
International & Bilingual Schools
Monthly Salary: ¥15,000–¥30,000+ RMB
Highlights: Full expat packages—housing, flights, insurance; block scheduling; professional development
Typical Teaching & Office Hours
Public Schools:
20–25 teaching hrs + 3–5 office hrs/week; typically 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Mon–Fri
Private Language Centers:
20–25 teaching hrs/week (incl. evenings & weekends) + 5–10 office hrs
Kindergartens & Early‑Years Programs
~20 session hrs/week (20–30 min each) within an 8 AM–5:30 PM day
International & Bilingual Schools
40 hrs/week total (teaching + planning); block‑based timetable
Requirements & Qualifications
Citizenship:
Native English speaker from UK, USA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, IRELAND or SOUTH AFRICA
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in any field
Certification:
120‑hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA/CertTESOL
Legal:
Clean criminal background check; medical check and drug test for Z‑Visa
Experience:
0–2 years minimum for international/bilingual roles. 120 hour TEFL in-lieu of experience for other school types.
Typical Benefits & Perks
Z‑Visa Sponsorship & Reimbursement:
Full coverage upon receipt of invoices.
Accommodation:
Furnished on‑campus apartment or ¥2,000–3,000 RMB housing allowance
Flight Allowance/Bonus:
¥5,000–10,000 RMB/year or full round‑trip ticket
Contract Completion Bonus:
1 month’s salary upon successful completion
Health Insurance:
Local coverage with optional expat upgrade
Orientation & Training:
Airport pickup, arrival hotel, in‑country induction & ongoing PD
Performance Incentives:
Monthly/term bonuses based on student progress & attendance
Typical Holidays & Leave
National Holidays:
11 days (Spring Festival, Labor Day, National Day, etc.) fully paid
Winter Vacation:
Mid‑Dec to late Feb (region‑dependent) Summer Vacation: July–Aug (6–8 weeks)
Annual Leave:
5 days personal + 6 days sick leave/year
This job description is provided as an illustrative example of the most commonly offered terms and conditions across Chinese schools. Actual salaries, benefits, hours, and requirements vary by institution, city tier, and contract; please refer to each school’s specific offer for definitive details.
How to Apply
Apply Now:
Click Apply Now or email apply@foreignteacher.co.uk with your documents:
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Clear scan of your passport ID page;
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CV (resumé);
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TEFL certificate (scanned copy);
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University degree (scanned copy);
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Introduction video;
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Teaching demo video.
Interested in agent-free positions?
Visit our Job Listings section below and follow each school’s published application instructions.Join thousands of qualified educators already thriving in China’s dynamic ESL market. Secure your Z‑Visa–sponsored position today!
