Teach English in Shanghai with the Explore China Program
Explore China helps you learn about China's beautiful culture and gain international teaching experience.
Put your TEFL to work and teach English in China!
Giving you access to carefully selected host schools, you can work with learners aged 4 – 16-year-olds, allowing you to hone your teaching skills and see the world!
Find TEFL jobs, Shanghai to start today!
This program is designed for recent university graduates with a passion for exploration, meeting new people, and learning new skills.
So, if you want to explore China, become familiar with Chinese culture, and develop your teaching skills, an Explore China placement will allow you to:
- Gain real-world teaching experience, as you teach young Chinese learners, mainly 4 - 16 year olds
- Connect with your students and form lasting bonds as you help them gain confidence in using English
- Share your culture, as a cultural ambassador, your students will be excited to learn about where you come from and how you live
- Get support when you need it, thanks to an experienced 24/7, local support team that will help you during your time in China
- Join a happy community. You'll enjoy teaching thanks to a well-established program with continuous training, teaching tips and well-attended social events
All you need is an open mind and the time to commit to a six-month TEFL teaching placement at one of our carefully selected host schools!
Benefits
You can enjoy some great benefits
Select Shanghai, Beijing, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and more!
-
Monthly Salary
RMB 8,000 after tax, which is enough for a comfortable lifestyle in China -
Free Accommodation
Private apartment provided throughout your stay – giving you more spending money each month -
Legal Visa
Full Z-visa sponsorship included -
Flight Allowance
Payment of 2,500 RMB upon completion to cover your flights home -
Medical Insurance
Health and Accident insurance provided, for extra peace of mind -
Arrival Support
Airport pickup and registration (Mon - Fri, 10AM - 3PM only) -
Daily Meals
Lunch provided at school -
Career Progression
Fast track for guaranteed roles earning 16,000 RMB with free housing* -
Explore China
Well-attended social and cultural excursions included -
Arrive in Shanghai any month
Stay for 6 months from whichever month you choose
* Upon completion of 6 month Explore China training program.
I'm a teacher with Explore China!
Listen to Jaco talk about his experience teaching in Shanghai.
Teaching TEFL China-wide and how it works
Your journey to teaching in China could not be easier!
-
Take part in a full orientation in Shanghai and meet the local team
-
Train with the professional staff trainer in preparation for interviews and demonstrations (required by most schools, not something to worry about!)
-
After your interview/demo, you’ll be matched with a school
-
Receive ongoing training, professional feedback and support throughout your placement
Program eligibility requirements
- Fluent English speaker
- Bachelor's degree holder
- No previous teaching experience necessary
- TEFL certificate (if you don't have TEFL, you can still apply and get the TEFL later)
- Positive attitude and willing to engage with a new culture
Find the right qualification for TEFL jobs in China
| Course | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
120-Hour Professional TEFL
Fastest Path to China
VIEW COURSE |
Recognised internationally
Fast-track: Complete in just 3 weeks
Highly affordable and accessible
Ideal for beginners and first-time teachers
Covers all core essential teaching skills
|
Does not cover large classes or exam testing
No teaching practicum (can be added separately)
|
|
150-Hour Advanced TEFL
Competitive Edge
VIEW COURSE |
Expanded theory and deeper academic context
Increased hours for Personal Development
Versatile: Suitable for all age groups
Helps candidates stand out in Tier 1 cities (Shanghai/Beijing)
|
No teaching practicum included
Longer duration to complete
|
Get TEFL certified and make your application as attractive as possible by applying for the right TEFL courses for you.
Keep Shanghai in your sites and enrol today to start your Chinese adventure whenever you are ready!
The 5 months really flies by, and I think this is an opportunity not to be missed if you would like to gain new work experience, and have a great time in a foreign country.
Teach in China FAQs
-
You need to arrive into Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and from there will be met for airport pick up and transfer to orientation.
-
After the orientation, you will be provided with onward transfer to your host town or city. Transportation costs are included for the transfer. A representative from the school will meet you on arrival to your host town / city.
-
There is usually one teacher per school. However, this program has a large network of English teachers and so you will meet lots of other people during orientation. There are also regular social events and meet ups along with an extensive expat community in most of the placement areas.
-
You will receive RMB 8,000 monthly salary. This amount is paid either in cash or by wire transfer to your Chinese bank account. You are paid on 15th of each month.
-
The vast majority of students would be young learners and so typically would be 4 - 16 years of age.
-
It is certainly possible to request placement together with a friend. However, as this is a popular program, we recommend that those wishing to travel and be placed with friends / partners apply early! The Admissions team will do their best to accommodate your requests.
-
There are both urban and provincial placement opportunities throughout central and southern China. The three main areas are Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. You can indicate a placement preference when you apply and positions will be assigned on a first come first served basis.
-
Accommodation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVYtqxvrS6o) is provided rent-free throughout the entirety of your stay with the school. The housing is either a shared or single apartment. If the apartment is shared with other interns, you would have your own single room with shared living space.
-
You need to keep the following extras in mind when you are budgeting for your trip to China:
Doctor’s note - confirming you are fit to travel to China
Criminal record check
Comprehensive travel insurance - we can provide you with a quote for this if you wish
Visa cost
Flights to China
Enough money to cover your first 5 - 7 weeks in China before you receive your monthly allowance -
It should be fine to book a one-way ticket to China. It is worth noting that you would have a legal Z visa and so there are plenty of travel possibilities after the placement finishes!
Find out more about Explore China
We are sharing the good stuff on the teach in China experience!
Want to teach in China?
We've got you covered! Discover our teaching jobs in China and launch an exciting career as a TEFL teacher. To apply for this role, fill out the below application form and an advisor will contact you with next steps.