Information for term Teach In China
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenSign up for the adventure of a lifetime – teaching English in China! There’s no better way to experience Chinese culture and heritage firsthand, or improve your Mandarin language skills.
Program Highlights:
- Competitive salary and low cost of living make it easy to save money
- Rent-Free Furnished Apartment
- TEFL Certification course included with program
- Personalized, step-by-step guidance with documents and visa
- 24/7 support from CIEE staff
Already have an Education degree or TEFL certificate? Take a look at our China Basics program instead.
| Term | PROGRAM DATES | Deadline | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | One semester (Aug/Sept to Jan) Two semesters (Aug/Sept to July) |
March 1 |
7,000-18,000 CNY (approx. $1000-2,650)/month plus housing |
| Spring 2022 | One semester (Feb/Mar to July) Two semesters (Feb/Mar to Jan) |
July 1 | 7,000-18,000 CNY (approx. $1000-2,650)/month plus housing |
About Our Program Fees
CIEE, a non-profit organization, relies on program fees to provide Teach in China participants with our TEFL certification course, international insurance, and support before and after arrival. The program fee of $1,900 is paid in two installments:
- $1000 commitment deposit due after acceptance
- Remaining balance due when you receive your placement
CIEE alumni receive a 10% discount!
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
- ESL teaching placement with a reputable Chinese employer
- Enrollment in the CIEE TEFL 150-hour certification course
- Rent-Free Furnished Apartment
- Completion bonus to offset the cost of airfare (2 semester contracts only)
- Paid time off for Chinese national holidays and semester breaks
- Pre-departure support, including an online pre-orientation course with lots of advice from alumni
- Multi-day in-country orientation
- Personalized, step-by-step guidance with document preparation for your visa
- 24-hour in-country support by CIEE staff
- iNext international travel and emergency medical insurance
The Destination
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The Destination
CIEE’s placements are concentrated in the major metropolitan areas of Shanghai, on China’s eastern coast, and Chongqing, near the center of the country.
Chongqing is both a city and a region. The central city has 10 million residents, and the region, about the size of Maine, is home to 30 million. It’s an economic powerhouse with a brand-new metro and airport, and more shopping malls and movie theaters than you can count. Enjoy spicy Sichuan cooking, visit karst canyons or ancient Buddhist caves, or relax in the hot spring retreats in the mountains around the city. Universities, private schools, and kindergartens in Chongqing are always eager to hire teachers! Read more or watch videos about Chongqing.
Shanghai was once called “the Paris of the East,” and today you’ll find vintage European architecture alongside modern skyscrapers and offices. This city of 24 million is a global financial capital, and has been a hotspot for expat living for decades. CIEE’s partner employers in Shanghai are private schools and kindergartens serving children aged 2-16.
Placements in Guangzhou, Shandong, Nanchang, and Nanjing are occasionally available, but not every season.
Follow our Travels:
The Take-Aways
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Compensation
All teachers receive a competitive salary and rent-free furnished accommodations. Two-semester teachers receive up to 8000 CNY airfare reimbursement at end of contract.
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Preparation
All participants receive a premium 150-hour TEFL course, guidance with complicated visa documents, detailed pre-departure information, and an in-country orientation.
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Assistance
All participants receive 24/7 in-country support from CIEE staff in China, as well as international travel and emergency medical insurance with CIEE/iNext.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Job Description
Click to OpenJob Description
As a lead classroom teacher, your goal will be to improve the conversational English skills of students. Many Chinese students are more comfortable reading and writing in English than they are listening and speaking. Through creative classroom exercises and interactive games, you will give your Chinese students the confidence to use English in conversational settings.
Compensation
You’ll earn a salary of 7,000-18,000 CNY (approx. $1000-2,650)/month, plus rent-free housing. If you sign up for two semesters, you will be eligible for an end-of-contract bonus of 8000 CNY. Salaries tend to be higher at private schools and kindergartens where teachers work more hours. Universities are at the lower end of the pay scale but teachers enjoy a lighter workload and a generally more relaxed work environment.
Pay is competitive, far more than what local teachers make. Expenses are very low, and your income can go a long way, leaving you with savings or funds to explore all that China has to offer!
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Schools
In the fast-growing Chinese economy, English is a pathway to success. Many students and young children enroll in private English centers outside their everyday public school classes, and college students are often expected to have strong English as well.
CIEE’s partner employers in China can be grouped into three categories, with salary ranges as follows:
Universities (Chongqing only): 7,000-8,500 CNY/mo
Private Schools (ages 4-17): 7,000-11,000 CNY/mo
Kindergarten/Pre-Ks (ages 1-5): 10,000-18,000 CNY/mo -
Workload
Jobs with younger kids have higher salaries and tend to have longer working hours. Teachers at kindergartens typically have 25-30 contact teaching hours per week. At private schools, it’s normal to have 20-30 hours of teaching time, plus extra time for lesson prep. University jobs have 18-25 teaching hours per week.
A Glimpse at the Cost of Living in China
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Breakfast (Typical Chinese breakfast: baozi [steamed bun filled with meat or vegetables], soy milk):
- 1.5-5 CNY (25-80 cents)
Lunch & dinner (meat, vegetables, rice):
- Shanghai & Beijing: 20-50 CNY/person ($3.25 - $8.00 US)
- Midsize city: 15-25 CNY/person ($2.50 - $4.00 US)
- Small city: 5-10 CNY/person (80 cents - $1.60 US)
Qualifications
Click to OpenTEFL Certification
Click to OpenOur Team
Click to OpenOur Team
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Shanice Alyster
Senior Coordinator, Teach Abroad Programs
Shanice, from Buffalo, New York, is passionate about seeing the world and has taught English in both China and South Korea. She enjoys reading, baking, traveling (of course!) and practicing her ukulele.
Ready to change your life?
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