Overview
Click to OpenCORONAVIRUS PROGRAM UPDATE
The safety of CIEE participants is our highest priority, and all of our decisions reflect that commitment to participant safety. Due to the recent and ongoing Corona-19 virus, CIEE Teach Abroad has only suspended its Teach in China programs for the Spring 2020 term. After careful consideration, and in the absence of any specific change in conditions, we will continue to offer our programs as planned in all other locations. Learn more
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture and language while teaching English in the exciting and culturally diverse city of Shanghai.
You will be enrolled in a beginning Mandarin Chinese course and practice your developing language skills as you navigate daily life in the city. Placements are available at private schools in Shanghai that offer competitive salaries, rent-free housing, and contract completion bonuses. The Teach in China Immersion program has one start date each year, in the fall, and all contracts are for two semesters.
For spring start dates and one-semester contracts, take a look at our Teach in China program. This will also be a better option if you need intermediate or advanced language classes - you can use the savings from the lower program fee to pay for a class or tutoring at your own skill level.
| Term | Start Date | Deadline | Duration | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2 Semesters | August | February 1 | 10 months | 8,500 - 18,000 CNY (approx. $1,200-2,650)/month plus housing |
About Our Program Fees
CIEE, a non-profit organization, has been sending university graduates abroad to teach English since 1997. Our Immersion program in China includes CIEE’s online TEFL certification, beginner Mandarin classes, orientation on arrival, and a high level of support throughout your experience (see all features below). To cover those costs, there is a program fee of $2,900. Once we accept your application, there is a $1,000 deposit to reserve your spot and start your TEFL training. The second and final payment ($1,900) is due a few months later after you accept a job offer from a Chinese school. CIEE alumni receive a 10% discount!
What's included
Click to OpenWhat's included
- Job placement at a reputable Chinese school
- Rent-free furnished housing
- Contract completion bonus
- Enrollment in a beginning Mandarin Chinese course
- CIEE's 150-hour TEFL Certification course
- Pre-departure support, including an online pre-departure orientation with lots of advice from alumni
- Personalized, step-by-step guidance with document preparation for your visa
- Multi-day orientation in Shanghai
- iNext international travel and emergency medical insurance
- 24-hour in-country support from CIEE staff in Shanghai
The Destination
Click to Open
The Destination
All Teach in China Immersion participants are placed at schools in Shanghai. This city is China’s bustling financial and international center, so you’ll be able to access the best of both worlds - international shopping and cuisine as well as local Chinese culture.
Follow our Travels:
The Take-Aways
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Compensation
Competitive salary, rent-free furnished accommodations, airfare reimbursement up to 8000 CNY at end of contract.
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Certification
Receive a 150 Hour TEFL certificate from CIEE, including real-world observation and practice, to meet the requirements of prospective employers.
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Assistance
Pre-departure guidance, international medical insurance and 24-hour worldwide assistance with CIEE iNext, in-country support from CIEE resident staff members.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Job Description
Click to OpenJob Description
On the Teach in China – Immersion program, you will teach kindergarten, elementary, or middle school age children. All placements are at private English schools in Shanghai, where your students take English courses in order to supplement their regular classes in public schools. Most of your students will have likely studied English previously and your job will be to improve their conversational English skills by facilitating fun and engaging activities.
COMPENSATION
Teachers who work with older kids (ages 5-17) typically earn around 7,500 CNY/month ($1,100 USD), while teachers who work at preschools (ages 1-5) can earn anywhere from 8,500 - 18,000 CNY (approx. $1,200-2,650) per month. All teachers receive rent-free housing, which is a big deal in terms of both finances and convenience.
Pay is competitive, far more than what a local teacher makes. You can enjoy a comfortable standard of living with any of the salaries above. There is also a contract completion bonus equivalent to approximately one month’s salary that can be applied to the cost of your return airfare.
Expenses are very low, and your income can go a long way, leaving you with funds to explore and experience all China has to offer!
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Schools
Placements are at private English schools and preschools in Shanghai. Your students will be young children who are enrolled in English classes to supplement their regular education and boost their language ability.
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Workload
Preschool contracts typically specify 26-36 hours of classroom time per week. Contracts for jobs with older students have fewer teaching hours, around 22 per week. In addition to classroom hours, you’ll need to devote time to class planning, presentations, faculty meetings, and some extracurricular activities. It’s a full-time job regardless of age group.
A Glimpse at the Cost of Living in China
Click to OpenThe cost of living in Shanghai is higher than in many other Chinese cities; however, if you choose traditional Chinese meals from local restaurants it is still very affordable.
A typical breakfast of baozi (steamed bun filled with meat or vegetables) and soy milk costs approximately 1.5-5 CNY, which is less than one US dollar. For lunch or dinner, a hearty meal including meat, vegetables, and rice costs between 20-50 CNY or $3-8.
Qualifications
Click to OpenTEFL Certification
Click to OpenOur Team
Click to OpenOur Team
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Luke Beland
Operations Manager
Luke studied abroad in Morocco and taught English in Jordan. He loves traveling to China to help with orientation, ride bullet trains, and eat baozi!
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Kelvin Li
In-Country Manager
Born and raised in Shanghai, Kelvin joined CIEE’s Teach in China Program in 2007. Fascinated by travelling and reading, Kelvin...
Ready to change your life?
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