Teaching English in China vs. Thailand

Decided on teaching English in Asia, but not settled on a country yet? It can be confusing to commit to a contract in a country you've never stepped foot in before! Here's a breakdown on a point by point basis:

Qualifications and Requirements

China

• Bachelor's Degree in any subject
• Native English speaker
• Clean criminal record
• In good physical and mental health
• TEFL required in some locations

Thailand

• Bachelor's Degree in any subject
• Native English speaker
• Passport from a native English speaking country
• Clean criminal record

Students

China

Kindergarten through University

Thailand

Kindergarten through University

School

China

Public and Private

Thailand

Public and Private

Locations Available

China

All over China (wherever you can get a Z visa; some provinces can't supply this)

Thailand

All over Thailand

Lifestyle

China

Salary is typically on the lower end for public schools, but there are fewer teaching hours required. Teaching at a public university allows you to earn a salary, but have more time to travel and enjoy life in your new home. Two-semester contracts at public schools will offer time off between semesters (typically 4-6 weeks) and summer vacation (1-2 months). Private schools tend to pay higher, but more teaching hours are required. Sometimes nights and weekend hours are required at private schools, but TEFL teachers should always have 1-2 days off per week if weekend hours are required.

Thailand

Typical placements are 40 hour per week contracts, and teaching hours are typically 18-25 hours per week.

Pay & Benefits

China

Minimum 6,000 RMB per month with rent-free accommodation* and a completion bonus for a two-semester contract (in most cases). Salary increases with experience teaching and/or TEFL.

Thailand

Minimum 25,000 THB per month with rent-free accommodation* in most cases.

Cost of Living

China

Breakfast (typical Chinese breakfast: baozi (steamed bun filled with meat or vegetables), soy milk)): 1.5-5 CNY (25-80 cents)

Lunch & Dinner: 10-50 CNY/person (80 cents - $8)

Thailand

Thai meals average 30-60 THB (85 cents - $1.75)

Western food is much more expensive, close to US prices/meal.

Visa Process

China

You need a Z visa to legally teach in China. In order to get this, you need: 

• Medical exam w/ supporting documents
  • EKG
  • HIV test
  • Chest X-Rays
• State-level background check with authentication
• Diploma authentication and legalization by the Chinese Embassy
• TEFL Certification in some cases.

Thailand

• Non-Immigrant B Visa 
• Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
• Visa application form
• Recent (4x6 cm) photograph of applicant
• Letter of acceptance from employing institute or school in Thailand
• Letter of approval from government agencies 
• Evidence of educational qualification, such as diplomas or teaching certificates
• School license or business registration, list of shareholders and school profile
• Applicant's resume
• Police certificate verifying that applicant has no criminal record or equivalents or letter issued by authorized agencies in applicant's country.
  • The requirement of the submission of such police certificate is optional. The applicant must submit it if consular officer requires he/she to do so.
• Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary.

Must-See Sights

Traveling around both China and Thailand is very inexpensive and easy to do on a teacher's salary! 

China

• Great Wall of China (Beijing)
• Pandas (Chengdu)
• Shanghai (city)
• West Lake (Hangzhou)
• Terracotta Warriors (Xi'An)
• Guilin
• Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)
• Yangze River

Thailand

• Bangkok (city)
• Chiang Mai + elephant rescue centers
• Koh Phi Phi + island hopping
• Festivals
• Kanchanaburi
• National Parks

*If you decide to teach abroad through CIEE Teach Abroad, rent-free housing in China and Thailand is typical for an applicant. Additionally, the visa process is taken care of by the organization, and will guide you through the entire process, from application, to employment, to visa acquisition, to in-country orientation, and even travel insurance. 

To ensure you are covering all of your bases, complete your TEFL with CIEE as well. We offer several courses online, and even abroad! Enroll today and begin  your abroad adventure!