Teaching in China: Is It Still Worth it in 2024?

In this video, we're exploring the future of teaching in China. Is it still worth it to teach in China in 2023/2024? Based on current trends, the answer may be a little surprising.

As China continues to grow wealthier, more students are enrolling in international schools and training programs. This is good news for teachers, as there is a demand for qualified educators. However, the Chinese educational system is complex and not as liberal as it once was. There may be challenges in the future for teachers who want to work in China.

We'll discuss the pros and cons of teaching in China and what you need to know if you’re considering a career here. China’s double reduction policy was introduced in 2021. In this video which starts in October 2022 and ends in August 2023, we discuss the state of teaching then, and now.

I’m covering the different types of institutions where you can teach in China and my opinion of each one. I also interviewed a few of my colleagues, and it was great to hear their perspectives!

This is a long one, but a must-watch if you’re considering teaching in China. So whether you're already teaching in China or just curious about the industry’s future, this video is for you!

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[GlobalMindsetRealism]

You’re correct with everything. I graduated with a BA and then pursued by MA later on. My first experience was in Beijing and the salary was amazing. I started of at $64kUSD and then it went up from there working in an international school. I honestly wouldn’t recommend international schools due to the stress levels and the parents devaluing your teaching career and experiences. Yes you can make now if you have IB experience and certification close to $8, 000USD per month. I would consider training schools if the salary is close to it and if there’s management positions available.

[DavidNunezPNW]

I'm so happy China is making changes, public education is better because it's not only for the people with money, the working class and peasantry should be entitled to a proper education as well.

[carolineanderson]

Jessica, thank you for sharing this video with us. A lot of what you said I could relate to. Me and my family moved to China just about a month after you arrived and we left in May of last year. I also did not want to leave and am still mourning our life there. Like you we couldn't stay for work related reasons and also our mental health too. A relationship with China is so complex one which people who haven't lived there might struggle to understand. I hope you find peace and healing in America this year and you are surrounded with beautiful relationships.

[missneah]

It was really savvy of you to record those interviews then, so that we could all benefit from them now. I wish Justin, Dustin, and Luiza (and her baby girl) health and happiness. It had to feel like a bit of a betrayal to dedicate so many years of their lives to the country and make it through the lockdown and have it all flip on them just like that. 😢 As someone who has been in the process of getting over there since Nov 2022, you're right: International schools/Kindergartens are the likeliest bet. My liaison hinted it is almost the only bet and they are also priortizing lao wei who are already over there. I get the feeling it is considerably cheaper and more time saving as flights and visas are currently both a nightmare. Hope springs eternal and this has been a longtime dream of mine, so I am hoping/praying to get there soon!

Also as an "actual" and one-day career teacher (lol) I appreciate both your candidness and respect for the occupation. 😉☺️

Stay safe out there in those zhongguo streets and be well!

[AleeseLightyear]

Nothing but the TRUTH!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I'll add that-- if you're looking to come teach in China, international schools now are wanting to hire more specialized teachers who can teach English plus a subject like history, science, math, drama, art, or PE. If you want to make good $$ and have a more stable job, then you gotta come with experience and skills.

Thanks Jess for putting in the work to create this extremely informative video! 😃

[PKP]

This is really key information for me as I was considering returning to teach in China.

[PKP]

Paul broke it down really well. The awesome part of teaching in China for me was the amazing friendships the were made.

[sakiohma]

I hate that teaching jobs/pay declined in China and covid broke out RIGHT when I finally graduated and got my degree. It has always been my dream to live in Asia 😢😭

[ExploreWithMohamed]

Thanks for sharing this amazing documentary regarding teaching in China. I'll be visiting there soon to do some teaching, still haven't find a job yet but this was a excellent blueprint for what type of jobs i wanted for the future. Thanks once again 🙏🏽

[nkululekomabaso]

I’m new to this channel. I got here at the end of May 2023 and thank you for sharing this information. I’ve taken down some notes. 👍🏽

[logan]

Training schools have NEVER paid as much as international schools, at least not normally. You may find some exceptions. And the way things are going in China, the higher salaries will only be for native English speakers (probably white) who work at international schools. Training centers are becoming a thing of the past. After having worked at both, I will say there are international schools that don't have as many job duties as you mentioned. It was pretty stress-free most of the time, and the pay was a lot more. Although part of me misses the training center days.

[PKP]

Justin's response is one that I think from my experience seems familiar from my time over 10 years ago and does feel like it's heading in that direction he described.

[LizafromWhere]

Great video. I am a licenced and registered teacher that meets all the strict visa requirments such as QTS. I was teaching for Peking Uni schools as an IB teacher in the international schools (Peking Uni is a massive business with many types of companies). After 7 years in China I had enough after being locked in for 2 years. I left when the second wave hit and China lost its mind. I loved my time in China but I will never return. It's not the China I knew now. Cheers from Myanmar that I love and I also do YouTube here. You are brave to do YT in China!!! I never did because, you know!

[Englishman_in_China]

Sad to hear but thanks for the information. I’ve not been in china for years and was excited to return to teach but looks like I’ll be cancelling my plans as it sounds like it’s over for esl teachers

[gretaosborne]

Thanks for sharing! My daughter and I were in Zhangzhou from Sept 2018-Jan 2019. We worked at different learning centers. We worked for EF (I bought fell off the couch when you mentioned them). We were dissatisfied with the curriculum and felt that the parents weren't getting their money's worth. Those children weren't learning the language because it was only taught to them once & each time it was more & more frustrating. I met a guy from Baltimore MD and he suggested teaching in high school. I actually got an interview, but my daughter was ready to check out, so we did. I enjoyed the experience, once they got over seeing a real black person. It was quite annoying at first, to say the least. I'm looking to teach again, possibly this time next year, but I'm considering Taipai Taiwan. Thanks again for sharing.

[philscomputerlab]

I appreciate the comment about training schools. I'm subject teacher in Australia and everyone tells me to apply for top international schools, but you know, I'd rather have something simple. Running clubs and exceptions and academic pressure, it's a lot. I wish there were more part-time international opportunities. I rather have more time to actually do stuff 😂

[Johann_in_China]

I worked in language schools for 8 years before moving to an International school, I regret every day that I stayed so long at a language school because in China do not really recognize language Centre teachers are real teachers. I love my life as an international school teacher.

[Luizalalala]

Great video, Jessica! It was so nice seeing everyone and hearing their opinions. It’s crazy, but it kinda made me miss the school 😂❤

[DIYDiaz]

RIP to that video footage 🥀 It was probably for the best tho lol. Anyways, awesome video as always. I really enjoyed seeing other teachers from various background 🙌🏽

[ESL-O.G.]

Good video. I lived and taught in China for four years but I am in Northern Vietnam now