Teach English in China

Earn one of the ESL world’s best salaries while living in Shenzhen, a dynamic metropolis on China’s southern coast!

If you’re looking to build your career, earn a competitive salary, and immerse yourself in the fast-paced culture of one of China’s most innovative and modern cities, Shenzhen might be the perfect fit for you!

Program at a Glance:

• FREE Program!
• Competitive salary
• 12 month contract
• Paid Summer / Winter vacation
• Foreign teachers community
• Training & Curriculum provided
• Commercial health insurance
• Flight allowance up to 4,000 CNY
• 11 days of Chinese official holidays plus Summer / Winter vacation
• 5 days paid hotel accommodation upon arrival
• Support in finding accommodation
• Full support in making the transition to life in China

• Native English speaker
• Citizen of the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand
• Bachelor’s degree
• 120+ Hour TEFL/TESOL Certification (can be in process when you apply)*
  • OR 2 years of teaching experience
• Age 18-55

Unfortunately, we are unable to make any exceptions to these requirements.

*Still need to get certified? Check out our online and in-person certification options here: TEFL Certification.

A $300 DISCOUNT applied to the Online TEFL Certification for Teach Abroad China participants.

• FREE PROGRAM
• Starting salary of ~12,000CNY – 20,000CNY per month, depending on qualifications
• Salary increases throughout your contract
• Assistance finding housing (Friends and couples welcome to apply together)
• 11 days of Chinese official holidays plus paid Summer/Winter vacation
• Airfare reimbursement (up to 4,000CNY )
• Airport pickup
• Health Insurance
• 5 day orientation and training period
• Extra in-country support 
• Legal Z Working Visa and Residence Permit
• Visa processing documentation and assistance
• Personal attention to ease you through the application and visa process
• Community of other foreign teachers to welcome you!

Personal startup costs:

• Visa process cost $140 for U.S. citizens. Costs vary for non-U.S. citizens, please check with your visa office. 
• Flight to China (Up to 4,000CNY will be reimbursed)
• $2,500-$3,000 USD to get you started in China. First months rent and living expenses. 

Program Intake Dates:

• February 15
• August 15

Apply Early!

Our Teach Abroad program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning spots fill up quickly! While there is no official deadline, we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible—but no later than three months before your desired start date—to allow enough time for processing, placement, and preparation.

Start dates typically fall in February and late August/early September, but exact dates vary by school. Applicants will receive their specific start date once they have been placed.

Ready to embark on your teaching adventure? Apply today to secure your spot!

School Details

• Most placements in Kindergarten some Elementary 

• 1-3 assistant teachers in addition to Chinese lead teacher.  

• Kindergarten class size, 20-25

• Larger classes in Elementary/Middle/High School 

• International Schools, Private Schools 

Weekly Schedule

– 40 working hours per week including office hours

– Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 14:00 pm – 17:30 pm

Note that schedule may vary during holidays and summer sessions

Responsibilities – Primary / Middle / High School

– Prepare lessons based on provided textbook
– Attend the school teaching seminars
– Hand in monthly work records and work revisions on time
– Participate in English or art festivals or school big celebration events
– Prepare lesson plans at school, correct students’ homework, and mentor students

When you land in Shenzhen, someone from your school will pick you up at the airport and help you get settled into your hotel. 

Training & Orientation:

• Comprehensive 3-Day Training – Gain essential teaching skills before entering the classroom.
• Understanding the Chinese Education System – Learn how schools operate and what to expect in a Chinese classroom.
• Cultural Orientation & Adjustment – Get insights into local customs and tips for navigating culture shock.

Shenzhen: China’s Thriving Coastal Metropolis

Shenzhen is a fast-paced, modern city located on China’s southern coast, just across the border from Hong Kong. Known for its towering skyline, innovative technology scene, and vibrant international community, Shenzhen offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and cultural immersion.

Though Shenzhen has rapidly grown into a global tech hub, it remains full of hidden gems—from serene parks and historic temples to bustling night markets and stunning coastal views. Whether you’re exploring the famous OCT Loft art district, hiking through the lush greenery of Wutong Mountain, or enjoying the city’s thriving food scene, Shenzhen offers something for everyone.

A Growing Community of Educators

We know that moving to China can feel overwhelming, but you won’t be alone. Most of our placements are in Shenzhen, where you’ll join a network of fellow teachers and supportive local staff. Schools also foster a close-knit environment, ensuring you’ll have a welcoming community both in and outside the classroom.

Opportunities Beyond Shenzhen

While Shenzhen is the primary placement location, we also have teaching opportunities in other parts of China. If you’re open to adventure, you may find yourself in a different city, experiencing a unique side of Chinese culture while still enjoying the same great program benefits.

Travel & Explore Asia

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore China and beyond. Shenzhen’s major international airport and high-speed rail connections make travel easy!

• Hong Kong – Just a quick train ride away
• Guangzhou – 1 hour by train
• Shanghai – 2.5 hours by flight
• Taipei – 1.5 hours by flight
• Seoul – 3 hours by flight
• Bangkok – 3 hours by flight
• Guilin’s stunning karst mountains – 3 hours by train

Whether you’re looking for career growth, cultural immersion, or new adventures, Shenzhen offers the perfect gateway to an unforgettable teaching experience.

Accommodation

All teachers are provided with free, high-quality accommodation in a fully-furnished two-bedroom apartment. Two teachers are housed in each apartment, so you’ll have a built-in roommate. You won’t have to worry about hunting for apartments or paying huge deposits – everything is provided for you and will be ready the day you arrive!

Apartments are located in modern, gated complexes, no further than 2 miles from your school. Public transit is readily available, and on nice days you’re close enough to walk!

Other Monthly Expenses

Teachers on this program make a very high salary and can save a significant portion of their income after expenses! Note that these figures are averages, and each individual teacher will vary.

Average first-year salary: 11,000 RMB/month ($1,600 USD)

Typical monthly expenses:

• Utility bills (water, electricity, gas, internet): 350RMB
• Income tax: 350 RMB
• Cell phone: 100RMB
• Transportation: 300 RMB
• Food (mix of groceries and meals out): 2,000 RMB
• Entertainment: 1,000 RMB

Average saved after expenses: 6,900 RMB/month ($1,000 USD)

We offer a FREE support service, making the complicated process of moving to China much easier on you!

• Friendly, responsive, and professional support from program managers 
• An experienced program manager will personally review your application to make sure it’s correct and ready to be submitted to the schools in China
• Local staff in Shenzhen will be there for extra support!
• Hands on support and personal attention every step of the way including:
  • Preliminary practice interview with Greenheart Travel
  • Exclusive tips and prep questions for your interviews
  • Access to guides and tools for each part of the complicated visa process
  • Tips and resources to expedite your documents
  • Comprehensive and in-depth pre-departure support includes cultural and logistical training
  • Continued support throughout your contract in China
• We are a non-profit, mission-based organization

Want to know more?

Read about our past participants experiences here! 

Greenheart Travel Reviews 

1. Start Your Application Here. You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application.

2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

3. Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

4. You will have two rounds of initial interviews, each of which determines your advancement in the application process. The first will be with Greenheart Travel; the second will be with a representative of our partnering agency.

5. You’re Accepted! Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews. 

• Once an official offer is made and accepted, we will arrange an interview between you and our partner schools.

• If you are approved by the school, we will begin the visa application process. The visa process typically takes 2-3 weeks, though it may be faster in some cases.

• Once the work permit notification is issued, you can apply for a Z visa at your local Chinese embassy. This process usually takes around 4 working days.

• After obtaining the Z visa, you can book your flight to China.

• Upon arrival, our operations team will pick you up from the airport. We provide 5 days of free hotel accommodation to assist with settling in, including setting up a SIM card, bank account, school visit, training before official work, and apartment arrangements.

Required Documents 

• Resume
• Background check
• Passport
• Bachelor’s Degree
• TEFL certification

Visa Application Process 

Once you are offered a position and accept, you’ll need to physically mail the following documents to China for Z Visa processing:

• Copy of Bachelor’s Degree
• Physical/Medical Examination Form
• Passport
• Clear criminal record check, from FBI or local police station
• Resume
• Once your visa paperwork arrives, you’ll need to take the paperwork with you in person (or via visa service) to your nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

Have questions or want to talk to a program manager? Set up a time to have a phone call below.

Take a glimpse into life in China! Make sure to also check out #greenhearttravel on Instagram for more.