How to Start Teaching English in Shenzhen: Your Complete Guide

Shenzhen is one of the best cities in China for English teachers. It's modern, international, and pays well. The tech hub status means lots of young professionals and families who want their kids to learn English. Here's everything you need to know to start teaching in Shenzhen.

Why Shenzhen?

• High salaries: Shenzhen typically pays 18,000-25,000 RMB/month for experienced teachers
• Modern city: Excellent metro, clean streets, international food and amenities
• Close to Hong Kong: Easy weekend trips across the border
• Year-round warm weather: Subtropical climate, never cold
• Large expat community: Plenty of networking opportunities

Types of Teaching Jobs in Shenzhen

Training Centers

Private language schools like EF, Wall Street English, and local chains. Expect 15,000-22,000 RMB/month. Usually evening and weekend hours.

International Schools

Higher pay (25,000-40,000 RMB/month) but require teaching licenses and experience. Examples: Shenzhen American International School, QSI International School.

Kindergartens

Teaching young learners (3-6 years). Pay around 15,000-20,000 RMB/month. Morning hours, summers off.

Private Tutoring

Freelance work at 200-500 RMB/hour. Build your own client base through word of mouth.

How to Find Jobs: The WeChat Strategy

This is the most important section. In China, WeChat is everything. Most jobs—especially the good ones—are found through WeChat groups, not job boards.

Step 1: Get WeChat

Download WeChat and set up your account before arriving. You'll need it for everything in China.

Step 2: Network with Foreigners

When you arrive, go to expat bars, coffee shops, and events. Meet other foreigners and ask them to add you to WeChat groups. Everyone knows groups for job hunting, apartment hunting, and socializing.

Step 3: Join Job Groups

Once you're in one group, ask people to add you to more. Common groups include:

• Shenzhen ESL Jobs
• Shenzhen Teachers Network
• Expats in Shenzhen
• Shenzhen Part-Time Teaching Jobs

Step 4: Find Agents

Many WeChat groups have agents (中介) who connect teachers with schools. They can share multiple job opportunities and help with visa paperwork. Build relationships with 2-3 good agents.

Job Websites (Secondary to WeChat)

• eChinacities.com: Large job board for teaching positions across China
• TheBeijinger/That's Shenzhen: City-specific listings and classifieds
• Dave's ESL Cafe: Traditional ESL job board with China listings
• LinkedIn: Some international schools recruit here

Visa Requirements

You need a Z visa (work visa) to teach legally. Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (any field)
• 120-hour TEFL certificate (online is fine)
• 2 years teaching experience OR education degree
• Clean criminal background check
• Health check (done in China)

Warning: Never work on a tourist or business visa. It's illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and teaching bans.

Cost of Living

• Rent: 3,000-6,000 RMB/month for a one-bedroom apartment
• Food: 1,500-3,000 RMB/month (local food is cheap)
• Transport: 200-400 RMB/month (metro is excellent)

With a 20,000 RMB salary, you can save 8,000-10,000 RMB/month easily.

Tips for Success

• Learn basic Mandarin—even 50 phrases makes life easier
• Get a VPN before arriving (for Google, WhatsApp, etc.)
• Negotiate your contract—housing allowance, flight reimbursement, bonus
• Build relationships with other teachers for job referrals