Shanghai TEFL Internship in China

GAIN REAL CLASSROOM TEACHING EXPERIENCE - you will be working with Young Learners (4 - 12 year olds)
MAKE CONNECTIONS - in a rewarding, supportive environment and build lasting friendships with your students
SHARE YOUR CULTURE- tell your students about who you are and where you come from!
SUPPORT ON HAND - 24/7 experienced, local support team allowing you complete peace of mind during your stay in China
HAPPY COMMUNITY - enjoy continuous training, teaching tips and social events

Enjoy some excellent benefits

RMB 5,000 p / month (USD 701 / GBP 528) stipend
Free accommodation
RMB 4,000 (USD 561 / GBP 422) flight bonus*
Letter of recommendation
Support with Visa process
Shanghai city tour
Airport meet & greet
Help to set up a local bank account
Teach 14 classes per week
Free Mandarin Chinese classes (40 hours Online or Offline)

* subject to Terms and Conditions

How Your Shanghai TEFL Placement Works

Get on the fast track to teaching English in China with a clearly defined path:

Arrival & Onboarding- Attend a thorough Shanghai orientation where you'll be introduced to the team and the city.
Interview Training- Gain the confidence needed to succeed with expert preparation for the common demo lessons and interviews required by Chinese employers.
Guaranteed Placement- We handle the matching process, ensuring you're assigned to an approved, quality school after your successful interview/demo.
Full Support- Throughout your 5-month program, you'll receive ongoing professional feedback and 24/7 support from our dedicated local team.

Year-Round TEFL Internship Start Dates

Looking for flexible TEFL start dates in China? We are hiring year-round!

Monthly Intakes: Arrive in Shanghai any month that works for you.
Internship Duration: The program runs for 5 months from your arrival date.

Watch videos on the Shanghai TEFL Internship

Listen to interns share their experiences in Shanghai.

I'm very glad to have experienced an internship in Shanghai. The set up of my placement job was ideal for me, and I have been surprised at the amount of respect and responsibility given to English teachers in China.

Dylan, Former Intern, China 2018

We welcome all fluent English speakers with a positive attitude. Even if you're undercover!

Does this sound like you?

Fluent English speaker
No degree required
No previous teaching experience needed
TEFL certification is required. We offer a special discount on an approved course if you don't have one.
Positive attitude and willingness to engage with a new culture

What's not included

Flight to China
Visa fees (you will need to budget approximately £120 / $ 170 for this)
Proof of no criminal record check
Spending money for first month in China (approx. £300 / $420)
Travel insurance

FAQs for teaching in China

Which airport do I fly to?: You need to arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The local team will meet you there and take you to orientation.
Do I receive onward transfer to placement city?: Yes, you will be provided with onward transfer to your host town or city on completion of orientation. This would be inclusive of transport costs. On arrival at your host town or city, you'll be met by a school representative.
Can I be placed together with other interns?: There is usually one intern per school. However, this program is very popular and as such there is a large network of expat teachers with regular social events and meet ups.
How much will I get paid as an English teacher in China?: The monthly allowance is RMB¥4,000 (US$620/£445). You are paid on 15th of each month either in cash or by wire transfer to your Chinese bank account.
What age of students would I be teaching?: Most students would be young learners and so 4 - 12 years of age.
Can couples and friends be placed together?: The Admissions team will do their best to accommodate requests and it is best to apply early if you want to be placed together with a friend or partner.
In which cities are the placements?: The three main locations are Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. You can request a placement preference and positions are assigned on a first come first served basis.
What is the accommodation like?: Accommodation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVYtqxvrS6o) is provided rent free throughout your stay on the program. You can expect a shared or private apartment. If the apartment is shared, you would have your own private room.
What extras do I need to budget for?: Here is a list of the things you should keep in mind when budgeting for your trip. - Doctor’s note - confirming you are fit to teach and travel in China - Criminal record check - Comprehensive travel insurance - please ask ESLstarter for a specialized insurance quote - Visa - Flight - Spending money for the first 5 - 7 weeks in China before you receive your monthly allowance