Apply now
Location

Shanghai

Fee

No fee

Duration

12 months

Date

Ongoing

Shanghai skyline and the Oriental Pearl Tower at night, teach English in Shanghai
Up to 30,000 RMB a month + accommodation support

Teach English in Shanghai

Teach young learners at a leading language school group with centres across Shanghai. Full training, health insurance and a legal work visa, with no placement fee through ESLstarter.

SalaryUp to 30,000 RMB a month
LocationShanghai
Start datesOngoing, all year
Contract12 months
Placement feeNone, it's free

English teaching jobs in Shanghai

Spend a year teaching in one of the world's most exciting cities, with a market-leading language school group that welcomes thousands of new students every year. Its centres are spread across Shanghai's most vibrant districts.

You'll teach young learners aged 3 to 14 in modern, well-equipped schools, with great course materials and technology. Training starts before your first class, then continues with workshops, seminars and classroom observations from your Academic Manager.

Neon signs along Nanjing Road in Shanghai at night

Your Shanghai package

Salary depends on your qualifications and experience.

Up to 30,000 RMB

Monthly salary

Accommodation

Accommodation provided or a housing allowance

Flight contribution

Paid when you complete your contract

Health insurance

Cover throughout your contract

Paid holidays

A week's winter break and a week's summer break each year

Legal work visa

Your Z visa sponsored by the school

Full training

In-depth orientation at the start of your contract

Lesson support

Ready-made materials and planning guidance

Ongoing development

Workshops, seminars and observations

Who can apply?

  • A bachelor's degree in any subject
  • A TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate
  • A clean criminal record
  • A passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia
  • No teaching experience needed
Young learners in a classroom at a language school in Shanghai

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Life in Shanghai

Shanghai mixes skyscrapers and neon with old lanes, temples and tea houses. On your days off you could explore:

  • The Bund
  • Yu Garden
  • Nanjing Road
  • French Concession
  • Lujiazui
  • Zhujiajiao
  • Hangzhou
  • Suzhou

High-speed trains put Hangzhou and Suzhou within easy reach for weekend trips.

Red lanterns above traditional shops in Shanghai's old town

How it works

  1. Apply with ESLstarter

    Send the form below. We'll check your eligibility and documents.

  2. Interview

    An online interview with the school, with tips from us beforehand.

  3. Offer and contract

    Agree your start date. Recruitment is ongoing all year.

  4. Visa

    Your school sponsors your Z work visa. Start your document checks early.

  5. Fly to Shanghai

    Orientation and training, then your first classes.

Aerial view of Lujiazui and the Huangpu River in Shanghai at dusk

Ancient culture and one of the world's most modern skylines, all in one city. Teaching in Shanghai is an adventure from day one.

Come with an open mind and expect the unexpected. · Read teacher stories

Teaching in Shanghai: your questions answered

How much do English teachers earn in Shanghai?

Teachers on this programme earn up to 30,000 RMB a month depending on qualifications and experience, plus accommodation or a housing allowance, health insurance and a flight contribution when you complete your contract.

What are the requirements to teach English in Shanghai?

You need a bachelor's degree, a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate, a clean criminal record and a passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia. No teaching experience is required.

Do I need teaching experience?

No. Full training and orientation are provided at the start of your contract, followed by ongoing workshops, observations and lesson planning support from your Academic Manager.

Who will I be teaching?

Mainly young learners aged 3 to 14, in modern, well-equipped language school centres across Shanghai.

Do I need to speak Chinese?

No. Lessons are taught in English. Learning some basic Mandarin will make daily life easier, and Shanghai has plenty of English-friendly services.

When can I start?

Recruitment is ongoing, with start dates throughout the year. Work visas take several weeks, so apply early for your preferred start date.

Does ESLstarter charge a fee?

No. Our recruitment service for teaching jobs in Shanghai is completely free for teachers.

Ready to teach in Shanghai?

Recruitment is open all year. It takes five minutes, and our service is free.

Apply now

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