Teaching in International Schools in China

International schools provide a great option for expats and for those who want to teach in China. The Chinese education system has a reputation for excellence, but it’s also known for a rigorous, standardized curriculum. International schools offer an alternative to the public schools for expats and locals who want a different option for their children.

There are more than 15,000 international schools in the world, according to the 2026 Global International Schools Snapshot. The largest market is in Asia, and the No. 1 country is China, with 1,117 international schools.

If you’re already in China or considering a career as an international educator, keep reading to learn more about teaching in the Middle Kingdom, especially in international schools, and how you can set yourself up for success.

What Are International Schools in China?

An international school is a type of private school, or a school that is not government funded. International schools are funded through a combination of tuition and other sources. These schools are typically expensive to attend, and students are often expats, children from the local embassy, or wealthy local residents.

International schools choose a curriculum to follow. For example, there are 163 International Baccalaureate (IB) schools across China, according to the International Schools Database. There are also schools that follow the American, British, German, French, Canadian, Swiss, Korean, Japanese, or Australian curriculum. Schools that teach IB, American, British, Canadian, or Australian curriculum are taught in English.

Each international school offers different diplomas depending on the curriculum they follow. For example, students at an IB school will complete the IB requirements to earn their IB certificate. Students at a Canadian school will complete a Canadian curriculum and requirements. These international degrees allow students to skip the rigorous Chinese tests to earn admission to colleges, or, for expat students, it provides them with a degree that is either internationally recognized or that is recognized by their home country.

Types of International Curricula

International schools in China use a curriculum that is based on the mission and vision of the school. The most common curricula are International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, Canadian, and Australian.

• International Baccalaureate (IB): This is a student-centered curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, global-mindedness, and rigorous academics. The goal is to build students who meet the IB Learner Profile, who are knowledgeable, critical thinkers, principled, open-minded, and caring. A key aspect of IB is students’ engagement in reflection, self-directed research, and project-based learning. IB is a common curriculum among international schools. Teachers who are interested in teaching in an IB school could benefit from earning IB credentials.
• British Curriculum: Also known as the National Curriculum for England, the British Curriculum is a skills-based framework that focuses on critical thinking, academics, and preparation for university.
• American Curriculum: While the U.S. does not have a national curriculum, in international schools, the American Curriculum refers to a curriculum that applies U.S. standards to education. Students attend school from kindergarten through grade 12 and learn a variety of subjects. Students earn credits toward high school graduation and often prepare for Advanced Placement tests.
• Canadian Curriculum: This is the curriculum generally followed by Canadian schools. It focuses on core subjects (math, English or French, science, social studies). In Canada, each province has its own curriculum and language focus, but the focus on academics and preparing students for university is the same.
• Australian Curriculum: This is the national curriculum of Australia. It sets the standards that Australian children should learn across eight learning areas (English, math, science, health, physical education, arts, technology, and languages). It also incorporates learning about Aboriginal histories and culture and Australian-specific themes.

Why Teachers Choose International Schools in China

Foreign teachers in China have a variety of options, but international schools offer some distinct advantages:

• Salary and benefits: International schools often pay the highest teacher salaries in China, according to Go Overseas, with benefits including free housing or an allowance, paid vacations, and flights to and from your home country.
• Working conditions: International schools can provide a better working environment, including technology, modern buildings, and more academic freedom compared to local schools.
• Teacher support: Many international schools have departments that provide support for foreign teachers, including help obtaining visas and relocating.

How to Get a Job at an International School in China

Deciding to become an international teacher is exciting! If you’re hoping to land at an international school, these are some of the general steps you might take as you build your resume, search for a position, and prepare to move:

Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree

Depending on what you want to teach, you will need a bachelor’s degree in education or your content area.

Get a Teaching License

International schools typically require a teaching license. If you want to teach in an IB school, you may also want to seek out IB training. It is also helpful to have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate.

Gain Classroom Experience

In China, classroom experience is a must for many international schools. If your ultimate goal is to teach overseas, it’s a good idea to get teaching experience at an IB school.

Apply Through International Recruitment Platforms

Various international school recruitment programs connect applicants and schools, including Search Associates, International Schools Services, Teach Away, and many others. Choose one and apply through their platform.

Interview and Accept a Position

Interviewing for a job in China is much like interviewing for a job in the U.S. You may need to prepare an online sample lesson and engage in multiple interviews, depending on the school. Interviewing is typically conducted online, so be prepared to meet potential colleagues remotely.

Complete the Visa Process

Once you are hired, you must earn a Z Visa that allows you to work in China. Many international schools have a department that helps teachers secure the right documents. For example, your school might send you a Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit that you will use to apply for the Z visa at your nearest Chinese embassy. Once you are in China, your school will help you exchange the Z visa for a residency permit within 30 days.

FAQs

Can foreigners teach at international schools in China?

Foreigners can teach at international schools, and these schools often recruit foreign teachers that are familiar with the curriculum and fluent in the language of instruction. For example, a school that teaches the American curriculum will seek out American teachers who can teach American standards in English.

Do you need a teaching license to teach at international schools in China?

Typically, yes. A teaching license, and sometimes an additional certificate in IB or TEFL, is required to teach in international schools in China.

Can new teachers work at international schools in China?

New teachers can work at international schools in China. However, jobs at international schools are competitive, so having a teaching license and relevant experience is important to set yourself apart from other candidates.

Is teaching in China safe for foreign teachers?

China is a safe country to teach in. However, it is important that you have the correct visa. Teachers need a Z visa to teach in China. When you accept a position with a school, they will help you obtain your Z visa so you do not have any legal issues while you are in the country.

Other than that, China has few violent crimes and a strong culture of safety and efficiency, according to Talent-E.