What 7 Educators Say About Teaching in China 

Teaching abroad has become an increasingly popular path for educators seeking professional growth, cultural immersion, and unique career opportunities. With its rich history and growing international education sector, China has emerged as a preferred destination for teachers worldwide. 

But what’s it really like to teach in China? Here’s what 7 real educators say about their experiences building a teaching career in one of the world’s most fascinating countries. 

Finding Purpose Through Teaching in China 

For some educators, the path to China began with a search for something more meaningful. Zachary Hensley earned his bachelor’s degree in adolescent psychology but enrolled in a Master’s of Education program focused on teaching multilingual learners in 2024 after finding his calling in the classroom when he moved to China. His M.Ed. program also included a built-in teaching certificate, which opened the door to new career opportunities while equipping him with the skills to thrive in an international classroom. 

“I thought overall [it] was a very, very nice program — very rigorous, but also understanding that we also have a lot of other responsibilities as adults,” Hensley said, “and the programs never felt like busywork.” 

In addition to teaching, Hensley also loved exploring a new culture. As he spent more time in China and interacted with more people, he also met his wife, and they are now planning a life together — a love story facilitated by international education.

Building Community and Confidence in China 

Sbahele Mkhize values connection, and that’s what she discovered in China as she found herself engaging with a network of educators from around the globe, creating opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. 

After leaving her home in South Africa to begin teaching kindergarten students in China, Mkhize found her financial and employment opportunities improving while meeting other international teachers. This inspired her to take her education career to the next level, leading her to enroll in TEACH-NOW and take part in a global cohort model that connected her with even more teachers across the world. 

“Being able to have other people like me teaching in China, or anywhere around the world, to share best practice is something I don’t take for granted,” Mkhize said. “For me, [Moreland] has been an awakening and a confidence booster in the classroom.” 

Leadership Development 

Similarly, David Brian Roby found that his experience teaching in China developed skills in the classroom — and beyond. 

A 2022 TEACH-NOW graduate, Roby made the most of his opportunity abroad and used it build skills that would allow him to pursue career advancement. 

“What I love most about Moreland University is that its TEACH-NOW program not only made me a better teacher but also a better school leader,” Roby said. “It taught me to more effectively observe and evaluate the teaching techniques of younger faculty and to help them develop professionally.” 

Roby’s experience is not unique, either. Many international educators use their time working outside of their home country to become leaders, which benefits the entire educational community. 

Personal and Professional Growth in a New Country

“My cousin told me there was an opportunity to teach English in China, and I thought, ‘Oh, okay, that’s where I’m going!’” 

Nikiwe Khambule studied environmental management and geography as an undergraduate but knew that wasn’t the professional life she wanted to pursue. So, with minimal teaching experience, she got “[thrown] in the deep end” immediately when she arrived in China and started leading a classroom of children on day 1. She was prepared, though, and her persistence paid off as she spent more time building relationships with students and earning her license online through the TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program. 

Khambule’s experience highlights how the right certification program can make the transition from one country to another smoother, as confidence and comfortability in your professional life can lead to less stress and more freedom in your time outside of work. 

An Opportunity for More Joy 

Zee — who also graduated from TEACH-NOW — found that teaching in China provided opportunities outside the classroom, as well. 

As someone with a passion for traveling and for helping people, China represented a new adventure that allowed Zee to combine both into a fulfilling experience and describing it as “learning to work and play at the same time.” 

In addition to exploring China, Zee also completed portions of her certification program from Fiji and Bali. 

“I am so happy that my [students] have been reaping the rewards; they have also been witnessing my growth as a teacher and as a person,” she said. 

Searching for Meaning 

Hamed Ghaheri felt like something was missing, even when he had an opportunity to enter a Ph.D. program for animal physiology in South Korea. He turned it down, choosing instead to move from Iran to the U.S., where he worked a variety of jobs and made good money.  

It was nice, but it wasn’t what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. He wanted more meaning, which led him to make the leap into education. 

After earning a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate, Ghaheri found himself as an intern at a university in China in 2024. 

And it’s exactly what he had been looking for, so he doubled down on his credentials, deciding to enroll in TEACH-NOW and earn his certification while gaining more practical skills that he could apply in the classroom. 

“The price was affordable compared to other programs I found in the U.S.” Ghaheri said, “and honestly, Moreland opened a gate for me to follow my dreams.” 

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Seth Griffiths faced significant personal challenges while earning his certification in 2021, including a cancer diagnosis that led to him leaving China to undergo surgery and chemotherapy treatments in his native New Zealand. 

Coupled with the treatment, Griffiths’ passion won out. With what he called “unwavering support and encouragement” from his instructors and fellow educators, Griffiths not only received a clean bill of health, but he also earned his teaching certification. 

Six months later, he returned to China in a full-time role at a new school, where he won a ‘Most Outstanding Teacher’ award. 

Your Journey to Teaching in China Starts Here 

From cultural immersion to professional growth and career advancement, these are just a handful of stories from teachers in China, and they are true examples of how international teaching offers opportunities that can transform both your career and your life. 

Moreland University is ready to support your teaching dreams anywhere in the world with the 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, designed specifically for working professionals who want to earn their U.S. teaching license — a highly respected credential around the globe. Moreland’s master’s degree programs can also be completed in a fully remote learning environment to help further enhance your skills and career prospects. 

So, where will your teaching journey take you? Apply today (it takes less than 15 minutes) and hear back within 2 business days.