Why Choose Beijing?

Beijing is the kind of city that surprises you daily, and makes every day an adventure.

One moment you’re walking past ancient hutongs and quiet courtyards, the next you are on a spotless subway headed to a rooftop bar, a night market, or a neighbourhood packed with skyscrapers bigger than you’ve ever seen. It is a place where history and modern life sit comfortably side by side, and where living abroad quickly starts to feel normal.

For new teachers, Beijing is a fantastic place to begin. It is well organised, safe, and easy to get around, with excellent public transport and everything you need close at hand. Daily life is affordable, food options are endless, and time off bring opportunities to explore temples, parks, museums, and nearby cities, or simply slow down and enjoy your local area.

There is also a strong international community and all the Western amenities you could ever need. You will be working alongside other foreign teachers, many of whom are new to teaching and new to China. That shared experience makes it easy to build a routine, make friends, and feel supported from the start.

Teaching in Beijing offers more than just a job. It gives you the chance to live in one of the world’s great capital cities, develop real classroom skills, and experience everyday life somewhere completely different, without feeling overwhelmed.

Location and Climate

A vast and fascinating capital, Beijing rewards curiosity. Neighbourhoods each have their own personality, from traditional areas with low-rise homes and leafy lanes to modern districts filled with cafés, shopping centres, and late-night food spots. Wherever you live, the city feels connected and easy to navigate thanks to its extensive subway system and affordable public transport.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Beijing is how well placed it is for travel. With major high-speed rail links and one of Asia’s busiest international airports, short breaks and longer trips are easy to plan. During school holidays and annual leave, teachers often travel elsewhere in China or head abroad to destinations across Asia, all without long or expensive journeys.

Beijing experiences four very distinct seasons. Summers are hot and lively, with long evenings and a buzz around parks, rivers, and outdoor dining. Winters are cold but dry, with clear skies and a quieter pace that many people come to enjoy. And yes, it does usually does snow. Spring and autumn are widely considered the best times to be in the city, bringing mild temperatures, blue skies, and ideal conditions for exploring on foot.

This change of seasons adds variety to daily life and helps the year feel balanced. Combined with the city’s location, strong transport links, and generous holiday opportunities, Beijing offers a lifestyle that blends routine, adventure, and the freedom to explore far beyond the city itself.

Is Beijing Right for You?

Teaching in Beijing is best suited to people who genuinely enjoy working with young learners and care about making a difference in the classroom. You do not need years of experience, but you do need to be dedicated, professional, and kind. Students respond best to teachers who are patient, enthusiastic, and willing to put thought into their lessons, even on busy days.

At the same time, this experience is about much more than teaching. Living in Beijing means stepping into a culture that may feel very different at first. You do not need to arrive as an expert or speak Mandarin, but being open minded, curious, and willing to learn will make a huge difference. Everyday moments, from ordering food to navigating new neighbourhoods, quickly become part of the adventure.

While it is absolutely possible to enjoy Beijing quietly and at your own pace, people who get the most out of the experience are often those who are happy to put themselves out there. Being outgoing, willing to make friends, and keen to explore helps you settle in faster and feel more at home.

To be eligible for our Beijing program, you’ll need to meet a small number of basic requirements. These are standard for teaching roles in China and help ensure a smooth visa and onboarding process.

• A bachelor’s degree in any subject

• A completed TEFL certificate (which is included as part of our program)

• A passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand

• A clean criminal background check

Previous teaching experience is not required. Many of the teachers who do best on this program are recent graduates or first-time teachers who are enthusiastic, adaptable, and keen to learn on the job. You do not need any understanding of Chinese Mandarin.

5 Things to Do in Beijing

Enjoy a Beijing Breakfast

Be a Tourist for the Day

People Watch at the Park

Wander Through the Hutongs

Drink With the Locals

School Life

The schedule at a training centre in Beijing follows a rhythm that quickly becomes one of its biggest perks. Instead of a traditional Monday to Friday schedule, teachers usually have Monday and Tuesday off, giving you quieter days to rest, run errands, or explore the city when it is less busy.

From Wednesday to Friday, mornings are free. Teachers typically arrive at the centre around 1pm to plan lessons, prepare materials, and spend time in the office with colleagues. Teaching then runs from around 5:30pm, when students finish their school day and arrive full of energy, until around 8:30 or 9pm.

Weekends are the busiest teaching days, with full-day classes from around 9am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday. While this might sound intense at first, it is also when the centre feels most lively and social, with teachers working together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another throughout the day.

Classes are small, typically 10 to 15 students, which allows you to get to know your learners well and see real progress over time. Students are usually aged 6 to 12, with some older classes for teenagers. Lessons focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, using engaging materials that make teaching enjoyable and interactive.

The structure is clear, supportive, and designed to help new teachers grow in confidence while building strong classroom skills.

3 Must Try Foods in Beijing

Dumplings

Roasted Duck

Scallion Pancakes

Cost of Living

Salary