Blog & Guides
Practical, honest guides for foreign teachers coming to China — visas, documents, city life, and everything in between.
Visas & Legal
What you can and can't do legally — and the consequences of getting it wrong.
What is a Z-Visa?
China's legal work visa for foreign teachers — how sponsorship works, what you need to qualify, and the step-by-step process from offer to residence permit.
5 min read
Chinese Visa Types for English Teachers
A plain comparison of Z, F, X, and L visas — what each one allows, the real risks of working on the wrong one, and why the F-visa arrangement is illegal.
6 min read
Why You Need a Degree to Teach in China
The honest answer: it's written into Chinese immigration law, not an arbitrary recruiter preference. What counts, what doesn't, and your options if you don't have one yet.
5 min read
Documents
The paperwork you need — apostilles, notarisation, police clearances, and more.
How to Get Your Documents Apostilled
Country-by-country guide to getting the government apostille stamp required on your degree and non-criminal record before China will accept them.
7 min read
What Does 'Notarised' Mean?
The difference between notarisation and apostille, when each is required, and how to get your documents notarised in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
4 min read
How to Get a Non-Criminal Record Certificate
Step-by-step for each major country — UK DBS, FBI check, RCMP, AFP — plus the 6-month rule and how to get it apostilled.
6 min read
Coming Soon
More guides in progress — check back regularly.
Tier 1 vs Tier 2 vs Tier 3 Cities — What's the Difference?
Salary expectations, lifestyle, foreigner infrastructure, and career progression. Where should you go for your first contract?
Coming soon
Cost of Living in China for Foreign Teachers
Honest city-by-city breakdown of rent, food, transport, and social life. What does ¥15,000/month actually get you?
Coming soon
Essential Apps for Living in China
WeChat, Alipay, Taobao, Meituan, Didi — what they are, how to set them up as a foreigner, and why you can't live without them.
Coming soon
First-Time Teacher Guide: From Decision to First Day
A complete walkthrough for someone who has never taught in China — from deciding to go, through documents, arrival, and settling in.
Coming soon
Public School vs Training Centre vs International School
How teaching conditions, salary, lifestyle, and visa arrangements differ across the main school types in China.
Coming soon
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Browse verified listings across China — full details on salary, hours, and visa sponsorship on every job.
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