Teaching in South China is an excellent experience for many people, but not every place has the same opportunities. Teaching English in Guangzhou can differ from teaching English in Shenzhen.
For example, there are more students studying abroad and learning English in Shenzhen than in Guangzhou because of its proximity to Hong Kong. The cost of living also varies considerably between the two cities, with Shenzhen being much more expensive than Guangzhou. This article will examine several factors you should consider when deciding whether to teach English in South China.
Teaching English in Shenzhen
Shenzen, located in the south of China, is a city with many high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. Its population has grown rapidly in recent years as more people have moved from rural areas to urban centers for work opportunities.
Shenzhen used to be known as a manufacturing hub, but now it’s home to companies that produce many types of products, including electronics and pharmaceuticals. This has created a great deal of demand for English teachers in the city who can work at local universities and high schools or privately with students from all over China through various language programs.
Shenzhen has a typical subtropical climate, with humid summers and mild winters. The city sees little snowfall but sometimes experiences very heavy rainfall during the summer monsoon season. The average temperature during the hottest months is around 33 degrees Celsius, and the average temperature during the coldest months is approximately 19 degrees Celsius.
Shenzen is a much more expensive city to live in than Guangzhou. However, there are many more opportunities to teach English in Shenzhen than Guangzhou. Many multinational corporations have their Asian headquarters located in Shenzhen, so you can find jobs teaching English with these companies and private language schools. The pay is also generally better in Shenzhen than it is in Guangzhou.
The average cost of living in Shenzhen is approximately $1700 per month, depending on your lifestyle and the type of accommodations you choose. There are a wide variety of apartments and houses to choose from, but most ex-pats prefer to live near the metro station for easy access to the rest of the city.
Transportation in Shenzhen is excellent, with a well-developed metro system and an abundance of taxis. This makes commuting to and from work quite simple.
The official language of Shenzhen is Mandarin, but some people also speak Cantonese. English is also spoken, but it is not as widely used as in other parts of China.
There are several international schools located in Shenzhen, and most of them are looking for native English speakers with teaching certifications such as TESOL or TEFL. The average salary for a teacher at an international school in Shenzhen is about $3000 per month.
Teach English in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is located about one hour north of Hong Kong on the Pearl River Delta. Guangzhou is the sixth-largest city in China. Guangzhou is quite busy, with a population of approximately 13 million people.
Guangzhou is another one of the most important cities in southern China because many multinational corporations have their Asian headquarters located there. Its close proximity to Hong Kong as well as lower costs than other major Chinese cities have made it a popular destination for teaching English.
Guangzhou has a slightly more moderate climate than Shenzhen. The weather is humid year-round, with summer temperatures averaging around 32 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures averaging about 18 degrees Celsius. Guangzhou also sees very little snow during the winter, but it can get quite warm in the summer.
Guangzhou also has an excellent public transportation system that can take you wherever you need to go for both work and play. Its public transportation system includes a subway, light rail system, and bus routes. The Guangzhou Metro System is the third busiest in the world.
The official language of Guangzhou is Mandarin, but Cantonese is also spoken throughout the city. Unfortunately, most people in Guangzhou do not speak English, so it can be challenging to find someone to help you with your daily tasks if you do not speak either of the two languages mentioned.
The cost of living in Guangzhou is much cheaper than in Shenzhen. The average cost of living in Guangzhou is approximately $900 per month, with a wide range of accommodations available. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment, including utilities in Guangzhou, is around $400 per month.
The majority of teaching jobs in Guangzhou are with public schools and universities. There are also many opportunities to teach privately, but the pay is not as good as what you can find in Shenzhen. Several language schools are located near universities that offer jobs teaching English, but there are fewer opportunities to teach English than you would find in Shenzhen.
The average salary of an ESL teacher in Guangzhou is between $1300-$2050 per month. The competition for jobs is much higher in Guangzhou than it is in Shenzhen, so be prepared to compete with many other teachers for the best positions.
Which City Should You Choose: Shenzhen vs. Guangzhou
When considering whether to teach English in South China, you should take into account the cost of living, climate, public transportation system, and language barriers. Both Guangzhou and Shenzhen offer excellent teaching opportunities, but teachers with a TESOL certification will have more options in Shenzhen.
Teaching English in Shenzhen is the best option if you want to make the most money while living in China. With its booming economy and close proximity to Hong Kong, there are many opportunities for ESL teachers in Shenzhen. The cost of living is high, but salaries correspond to the increased costs of daily life.
Teaching English in Guangzhou is an excellent option if you want to experience life outside of Shenzhen and get away from the hustle and bustle that characterizes southern China’s major cities. The lower cost of living means that it may be easier to save money than in Shenzhen, but you will also have less opportunity to earn a higher salary.
So, what is the best city to teach English in South China? The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a more expensive city with plenty of job opportunities, then Shenzhen is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a less expensive city with moderate weather and an excellent public transportation system, Guangzhou is the better choice. In the end, it all comes down to what you are looking for in an experience which teaching abroad.
