Flying EnglishShanghai

The China & Shanghai guidebook

Teaching in China.
Life in Shanghai.

Practical answers about finding a role, planning the move, settling into the city and teaching your first classes.

Find your question
Plan the moneyWhat do I need before payday? ↗Find your feetDo I need to speak Mandarin? ↗Try an ideaFive games for small classes ↗

Browse the fieldnotes

What are you wondering?

20 guides to explore

Choosing a role

7 guides
  1. 01

    Teach English in Shanghai: a practical guide to choosing a role

    Considering teaching English in Shanghai? Compare roles, working hours and offers, then plan your housing, commute and move.

  2. 02

    Choosing a teaching role in China: start with the classroom

    Compare teaching roles in China by age group, duties, timetable and support. Find the questions that help you choose a classroom that fits.

  3. 03

    How to compare English teaching job offers in China

    Compare base salary, housing, bonuses, payment dates and workload in a China teaching offer, with a clearly labeled worked example.

  4. 04

    Teaching hours versus working hours in an ESL job

    Understand teaching periods, preparation, meetings and required attendance before comparing an ESL job timetable.

  5. 05

    Questions to ask in a teaching job interview in China

    Prepare for a teaching interview with practical questions about lessons, support, working hours, contracts and relocation.

  6. 06

    Teaching English in Shanghai: qualifications to check before applying

    Understand the distinction between a school's hiring criteria and work-permit requirements, and prepare questions about your qualifications.

  7. 07

    TEFL, TESOL or CELTA: how to compare teaching courses

    Understand TEFL, TESOL and CELTA, then compare teaching practice, feedback, assessment and course recognition.

Moving to China

6 guides
  1. 08

    Moving to Shanghai to teach: an arrival checklist

    Plan your move to Shanghai with a checklist for accommodation, payments, transport, appointments and support from your employer.

  2. 09

    How much money do you need before your first salary in China?

    Build an arrival budget for China using your own rent, deposit, travel and living costs. Includes a simple calculator.

  3. 10

    Renting in Shanghai as a teacher: what to check before signing

    Choose a Shanghai rental by commute, total upfront cost and clear lease terms. Use a viewing checklist before committing to a home.

  4. 11

    What should you pack when moving to Shanghai to teach?

    Pack for your arrival week, classroom needs and Shanghai's changing seasons without trying to carry an entire year's supplies.

  5. 12

    Setting up your phone and internet when moving to China

    Prepare phone access for arrival in China, compare mobile plans, and check the practical details of home internet.

  6. 13

    How do you pay for everyday things in China?

    Prepare mobile payments, bank cards and a backup before moving to China. Learn what to check before relying on one payment method.

Living in Shanghai

4 guides
  1. 14

    Planning your Shanghai commute as a teacher

    Test a Shanghai teaching commute from door to door, including transfers, evening journeys and metro payment options.

  2. 15

    Do you need to speak Mandarin to teach English in China?

    Separate classroom language expectations from everyday life in China, and build a practical Mandarin learning plan.

  3. 16

    What is Shanghai's weather like through the year?

    Understand Shanghai's seasons and plan clothing, a commute and everyday routines around heat, rain and cooler weather.

  4. 17

    How to plan your first train trip in China

    Plan a first rail trip in China by checking your identity document, stations, return journey and time beyond the train ride.

In the classroom

3 guides
  1. 18

    Planning your first English lesson for young learners

    Plan a focused young-learner English lesson with a clear objective, simple instructions, practice and a way to check understanding.

  2. 19

    Five English games for a small class of young learners

    Try five adaptable English activities for small groups, with language goals, simple materials and ways to change the difficulty.

  3. 20

    How do you teach children with different English levels?

    Adapt one English activity for different learners using shared goals, language support, meaningful extensions and individual checks.

From Flying English Center

A school in Shanghai.
A useful place to begin.

These guides are for anyone exploring teaching and life in China. If you are curious about Flying English, meet the school or explore the teaching role.