From Japan to China: What Every ALT Should Know Before Making the Move

You’ve spent a year in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), and now the world is calling. China is next on your list, and you’re already doing your homework. Smart move. Transitioning between teaching in different countries is one of the most rewarding paths for TEFL professionals, but each destination comes with its own rules, culture, and surprises.

Let’s unpack what you need to know before packing your bags for China.

Requirements: What You’ll Actually Need

China’s requirements are more standardized than Japan’s. While Japan sometimes makes exceptions, China is stricter. You’ll need:

A Bachelor’s degree in any field. This is non-negotiable.

A TEFL certification of at least 120 hours. Unlike Japan where it’s often optional, China almost always requires it for the work visa. Good news if you already have one.

Two years of verified teaching experience. This is the big one. Japan doesn’t always ask for this, but China’s visa system does. Your time as an ALT in Japan will count, so by the end of next year, you’ll meet this requirement easily.

A clean background check from your home country and any country you’ve lived in recently.

Health check – expect a full medical exam upon arrival.

Housing: Is It Really Provided?

This is where China differs significantly from Japan. Yes, many schools in China provide housing or a housing allowance. Here’s how it typically works:

Many public schools and training centers offer free apartments on or near campus. These are usually modest but furnished. Some schools provide a housing stipend instead, which is often more flexible.

In Japan, you’re mostly on your own finding an apartment. In China, housing is part of many contracts. Just read the fine print. Some apartments are shared, some are solo. Ask about utilities, distance from school, and whether you can choose your own place.

The Money Question: Can You Earn More in China?

Short answer: Yes, often.

Salaries for foreign teachers in China range from 15,000 to 30,000 RMB per month depending on your city, experience, and school type. That converts to roughly $2,100 to $4,200 USD.

Compare that to Japan’s ALT salary of around 250,000 to 280,000 yen per month (approximately $1,700 to $1,900 USD). The cost of living in smaller Chinese cities is also lower, meaning more money in your pocket.

However, major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen are expensive. Your salary will stretch further in tier-2 cities like Chengdu, Hangzhou, or Nanjing.

Where to Find Legitimate Jobs

Skip the random Facebook groups for serious searches. Stick to these platforms:

eChinacities – reliable job board with company reviews.

Dave’s ESL Cafe – the old standby, still useful for China listings.

LinkedIn – many international schools recruit here.

China-based recruiters – companies like EF Education First, Wall Street English, and many public school hiring programs use recruiters.

Be cautious with companies that promise the moon. Ask for contract details upfront. Look for reviews from current and former teachers.

Good vs. Bad Companies

Reputable companies often have transparent contracts, paid holidays, airfare reimbursement, and clear working hours. Avoid any school that asks for money upfront or holds your passport.

Zheng, a teacher who moved from Tokyo to Shanghai, says: “The biggest shock was the classroom management style. Chinese students are respectful but expect more structure than in Japan. Be prepared to adapt.”

Final Advice Before You Leap

Learn basic Mandarin before you arrive. Unlike Japan, English signage is less common outside major cities. Download WeChat – you’ll use it for everything from messaging to payments.

And most importantly, embrace the chaos. China is different from Japan in almost every way. The food, the pace, the noise, the people. That’s exactly why you’re doing this, right?

You love the experience of living abroad. China will give you that in spades.