An expat teaching in Shenzhen or Guangzhou will acquire the most rewarding experience in these cities. Both cities provide a variety of attractions, relaxing lifestyle, affordable cost of living and a friendly living environment. You can choose to live the dynamic life of the city centre or enjoy your quieter life in the outer suburbs of the cities. You can choose to teach English in Shenzhen, which offers an incredible lifestyle and abundance of green spaces. Alternatively, you can choose to teach English in Guangzhou, which provides fantastic travel opportunities, family-friendly suburbs and an amazing standard of living. Shenzhen and Guangzhou both offer a productive and friendly working environment.
Teach in Shenzhen
Shenzhen offers a wonderful environment for non-locals and expats who want to live and work in the city. The city provides an extensive range of nearby attractions, an efficient public transport system and abundant green spaces. If you would like to teach English in Shenzhen, then this is the place you will get the most rewarding experience. Below we take a quick overview of life in Shenzhen.
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Cost of living
Shenzhen is one of the fastest-growing and richest cities in China. The cost of living in this city has not increased at the same rate compared to shanghai or Beijing. This means that an expat can teach English in Shenzhen efficiently and affordably without worrying about the high cost of living and expenses. However, western goods, including meals, are a bit more expensive than shanghai or Beijing since western products are in high-demand. Overall, the city is an excellent choice for the first-time TEFL teachers looking forward to working in china’s most dynamic city.
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Cultural and language barrier
The city is an attraction to Chinese nationals and expats from every corner of the world who visit to experience the incredible attractions in the city. Most locals do not have deep ancestral roots, making it easy for expats and visitors to do their work conveniently. Cantonese and Mandarin are spoken in Shenzhen, unlike in Guangzhou, where one has to have a basic understanding of Cantonese to communicate with others. Everyone in the city is helpful to newcomers and strives to ensure that they have a wonderful time living in the city.
Teach in Guangzhou
Below we take a quick overview of life in Guangzhou to help you decide whether you would like to teach English in this southern Chinese city.
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Cost of living
The cost of living in Guangzhou is incredibly affordable, making it the most sought-after TEFL destination. You can rent a brand new apartment at a much less cost than the same would cost in shanghai and Beijing. However, renting an older apartment building might help you save a lot of cash. Expat teachers teaching English in Guangzhou are reimbursed at the best salary rates making it a very profitable choice and teaching destination. Local and western food is priced at a cheaper rate than in other cities in China, which ultimately helps you save money at the end of the month.
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Cultural and language barrier
Guangzhou is a Canton region which means that locals in this area speak the Cantonese language. Most locals speak improper English, which makes them shy and prevents them from being in open communication. Enrolling and joining a local language course when you first arrive is highly encouraged since it will make your TEFL teaching and living experience much more efficient and rewarding.
Shenzhen and Guangzhou provide a friendly living and working environment. It’s important to do your research and find out the best city you would like to live and work in before making your decision. They provide teaching and job opportunities for ex-pats and other benefits, including performance-related bonuses, Chinese lessons and health insurance. Working in these cities is the most enriching experience.
