Are There Opportunities to Teach English to Students from China Specifically?

 The question of whether you can still teach English to students from China is one that many aspiring and existing online teachers have been asking, especially following the major regulatory changes implemented by the Chinese government in recent years. Despite the tightening of rules regarding foreign teachers and private tutoring, the Chinese market for English language instruction remains one of the largest and most promising in the world.

If you're looking to tap into this vast market, you'll be pleased to know that there are still plenty of opportunities available. However, the landscape has changed significantly, and it's essential to understand how to navigate it in 2025. This blog breaks down the current state of English teaching in China, the types of opportunities still available, and how to position yourself for success.

The Evolving Market: What Changed?

In 2021, China introduced new regulations that prohibited for-profit tutoring of core school subjects, including English, for students in compulsory education (generally K-9). The crackdown affected many popular online tutoring platforms such as VIPKid, DaDaABC, and GoGoKid, which had heavily relied on foreign teachers delivering lessons to Chinese children.

As a result, many of these companies had to pivot or shut down operations involving international teachers. But this didn’t mark the end of the road. Instead, it sparked a shift in how English instruction is delivered and consumed in China.

So, Can You Still Teach English to Chinese Students?

Yes. The demand for English remains high in China, and while government regulations have curbed some channels, they haven’t eliminated the desire or need for English proficiency. Here’s how and where the opportunities now lie:

1. Teaching Adults and University Students

The regulatory changes mostly impacted children’s education. However, the adult education market remains largely unaffected. Many Chinese adults are eager to learn English for career advancement, international travel, and global business dealings.

This opens doors for teaching:

• Business English

• Conversational English

• Interview preparation

• Industry-specific English (finance, medicine, technology)

Platforms such as iTalki, Preply, and AmazingTalker continue to serve adult learners from China, allowing you to work with students directly without restrictions tied to minors.

2. Working with Students Through International Platforms

While many Chinese-owned platforms had to scale back, international platforms that attract global learners still see a strong influx of Chinese students. These platforms don’t specifically market to China, but Chinese students frequently sign up to connect with English-speaking tutors.

Platforms to consider include:

• Cambly

• iTalki

• Preply

• AmazingTalker

• Verbling

These sites allow students to book lessons directly, and many Chinese learners, especially adults and older teens, use them for one-on-one English instruction.

3. Independent Freelance Teaching

Going freelance has become one of the most reliable and profitable ways to continue teaching Chinese students. If you’ve already built a student base from previous platform work, staying connected through private communication tools can be a way to maintain your teaching relationship.

Popular freelance tools and platforms used to connect with Chinese students include:

• WeChat (essential for communication in China)

• Zoom or Voov (Tencent’s version of Zoom)

• Classin (a Chinese-based online classroom platform)

• Alipay or Wise for payments

Many teachers operate in this space by setting up a personal website, running a blog, or using social media platforms (like TikTok, Instagram, or even Xiaohongshu) to attract students. Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful methods of gaining new Chinese students.

4. Partnering with Training Centers or International Schools

While direct-to-student tutoring has become more regulated, many brick-and-mortar English language schools and training centers in China still hire foreign teachers for online instruction, especially for higher-level students and exam prep courses.

Some of these institutions partner with overseas education providers or run private courses for adults and professionals. You can find these roles on:

• Teaching job boards like ESL Authority, Dave’s ESL Cafe, and Teast

• LinkedIn

• ESL Facebook groups with China-focused job postings

Many international and bilingual schools in China continue to hire online teachers, especially for remote English instruction or as part of global exchange programs.

5. Teaching Exam Preparation

Chinese students aiming to study abroad often need help preparing for exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, and even SATs. This remains a highly lucrative niche that is not only in demand but also largely unaffected by the private tutoring regulations since it falls outside of standard school curriculum.

If you have experience with these exams, or can get certified in exam preparation instruction, you can market yourself specifically as a test prep tutor. Parents of high school and university students are often willing to pay top dollar for experienced coaches in this area.

6. Building Your Brand as a Niche English Teacher

Another growing trend among English educators is developing a niche and branding themselves accordingly. Chinese learners are highly results-driven, and those offering specialized services (such as English for academic writing, public speaking, or international business) tend to do well.

Create a clear niche and highlight your expertise in a specific area. Once your branding aligns with what your audience needs, referrals and word-of-mouth can organically bring in more students.

Use digital platforms to promote your services:

• YouTube tutorials and lessons

• Chinese-friendly landing pages

• SEO-optimized blog content aimed at Chinese learners

• Presence on platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) or Bilibili (with subtitled content)

7. Working Through Agencies and Intermediaries

Some agencies now act as middlemen, matching foreign teachers with Chinese students for lessons that are conducted off-platform. These setups tend to offer more flexibility, and they often operate in ways that comply with the new regulations by targeting adults or focusing on extracurricular English programs.

Make sure to research agencies thoroughly before signing contracts. Look for those that offer reliable pay, clear communication, and favorable teacher reviews.

Practical Tips to Get Started with Chinese Students

• Understand cultural norms: Chinese students may expect a more structured lesson style. Respectful tone, punctuality, and clarity are highly valued.

• Offer trial lessons: A common practice in China, this helps parents or students assess your teaching style.

• Accept Chinese payment options: Consider setting up Alipay or UnionPay compatibility through payment platforms.

• Keep lessons interactive: Use visuals, games, and real-world context to make learning engaging, especially with younger students.

• Provide progress reports: Parents and adult learners appreciate feedback that shows tangible progress.

Challenges to Be Aware Of

• Time zones: China Standard Time (GMT+8) may require early mornings or late nights, depending on where you're based.

• Payment methods: Not all international payment services work smoothly in China. Wise and Payoneer are generally good options, while PayPal may be limited.

• Platform restrictions: Some communication and classroom platforms may be blocked in China, so use China-friendly alternatives like Voov or Classin.

Conclusion

Yes, there are still plenty of opportunities to teach English to students in China, even in 2025. The approach, however, requires a shift in strategy. While platform-based teaching to children has taken a hit due to government reforms, adult education, test prep, freelancing, and niche services continue to thrive.

By adjusting your methods, focusing on specialized instruction, and utilizing freelance tools and marketing strategies, you can still tap into one of the most motivated and expansive English-learning markets in the world. The key is to stay adaptable, provide quality education, and create meaningful connections with your students.

With the right mix of skills, persistence, and cultural awareness, the Chinese ESL market remains not only accessible but full of potential for motivated online English teachers.