Explore teaching jobs in China here and submit your application here.

GS: So, can you tell us a bit about how you first got into English teaching? What do you like most about English?

Tessa: After graduating from college, I wanted a career that would allow me to travel, experience different cultures, and see more of the world. Teaching English gave me that opportunity, and over the years I have taught in several different countries. When I arrived in China, I immediately fell in love with the culture, the people, and the lifestyle, and what was originally meant to be a temporary stop became a long-term home. What I enjoy most about teaching English is watching students progress and gain confidence. Seeing a student who was once hesitant begin communicating naturally in English is incredibly rewarding, and being part of that journey is what makes teaching such a fulfilling career for me.

GS: Could you give some details about your dealings with Gold Star TEFL Recruitment and what advice you would give to people about the recruitment and interview process when looking for jobs teaching in China?

Tessa: My experience with Gold Star TEFL Recruitment was excellent from start to finish. They took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for and quickly provided me with a selection of jobs that matched my requirements. Within just a few days, I had several interviews arranged, and the entire process was smooth, efficient, and highly professional. Communication was always clear and prompt, which made moving abroad much less stressful. My advice to anyone looking for a teaching job in China would be to have a clear idea of what you want, ask plenty of questions during interviews, and work with a recruiter who genuinely understands your goals and can connect you with the right opportunities.

GS: You are teaching in Guangzhou at the moment, can you tell us about your impressions of the city and what you like most about living there?

Tessa: Guangzhou is an amazing city to live in because it offers the perfect balance between modern city life and cultural experiences. There is always something to do, whether that’s exploring new restaurants, visiting attractions, enjoying the nightlife, or simply discovering different neighborhoods. The city is incredibly convenient, with excellent public transportation and a vibrant international community, while still providing an authentic Chinese experience. What I love most is that life here never feels repetitive, there is always a new place to explore, a new food to try, or a new experience waiting around the corner, which makes every week exciting.

GS: Talk us through a typical day teaching English in Guangzhou.

Tessa: One of my favorite aspects of my teaching schedule is the balance it provides. During the weekdays, I typically teach for just two to three hours in the evenings, which gives me plenty of time during the day to explore the city, prepare lessons, pursue hobbies, or simply enjoy life in Guangzhou. I also have two weekdays off, which is a huge benefit. My busiest days are on the weekends, when I teach from around 8:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., but I genuinely enjoy spending that time with my students. While the weekends are intensive, the flexibility and freedom I have during the week create a fantastic work-life balance that allows me to make the most of living abroad.

Apply to teach at Tessa’s school in one of 9 exciting cities across China.

GS: Can you tell us more about one of your favourite classes at the moment?

Tessa: One of my favorite classes at the moment is NG1B, which is part of the critical thinking program. I love this class because it encourages students to think creatively, share their opinions, and discuss interesting topics rather than simply focusing on language mechanics. The students are always engaged and bring unique perspectives to our discussions, which makes every lesson different and enjoyable. It is incredibly rewarding to watch them develop not only their English skills but also their confidence in expressing ideas and defending their viewpoints, creating a classroom environment that is both educational and fun.

GS: China is full of surprises and unexpected adventures, tell us about one you have had recently.

Tessa: China continues to surprise me with unexpected adventures. One of the things I love most about my schedule is the freedom it gives me during the week to take spontaneous trips and explore new places. Recently, I decided on a whim to spend a day in Hong Kong, enjoying the city’s incredible atmosphere, food, and skyline before returning home that evening. A few weeks before that, I took a trip to Kaiping, a smaller city known for its unique architecture and fascinating history. These unplanned adventures are some of my favorite experiences in China because they allow me to discover places I might never have otherwise visited. Living here has taught me that sometimes the best memories come from simply deciding to hop on a train and see where the day takes you.

Explore teaching jobs in China here and submit your application here.

About the Author: Frank