Teach English in China with English Program Sichuan
Earn a monthly salary up to RMB 18,000 plus housing, airfare reimbursement, up to 2 months paid vacation + teach at a public-sector kindergarten, primary, secondary, high school, college or university
Teach English in Sichuan, China
Join English Program Sichuan (EPS), a government-approved programme placing teachers in public schools, colleges and universities across one of China's most beautiful regions. No placement fee through ESLstarter.
Public school teaching jobs in Sichuan
English Program Sichuan is approved by China's Ministry of Education to raise English levels across the province. You'll teach English at a public-sector kindergarten, primary, secondary or high school, college or university, and help with teacher and curriculum development.
Because it's a government programme, placements are secure and well supported, with local coordinators on hand throughout your contract. You'll teach 16 to 20 hours a week, leaving plenty of time to explore.
Looking at other parts of China? See all our teaching jobs in China.
Your EPS package
Salary depends on your school and qualifications. The cost of living in Sichuan is low, so it goes a long way.
Monthly salary
Accommodation provided, or a housing allowance
Airfare reimbursement
Teaching hours a week
Including reimbursement of your visa fee
A half-paid winter break plus all public holidays
Met on arrival in China
A support team on hand in China, day and night
The latest TEFL methods and professional development
Who can apply?
- A bachelor's degree in any subject
- Fluent English
- A passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa (a Chinese visa requirement)
- A TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate of 100+ hours (you can apply while you're studying)
- No teaching experience needed
No TEFL yet? Our partner TEFL UK's 120-hour course meets the EPS requirement. It's online, from just £63, and you can apply to EPS while you study. Want a stronger CV for college and university roles? The Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL is from £239.
Get TEFL certified from £63Where you could teach
Schools are throughout Sichuan province, including:
- Chengdu
- Guangyuan
- Nanchong
- Bazhong
- Dazhou
- Ya'an
- Deyang
- Suining
- Guang'an
- Meishan
- Ziyang
- Leshan
- Neijiang
- Zigong
- Yibin
Students range from kindergarten to university, and requests for a preferred age group can usually be accommodated.
How it works
Apply with ESLstarter
Send the form below. We'll check your eligibility and documents.
Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited by email to a video interview, with tips from us beforehand.
Offer and placement
Choose a February or August start and tell us the age group you'd like to teach.
Z visa
Your visa is sponsored and the fee reimbursed. We guide you through the paperwork.
Fly to China
You're met at the airport, with local coordinators supporting you from day one.
Destination Sichuan
Sichuan is a land of wooden pagodas, ancient monasteries, glacial mountains, rolling grasslands and fiery food. Outside the big cities, it still feels like undiscovered China.
Meet the giant pandas in Chengdu, the province's lively capital. Wander the black-tiled streets of Langzhong, one of China's best-preserved old towns, or head west to Ganzi and the holy mountains of Yading, the gateway to Tibet.
Wherever you're placed, try the local hotpot, and be ready for a warm welcome. The Sichuanese are famous for their hospitality.
EPS questions, answered
What is English Program Sichuan (EPS)?
EPS is a public-sector teaching programme approved by the Ministry of Education in China. It places English teachers in public schools, colleges and universities across Sichuan province as part of a government drive to raise English levels in the region, with strong support from local coordinators.
How much do EPS teachers earn?
Salaries range from RMB 7,000 to RMB 18,000 a month depending on your school and qualifications. You also receive accommodation or a housing allowance and up to RMB 8,000 a year towards your flights. The cost of living in Sichuan is low compared with other parts of China, so the salary supports a very comfortable lifestyle.
When does EPS start and how long is the contract?
There are two start dates a year, in February and August. Contracts run for 10 or 11 months from your start date.
Where in Sichuan could I teach?
Schools are throughout Sichuan province, including Chengdu, Guangyuan, Nanchong, Bazhong, Dazhou, Ya'an, Deyang, Suining, Guang'an, Meishan, Ziyang, Leshan, Neijiang, Zigong and Yibin. Requests for a preferred student age range can usually be accommodated.
Do I need teaching experience?
No. EPS welcomes new teachers. You need a bachelor's degree, fluent English, an eligible passport and a 100+ hour TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate, which can still be in progress when you apply.
Does ESLstarter charge a fee or take any of my salary?
No. Our recruitment service for EPS is completely free for teachers, and we never take any of your salary.
Ready to teach in Sichuan?
We're hiring now for February and August starts. Applying takes five minutes, and our service is free.
