How Foreigners Work in China?

Every year, June and July is the season for the new graduates to come off campus, which also means that these students will be stepping into society completely.

We've heard a lot about the current dire employment situation while on campus, where it's hard to find a job and even harder to find a good one. And you'll find that this is indeed the case when you officially enter society, because of the huge number of fresh graduates each year, companies have more people to choose from, and the competition for job opportunities becomes more intense.

At the same time, a large number of international students in China choose to stay and work directly in China after graduation. So is it difficult for foreigners to find an ideal job in China?

1. English Teacher, Translator

Most foreigners think finding a job as an English teacher is easy.

True, if you are from a country where English is the first language, it is not difficult to find a job as an English teacher in China. But that doesn't mean you're necessarily qualified for the job, being an English teacher requires more than just extensive English experience, it also requires knowing how to communicate with students and help them learn each lesson well.

There is no shortage of fluent English speakers in China today, what is lacking is teachers who know how to teach their students fluent English.

And, even if you're good at teaching English, trying to find a senior (meaning higher-paying) school teaching position can be very difficult. Because there are a lot of foreigners like you who are applying for the same position.

It is easier to find a job related to English, after all, foreigners living in China have a basic knowledge of Chinese, so it is better to be a translator or a writer.

2. IT & Software Engineer

If your major in school is computers or software, then it's easy to find a good job in China.

China's Internet industry is growing very rapidly, and wages are much higher than the average industry. Also, Chinese IT companies are now very eager to internationalize. So, a foreign engineer is very popular.

3. International Trading Companies

China is now the country with the largest export trade in the world. Meaning, Chinese trading companies are doing business with the world.

So it doesn't matter what country you're from or what language you speak. You can always find a job in a foreign trade enterprise that suits you and pays very well.

4. Foreigners on Business in China

Currently, a large part of foreigners working in China is due to accepting work arrangements with foreign parent companies. That is, they are only in China for a short period of time, not to work and live there for a long time.

Naturally, these people don't have to look for jobs in China by themselves, and every time they travel, their company arranges their itinerary in advance so they don't have to worry about it themselves.

5. Where to Work is Important

Most foreigners have their own unique perspective on the subject. Like many, it depends not only on what kind of job you're looking for, but also in what city. The four first-tier cities in China, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, are the best choices.

A big city means lots of opportunities, a fast-paced life, and you have to be very efficient. These cities, highly developed and convenient to live in, with high wages and of course high spending levels, mean that working and living here, you'll have to pay high bills every month.

Of course, if you prefer to take it slow, other cities like Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, are also good choices, these cities are not only beautiful, leisurely, let you have a relaxed life.

6. Go Back to the Homeland

Some of the foreign students who study in China will also return to work in their home countries, such as in the United States where they have the opportunity to receive higher wages than in China.

Others, unaccustomed to the Chinese way of life, such as food, working environment, etc., choose to return to work in their own country. It's also a good choice, after all, it's the environment you're most familiar with and closer to family and friends.

But even then, most of them have jobs, or companies, that have ties to China, or have business relationships with Chinese companies.

In short, no matter what kind of job you choose and where you work, as long as you love working like this, that' s fine. Also, now that the market of China has become one of the largest consumer markets internationally, you may have an easier time succeeding if your job is linked to China's market.