Smaller, more laid-back, friendlier, and, in many ways more rewarding and authentic, our Best of the Rest teaching destinations offer a unique experience to ESL teachers. Here, away from impressive ex-pat crowds and touristed centers, you’ll find the real China, the one many people never get to see. You’ll stand out more in a more remote location – although the term ‘remote’ is relative – will enjoy superior privilege among your peers and, although you may be paid less than in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, you will also have much lower living costs, allowing you to save even more than you otherwise would. Salaries may only be 20% lower but living costs could easily be 50% lower and there’s your saving gap exponentially increase. Living as a TEFL professional in China, more savings usually means more luxuries, more fun, and much, much more travel!

Qingdao – Considered one of China’s most liveable cities, Qingdao is at the halfway point between Shanghai and Beijing, right on the eastern seaboard. Home to China’s second-biggest brewery (what more of a reason could one seek, we wonder?!) Qingdao is a force with which to be reckoned and offers tremendous potential for ESL teachers, even though it’s so often overlooked. An interesting historical city with a multi-cultural history that’s not often found in China, Qingdao is ideal if you’re looking for that off-the-beaten-path teaching destination that delivers entertainment, attractions, and a wicked lifestyle, all in one package.