What does it really look like to live in China? Beyond the classrooms, lesson plans, and campuses, it’s a journey shaped by personal growth, cultural discovery, and meaningful connections.
From first-year teachers to educators who planned to stay briefly and ended up building a life abroad, these firsthand perspectives from teachers across the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools network offer an honest look at what draws educators to China; and what inspires them to stay.
Quality of Life, Safety, and Affordability
Moving my family to China to teach in an international school was a decision for both personal and professional aspirations. First and foremost, China is a safe, modern, and easy-to-navigate country, making it an ideal environment for raising a family while enjoying a high quality of life. BASIS International School Hangzhou was incredibly supportive, offering not only a welcoming work environmentbut also assistance with settling in, which eased the transition for my family.
Additionally, the move presented us with the opportunity to travel and experience a wealth of new cultures, both within China and across Asia, enriching our lives with unforgettable adventures. The affordable cost of living was another major factor; it allowed us to save more while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. The decision to move to China was about embracing new opportunities, both as an educator and as a family, in a dynamic and exciting part of the world.
Gregory ODonnell
Physical Education Teacher
BASIS International School Hangzhou
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Culture, History, and Community
My husband and I have been teaching overseas for more than 12 years. China drew us in because of its rich history, deep cultural traditions, and the opportunity to experience a new educational environment while continuing to grow as educators. Living and teaching here has been especially meaningful in the relationships we’ve developed with our students, who are often very respectful, hardworking, and eager to learn. What surprised us the most was how quickly China began to feel like home—from daily routines to forming connections within our school community. One of the most rewarding parts of the experience has also been getting out and exploring, trying new foods, and traveling to different cities.
To a fellow teacher who has never taught in China, I would say go in with an open mind and a willingness to adapt; the experience will challenge you in the best ways and offer both personal and professional growth.
Michelle Ganus
Middle School History Teacher
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
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Meaningful Personal Growth
What if the place you once saw as temporary became the place that changed how you see the world, your students, and even yourself?
When I first came to China, I was drawn by opportunity—but I stayed because of what it revealed. Teaching young learners here reminded me that education is never just about academics; it’s about balancing learning with emotional well-being and creating spaces where children feel seen, heard, and safe.
Being far from home taught me that community isn’t given—it’s built. As a Jamaican, I grew up believing “one hand can’t clap,” and in China, that truth came alive. Being your “brother’s keeper” became more than a saying; it became how we showed up for each other and our students.
Beyond the classroom, the unexpected shaped me—from plucking chickens to standing in awe of zebras, building connections across cultures and continents.
I recommend that you come to China with an open mind—you may not know what the journey will bring, but you will discover what truly matters most.
Monique Thompson
Kindergarten Teacher
BASIS International School Guangzhou
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Travel, Food, and Exploration
In 2013, I made the leap from South Africa to China, eager to embrace new experiences and opportunities. Over the past 13 years, I’ve been warmly welcomed into a culture known for its hospitality and kindness. I’ve spent the last eight years in Hangzhou, a city celebrated for its stunning West Lake and bustling tech scene, which beautifully combines tranquility and innovation. China itself is a treasure chest of diverse landscapes, from the majestic Great Wall to the serene Li River in Guilin and the breathtaking Terracotta Army in Xi’an.
The food scene is just as diverse, with each region offering unique flavors like Sichuan hot pot and Beijing’s Peking duck. To truly immerse yourself, learning some basic Mandarin and engaging with locals can greatly enhance your experience. Embracing cultural differences will make your time in China both rewarding and unforgettable. As I reflect on my journey, I realize that China is no longer just a place I moved to; it has become my home, with its vibrant life and welcoming spirit deeply woven into the fabric of my everyday existence.”
Lisl Carletti
Pre-K2 Teacher
BASIS International School Hangzhou
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Daily Convenience & Savings
I originally came thinking I would stay for just a year or two, but here I am now, over a decade later. I first became interested in China after a professional development trip there. Over the years, I have grown to consider China home. It hasn’t always been easy, but I love it here.
China is a convenient place to live, with an incredible and affordable public transit and train network that makes everyday life and travel easy. I’ve had the opportunity to travel throughout much of China and its neighboring countries. Every region has its own unique culture, cuisine, and wealth of historical landmarks to explore; there is never a shortage of places to discover.
Teaching in China has not only given me the opportunity to live in an exciting and dynamic country but also to save money and hone my teaching skills. I have learned so much about teaching English Language Learners, and it’s incredibly rewarding to teach East Asian History to these students. They often return after holidays to share their experiences visiting the places we studied in my Grade 7 class.
I would highly recommend teaching in China to anyone seeking an exciting lifestyle that offers opportunities to travel, learn, and grow professionally.
John Chesbro
Middle School History Teacher
Social Studies Chair
BASIS International School Guangzhou
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Infrastructure and Support
I was drawn to China because of its reputation for educational excellence, where motivated students pursue high academic standards, and parents remain committed to their children’s success. Additionally, as someone from Boston and now able to fly directly from Hong Kong, I was especially impressed by China’s first-rate infrastructure, including an ultra-modern rail network that connects major cities and international airports that provide worldwide access within a day’s travel and with minimal connections, including non-stop flights.
What has been meaningful is how the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China network allows me to focus on being the best teacher I can be. A stellar operations team supports every step, from visa coordination and a smooth transition to high-quality living accommodations, while the school provides strong organizational and instructional systems. This allows me to focus on what matters to me the most, delivering high-quality instruction and building meaningful relationships with students.
For teachers who have never worked in China, I would say this is an environment where you can focus on the core of the profession and reach your full potential, both in and out of the classroom.
Nathan Lawler
Middle School World History and Geography Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
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Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Choosing China was both a professional step and a deeply personal leap toward a dream I had carried for years. After researching many countries to live and work in, it was ultimately the experiences and encouragement of friends and family already in China that led me to take a leap of faith and choose this path.
After over a decade of teaching in South Africa, leaving behind the only school I had ever known—a place where I had grown as a teacher, built lasting relationships with colleagues, and formed deep connections with students and their families—along with familiar routines and my own family, was incredibly difficult. Arriving in 2022—tired, emotional, and hauling three heavy suitcases with my entire life inside—felt overwhelming and uncertain.
Those first moments of navigating a new country, culture, and environment pushed me far out of my comfort zone, but they also built my adaptability, broadened my perspective, and shaped me into a more reflective, globally minded educator. It has long been my vision to experience different cultures and find my niche in teaching across them. Despite the language barrier, China has truly become my home away from home—the people are welcoming, the sense of safety is unmatched, and the rich culture is something I have deeply come to appreciate and embrace.
Through the challenges, I found confidence in small daily victories, pride in my students’ growth, and comfort in the genuine relationships I built with colleagues who quickly became like family. Living and teaching in China has not only refined my practice but also helped me grow personally in resilience, independence, and gratitude. To any teacher considering China, I would say take the leap—embrace the discomfort, trust the process, and be open to growth, because it may very well become one of the most rewarding chapters of your life.
Avishka Brijmohan
Primary Math & Science Teacher
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
Why China: A Clear Choice for Educators
Across every perspective, the reasons are consistent. China offers a high quality of life, strong professional opportunities, rich cultural experiences, and the ability to grow both personally and professionally.
For educators asking “Why China?”—the answer is simple: it’s a place where you can build a career, explore the world, and create a life that extends far beyond the classroom.
For more information about teaching abroad with BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, visit our careers website.
