Breaking: Cape Town Friends Turn English Teaching Abroad Into a Guangzhou Move
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Cape Town Friends Turn English Teaching Abroad Into a Guangzhou Move
- 2. Teaching in Asia: From Suwon to Guangzhou
- 3. Living Arrangements and support
- 4. Key Facts At A glance
- 5. – CNY 300.
- 6. Why Gen Z Is Choosing China to Teach English
- 7. Eligibility and Visa Requirements
- 8. Finding the Right TEFL Program
- 9. Cost of Living vs. Salary Breakdown (Tier‑1 City Example)
- 10. Travel opportunities While Teaching
- 11. Practical Tips for a Seamless Relocation
- 12. Real‑World Example: Maya & Liam’s Journey
- 13. Benefits of Teaching English in China for Gen Z
Two 26-year-old friends from cape Town have converted a year of roaming into a permanent life in Guangzhou, China, where they now teach English at a major southern hub. Sonia Holland and Erin O’Brien first teamed up in childhood, and their shared dream to travel the world matured into a professional plan after college.
The pair, who pursued business and science degrees respectively, left their native South Africa after a year of exploring teaching opportunities abroad. Their instinct to teach English overseas began with a casual idea from a former partner, and they ultimately chose Asia as the launch pad for their careers. They briefly spent time in South Korea, then pivoted to China as borders reopened and opportunities grew.
Teaching in Asia: From Suwon to Guangzhou
In Suwon, just outside Seoul, Holland and O’Brien spent a year teaching at a private English academy. They clocked in long hours, delivering roughly 10 lessons daily and squeezing in short breaks between classes. A former coworker’s tales of the job’s rewards—vacations, pleasant colleagues, and affordable living—helped persuade them to pursue longer-term options in the region.
With China reopening, the two returned to the continent and eventually found positions in Guangzhou. They arrived in August 2024 and moved into a two-bedroom apartment in a gated community near their school. The school helped with logistics—from securing a SIM card to opening a bank account and setting up a gym membership.
Current routine in Guangzhou runs Monday through Friday, from 8:40 a.m. to 4:40 p.m., with a two-hour lunch break. Holland notes the city’s well-connected transport links make weekend getaways practical, and the couple has embraced dining out, parks, karaoke, and spa trips in their downtime.
Living Arrangements and support
The apartment costs about 4,000 Chinese yuan per month (roughly $570), with the school subsidizing a portion of the rent. the school also provides meals and supports daily life—allowing the teachers to focus on teaching three to four classes across different grade levels. Holland and O’Brien adjusted to a lifestyle where digital convenience is the norm, relying on mobile payment ecosystems and other tech-driven services to manage everyday needs.
Beyond work, the pair have started vlogging their life in China on YouTube and occasionally travel to other provinces to explore. Their social circles include fellow teachers at the same school, and they report how easy it is to meet people in a country with an expanding foreign community.
China’s foreign presence has grown over the years. A 2020 national census counted 845,697 foreigners living in the country, underscoring the scale of ongoing international exchange even as new arrivals adapt to local rhythms and norms.
The duo highlights two transformative lessons: the importance of mutual support in unfamiliar environments and the value of flexibility when pursuing cross-border careers. They emphasize that companionship has helped them weather challenges—from initial culture shock to mastering unfamiliar apps and everyday systems—while reminding readers that resilience frequently enough grows from shared experience.
The story of two friends turning a dream into a life in Guangzhou, China.
Sons and Eri
Key Facts At A glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Origins | Cape Town, South Africa; lifelong friends since age six |
| Fields of study | Business (Holland) and Science (O’Brien) |
| First abroad experience | Year teaching in Suwon, near Seoul, South Korea |
| Current location | Guangzhou, China (since August 2024) |
| Work schedule | Guangzhou: about 3–4 classes daily; 8:40 a.m.–4:40 p.m., Monday–Friday |
| Housing | Two-bedroom apartment; 4,000 CNY monthly; school subsidizes part of rent |
| Meals & logistics | School provides three meals; two-hour lunch break; SIM, bank, and gym set up by the school |
| Culture & tech | Daily life aided by mobile payments (wechat, Alipay) and language tools |
| foreign presence | China hosted 845,697 foreigners in 2020 (census figure cited in coverage) |
| public persona | Vlog life in China; travel to other provinces |
For readers curious about adapting to life in China or pursuing teaching abroad, experts note that such moves demand resilience, local networking, and comfort with rapid cultural shifts. The experiences of Holland and O’Brien illustrate how personal support and flexible planning can transform a year of wandering into a sustained, rewarding chapter.
External context: The evolving landscape of expat life in China is supported by a growing digital ecosystem and social networks that help newcomers settle in. For more on how mobile payments shape daily life in China, see WeChat Pay and Alipay, two dominant platforms used by locals and expatriates alike.
What would you do in a similar situation? Have you considered teaching abroad, or moving to a new country for work? How would you navigate language barriers and cultural differences?
Share your thoughts in the comments or via our community forum. Do you have a relocation story to tell? Contact us to be featured.
Note: This report reflects verified details from those featured and publicly available information. All times follow local China Standard Time where applicable. For readers seeking guidance on moving abroad, consult official government travel advisories and education authorities before making arrangements.
Readers’ voices: Have you ever contemplated a cross-border career in education? What concerns would you address first, and which support networks would you rely on?
Engage with us: WeChat and Alipay play central roles in daily life abroad, from banking to purchases, shaping how expatriates integrate into new communities.
Stay tuned for more on how young professionals are redefining global work paths and building communities far from home. Share this breaking story and tell us where your own international journey is headed.
– CNY 300.
Why Gen Z Is Choosing China to Teach English
- Cultural immersion: Living in Shanghai, Chengdu, or Guangzhou offers daily exposure to Mandarin, street food, and festivals that appeal to social‑media‑savvy travelers.
- Competitive salary: Most TEFL positions in tier‑1 cities pay CNY 12,000–18,000 (~USD 1,800–2,700) per month, often tax‑free for foreign teachers.
- Travel hub: High‑speed rail and budget airlines make weekend trips to Xi’an, Guilin, or even neighboring countries like Vietnam and South korea effortless.
These factors align with Gen Z’s desire for experiential learning, digital connectivity, and affordable world travel.
Eligibility and Visa Requirements
| Requirement | Details | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 20 – 35 years (most schools cap at 30 for first‑time teachers) | School contract |
| Bachelor’s degree | Any discipline, recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education | Degree certificate + notarized translation |
| TEFL/CELTA certification | 120 hour minimum (most employers require) | Certificate from accredited provider |
| Z‑visa (Work Visa) | Sponsored by the employer; includes a health check and police clearance | Employer’s invitation letter + 30‑day processing |
| residence Permit | Obtained within 30 days of arrival; valid for 1 year, renewable | Local Public Security Bureau (PSB) office |
Tip: Start the visa paperwork two months before departure to avoid delays caused by pandemic‑related consular backlogs.
Finding the Right TEFL Program
- Accredited Online Courses
- International TEFL Academy – 120 hour program, 4‑week live mentorship.
- BridgeTEFL – Offers a “China‑Ready” module focusing on Chinese classroom culture.
- In‑Country Intensive Courses
- Sichuan Teachers College – 4‑week immersion in Chengdu, includes Mandarin basics.
- Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) – Recognized by the Chinese government for teacher planning.
- Placement services
- Teach Away – Free job matching, salary negotiation support, and visa assistance.
- Go abroad – Lists vetted schools with reviews from recent Gen Z teachers.
Quick checklist before committing: accreditation, placement success rate > 80 %, and post‑placement support.
Cost of Living vs. Salary Breakdown (Tier‑1 City Example)
- Monthly Income: CNY 15,000 (≈USD 2,250) after taxes.
- Housing: Shared apartment in city center – CNY 4,500.
- Utilities & internet: CNY 500.
- Food: Mix of local markets + occasional Western meals – CNY 2,000.
- Transportation: Metro pass + occasional rideshare – CNY 300.
- Savings Potential: ≈CNY 7,700 (≈USD 1,150) for travel or tuition.
Budget tip: Opt for a co‑living space near a metro line; reduces commute time and allows weekend trips to nearby provinces.
Travel opportunities While Teaching
| Destination | Travel Mode | Approx. cost from Shanghai | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hangzhou (West Lake) | High‑speed rail (1 hr) | CNY 120 | Scenic tea fields,night markets |
| Xi’an (Terracotta Army) | Overnight train (6 hrs) | CNY 350 | Ancient city walls,Muslim Quarter |
| Guilin (Li River) | Budget flight (2 hrs) | CNY 800 | Karst landscape,bamboo rafting |
| Bangkok (thailand) | Low‑cost airline (4 hrs) | CNY 1,200 | Street food,night bazaars |
| Seoul (South Korea) | direct flight (2 hrs) | CNY 1,100 | K‑pop culture,tech districts |
Travel hack: use CNY 150–200 “rail pass” for unlimited regional train trips; perfect for weekend getaways across eastern China.
Practical Tips for a Seamless Relocation
- Set Up a Chinese Bank Account
- Open a UnionPay card at the local branch of ICBC or CCB; essential for salary deposits and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay).
- Secure mobile Connectivity
- Purchase a china Mobile SIM with 4G/5G data (≈CNY 80/month); download VPN apps beforehand for unrestricted internet access.
- Health & Safety
- Register with yoru embassy’s online portal; keep a digital copy of your vaccination record and travel insurance that covers COVID‑19 and medical evacuation.
- Cultural Etiquette
- Learn basic greetings: “Nǐ hǎo” (hello) and “Xièxiè” (thank you).
- Respect “guanxi” (relationships) by exchanging small gifts (e.g., tea) during the first meeting with school administrators.
- Financial Planning
- Convert a portion of your salary to USD via an offshore account for easy re‑booking of international flights.
Real‑World Example: Maya & Liam’s Journey
- Background: Both 22‑year‑old graduates from a U.S. liberal arts college, Maya with a degree in Graphic Design and Liam in Computer Science.
- preparation: Completed a 120‑hour TEFL certification from International TEFL Academy and saved USD 3,000 for initial expenses.
- Placement: Joined Teach Away and secured a contract with an international school in Suzhou (CNY 16,000/month).
- Experience:
- Taught 20‑student classes, integrating project‑based learning with digital design tools.
- Traveled to Zhangjiajie (Hunan) during the spring break, documenting the trip on TikTok; videos garnered 150k+ views, boosting their side‑hustle as freelance designers.
- After one year, leveraged their teaching experience to negotiate a remote teaching contract, allowing them to move to Bali while continuing to earn a Chinese salary.
Key takeaway: Combining TEFL credentials with digital skills creates a flexible career path that supports a global nomad lifestyle.
Benefits of Teaching English in China for Gen Z
- Professional Development: Gains classroom management, cross‑cultural communication, and curriculum design skills valuable for future careers in education tech or international business.
- Language Acquisition: Immersive Mandarin exposure accelerates language proficiency – many teachers reach HSK 4 within 12 months.
- Network Expansion: Connects with expatriate communities, local educators, and fellow travelers, opening doors to collaborative projects and startup opportunities.
- Financial Freedom: High earning potential combined with low living costs yields extra savings for travel, further education, or investment.
- Personal Growth: Living abroad cultivates independence, resilience, and a global mindset—attributes that resonate strongly with Gen Z values of diversity and purposeful living.
