Hi! I’m Emily from the UK and I moved to Guangzhou, China in October 2024. Freshly graduated from university, I was excited by the prospect of starting my working life in China. Guangzhou has welcomed me with open arms, a city full of delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere, I feel very lucky to be able to experience everything the city has to offer.

Guangzhou is famous for its food, from Dim Sum to international cuisine, you can find just about anything you’re craving pretty easily.  The extensive public transportation system also connects almost all of the city, so you’re never too far away from discovering something new.

Guangzhou is famous for its food, from Dim Sum to international cuisine, you can find just about anything you’re craving pretty easily.  The extensive public transportation system also connects almost all of the city, so you’re never too far away from discovering something new.

Fortunately, I have a decent level of Mandarin Chinese, which has really helped me to feel connected to the local people and culture- and has definitely helped in making new friends in a city where I was all alone. However, I implore anyone interested in teaching in China to not let language barriers hold you back- I have met plenty of foreigners living in Guangzhou who love the city just as much as I do without speaking the language.

Coming into my first full-time job after university definitely took some adapting to, especially having to manoeuvre through cultural differences within the working environment. I have now settled into my role and enjoy going into work each day. Teaching in a Kindergarten is both rewarding and fulfilling and I love seeing my students improve. The added bonus of having my meals provided during the day also helps to sweeten the deal.

TLD were very helpful and supportive during my move to China, they aided me with the visa application process before my departure and were with me every step of the way upon my arrival, from finding an apartment to opening a bank account. It was also very helpful to be connected with the other English Teachers working here in Guangzhou as an extra support system and I’m very happy to be able to have met such amazing friends through TLD.

Overall, I am so happy with my life in Guangzhou and am enjoying navigating the highs and lows of living abroad and teaching English, I am also grateful to TLD for helping to facilitate me along this pathway. To anyone considering pursuing a career as an English teacher in China I would highly recommend this wonderful city as a place to call home.