As one of the youngest and most dynamic cities in China, Shenzhen is very open to foreign talent and offers a wealth of career opportunities for expatriates. The city is known for its large number of startups, maker centers, and design studios. Shenzhen is also known as the “Silicon Valley of Hardware”, where many local and international companies choose to establish production bases for high-tech projects. So, finding a job in Shenzhen is not a problem, especially for those who are engaged in IT, product design, engineering, and other technical fields.
How to Find Shenzhen Expat Jobs
The labour market in Shenzhen is very active, with most expatriates employed in fields such as technology, design, education, marketing and sales, and hospitality. If you have the skills needed in the local labor market, there’s no problem finding a suitable position in this thriving environment. Jobs in Shenzhen can be found in classified ads in local newspapers and on the Internet.
If you are an executive or are looking for a specific position, you can seek help from a professional recruitment agency. It is important to note that all associated costs are generally paid by your potential employer and you should not be asked to pay anything in exchange for a job lead. Expatriates have always been in demand in the field of education, especially in the teaching of English. You’ll find a plethora of job fairs at universities, secondary schools and private training centers. Some schools will require you to have an ESL certificate, while others will only need your teaching skills to decide. Another advantage of Shenzhen is its proximity to Hong Kong. The two cities are separated by just a metro (ferry/bus) and expats have the opportunity to explore career opportunities in both cities.
Expat in Shenzhen
With a population of nearly 20 million, there is no shortage of jobs in Shenzhen, and qualified teachers will have their own job opportunities. Also, since Shenzhen is a first-tier city, wages will be higher and there are many benefits, such as housing. Outside of the classroom, teachers will find it hard not to know other foreigners, as the city has a huge appeal. Most expats are in the Shekou area, but that is slowly changing with the advent of the Futian (financial) district.
There’s no shortage of nightlife opportunities in Shenzhen, either in the Midwest or in the West. Whether it’s the Chinese club or the inexpensive Cocoa Park, there really is something for everyone here.
The weather in Shenzhen is hot (and so is the rest of Guangdong), and you can’t expect to live like it’s spring when you live here. Instead, be prepared to wear a short-sleeved shirt to Christmas dinner, where 90% of the humidity in the summer makes you sweat.
If you think you can come and teach and live in Shenzhen for a few cents, think again. Shenzhen is one of the most expensive cities in China, and depending on your spending habits, you may find yourself needing to make as much money as you do in the country. That’s not to say it can’t be done cheaply – a lot of people save money here, but it doesn’t take discipline to eat, drink and live like Westerners do.
Is Expat in Shenzhen for you?
If you love life and city life and have access to everything you need, chances are you’ll enjoy teaching in Shenzhen. If you live like a westerner, it may be difficult to save money, but wages are also high, and with a little planning and discipline, you can easily pocket a lot of your salary income.