If you’re reading this, it probably means you are an online ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher on a Chinese-based platform. Here’s a breakdown of what this new law means for China and international teachers.

What is the new education law in China?

China introduced a new law on July 26, 2021 to help lower the cost of education for families and therefore increase the birth rate. China’s hyper-competitive education system and high cost of living in cities has resulted in plummeting birth rates and an ever-increasing education gap between financial classes.

This new law covers the following new rules:

  • Online lessons cannot exceed 30 minutes in length
  • No lessons after 9pm BJT or on weekends, public holidays, or school breaks
  • Off-campus tutoring cannot include overseas education services
  • No foreign teachers can be hired who live overseas
  • Companies that offer private tutoring must register as nonprofits and can no longer advertise

While these new rules may even out the playing field for students in China, dozens of online ESL companies are closing their doors and laying off thousands of teachers.

What this means for ESL Teachers

The following ESL companies are closing for good either immediately or once pre-purchased classes are used

  • GogoKid
  • Zebra English
  • Palfish

The following ESL companies have initiated a hiring freeze until they develop new curriculum to match the new law

  • Magic Ears
  • VipKid
  • EF
  • Whales English
  • QKids

The following companies are not based in China and are mostly unaffected (other than losing Chinese students)

The law only applies to students currently in school in China, not to adults learning English as a second language. Before leaving your company, be sure to double-check if they offer adult courses or classes to other countries outside of China.

What you Should Do

I always had a little nagging fear something like this could happen and wipe out my income sources. I highly suggest working for more than one company at a time to protect from future changes. You can check out my article on other online teaching opportunities.

Keep your head up! Sh*t happens, but there are so many opportunities for ESL teachers job hunting right now. It’s ok to grieve the sudden loss of your job and the students you loved so much (I know I am!)