Education and Schools in Shanghai
Expat children rarely attend public schools in Shanghai but will instead attend private international schools.
Increasingly though, young foreign children are attending local kindergartens for the added advantage of integrating into the Chinese culture and learning the language. In some cases schools in Shanghai teach in half Mandarin and half English for young learners.
For older children, attending a school in a foreign language can become ostracising and most attend international schools where Mandarin language classes will be taught. Depending on the international school, students may be able to continue the curricula from their home country.
Often obtaining a place in a well regarded international school is difficult and waiting lists can be quite long. Some companies that regularly relocate expats hold open positions in these schools for their employee's families. It is highly advised expats attempt to negotiate a slot in the appropriate school before arriving in Shanghai. If this is not a possibility, families should arrange for education as soon as possible. International schools can be very expensive, some costing in excess of $30,000 per annum.
There are also a host of Chinese language schools in Shanghai for adults. The best means of finding a well suited school is through word of mouth among other expats. Remember that teaching styles in China differ than those found in the west, be patient and try to adapt as best as possible.
Increasingly though, young foreign children are attending local kindergartens for the added advantage of integrating into the Chinese culture and learning the language. In some cases schools in Shanghai teach in half Mandarin and half English for young learners.
For older children, attending a school in a foreign language can become ostracising and most attend international schools where Mandarin language classes will be taught. Depending on the international school, students may be able to continue the curricula from their home country.
Often obtaining a place in a well regarded international school is difficult and waiting lists can be quite long. Some companies that regularly relocate expats hold open positions in these schools for their employee's families. It is highly advised expats attempt to negotiate a slot in the appropriate school before arriving in Shanghai. If this is not a possibility, families should arrange for education as soon as possible. International schools can be very expensive, some costing in excess of $30,000 per annum.
There are also a host of Chinese language schools in Shanghai for adults. The best means of finding a well suited school is through word of mouth among other expats. Remember that teaching styles in China differ than those found in the west, be patient and try to adapt as best as possible.
