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TEFL TESOL Course China - Shanghai

Shanghai, China's largest modern city is one of the four municipalities under the jurisdiction of the Central Government. It is the largest economic and trade centre in the country and a comprehensive industrial base, as well as a famous historical and cultural city. Industry and commerce are flourishing. As a world famous international port, Shanghai is a gateway in East China for the developing tourist trade. Shanghai's history of revolution and culture attracts tourists from home and abroad. Being regarded as "Paris of China" and as the paradise for shopping, Shanghai has become an ideal city for tourism.

Shanghai is well known both at home and abroad not only for its prosperous metropolitan features and rich humanistic resources but also for a number of tourist attractions with modern flavours that have been developed in recent years. Varied and colourful tourist festivals, like the Shanghai Tourism Festival, the New Year’s Eve Longhua Temple Bell Striking and the Longhua Temple Fair are attracting an ever increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Metropolitan Shanghai is China's financial centre and is now undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen. The centre of the city is divided into two areas by the Huangpu River. Pudong, to the east, a new business district and classified as a "tariff free zone", is growing rapidly, and is an important special economic zone in China. The level of this new area's industry, commerce, finance, trade, post and telecommunications stands at the forefront in China. More than 130 buildings there, are taller than a hundred metres.

Shanghai is endowed with favourable geographical and natural conditions, and a long history of development. It has a well-developed commodity economy, and has comparatively high scientific and technological levels. As the most prosperous business center in China, Shanghai leads all the others in both the total volume of retail sales and the export value social commodities. In recent years, it has made rapid progress in finance and banking services, and stands next to Beijing, as one of the main financial centres in China.

What

• An internationally recognised qualification meeting or exceeding industry standards
• Course administered by highly trained staff with extensive local knowledge
• Organized classes and a curriculum that has been proven successful and effective
• Low student to teacher ratio

Why

• One of the most historical and cultural spots in China
• Easy access to the outside world by all means of transport: ocean, offshore and inland water shipping, high way and railroad transport, air flights etc.
• Food, whatever you are looking for Shanghai has it, all kinds of Chinese food and any kind of western food are available at reasonable prices.
• Temple Fare
• A wealth of outdoor and cultural activities
• Shanghai has some of the best night life in China
• Study Chinese for an affordable rate (optional, both long and short term Mandarin course available provided by our host university)
• Course orientation and welcome dinner
• Great experience of living on East China University of Science and Technology campus
• Convenient weekend trips to Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Xi’an, Beijing and many other cities in China

Who

• This course is ideal for Gapyear students and people wanting a change of life or moving abroad
• Your fellow students come from different countries and various continents
• Your teacher trainers are some of the most experienced and well-trained in the industry
• Your support staff will assist you with whatever you need
• The locals are peaceful, friendly people who generally like spending time with foreigners

Country Costs

Although living costs are rising as China continues to develop, it is still quite cheap by Western standards, however, given the differences in living costs from region to region it is difficult to provide an accurate estimate of costs. As a guideline, a budget of £15 per day will allow you to eat well and enjoy some of what China has to offer.

Visa Requirements

Visitors to China must obtain the appropriate visa depending on the purpose of their visit.

Tourist Visa: required for tourist, family or personal matters and usually limited to 30 days duration.

Business Visa: required for business, research or cultural exchanges and usually limited to 30 days duration.

Work Visa: required for employment and includes accompanying family members.

Student Visa: required for student or intern purposes covering a period of six months or more.

Students attending courses of less than six months require an invitation from the institute they will be studying at. For programmes less than 6 months students are usually issued F visas for short term study. A single entry F is US$30 and double entry is US$60.

All visitors to China require a passport valid for a minimum of six months from day of entry. Visas can be obtained directly from the Chinese Embassies or Consulates in your own country, or China Travel Service Offices.

A completed visa application form together with one recent passport-size photo is required. Visitors can apply for single-entry visas which are valid for entry within three months. After they have obtained a visas foreigners can travel in all the open cities across China.

Health & Safety

The health rate amongst Chinese is remarkably high, however, given the varying standards of hygiene visitors are advised to exercise due care and diligence and should be aware of potential health risks.

Visitors are advices to carry basic medicines for cold, diarrhoea and constipation. Those requiring special medicines are advised to carry an amount sufficient to cover the duration of their visit. Medicines should be carried in their original container identifying them as legally obtained drugs.

China is one of the safest countries in the world and the Chinese are friendly and welcoming. Crime is low and virtually unheard of against Western visitors. Petty street crime does exist in some areas and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their property and take out insurance cover for personal belongings.