- Location :
- Expected date on board
- Weekly Working Days
- Weekly Teaching Hours
- Student Age
- Class Size
- Job Requirements
- Job Responsibilities
- Salary Package:
- Work visa support
- About
- Pros of Living in Shanghai
- The City Bursts With Unique Experiences
- Multicultural Diversity
- Personal Safety
- Foodie Paradise
- Cons of Living in Shanghai
- It Could be Hectic Sometimes
- Renting an Apartment in Shanghai can be Expensive
- Where to Live in Shanghai for Expats
- Sweltering Heat in Summer and Extreme Cold During Winter
Location : #
Minghang, Shanghai
Expected date on board #
Aug-2025
Weekly Working Days #
5 Days
Weekly Teaching Hours #
0800-1700
Student Age #
3-6 years old
Class Size #
15-20 Students
Job Requirements #
– An English ESL native speaker with equivalent English proficiency is preferred.
– Age 25-55
– Have a bachelor’s degree or above. – No Criminal Record
– Physical Check
– With 2 years of ESL teaching experience for secondary or high school students
– Be able to prepare lessons for the new curriculum.
– Being self-motivated, responsible, and having a passion for education.
– Easy to cooperate with and follow the school’s rules.
Job Responsibilities #
– Teaching Experience Two Years or Above Preferred
– Communicate with Chinese homeroom teachers about the students’ learning.
– Manage classroom discipline and maintain an interactive class environment
– Finish the academic requirements from the academic director; maintain high teaching quality
– Design and grade homework, placement tests, progress assessments, midterms, and final exams
– Attend required meetings, including parents’ meetings, weekly academic meetings, etc
Salary Package: #
26-28k before tax
Work visa support #
– Paid Chinese Holidays: those holidays are National Day,
– New Year’s Day, Spring Festival, Pure-Brightness Day,
– Mid-Autumn Day and Labor Day.
– Paid Winter and Summer Holidays
– Local health insurance (commercial insurance)
About #
Are you planning to become a Shanghai expat? Maybe you are already in Shanghai (上海市) and are looking for some insight into expat life in a city that rivals New York and Paris in terms of modernity and boasts cultural and historical aspects from both Western and Chinese cultures. This need-to-know guide for expat living in Shanghai provides great information and resources for new or soon-to-be Shanghai expatriates. But even if you have been in Shanghai for a while already, you may still find the pros & cons of living in Shanghai as an expat. As well as more insight into expat life in Shanghai
With a population of more than 24 million (with over 10 million migrants), Shanghai is certainly different from anywhere I had ever been, even in China. It is one of the largest and traditionally the most dynamic and developed metropolis that is also very busy, and full of life.
China’s most important industrial hub is also a fascinating mix of East and West. Shanghai’s traditional lifestyles mix the most effective of China’s past and present and amalgamate it together in an exceedingly distinctive manner. While residing in this bustling city, I got the chance to appreciate historic shikumen houses that had European architectural influence. As there were so many foreign concession areas (designated districts) to Western countries during the turn of the 20th century, in many places the city has a cosmopolitan feel.
As with any other city in the world, there are pros and cons of living in Shanghai. In this post, I’ve put together all the things I love and dislike about Shanghai. These are important things to consider before deciding whether you wish to call Shanghai your new home or not. Let’s take a closer look!
Pros of Living in Shanghai #
The City Bursts With Unique Experiences #
There’s no shortage of interesting things to do in Shanghai. From art shows to music festivals, there is invariably some sort of event taking place in Shanghai. Living in Shanghai as an expat, you will get to explore the city. Walk along the Nanjing Road, or explore the are around the French Concession. At night, I also recommend strolling the Bund Promenade for an exquisite sight of the Huangpu River, and paying a visit to Xintiandi district filled with upscale restaurants, and bars. These are particularly popular among young crowds and expatriates.
Multicultural Diversity #
Shanghai is a city with a rich multicultural backdrop. A city where the traditional culture of Jiangnan (also known as Haipai culture) meets modernity and the traditions of the East exists in peace with European and American cultures. Thus, Shanghai attracts folks from all over the world due to a sheer number of opportunities.
As the city continues to grow, it’s easy to notice the increasing population of expats in Shanghai. This is one of the few places in China where foreigners can rub shoulders with fellow citizens, hear a wide range of accents and languages and eat dishes from across the globe. Living as an expat in Shanghai is a wonderful way to experience other countries, cultures, and people.
Personal Safety #
Shanghai is a very safe place to live as an expat. It was ranked one of the safest cities in China because of its low crime rates. While most crimes are limited to pick-pocketing and minor thefts on public transport, expats are advised to keep to well-lit areas of the city at night.
In my personal experience, living in Shanghai feels super safe. I have never had any issues walking along the streets in Puxi, Pudong and Jing’an late at night. The police is always vigilant and is particularly active in safeaguarding the expat community in Shanghai. However, it is still a good idea to zip up your bags, keep your wallet safe and your eyes peeled.
Foodie Paradise #
Shanghai is a food paradise for those who love to eat. The food here is cheap, tasty, fast to prepare and it tastes so different from Western food. From soup dumplings (xiao long bao) to flavourful Shanghai-style fried noodles to steamed buns… at least you know you’ll never go hungry here.
In terms of food, this sprawling megapolis has it all. Three-star Michelin standard dining is available for everyone who can afford it, while inexpensive but delicious street food is there for the frugal expats. Visit Xiangyang Road food stalls and South Yunnan Road food street for an unforgettable dining experience. Try the Chai Pan wonton soup or Hong shan yu (baked sweet potato, available on most street corners, or one of a million ways of cooking noodles.
In Shanghai, expats can find chains like TGI Friday’s and Hooters, but there are also tons of international restaurants. Shanghai boasts Japanese restaurants, Korean, Italian, Lebanese… the list goes on. One of my favorite places here is a Bavarian pub with dark wood tables and chairs. They have the most amazing schnitzel, roast pork, and currywurst!
Health issues are a big concern for many people moving to Shanghai. While expat community tends to avoid local hospitals and clinics, private healthcare facilities have everything that expats can ever expect. There are also several clinics that have special wings catering only for foreigners if you need treatment locally.
World Link, Shanghai United Family Hospital and Shanghai East International Medical Clinic are the primary healthcare providers, but there are others.
Moving to Shanghai with children is generally considered safe. You should also check that your employer has appropriate medical insurance in place for you or buy international health insurance before traveling to China. Health plans for expats offer varied levels of international medical coverage. The main thing – they ensure that expats never have to worry about the medical bills and can always seek the best treatment available within a given area. It is also good to remember that private medical costs in Shanghai are some of the most expensive in the world and are often as expensive as you will find in Hong Kong or the United States.
Shanghai as an expat-friendly city, however, the city has still to go a long way to ensure drinking-water safety. Chances are you will be probably be frequenting the cleaner parts of the city, but tap water is still the biggest No-No here. Wash fruit and veggies well in purified water, you should be fine.
Cons of Living in Shanghai #
It Could be Hectic Sometimes #
Being one of the most populated cities in China, the variety of individuals and their actions could feel overwhelming for a novice expat. There’s no way to avoid it. After a while, you just get used to it. However, you still may want to adjust your work schedule if your employer allows you.
Rush hour is a nightmare. I’ve actually left my apartment to go to office/meet friends up to two hours earlier than necessary just to avoid that peak time travel. Shanghai is packed with numerous metro lines. But even with trains every 2 or 3 minutes during rush hour, it can be an uncomfortable intimacy. Like any big city, Shanghai is notorious for its heavy traffic. Alternatively, there’s a great bike-sharing system!
Renting an Apartment in Shanghai can be Expensive #
Shanghai is one of the most expensive cities in China, particularly when it comes to renting an apartment. Depending on where you live in Shanghai and amenities, a 100 square meter apartment in a typical relatively new complex might cost from 6000 RMB ($860) to 15,000 RMB ($2150) per month.
If you’re looking for an apartment that won’t bust your budget start your search from SmartShanghai.com. I’ve had a good experience using real estate agents that specialize in real estate rentals. Some of these offer their services online. Oftentimes good real estate agents can be found by going to the area you are interested in and looking for prominent real estate offices along major roads and often near popular housing areas.
The rent in China is usually paid a month in advance. The property owner usually requires two months’ rent as a deposit, in addition to your first month of rent paid upfront. There is a lot of competition when it comes to high-quality real estate in Shanghai. Chances are the future landlord will ask to pay a security deposit to make sure he will hold the rental property for the new tenant. Of course, things would be so much easier for you if you can count on the support of your employer or friends.
Where to Live in Shanghai for Expats #
If you’re wondering “Where do expatriates live in Shanghai?” here are some popular districts:
- Downtown Puxi. An extremely convenient neighborhood for youngsters and single people want to be close to bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Hongqiao and adjacent Gubei, and Jinqiao on the Pudong Side. These are the prime areas to consider if you’re coming to Shanghai with kids. While they tend to be well outside of the really fun and convenient downtown area, the district boasts an excellent transport network, a selection of international schools.
- Qingpu, Minghang, Songjiang Qu and Zhudi. The most affordable suburbs in Shanghai tend to be situated in the west and southwest and are further away from the city center. Arguably, these are the most affordable locations in the city. Expats with family and children should also consider these neighborhoods because of their proximity to international schools. But everything comes with a price – these tend to be very remote from the city center.
Sweltering Heat in Summer and Extreme Cold During Winter #
While shoulder season is considered the best time to visit Shanghai, if you’re an expat you should know that Shanghai’s weather is hot and oppressively humid in the summer and surprisingly chilly in the winter. But there’s a perk – the spring and the fall provide absolutely marvelous weather.
The hot season (summer) isn’t the best time to begin your expat life. Chances are you’ll find yourself moving from one air-conditioned environment to another, most likely with haste. Because the humidity is at its highest. The government mandates on power usage in public buildings restrict air conditioning usage to no lower than 26°C (78°F) in the summer. Thus outside of your apartment, there is often little escape on days when the humidity levels are too high.