Study in Shanghai :
Study Guide for expatriates






Introduction


If you prefer to use your time in Shanghai for education, as so many do, there are several choices open to you. Before committing yourself:

Check quality (delivery pattern, teachers, time, technical support)
Compare prices and duration of courses offered
Check reputation for achieving its objectives
Include virtual and distance learning in your search

See also e-relocation Shanghai Partner's Career and Learning Other Skills

Photo:enterAsia Art



MBA Programmes


Below MBA programs are joint-ventures with Western universities, and targeted at mid-career professionals. Some offer part-time programs. Shanghai offers some very good and some very bad programs. A common complaint is that the course is easier than expected because the general level of English is poor, meaning that anyone who can write fluently will get good results. The best advice, before enrolling, is to speak to existing students. No-one will know better than them how the courses are being delivered.


 

Accreditation of undergraduate and graduate education for business administration and accounting:

 


Mandarin Courses


 

While it is not essential to learn Chinese in Shanghai - life will be extremely difficult and narrow if you do not attempt to perfect some key phrases. And, it is so rewarding!

Put simply, the single factor that will most affect your enjoyment of Shanghai life is your level of Chinese - the more Chinese you understand/speak, the better your experience of Shanghai will be.

Mandarin courses are offered throughout Shanghai, from individual one-on-one tutors to structured classroom programs in both private and state institutions. Standards vary wildly.

Expats tend to use private tutors who charge between 70-150rmb per hou r.These are usually met by referrals from neighbours or friends.

The benefit of this style of teaching is that they will come to your home or office at your convenience and tailor your lessons to your exact requirements and level of development. On the downside, the lessons can be a little too laid-back. There are many private schools across Shanghai offering a vast choice of courses.

These charge up to 80rmb an hour. It is important to take a free trial lesson at a few schools before making a de cision as quality varies enormously. Class sizes are often as small as three or four students and so it is a great way to make new friends who you can study with outside of class.

The local universities offer reasonable courses but class sizes can be as large as 35 and the structure is inflexible. However, as long as you are in a position to put in intensive personal study time, it can be one of the most effective ways to learn.
Some programs also offer classes in Shanghainese, the local dialect, but if you have to choose, opt for Mandarin - it has a much wider reach.

Classes are offered full time or part time and can be tailored to individual schedules and needs in some instances. They will also do corporate programs.

 



Learning Other Skills

 

Addresses
Music Education Best Friend Music
Tel: 6412 8392;
Shanghai Conservatory of Music (information on teachers)
Tel: 6431 0334
Kong Xiang Dong Music Art School
1500 Huaihai Zhong Lu
Tel:  6445 6111
Kong Xiang Dong Music Art Ctr
Rm 6312, 118 Ruijin Er Lu
Tel:  6445 6111
TCM/Acupuncture Shanghai University of Traditional Medicine
College of International Education
Tel: 6417 1226
Yoga Teacher Training
Fashion School Dongua University
Tel: 6237 3678
LA-Salle-DHU International Desgin
Tel: 6270 1196
Art Classes