Parent Orientation Booklet
2015 - 2016
Dulwich College Shanghai
Parent Orientation Information 2015/16
A very warm welcome to Dulwich College Shanghai. This document has been developed
by parents and staff at the College. We have put together a broad range of information
to support both planning for arrival to Shanghai and the early months when you begin to
settle in. We have also included a section entitled “Transitions, what is all the fuss about?“,
which will help you understand the emotional stress associated with moving overseas. We
do hope that it helps.
Our parent group, Friends of Dulwich (FoD) enables our families to build friendships and get
involved within the school community. To assist our families in having a smooth transition
to both DCS and Shanghai, FoD set up a Parent Ambassador Programme. This programme
connects new families with our existing ones that have similar aged children and/or are the
same nationalities. It is a very valuable programme and we strongly recommend that all
new families take advantage of it. If you would like to join the programme or find out more
information, please contact [email protected].
If you have any ideas about how to make the transition process better do not hesitate to
contact the College at [email protected].
Contents
Part One: General Information About Shanghai
A Brief Guide to Shanghai
Transportation
Weather
Language
Public Holidays
3
3
3
4
4
Part Two: Before Leaving Your Home Country
Visas
Flights
Shipping Goods to Shanghai
What to Bring
5
5
5
7
Part Three: Settling In
Health and Medical Information
Accommodation
Utilities
Banking
Children
Further Resources
10
12
14
15
15
16
Part Four: Transitions
The Process of Transitions
17
Part One: General Information about Shanghai
A Brief Guide to Shanghai
Lying on the estuary of Chang Jiang (Yangtze) River, Shanghai is regarded as the economic
capital in mainland China. Arriving in Shanghai, you will be overwhelmed by all the crowds,
vehicles, malls and skyscrapers. This modern metropolis with its rich heritage of ancient
Chinese culture offers you a wide choice of sightseeing, shopping and living. Puxi (west
of the Huangpu River) remains Shanghai’s cultural, residential and commercial centre. It is
not an administrative division or district in Shanghai but a term often used to describe the
historical urban area of Shanghai. Pudong (east of the Huangpu River), officially known as
Pudong New Area, is a district of Shanghai. Since the beginning of its development in 1990
when plans were first announced, Pudong has emerged as China’s financial and commercial
hub. Pudong is connected to Puxi by several tunnels, four major bridges and five metro
lines (Lines 2, 4, 7, 8, and 9). One of the things you will learn about Shanghai is that the more
you explore the city, the more wonderful places you will encounter.
The College is located in Jin Qiao, Pudong New Area, about 10 kilometres from the Pudong
central bussiness district - Lu Jia Zui Finance and Trade Zone. It takes 30 to 40 minutes to
travel to the People’s Square - the heart of the city - from the College campus, depending
on traffic. The areas around our campus are largely residential, though there are many shops
and restaurants nearby.
Transportation
If you do not have a car and driver, the metro and taxis will most likely be your main form of
transport in the city. Buses can be difficult to navigate for non-Chinese speakers. Taxi drivers
generally do not speak English, so it is a good idea to have your destination written in
Chinese. It helps if you can also say the destination in Chinese. Cars drive on the right-hand
side of the road in China. Taxis charge a minimum of RMB14 (or RMB18 at night), and from
RMB2.4 per kilometre after the first three kilometres, and then from RMB3.6 per kilometre
after the first 10 kilometres. Transportation cards are available for purchase at every Metro
station, which can be used for metro, taxi, bus and ferry. You will need to pay RMB20 as a
deposit which can be refunded when you surrender your card.
It is recommended that you sign up for the free SMS service called ‘Guanxi’. You can send
an SMS of the shop/restaurant you want to go to on 106695882929, it will then send you a
reply SMS with the address and phone number of the venue in English, it then gives you a
further option to reply with the letter ‘C’ to get the address resent in Chinese. This address
can then be shown to your driver or the taxi driver. There is also a free iPhone app called
‘Shanghai Taxi’ , this is also very useful.
Weather
With a subtropical maritime monsoon climate, Shanghai enjoys four distinct seasons,
generous sunshine and abundant rainfall. Its spring and autumn are relatively short compared
with summer and winter. The average annual temperature is 16°C (61°F).
Shanghai starts the year shivering in midwinter, when temperatures can drop below freezing
and the vistas are gray and misty. Spring brings warmth; April to mid-May is probably one
of the best times to visit Shanghai, along with autumn (late September to mid-November).
In summer the hot and humid weather makes conditions outside uncomfortable, with
temperatures sometimes as high as 40°C (104°F) in July and August.
3
Language
The languages spoken in Shanghai are Shanghainese and Mandarin. Since Shanghai is in the
Peoples Republic of China, the official language is Standard Mandarin Chinese, also known
as Putonghua. However, the traditional language of the Shanghai region is Shanghainese,
which is a dialect of Wu Chinese which is not mutually intelligible with Mandarin Chinese.
There is no standard written form of Shanghainese and it rarely appears in writing. Mandarin
is the official language in China and it is a tonal language, written in characters. The
Romanised phonetic version, which is commonly used to teach the language, is called
pinyin. For example, China is 中国 in characters, or ‘zhōng guó’ in pinyin. Some young
Shanghainese speak very good English.
Some families find it useful to have a few Mandarin lessons before moving to Shanghai to
learn the basics. If you do this, don’t worry about the characters to begin with. Mandarin
courses are plentiful here, and many people have one-to-one tuition at very reasonable
rates. The following websites are useful for learning the basics.
BBC (free online beginner’s course): http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/chinese/
Free Chinese Lessons: http://www.freechineselessons.com/index.php
Chinese Pod: http://chinesepod.com/ (free downloads; pay for extra features)
Chinese Learn Online: http://www.chineselearnonline.com/about/how-to-use/ (as above)
Online Shanghainese lessons: http://www.earnshaw.com/shanghainese/shanghainese.cfm
The Apple iTunes Store has a wealth of resources, some free, for iPhones, iPods/Pads, or
just on your computer. They include:
Apps: Lonely Planet Mandarin, AccelaStudy Chinese (plus plenty of Mandarin-English
dictionaries including Dian Hu, KT-dict C-E and Pleco)
iTunes-U: Open University Beginner’s Chinese, UCLA Center for Chinese Studies (free talks
about China)
Public Holidays
China has a number of public holidays and festivals celebrated throughout the year. There
are six major Chinese festivals, the most important being the Chinese New Year during
which most shops and businesses close. Chinese New Year celebrations fall between
January and February each year. These Lunar New Year festivities stretch over 15 days in
all, some of the evenings being marked by amazing firework displays. Travel around China
is quite challenging during the height of the festival.
Public holidays for 2015-16 include:
The first day of January
Chinese New Year - February
Qingming Festival (a.k.a. Tomb-Sweeping Day) - April
Labour Day - May
Dragon Boat Festival - June
Mid-Autumn Festival - September
National Day - October
4
Part Two: Before Leaving Your Home Country
Visas
In some countries there is a registered mail service available both for submitting visa
applications and receiving your visa, but this may take considerably longer. There may also
be agencies who can apply for the visa for you.
Many Chinese Embassies / Consulates only open for the morning (9.00am till 12.00pm) for
visa services and queues can be lengthy, so get there early (this certainly applies to the
Embassy in London). Please be aware that Chinese Embassies /Consulates are closed on
Chinese public holidays which may differ to local public holidays.
Embassy Websites
UK London: UK Edinburgh: UK Manchester: USA: Canada:
Australia:
Other Embassies:
http://www.visaforchina.org/LON_EN/visainstruction/250047.shtml
http://www.visaforchina.org/EDI_EN/visainstruction/255594.shtml
http://www.visaforchina.org/MAN_EN/visainstruction/250146.shtml
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/
http://ca.china-embassy.org/eng/lsyw/gzrz/vusa/t941629.htm
http://www.visaforchina.org/MEL_EN/visainstruction/252279.shtml
http://www.visaforchina.org/
Flights
Many airlines offer direct flights to Shanghai from major cities. Due to the time difference
however, some flights arrive one day after the departure date.
From European cities:
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air China, China Eastern, Air France, Lufthansa,
KLM, Austrian Airlines and SAS. Qatar Airlines via Doha, Emirates via Dubai.
From North America: Air China, China Eastern, United, Continental, American Airlines, Northwest and Delta.
From Australasia: Air China, China Eastern, Qantas and Air New Zealand.
Shipping Goods to Shanghai
The College does not recommend one particular shipping company. It is essential that the
service is door-to-door and that the contact details for the shipping company’s office in
Shanghai are known.
Our staff have used the following companies in the past:
AGS Four Winds:
www.agsfourwinds.com
Allied Pickfords:
www.alliedtoallied.com
Asian Express:
www.aemovers.com.hk
Asian Tigers:
www.asiantigers-china.com
Crown Relocations:
www.crownrelo.com/web/relo.nsf/index.htm
Eurasia: http://www.en.eurasia-intl.com
Links Relocation:
www.linksrelo.com
Relocasia: www.relocasia.com
Seven Seas:
www.sevenseasworldwide.com
Santa Fe:
http://www.santaferelo.com
5
General Tips
The process of shipping belongings can be lengthy and
frustrating. Please see the list on page 7 for items you may
wish to bring that are harder to find in Shanghai.
Customs and Import Tax
Customs can be very difficult to negotiate, and you may
be charged an import tax on many different items. Items
attracting a high tax include electronic goods, DVDs,
furniture, and alcohol. How closely customs inspect your
shipping is entirely arbitrary.
A helpful list of dutiable items can be found at: http://china.shipping-international.com/
customs/
Timing: the timing is dependent on a number of factors – where you are shipping from,
whether you choose air or sea freight and Chinese customs. You will not be able to receive
your shipment until you have your residence permit. You cannot apply for your residence
permit until after your arrival and it may take six weeks to obtain, so you should make sure
you have enough clothes and other supplies for the first two months after your arrival including some clothes for cool weather just in case. Do not arrange your shipping to arrive
too early as you may have to pay extra to hold the shipping at the port.
You should ensure that the shipping company spells your name correctly to avoid problems
with receiving the items.
Baggage
Baggage Allowance: baggage allowances will differ according to the airline and ticket class,
so please check before you fly.
What to pack: the weather varies significantly during the year so care needs to be taken in
selecting the right clothing. For example, if you arrive in August, you will experience the
most humid, hot season. Comfortable, lightweight clothing will be needed for a couple of
months. Whilst you will arrive in the heat of August, Shanghai weather can be unpredictable
so bring one or two cool weather items. Most basic necessities are easy to find in Shanghai.
Airport Customs: If you arrive in Shanghai with a temporary visa tthis only allows you to
bring in only your personal/accompanied baggage. While Chinese customs is inconsistent,
most people will not have trouble clearing the baggage allowed by the airline, provided
you are not bringing in any prohibited items such as food. Note that hand-carried large
electrical goods may attract a heavy tax.
Mail/posting
Packages: Reliability of receiving packages is inconsistent. Large packages arriving in
Shanghai may need to be collected from the main post offices.
Stamps are available at post offices for outgoing mail and there are some express mail
services available, including DHL, Federal Express and UPS.
Pet Animal
If you have pets to bring to China, the pet will have to be quarantined for 7 days (around
RMB 2,000) at the quarantine station or even 30 days (around RMB 3,500) if it is from an
“epidemic area”. Please contact your relocation company for more details.
6
What to Bring
There are many large shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets and traditional
markets in the city. There are also many markets stocking everything from designer clothes
to furniture, plants to sunglasses, electronics to ski gear, but authenticity and quality are
not guaranteed. Most items can easily be found in Shanghai, though you may not find the
brands you are used to.
The most important things to have will be your documentation (birth certificates, marriage
certificates, vaccination records etc), these should be kept with you when you fly to Shanghai
– not put in your relocation shipment.
Clothing/Shoes
Having clothes tailored - especially formal wear - is easy and cheap in Shanghai.
There are plenty of markets for cheap clothes, plenty of designer shops, and an increasing
number of midrange options like Zara, H&M, Next, Promod, OVS, FCUK, Esprit, Uniqlo,
Marks & Spencer, Gap and Mango, though clothes/shoe sizing and often style is aimed at
the Asian market.
Harder to find:
• Larger sizes and sizing for the taller person
• Good quality underwear
• Large size swimsuits
• hosiery
• Shoes in UK size 7+ (women) and 10+ (men)
*A special note about children’s shoes, especially school shoes.* While they are available in
Shanghai, the good quality ones, are quite expensive. We recommend you bring a couple
of pairs from home to last the school year. Shops will not generally measure your child’s feet.
Toiletries
(Also see the Health section for more information)
Both Watsons (a Hong Kong chemist) and Sephora have branches in Shanghai, but you may
not find the selection of goods here you would find in your home country. Also, be aware
many facial creams here have whitening properties. International brands, including virtually
all cosmetics, are available in department stores but are expensive.
*Special note: First Aid products – all are available here, but we recommend you bring an
initial supply from home for use in the first months until you are settled.
Hard to find:
• Good deodorant and toothpaste - brands here may be different from those you are
used to; selection here is limited, and flavours more suited to the Asian market
(Green tea flavoured etc).
• Vitamins and supplements are available but expensive.
• Good mosquito repellent (necessary in the summer), such as Jungle Formula.
Effective Chinese brands can be found – but if you have a favourite stock up.
• Good sunscreen is available but expensive and often only in small volumes, also
the descriptions are all in Chinese and it is sometimes hard to determine what you
are buying
• Basic painkillers of a brand you like (Nurofen, Advil, Tylenol, etc)
• Cold and flu medication (e.g. Lemsip).
• Other brand name medication.
7
Long-term medication - you can get items on prescription here, but you may not be able
to get the same ones you have at home. Bring a large supply if you are concerned and
especially for the first few months while you get settled.
Food
First thing to realise is that practically anything you want is available, but at a price.
“Expat” supermarkets like City Super, City Shop, Ole and Pines stock Western favourites
but are expensive. Dairy products are available everywhere, as is breakfast cereal. Markets
and local shops have inexpensive fresh fruit and vegetables. There are some international
delicatessens, bakeries and butchers importing foreign foods. You may want to bring some
favourite long-life or specialty goods (Marmite, breakfast tea, chocolate, baking goods,
gravy granules are some items people miss) but be aware that bringing fresh food is
prohibited by customs.
If you have a particular dietary requirement or allergy, you may want to consider bringing
some specialty items (diabetic, gluten or lactose free). There are some items available
here but if there are essentials you need, you should stock up. (If you have a special
need and have questions, please contact a member of the FoD Welcome Committee at:
[email protected].
Computer Equipment
Computers are not significantly cheaper here
but you can buy from computer stores like Apple
Store, Cyber Mart, Pacific Digital Plaza and Buy
Now. There is an Apple service centre out-sourced
to Solution Keys inside the College and you can
purchase Apple products there. There are two
official Apple stores in Shanghai (one Pudong, one
in Puxi), as well as many authorised retailers.
If you bring your printer, you may need to bring a
supply of ink cartridges as replacements are not
available for all models.
Electronics
Electronic goods can carry a high customs fee, so it may be better to purchase many items
once you are here. Most items are easy to find and are relatively inexpensive. There are many
local electrical stores in Shanghai including Yole, Sunning and Gome. Many supermarkets
stock international brands, as do Nong Gong Shang (Chinese chain) and Carrefour.
If you bring electronics, check the voltage and bring plug adaptors: the universal adapters
you can buy on aeroplanes in duty-free can be handy for travelling to lots of different
countries. (Electricity here is 220 volts, similar to the UK, Australia and Europe).
*Special note about Kitchen Electrical Equipment*: Some electrical kitchenware is hard to
find and expensive so you may wish to consider bringing it from home. For example: food
processors, bread makers, blenders and crock pots.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are easy to buy here from local electronics stores and computer stores. If
you decide to bring iPhones or other mobile phones from home ensure they are unlocked. If
they are unlocked you can simply purchase a pay-as-you-go SIM (see mobile phone section
for further details). If your phone is tied to a contract in your home country, you will continue
8
to be charged at home and will not be able to use the phone in China.
Note: many people use Skype (internet-based telephone service) to make international
calls (www.skype.com).
Furniture
Please note that imported furniture can attract a
customs charge. If you are limited in the furniture
you can bring, only bring something that is
special and meaningful to you, as furniture here
is generally reasonably priced. Almost any type of
furniture you want is available in Shanghai. From
custom-made to antique, to Ikea, whatever you
need, you will find it.
Household items
As with furniture, there are plenty of shops selling
kitchen equipment, crockery etc. including IKEA,
Wal-Mart, B&Q, Muji, Carrefour, Franc Franc.
Department stores stock international brands.
Again if there is a specialised item that you use
regularly do bring it with you.
*Special note about bedding*: Chinese mattresses may not be the same size as at home.
If you bring your mattress from home, bring at least an initial supply of sheets that fit –
especially fitted sheets. IKEA does stock fitted and flat sheets and it is very easy to have
sheets and other bedding custom-made at various markets.
Books
English-language books can be found at the Foreign Languages Bookstore, Garden Books
and Charterhouse but selections - especially of newer titles - are limited. Amazon does
deliver to China, and if you use a translation service like Google Chrome, you can also order
from Amazon.cn. The school library is also well stocked and borrowing is encouraged.
In addition, Friends of Dulwich will regularly hold used book sales where many English
language books are available and often other foreign language books as well.
DVDs/CDs
Genuine DVDs/CDs are hard to find, as pirated versions are everywhere. If you want to play
your DVDs from home, you will need to use a region-free DVD player or alter a regionspecific player.
Sporting Equipment & Clothing
For the most part, sporting equipment and clothing is easy to find - there are a few branches
of the sport superstore, Decathlon.
Some children’s higher quality/specialised sporting equipment may be a bit harder to find
or may be very expensive and would be better brought from home, for example; branded
football or rugby boots, baseball gloves (especially right handed gloves), hockey equipment
and gum shields.
Toys
You will find almost anything you want you. Many department stores stock international
brands including Toys ‘R’ Us but sometimes with limited options, especially if you are looking
for English language electronic toys.
9
Part Three Settling In
Health
Western-style medical facilities with international staffing are available in Shanghai. These
offer international-standard family practice services, dental health, emergency medical
and clinical services, though they can be very expensive. 24-hour emergency assistance
is available as well as medical evacuation services. However these may not equate to the
same level of service found in your home country. Some local hospitals provide quality care
but beware that most require cash in advance and little to no English will be spoken.
The most comprehensive hospital catering to expats and only full 24 emergency services is:
Shanghai United Family Hospital and Clinics (SUFH)
1139 Xian Xia Road
Tel: 2216 3900
[email protected]
Hours: 24 hour Emergency Room
Medical Clinics
The nearest clinics to the school are:
Hospital Name
Website
Telephone Opening Hours
Huashan
www.shanghai.ufh.com.cn
50309907
8.30am to 5.30pm
Parkway Health
www.parkwayhealth.cn
64455999
24hr Phone line
Rui Dong Hospital
www.ruidong-hospital.com
58339595
24hr Phone line
Other Pudong Options:
Hospital Name
Website
Telephone Opening Hours
WorldPath Clinic
www.worldpathclinic.com
20207888
9.00am-8.00pm (Mon-Fri)
9.00am-5.30pm (Sat-Sun)
Shanghai East
www.seimc.com.cn
5879 9999
24hr Phone line
Other options:
10
Hospital Name
Website
Telephone
Opening Hours
Huashan Worldwide
www.sh-hwmc.com.cn
6248 3986
24hr Phone line
6279-2283
24hr Phone line
Children’s Hospital www.shchildren.com.cn
of Shanghai
Physical Therapy:
Hospital Name
Website
Telephone
Opening Hours
SinoUnited Health
www.sinounitedhealth.com.
cn
50307812
8.30am-6.00pm (Mon-Fri)
8.30am-12.00pm (Sat)
Information and Support
Name
Website
Telephone
Opening Hours
Lifeline Shanghai
www.lifelineshanghai.com
6279 8990
10.00am-10.00pm
Dental and Orthodontics
It is a good idea to have a dental check up before leaving home and to bring your last record
with you. The international dental clinics in Shanghai provide full dental services but they are
expensive if not covered by insurance.
Dental Clinic Name
Website
Telephone
Opening Hours
Tokushinkai Dental
www.tokushinkai.com.cn
50307858
10.00am-8.00pm
Kowa JinMao Tower
www.kowa-dental.com/en/
51082222
9.00am-8.30pm
New York Dental
www.newyorkdentalchina.com
62781181
9.00am-6.30pm
PG Dental
www.pgdental.cn/en/
64515351
9.30am-6.00pm
Pure Smile
http://puresmile.com/
61059400
10.00am-6.00pm
DDS Dental
www.dds-dental.com
68760409
10.00am-6.00pm
Vaccinations
There are no vaccinations required by law for your work visa, but you may wish to ensure
that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you come to Shanghai. Check with
the World Health Organisation or your local GP for any vaccination recommendations for
China, or have a look at this website: http://www.nathnac.org/ds/c_pages/country_page_
cn.htm#vpr. Vaccinations, particularly if imported, may be difficult to acquire.
Malaria is a concern in parts of East Asia, but you do not need to take any anti-malarial
medicine in Shanghai or other major cities. If you travel into more rural areas, you should
seek your doctor’s advice.
Optical
We recommend that you have an eye examination before coming. If you require glasses,
bring a spare pair and your prescription. Opticians and optical services are available here.
Contact lens solution is also easily attainable.
Huashan Hospital in Puxi has an very competent international Optical division.
11
Housing
Below are a few of the housing compounds where most Dulwich families are living. Although
we have only included areas in Pudong, we do have many families who live in Puxi.
Dulwich does not endorse or promote any of these compounds. We have listed them by
proximity to school in alphabetical order.
Key Points:
• In the compounds located near school many parents and children will ride bikes and
scooters as a means of transport to school.
• Most compounds have security.
• Although most compounds have health club facilities and pools often these are in
addition to the rental contract.
• Management companies tend to provide quicker and more consistent service than an
individually owned unit.
• Painting and minor repairs and construction can be negotiated into contracts prior to
moving in.
Jinqiao
The Jinqiao area has been developing rapidly over the last few years. It includes a substantial
retail/leisure complex called Green City which has a variety of shops along with popular
chain bars/restaurants such as Starbucks, Bluefrog & Simply Thai. A short distance from
Jinqiao is the popular Thumb Plaza area, this also has many of the popular chain restaurants,
including McDonald’s and Burger King.
Century Park Area/ Huamu Road
The Century Park area is close to Kerry Parkside and Century Park. Century Park is the largest
park in Shanghai. It offers walking trails, boat rentals, rides for small children and more. Kerry
Parkside is a hotel as well as a shopping centre. There is also a metro station close by on
Huamu Lu.
Lujiazui
Located on the Huangpu river, with fabulous views of the Bund. Within walking distance of
Lujiazui financial area with SuperBrand Mall, IFC, World Financial Center and the Jin Mao
Tower.
Kangqiao New Development Zone
10km from the city centre and 6 km from the Huangpu River. With close proximity to the
outer ring road it provides easy access to both Pudong and Honqiao Airports.
Some of the compounds our families currently live in include:
12
Compound Name
Area
Distance from
School
Facilites Villas/
Apartments
Beverly Hills
Jinqiao
5 minutes walk
No
Villas
Green Court
Jinqiao
5 minutes walk
Yes
Apartments
Green Hills and
Willowbrook
Jinqiao
20 minutes walk
10 minutes by car
Yes
Villas/Duplex
Green Villas
Jinqiao
5 minutes walk
Yes
Villas
Shimao Lakeside Garden
Jinqiao
15 minutes walk
5 minutes by car
Yes
Villas/Duplex/
Apartments
Vizcaya
Jinqiao
10 minutes walk
5 minutes by car
Yes
Villas
Tomson Golf
Jinqiao
15 minutes by car
10 minutes by
bike
Yes
Villas/
Apartments
Tomson Beautiful Villas
Jinqiao
15 minutes by car
Yes
Duplex
Dong Jiao Villas
Jinqiao
15 minutes by car
Yes
Villas
Kerry Parkside Residences Century Park 15 minutes by car
Yes
Serviced
Apartments
Pudong Century Garden
Century Park 15 minutes by car
Yes
Apartments
Regency Park
Century Park 15 minutes by car
Yes
Villas
Seasons Villas
Century Park 15 minutes by car
Yes
Villas/
Apartments/
townhouses/
serviced
apartments
Yanlord Town
Thumb Plaza 10 minutes by car
Yes
Apartments
East Gardens
Zhang Jiang
15 minutes by car
Yes
Villas
Tomson Gardens
Zhang Jiang
20 minutes by car
Yes
Duplex/Villas
Buckingham
Zhang Jiang
30 minutes by car
Yes
Villas
Palm Springs
Zhang Jiang
30 minutes by car
Yes
Villas
San Marino Bridge
Zhang Jiang
30 minutes by car
Yes
Villas
Fraser Suites
Lujiazui
30 minutes by car
Yes
Serviced
Apartments
Shimao Riviera Gardens
Lijiazui
30 minutes by car
Yes
Apartments
Tomson Riviera
Lujiazui
30 minutes by car
Yes
Apartments
Yanlord Garden
Lujiazui
30 minutes by car
Yes
Apartments
Bellewood Villas
Kanqiao
30 minutes by car
Yes
Villas
Emerald and Emerald
Forest
Kanqiao
45 minutes by car
Yes
Villas
Tiziano Villas
Kanqiao
45 minutes by car
Yes
Villas
13
Utilities
Electricity: Shanghai has 220-volt/50 cycle electricity. You will need a transformer for 110-volt
appliances.
Gas: Cooking in Shanghai is generally done on gas hobs. Many Chinese people do not
have, or use ovens, but apartments/houses for expats will usually have with them either in
built-in or table top style.
Water: It is not advisable to drink tap water in Shanghai, though it is usually fine for brushing
teeth. Water dispensers that take large mineral water bottles are easy to find and the
water is not expensive.
Heating/Air conditioning: Many houses and apartments use individual-controlled wallmounted units. Some apartment blocks have central air conditioning. The systems operate
both air conditioning and heating. Some villas have underfloor heating.
Telephone/Internet: Most apartments and houses have landlines connected, and calls and line
rental are billed monthly. Broadband internet access can be arranged easily. Monthly charges
are from 175RMB depending on the speed of the connection with unlimited usage. You can
purchase a router easily if you need a wireless internet connection.
Mobile Phone
Your mobile phone is your first and main form of communication. You may want to consider
a phone which texts easily. Texting is a popular form of communication throughout China.
Discounted rates for international calls are widely available.
You will need a passport when going to China Mobile, China Unicom or another phone
service provider to obtain a SIM card for your cell phone. You can choose either to sign on for
a plan with monthly billing, or a prepaid plan that has no contract or monthly subscriptions.
A secretary from your office or a friend who speaks Chinese can help expedite this process.
China Unicom is the only 3G provider in China.
There are many choices on purchasing minutes. You can go to any China Mobile or China
Unicom store/kiosk to do this. Handing over your phone and phone number and indicating
how much money you want to spend usually results in a successful top-up . Also there are
cards to be purchased at many shopping marts. Recharge minutes are sold in increments
of 100RMB and you can wait for the English prompt and load minutes onto your cell phone
yourself. Phone kiosks also sell pre-paid SIM cards that do not require deposits or monthly
subscriptions. It is 100 RMB for a SIM card and it will come with 50 RMB of minutes. Local
calls and text messages are inexpensive.
IDD/IP Cards
You can use International Direct Dial from your apartment landline by using the dialling
codes (00+country code + city code). IDD charges are very expensive in China. Buying an
IP card is often a much cheaper option and these can be purchased at news stands, mobile
phone shops and convenience stores. There are many different types offering different rates
to different countries. Do not pay the card value (100RMB) - you should be able to get them
for around 30-40 RMB (60 to 70% off).
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Household Help
Many expatriates in China have an ayi (pronounced ‘eye-ee’): ladies who either live in
or come to your home (anything from a few hours a week to every day) to do laundry,
housework, cooking, grocery shopping, childcare, babysitting and pet care, depending on
what you require. Rates are very reasonable. Ayis are often found through word-of-mouth
recommendations, but you may also find one through the community forum on the College
website, discussion pages of expatriate websites, expat supermarkets, and agencies. Be
aware that most ayis do not speak any English, and the ones who do, charge more. Although
the lack of English can be challenging at first, it makes for a good way to learn Chinese and
children invariably pick up the language quickly from their ayi.
Banking
The currency in China is the Renminbi, or RMB. The main unit is called the ‘yuan’, or
colloquially ‘kuai’. At time of writing (January 2013), the exchange rate to GBP is 10.16 and
to USD is 6.29.
Most shops, restaurants and supermarkets accept credit cards and debit cards. Some smaller
shops and markets accept cash only.
Please note that many ATMs give your money before returning your card, so be careful not
to leave your card in the ATM.
You may want to consider setting up your home bank account for internet banking, as this
is a very useful way of tracking and administering your home bank accounts while you are
overseas.
Children
Chinese people love children, and will often react very warmly to them, even to the point
of picking up young children and touching older ones. For some Chinese people, Western
children, especially if they are fair-haired, are an unusual sight, so they may attract a lot of
attention. This phenomenon is much more common in the countryside than in the city. Do
not be alarmed - it is not threatening, and is well-intentioned.
Shanghai has a lot of child-friendly restaurants, and plenty of child-oriented activities and
events including a variety of sports. A number of publications cater specifically for families
with children, providing general information and guides on events and activities.
Equipment/Toys
Bicycles are easy to find, as are car seats and buggies/push chairs though they are expensive.
You may wish to bring these with you. Toys are easily found in department stores and markets.
Clothes
Markets have a wide variety of children’s clothes but size and quality vary. Stock up on basics
from reliable stores at home. You may find small gloves/mittens hard to find and these are
essential for winter. Good quality, reasonably priced shoes are also hard to find.
Books/Television
The Foreign Languages Bookstore has a good selection of children’s books, but original
DVD favourites of TV series are hard to find, so you may want to bring them with you.
Childcare
See Accommodation section above for information about household help and childcare.
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Other
Things to be aware of:
• Most taxis do not have rear seatbelts
• The age limit for consumption of alcohol is generally not enforced so it is relatively
easy for young teenagers to obtain alcohol.
More Resources
There is a lot of information about China and Shanghai on the internet: have a look, but
please remember that opinions and experiences differ. You may find the following websites
useful:
School website:
www.dulwich-shanghai.cn
Moving to China:
Transitions Abroad offers helpful advice on moving with children, food, etc:
www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/livingabroadin/living_abroad_moving_to_china.
shtml
Living in China:
Etiquette in China: www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=China
General Information on China and Shanghai:
The Economist: www.economist.com/countries/China
Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com/china/shanghai
Information on Shanghai events, restaurants and entertainment:
Shanghai Events: wwwshanghaiexpat.com/
City Weekend: www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/
Smart Shanghai: www.smartshanghai.com/
This Shanghai: www.thisshanghai.com/
Asian Xpat Shanghai: www.shanghai.asiaxpat.com/
Shanghai Family: www.shfamily.com/
Thats Shanghai: www.thatsshanghai.com/
Books
Anything by Peter Hessler (River Town, Country Driving, Oracle Bones)
Jonathan D. Spence, The Gate of Heavenly Peace and The Search for Modern China
James Kynge, China Shakes The World
Martin Jacques, When China Rules The World (the UCLA iTunes-U site has a free talk from
him you can download - see below)
Jung Chang & Jon Halliday, Mao: The Unknown Story
Leslie T. Chang, Factory Girls
James McGregor, One Billion Customers
Organisations
Shanghai Expat Association: www.seashanghai.org/
Brits Abroad: www.britsabroadshanghai.com/
Australian Women’s Group: www.awsg.org/
American Women’s Club: www.awcshanghai.org/
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Part Four: Transitions, what is all the fuss about?
The account below is based on an article entitled
International Schools:
“Transition Programming in
An Emergent Mandate” by Barbara F. Schaetti (originally published in 1996, by the
Association for the Advancement of International Education), derived from a model of
transition by David Pollock2. It has been included in this Handbook to help parents gain an
understanding of the emotional difficulties that may be experienced when transitioning to
an international school environment.
Student mobility is a defining characteristic of most international schools. It’s not uncommon
for 30% of any given student population to turn over every year. While faculty and staff
mobility may be less extensive, regular turnover there too is common.
What does this mean for an international school? Consider the impact on a learning
environment when on average one third of the population is in the midst of pre-departure
anxiety, another third wound-up in post-arrival uncertainty, and the final third busy trying to
keep it all sorted out.
The Process of Transitions
Phase 1: Involvement
People who are involved in their community have a sense of belonging. They are perceived by
others as being part of a group, with a reputation—for good or ill—and a social/professional
position. They are known by others and they in turn know the people around them: histories,
weaknesses, strengths. They have a similar knowledge about the community itself. They
know where to look for the first flowers in spring, where to go to get their shoes fixed,
multiple ways to get from point A to point B depending on the weather or traffic conditions.
As an adult global nomad put it to me after living in a rural community for thirteen years,
being involved means “everyone knows you for 50 miles around and 50 years back.”
People in the involved phase typically present themselves to others as committed to their
community, responsible and responsive. Their internal experience is one of intimacy. They
feel secure, confirmed by the world around them in who they are. While they may also, of
course, feel confined and claustrophobic, they nonetheless know what is expected of them
without question.
The involvement phase means people’s time orientation is to the present. Those in this
phase are not thinking about where they have come from nor are they thinking about where
they are going. Although they of course think about the past and the future, their primary
orientation is in terms of what is going on now.
The experience of involvement typically requires that a person spend time in a given
geographic location. It’s important to remember that multi-mover students and their families
may not have a recent experience of this phase of the transition experience. The well-known
3-year expatriate cycle does not really allow for it: the first year you’re in the confusion of
arrival, the second year you’re beginning to figure out how things work, the third year—just
as you’re becoming involved—you get transferred on.
For some, a transfer can be a big relief. International school students are quick to say that
one advantage of moving is that you can re-invent yourself in your new location. Don’t like
the reputation you have—change it at your next school. Want to start fresh—wait for that
next international transfer.
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Of course, the flip side of this is also true: do like the reputation you’ve worked hard to
build, now begin all over again from the bottom up. A multi-mover non-salaried spouse,
having at the time lived in one place for several years, told me how she had finally been
able to build a reputation in the community such that she was elected to the board of
her children’s school. At last here was a position which she could put directly on her c.v.,
a credible position with status (albeit volunteer). Unlike other expatriate spouse volunteer
positions, she would not have to search for ways to legitimise its professional relevance to
hoped-for future employers. This multi-mover, finally re-involved in her community after
their last transfer, came home one day to learn that her husband had been transferred yet
again. There she was, facing loss of reputation, loss of position, loss of being known and of
knowing others. Time to start over—again.
Phase 2: Leaving
When people learn that they are about to be transferred, their time orientation suddenly
shifts from the present to the future—where are we going, what will it be like, will I fit in...?
People in the leaving phase of transition are typically (and hopefully) perceived by others
in celebratory fashion. Friends pay them a lot of attention, ask a lot of questions about
where they are going and when. It’s a time of recognition, of farewell parties and of bringing
closure to relationships and activities.
Inevitably, however, one’s social posture necessarily becomes distant. In order to leave, one
must loosen ties, let go of roles, disengage. In order to transplant a plant, one has to pull
up its roots. Just as when transplanting a plant, however, a person’s roots must be carefully
disengaged; they will otherwise be torn and damaged and not be able to take firm hold
again in the new location.
While those in the leaving phase of a transition must disengage from people and activities
being left behind, so too must those remaining disengage from people leaving. This can
lead, on everyone’s part, to feelings of rejection and resentment. A child or adolescent —
or indeed an adult—may understand when friends plan future activities and don’t include
them, but it hurts nonetheless.
International school teachers often report another dimension to disengagement. It’s
common to see students creating conflict and rousing anger with one another as a way to
ease the sense of loss from an impending transfer. For some reason humans seem to think
it’s easier to leave a friend when we’re angry with him or her than otherwise. Unfinished
business goes with us, however. Three months later, six months later, the regret over harsh
words once spoken can very much impede a person’s ability to settle into a new community.
Just when it seems least worth our effort—after all, we’ll never see this other person again
—is when it’s most important to reconcile differences.
Leaving, one’s own or a friend’s, is a time fraught with emotion. One common response is
to deny uncomfortable feelings. (There is a bumper sticker in the United States which reads
“denial is not a river in Egypt”.) I asked a group of secondary school students with whom I
worked recently what skills they or those they knew had gained from moving internationally.
One young man replied, “how not to feel feelings”. The other students laughed with him,
but everyone in that room knew the truth of what he said. For multi-movers especially, not
feeling feelings can become a survival skill. So can disengaging from all academic and social
roles immediately upon learning of a transfer. While people leaving must disengage, they
must do so in a timely fashion: neither too late nor too early. ve.
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Transition Phase 3: Transition
When people find themselves without status, unknown and unknowing. They have special
knowledge—such as where to go to get shoes fixed in Copenhagen—which is totally without
use in Tokyo. Their internal experience is typically one of chaos and isolation. The whole
world seems turned upside down, often right on top of them. Time orientation for people
in this phase is typically to the future: how will this situation resolve itself, will it ever end.
The transition phase is a time of self-centeredness. People in this phase necessarily think first
and foremost of themselves. Despite all good intentions, parents may be less emotionally
available to their children during this time and certainly the reverse is true. At the same time,
just when people may most want to isolate, they must self-initiate: get up, get out, meet
others, keep busy. It’s typically a time of psychological anxiety. There’s often a loss of selfesteem as the reality sinks in that you truly are statusless and unknown by others.
The experience of this phase as chaotic may be exacerbated by being on “home leave,”
visiting friends and family and favourite places, living in hotels or other people’s homes,
rather than being in one’s own domain. The loss of continuity brought on by a move is
extreme during this phase; one is not only without familiar people and places but also
without the household goods which may be the only real continuity outside the immediate
family. Teachers and staff can educate students and parents about “sacred objects,” those
few things which remind a person of home and community wherever he or she may be.
Sacred objects are best taken on the airplane, in a carry-on bag, rather than packed in a
household shipment.
However uncomfortable this phase may be, it can also be a time of great creativity. The
creative act is essentially one of stepping outside the tried and true into something new and
different. William Bridges, in his book Transitions, writes about the chaos of transitions as
a necessary phase, a necessary fermentation, out of which comes the creative future1. The
more this experience of chaos is resisted, the less creative are the future possibilities. This
is an important perspective and consideration for people in transition, even for the nonsalaried spouse and dependent child who may not feel that they have much power over
future possibilities.
Transition Phase 4: Entering
People in this phase of transition are constantly having to introduce themselves to others.
In uncertain positions within the new community, they may easily misinterpret nonverbal
signals and moves taken for granted by others. Entering is often a time when people feel
marginalized, on the edges of the society and looking for a way in to the centre.
The entering phase of a transition is usually
one of great vulnerability. People in this
phase can often be ambivalent, fearful, and
easily offended. While their time orientation
may again be to the present, it may also be
only temporary as they look repeatedly to the
past and the (often now idealised) memory
of where home once was.
Students at all grade levels repeatedly tell
me that their first self-imposed task upon
entering a new school is to make friends. Even
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students in the midst of transition fatigue, more inclined to isolate than to socialize, need to
have at least one friend before any measure of security is reached in the new environment.
Transition Phase 5: Re-Involvement
The most fortunate of those in transition stay in their new location long enough to finally
complete the cycle. Now one’s time orientation is again to the present, this time with a sense
of permanence. People who have re-involved themselves again have a sense of belonging,
of knowing others and of being known. They again have a reputation and a position in
society. They experience themselves as committed and secure, affirmed by the community
in which they live, work, study, and play.
A Special Kind of Transition: Re-Entry
Re-entry, moving to one’s passport country,
is typically found to be the most difficult of
all transitions. As such, it requires special
attention in any discussion of international
school student transitions.
Many factors come into play to make reentry such a challenging transition, not
least of which is the assumption that one is
“going home.” Even a short one or two year
international sojourn is enough to change
perspective and outlook. People returning to
their passport countries after such a brief time abroad may expect to fit right back into
their old friendships and daily patterns. Typically, however, their international experiences
have re-shaped them enough that they don’t fit in quite the same way. They’ve become to
some extent like a square peg trying to squeeze into a round hole, a hole they think should
be familiar but isn’t. This is all the more true for the multi-mover or long-term international
sojourner whose experience of “home” may be based solely on family stories or periodic
vacations. A Canadian who grew up in Papua New Guinea and India spoke of “riding on his
parent’s mythology” about Canada. The Canada which he eventually re-entered bore little
resemblance to the Canada of his family’s myth.
Entering one’s passport country is also challenging because, once there, students typically
attend local rather than international schools. Students and teachers in an international
setting tend to be very aware of helping new students make friends—after all, everyone
there has at one time or another been new. This is much less the case in a local school context
where student mobility is more often the exception than the rule. Ask any international
school multi-mover student who has experienced re-entry which is easier, entering another
international posting or re-entering one’s passport country, and the answer will invariably be
the former.
Transition activities and education specific to preparing students for a re-entry experience
include those described earlier in the discussion of “leaving”. The particular characteristics
of re-entry should also be addressed however, giving a slightly different twist to the focus
of the work. It can be especially effective for students to hear from their peers on this topic.
Bridges, William. Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes. Reading MA: AddisonWesley Publishing Company, 1980.
1
Pollock, David C., The Transition Model, Albany NY: Interaction Inc., 1990.
2
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