Study in Shanghai :
Study Guide for expatriates
IntroductionIf you prefer to use your time in Shanghai for education, as so many do, there are several choices open to you. Before committing yourself:
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Check quality (delivery pattern, teachers, time, technical support) |
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Compare prices and duration of courses offered |
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Check reputation for achieving its objectives |
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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.
| Info: International Programs | ||||||||
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| Addresses: Local Programs | ||||
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Accreditation of undergraduate and graduate education for business administration and accounting:
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| CHEA | http://www.chea.org/Directories (US) |
| British Council | http://www.britishcouncil.org/education/index.htm (UK) |
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.
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Learning Other Skills
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| Website: Languages | |||
| English Learning Online | http://www.english-at-home.com/ | ||
| The British Council | http://www.britcoun.org/ | ||
| Alliance Francaise | http://www.alliancefrancaise.org.cn | ||
| Learning German Online | http://www.learn-german-online.net | ||
| http://www.german.about.com | |||
| Italian Cultural Institute | http:// www.ilsegnalibro.com/shanghai.html | ||