Shanghai and the other tier one cities are now being very strict in their interpretation of those rules. Currently, non-native English speakers are not permitted to be English teachers. Applications for non-natives by any education organization in the positions of sales, marketing, curriculum development, IT etc. are now also being refused, as the authorities realize that these stated positions were in name only. Whilst some schools do offer positions of science, history, or other named subjects teaching, the applicant can only be accepted for a work permit if their degree major and experience is in the field of the named position. Therefore a degree in advanced mathematics would not be acceptable for a non-native kindergarten teacher, for example. This is how Shanghai and other tier one cities are interpreting the rules; very strictly. Other smaller cities may not be so strict, but Panda currently have no way of knowing this.

Many overseas applicants seem to be expecting schools to pay for their travel to China. Whilst this is possible, usually it has been international schools, and large training organisations who have done this. For the last three years, the whole of the education industry has suffered due to the pandemic, and education or training centres have been mostly wiped out. Most schools are far less cash rich than before the pandemic, and many have closed, so whilst some schools may say they will pay for flights etc., the chances are their outlay may be recouped from teachers salaries. Furthermore, initial application for a work permit and the subsequent z visa may not be completed once the teacher has arrived, and the school realise that the teacher is not what they had hoped for. Experience has shown us that the best way for foreigners to pick a reputable school is to be in China already, often travelling, where they can visit the school and talk to some teachers about how the school is run, visas, salaries etc.

If the above is satisfied, foreigners can enter China with proof of vaccination (in Chinese) and a negative COVID test result within the last 48 hours. Quarantine is strictly enforced for 7 + 3 days on arrival, at the foreigner’s expense. Regular testing is required throughout China every 72 hours maximum, in order to be able to travel within a city, or enter any malls, shops, commercial buildings, or even some housing compounds. Schools require testing every 24 hours, with classes or schools shut down again, depending on the level of results. Secondary contacts fall under this ruling.

This is like asking, how long is a piece of string. The price is going to vary depending on the location, surrounding amenities, size of the apartment, number of rooms, shared space, etc. Furthermore, if an apartment is sourced from an English language website, the rental is likely to be significantly higher than a Chinese language one, as those sites are geared towards foreigners, who are viewed as earning more than Chinese.

Shanghai is a very large city with 15 districts and dozens more subdistricts each, therefore location of an apartment is the most influential factor. A city centre, or “downtown” apartment is always more costly by area than the further outlying regions. For Shanghai, the French Concession, which is located inside the XuHui and JingAn districts, is the region that more recently arrived foreigners like to be situated, as there are many bars, clubs and western related shops. As such, this location is premium rent and so often, several foreigners may share a multi bedroomed apartment. Surrounding districts such as HuangPu and parts of HongKou, PuTuo, ChangNing, or the financial sector around LuJiaZui may be similarly priced. However, the rule of thumb still applies generally; the further an apartment is from the centre, the cheaper it should be.

As an example, my apartment is in Pudong district, but not too far from the city centre. I can reach the main locations there within half an hour by subway. Yet I rarely travel to the centre, as everything I need is within a 10 to 15 minutes bicycle ride. There are shops, and a mall, even closer than that if needed. For this, I pay 8000rmb a month on a two bedroomed, own kitchen and bathroom, 90 square metre flat with a great balcony view. However, this is considered a little below market value these days. My landlord would prefer to have a reliable regular tenant than constantly changing his tenant according to market price increases. There are slightly cheaper surrounding apartments, but there are certainly more expensive ones too.

The important point is to have someone with a little local knowledge help you out, usually a friend. Fortunately for those who may not know anyone in SH on their arrival, Panda have staff who can find good value apartments in whichever location a teacher may want to be based. It all depends on an individual’s budget as to the location and type of accommodation anyone may want.

Further to this, schools are still closed and likely to be so until at least August. In order to reopen, schools will need to deep clean and then have a certificate submitted from the inspectors to the Education Bureau, together with future plans for the Bureau to approve reopening; this is for every school and kindergarten. Anyone entering the premises will have to scan their QR code every day (students and teachers), which for foreign teachers is linked in to their passport and residential permit (work). Again, if testing is not up to date, entry will be refused, and all information goes to the government database (where everyone’s address is also stored).

Many people ask when schools will reopen, to which the answer is firstly, when they are given the go ahead from the government to implement the above procedures, then secondly, have the actual permission from the Education Bureau. It could take weeks to complete, so there is no definitive answer for each school.

Border restrictions are easing for those wishing to enter mainland China, mainly those with the necessary open residential visa permit, vaccine proof and 24 hours testing results. However, the teacher shortage will likely continue, tempered slightly by the closure of some education institutions and businesses. Therefore, Panda’s salary rates reflect how we think the market will be as and when our schools are permitted to open for the next academic year.

Now we are hearing of embassies and consulates around the world being closed for a lengthy period yet, as they continue to follow the official mainland policy. We hope that this situation will not last much longer as everyone wishes to return to work and continue to enjoy their time in China, and especially Shanghai.

For many countries, the rule of thumb is foreigners are not permitted into China unless they have a valid and current working visa, whilst these visas may not be renewed outside of Chinese borders; applicants must be in mainland China. Shanghai is adhering to this strictly. However, in some further afield and smaller cities some PU letters may be accepted for native English speakers for teaching applications. This does not apply in SH, where PU letters may only be accepted for some Category A work permit (talent) positions.

In addition to the above, due to the double reduction policy, foreign investment in education is being phased out and private schools must now follow a new policy, that limits out of normal school hours and curricula. Furthermore non native English speakers are not permitted to be English teachers, according to the rules. SH is also strictly adhering to this.

We hope that restrictions may be relaxed a little in the not too distant future, so that we can welcome serious English teachers back into China.

Working visas may not be applied for foreigners if they are not already within mainland China. Shanghai has maintained this rule for a while, but other cities are now also enforcing this. Teachers who were either caught outside China when the borders closed, or are wishing to apply now for a working visa will not be able to until restrictions ease further. We will try to keep any further updates posted on here as we hear about them.