Shanghai is China’s most dynamic and vibrant city, combining business, globalization, classic culture, sophistication, and endless opportunities, setting an example for China and the rest of the world to follow. Shanghai is not only an economic powerhouse but also a cultural powerhouse, with an efficient subway system, fine restaurants, endless nightlife, fascinating parks, and world-class tourist attractions. Now, the question is not why do you want to intern in Shanghai, but why don’t you want to intern in Shanghai? When looking for an internship in China, be sure to make sure your employer and/or provider has submitted the correct visa and work permit. Foreign interns in China are required to have a “Special Business F Visa” which specifically prohibits paid internships. Be wary of any organization that promises to provide paid internships in China.
Intern Jobs In Shanghai is divided into three main categories
Private language institutes/schools
By far the largest employer of expatriate English teachers in China is a private language school. This type of school has the most jobs and is the easiest to find. Private language schools tend to be the exception with the highest number of employment requirements. Their salaries are also among the highest in the country, but usually require foreign instructors to work at least 20 hours per week. Privately run English schools provide the greatest opportunity for negotiation in terms of wages, housing, benefits, etc.
Public schools and universities
Public schools and universities: Public schools are generally considered the safest, as the working conditions for foreign teachers are standardized and have strict regulations. Foreign teaching contracts in public schools and universities are generally for 10 months, with an initial contract period of 10 months and a 12-month extension thereafter. Foreign teachers with an advanced degree and several years of teaching experience in China can negotiate an initial 12-month contract. While salaries in public schools and universities are generally lower than in privately run schools, workloads tend to be lower and vacation time is greatest.
Private schools
The advantages of private schools are roughly the same as those of public and private schools: fewer hours and more freedom, as these institutions follow the same academic system as public schools in China. In addition, unlike public schools, these private schools may have room for negotiation on salaries and benefits.
How To Find Intern Jobs In Shanghai
There is a huge amount of teaching available at any time of the year. People find English teaching jobs in China by reading and responding to ads on ESL/TEFL websites or foreign teaching websites under the “Categories” section. Most employers prefer face-to-face interviews, so many enter on tourist visas and convert to work visas once they find a teaching job in Shanghai.
Most, if not all, schools require teachers to be native English speakers. In China, other requirements for teachers to work vary widely from school to school. In some provinces, they require at least a college degree. In big cities like Shanghai and Beijing, schools usually require a university degree. Other schools require you to have a TEFL/TESOL certificate and teaching experience.
Salary Of Intern Jobs In Shanghai
Foreign teachers earn an average salary of 10,000 RMB per month, which is generally 2-3 times that of Chinese teachers. In addition, schools usually provide teachers with free furnished housing, either shared with other teachers or private, with other benefits such as airfare reimbursement, flight allowance, medical insurance, Chinese lessons, bonuses and holidays. For first time visitors to China, having accommodation is a great perk, making your transition smoother and easier.