New Teacher Handbook 2015
Maple Leaf Educational Systems
2016
Index 01 Welcome 02 School Map 03 China 04 Preparation 06 Health 08 Money 09 Transport 11 Connect 12 Dalian HS 17 Dalian FNS 22 Tianjin 27 Zhenjiang 32 Wuhan HS and FNS 37 Chongqing 42 Shanghai 47 Henan-Luoyang
Welcome 3
I am most pleased to welcome you to Maple Leaf Educational Systems (MLES). In twenty years, Maple Leaf Schools and students have grown from one school with 14 students to 40 schools with 15,000+ students (March, 2015). BC-Certified teachers instruct students in the BC-certified high schools (grade 10-12) and foreign nationals (K-9) in 7 cities in China. Most Maple Leaf students graduate from grade 12 with two diplomas, one from British Columbia, Canada and a second from China. This opens a world of opportunity for our students. More than 95 percent transition into reputable western universities. MLES offers a wonderful teaching experience, filled with rich cultural explorations, and incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth. We hope that the information provided here is helpful as you look forward to moving to one of our school‟s locations. We are thrilled that you have decided to join the Maple Leaf family, and look forward to welcoming you to the Maple Leaf team in China. James W. Beeke Superintendent of Schools: BC Programs
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School Map
Schools Maple Leaf International School System is a fully accredited British Columbia Ministry of Education Offshore School, offering the British Columbia Graduation Program and the British Columbia Dogwood Diploma.
Philosophy Maple Leaf blends the educational strengths of East and West in education by incorporating a strong work ethic, memorization skills with analysing, synthesizing, monitoring and evaluation by using a variety of teaching and learning strategies to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the creative drive for excellence across our international curriculum.
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Overview
China
China is a developing nation with well over a billion people. China‟s largest cities are modern and efficient while the rest of China is mostly an agricultural nation. China is developing and its economic boom has led to many changes. At the same time, it is easy for China to overlook its long history.
History China has evolved from humble beginnings at the banks of the Yellow River to expand to an emerging global economic power. Chinese history has lasted thousands of years and there are connections between the people of 5000 or 6000 years ago and the Chinese of today, making it the longest lasting civilisation on earth.
People Chinese people lie at the heart of the countries massive transformation. Chinese people have been described as pragmatic and hardworking and as a result the country is becoming increasingly wealthy.
Language The official language is Mandarin. Cantonese is one of eight major dialects. With the exception of the western and southernmost provinces, most of the population speaks Mandarin, although regional accents can make comprehension difficult.
Climate
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China has four distinct seasons. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to early November) can be the most comfortable times, since you will avoid the heat of summer (June to August) and chill of winter (November to February/March).
Visas
Preparation
Visas are issued to teachers before they arrive in China. Visa‟s are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The Vancouver office arranges all of the paper work, and you must pass a health exam as part of the visa process.
Vaccinations Specialized travel medicine clinics are your best source of information, since they stock all available vaccines and can give timely recommendations for what you need for China. Bring records, including the dates, of any immunizations that you have had done.
Medications Pack medications in their original, clearly labelled container. Bring a copy of your medical records for you and your family members. If you have a chronic medical condition, get your physician to write a short medical history for your new doctor in China. .
Sundries Most personal items that you need or use regularly can be purchased in China. Mainstream brands may be available, while lesser known brands are hard or impossible to find. Many teachers purchase a one year supply of sundries in Canada to be brought to China in checked baggage.
Electronics
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China uses 220v power. Small appliances from Canada may not work, even with an adapter. Small electronic items are easy to find and purchase in China. A laptop with a power cord adapter, rated between 100 - 240V will work in China.
Formal Clothing
Preparation
You will need semi-formal clothing for special occasions. Classroom attire for men includes a collared dress shirt and tie, with dress pants and closed shoes. Women can wear sleeved blouses and tops, and closed-toed shoes are preferred. PE teachers can wear a collared shirt and running shoes.
Informal Clothing Most teachers prefer to buy clothes while in Canada, especially shoes such as athletic and dress shoes, since it may be difficult to find shoes that fit well in China. Also, Chinese fashion is more conservative compared to North America. Women typically do not wear sleeveless shirts or tank tops in public.
Vaccinations Resources Specialized travel medicine clinics are your best source of information, since they stock all available vaccines and can The School provides basic desk supplies such as tape, give timely recommendations forare what you need to forbring China. pens, pencils, and staples. You encouraged Bring records, including the dates, of any immunizations that school resources and materials from Canada. Some you tests you have had done. classrooms have digital projectors, and it is best to contact your school‟s administrator for a more detailed list of school resources that will be available to you. .
Flight The Vancouver office arranges travel from your point of hire or regional airport to your school location in China. You will depart around the third week of August. A representative from your school will greet you at the airport.
Shipping
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All teachers do not fly with the same airlines so check with the airlines as to how much baggage you can take for free. The school will reimburse up to $100 CAD for one extra bag for new teachers.
Hygiene
Health
China is a reasonably healthy country. Outside of the major cities, medical care can be inadequate, and food and waterborne diseases are common. School bathrooms have no soap or toilette paper, and squat and unclean toilettes are common throughout China. Some teacher carry tissues and sanitizer at all times.
Medical Teachers working at the school are insured though MSH China. The plan entitles you to 1200RMB of dental treatment and, 100% coverage for preventative and basic medical coverage. For more information, you can visit their website at www.mshchina.com.
Well-being Maintain your social well-being by staying connected to friends and family at home and become involved in afterschool staff activities. Transitioning to a new country can be stressful and you may have feelings and worries that you do not normally experience. It is important to be aware of your feelings and reactions, as you begin life in China. .
Culture shock .
Adapting to a new place takes time. Many teachers go through a period of personal frustration with new environments. This is known as culture shock and it‟s a normal part of adjusting to a new culture. The four phases of culture shock are fascination, hostility, acceptance and finally adaptation. .
Transition .
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Give yourself time to adjust. Attend a club or activity that meets regularly so that you meet new people and make friends faster. Contact friends and family back home since these connections will help you feel grounded. Manage your stress by staying healthy, eat well and get enough sleep and exercise.
Fitness
Health
Take care of yourself physically by exercising regularly. Some teachers visit local gyms while others work out at home or enjoy indoor sports such as hockey, basketball and badminton. Outdoor activities include hiking and cycling or staff team sports such as baseball, soccer, and football.
Nutrition Food is the fuel that sustains our energy and ability to concentrate. Of course, it‟s not always easy to maintain normal eating patterns when you‟re adapting to a new environment. Stress, unfamiliar foods, and hectic schedules may affect your diet. Try to be aware of these factors, plan around them, and make healthy eating a priority.
Water Follow these tips to avoid becoming ill; never drink tap water; bottled water is generally safe; avoid ice; avoid fresh juices since they may have been watered down. Boil water as the most efficient method of purifying it.
Safety If you must walk alone, know where you are going and look confident. Stay alert, using a cell phone or earphones can distract you. If you go out at night, go with friends. In China, the most common crime is theft. To prevent that carry only what you need and put your valuables in a safe place. Avoid leaving your valuables unattended in a public place.
Apartments Most apartments in China are furnished but not equipped. You will need to bring or buy linens, towels, dishes, pots and pans, cutlery, utensils pillows, shower curtains, etc.
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Salary
Money
Your salary will be deposited into your Chinese or Canadian bank account on the 15th of each month. You will have the option to deposit all or a portion of your salary to your Chinese or Canadian account. The school can help you set up a Chinese bank account.
Tax When you work in China, your income is taxed at roughly between 18% and 25%. If you continue to be a Canadian resident, you may be subject to Canadian income tax. China and Canada have a reciprocal tax agreement. All income tax paid to China can be deducted as a foreign tax credit from your Canadian income tax. A teacher who becomes a non-resident for tax purposes would be subject only to Chinese income tax.
Cash Many teachers find that 2500 RMB, approximately $500 CAD, can be sufficient for the first few days in China, until you find an ATM that accepts your foreign debit cards.
ATM Chinese debit cards are similar to Canadian debit cards. If you use an ATM in China to withdraw from your Canadian bank account, a typical fee is five Canadian dollars. You can withdraw up to 2500 RMB ($500 CAD) at one time.
Credit Cards
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Be sure to notify your credit card company that you are travelling to Asia. This way your card can be pre-authorized for overseas use. Most hotels accept credit cards. Merchants prefer cash and most likely will not accept credit cards.
Air China‟s air network is extensive, and the country‟s rapid economic development means that its aviation fleet will triple in size over the next few decades. Airports are being built and upgraded throughout China, making air transport increasingly appealing and affordable.
Train China‟s train network covers every province except Hǎinán. A variety of classes of trains means that you can travel according to your budget. Hard seats are the most affordable. If you want speed and comfort, look for softsleeper bunks. Express trains are modern and comfortable and can travel great distances.
Rail Light rail is an efficient and affordable option in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shànghǎi, Guǎngzhōu, Tiānjīn, Nánjīng, Shēnzhèn, Dàlián, Chóngqìng, and Wǔhàn.
Bus Buses are one of the best means of getting around. Services are extensive, main roads are improving and the number of intercity highways are increasing, making for efficient bus travel. Local bus fair starts at one yuan.
Taxi
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Taxis are cheap and drivers speak little or no English. Show a map or have your destination written in Chinese characters. Meters are often only switched on in larger towns and cities. If the meter is not used, a price should be negotiated before you get into the taxi. Check with other teachers for a fair price and negotiate with cab drivers.
Car Driving in China is different from North American driving. Drivers may not signal and honk their horns quite often. If you want to drive in China, you will need a residency permit and a Chinese driving licence. You also have to undergo a health examination and perform a written test.
Motorcycle There are many small villages with paved roads just outside of major cities. Chinese drivers treat motorcyclists with little respect and will expect motorbikes to yield at all times. Foreigners can legally drive motorcycles if they are residents in China and have a Chinese motorcycle licence.
Bicycle Except in mountainous cities like Chóngqìng, bicycles are an efficient method for getting around China‟s cities. Bike shops are plentiful and prices should be clearly marked.
Pedestrian Cars do not stop for pedestrians and instead drivers choose to honk their horn and drive around people who cross the street. At the same time, most pedestrians do not use designated crosswalks or obey traffic signals.
Other
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You will find China has a number of small transportation options that range from donkey carts to rickshaws. You will find these in large cities and rural areas. Some are designed for leisurely use, while others are strictly used for practical ventures.
Phone Your housing may have a land line available for a nominal fee. You can use your phone to place local or international calls. The majority of teachers prefer to use a mobile phone as their primary source of communication.
Mobile Mobile phones and mobile phone stores are plentiful in China. You can buy a cell phone at the side of the road, malls, or telephone shops. You can easily activate an unlocked IPhone, for use in China.
SIM Once you buy a phone you need to activate it with a little chip called a SIM card. You can buy a SIM from one of two companies, China Mobile and China Unicom. These companies offer several plans that can include phone and data transfer both locally and overseas. One option is pay as you go, with 100 RMB lasting about a month. .
Internet Internet availability and connection speeds vary according to your location. Connection speeds are typically slower compared to Canadian internet connections, and may be less reliable. China censors a great deal of information and websites such as Facebook and YouTube. .
VPN
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A virtual proxy network (VPN) is software that allows you to access internet content that is filtered in China. There are several VPN services and you can buy a plan online. It is easier to purchase a VPN plan in Canada, since VPN websites are blocked in China. Pure and Astrill are two of many VPN services.
City Maple Leaf International School-Dalianis located in Jinshitan, 60 minutes from Dalian. Jinshitan is a former fishing village designated by the government as a national holiday resort and educational park. The town has seen a lot of growth in recent years. The area is well known for its golden pebbled beach with thousands of tourists visiting in the summer months.
School DMLIS is a private senior high school, grades 10 to 12, consisting of a separate boys‟ and girls‟ campus. The school teaches the British Columbia curriculum, has high academic standards, and a caring environment.
Dalian
Students With almost 2500 students, ninety percent are Chinese and most students speak Mandarin. While English is the official language of the BC program, English is encouraged at all times; nonetheless, the use of a first language is common in the hallways and playing fields. .
Staff There are 125 BC certified teachers, with around 15 ESL support teachers. There is one principal, two deputy principals and a number of teacher support and administrative people as well as Chinese counsellors and office administrators among other staff. .
Contacts BC Office Phone, +86 (411) 87900411 BC Office Fax, +86 (411) 87900677 Website, www.mapleleafschools.com Maple Leaf Educational Park, # 9 Central Street Jinshitan National Holiday Resort, Dalian, Liaoning, PR China 116650
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Housing School apartments for teachers are available on the boys and girls campus. Rent for school apartments is deducted from your monthly salary. Rent depends on the size of the apartment, and ranges between $250 and $800 CAD per month. There are many private apartments for rent around the school. Inform administration if you will live off campus.
Furnishings Campus apartments are furnished, but not equipped, and include a dining room table, chairs, couch, a television, hot plate or stove, hot water heater, refrigerator, microwave, bed, and various end tables and cabinets. The school arranges a trip to Ikea and Metro within a few days of your arrival so you can pick up bedding and other necessities.
Utilities For campus apartments, you are responsible for the cost of drinking water, electricity, and internet service. Some internet providers will ask for pay for one year‟s service in advance.
Pets Pets are not allowed in school apartments. Some teachers have brought cats and dogs from Canada to China. There is a lot of planning and paperwork involved in this process and requires off-campus living. If you are considering this it is a good idea to come without your pet first and make the decision after you are more familiar with the environment..
Cleaners
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Several teachers have arranged for a weekly apartment cleaning service. The monthly cost of housekeeping, based on three hours of cleaning per week is around 350 RMB.
Rail Light rail is an affordable method to travel to and from Jinshitan and Kaifaqu. There is no line transfer needed when travelling directly from Dalian or Kaifaqu (the development zone) to Jinshitan. Light-rail cars are airconditioned, but they can be crowded during peak hours.
Bus Buses stop close to the school and they can take you from Jinshitan to surrounding areas for an affordable price, but the light rail system is faster and more comfortable.
Taxi Taxis are easy to find and rates start at 10 RMB for the first 3 km‟s and 2 RMB for each additional kilometre. Most drivers do not understand English. It is recommended that you present the cab driver with a business card of your destination. .
Bike Some teachers buy bikes in Jinshitan from local bike shops. It takes 5 minutes to ride a bike from the school to the beach, and there is a scenic road and boardwalk that runs along the beach. .
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Walking You can walk to a number of restaurants, beaches, markets and shops within ten minutes of the school.
Groceries Most of your groceries can be purchased in the local markets and stores. Dashang is a larger store by the light rail train station. Many „corner “stores have grocery items. There are lots of vegetarian food options available in China. If you are looking for gluten-free or dairy-free food, have your dietary concerns written in Chinese on a small slip of paper.
Imports There is a small import store across the street from the campus that stocks some items that you would find in a Canadian grocery store. You can also visit international supermarket chains such as Walmart and Tesco, or Chinese supermarket chains such as Dashang or Trust-Mart which carry many international grocery brands.
Household Household items such as furniture and small appliances can be purchased at Ikea or Metro, which is similar to Costco. The school will reimburse for up to1000 RMB for items purchased as part of a settling-in allowance. .
Clothing Clothing shops and tailors are everywhere. Some teachers find that Chinese fashion styles or fabric quality is not what they are looking for, and most teachers purchase clothing in Canada. Other teachers have clothes made such as fitted suits and jackets. Decathlon stores are located in Kaifaqu and Dalian.
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Electronics Small appliances, such as hair dryers or toaster ovens are more affordable in China, while complex electronics such as laptops are more expensive compared to Canadian prices.
Sports The school has a number of staff sports teams that you are welcome to join, including ice hockey, baseball, and volleyball. Cyclists have a lot to see within minutes of Jinshitan, while many teachers enjoy hiking in the local mountains, such as UFO Mountain, or Big Black Mountain in (Kaifaqu) the development zone.
Sights People wanting to socialize, play games, and check out the good view from the TV tower can visit Dalian‟s Labour Park. Zhongshan Square, located in Dalian, is a huge roundabout where people play cards, Chinese chess, or hacky sack. In Jinshitan, Golden Pebble Beach is walking distance from the school.
Restaurants Big Fish, a local Jinshitan Chinese food restaurant serves local favourite dishes as well as Suzan and Johnny‟s. For those wanting some western food there is Pizza Hut, McDonald‟s, KFC, Suzan and Toni Kocht. Outdoor booths located next to the market‟s live fish area, have a number of shacks that deep fry and boil tasty snacks and dishes. .
Entertainment Kaifaqu‟s Five Colour City is popular with foreigners looking for a fun night out. IMall movie theatre, also located in Kaifaqu, shows a variety of Chinese and Hollywood blockbuster movies. Kingdom of Discovery Theme Park in Jinshitan has a mini-golf course, a museum of Mao badges a martial-arts exhibition hall, and children enjoy the park rides. .
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Travel Many teachers travel around China to see Beijing and Shanghai. At the same time, teachers visit nearby countries during vacation time. Thailand seems to be a favourite, while small trips can be made to South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan among other places. .
City Dalian is a major city, and seaport, in the south of Liaoning province, Northeast China. Surrounded by the waters of the Yellow Sea to the east and the Bohai Sea to the west and south, Dalianis the southernmost city of Northeast China and China‟s northernmost warm water port and is the second largest city in Liaoning province, next only to the capital Shenyang.
School
Dalian Foreign Nationals
Maple Leaf Foreign Nationals School –Dalian currently enrols 175 students from pre-school to Grade 9. Thirty nationalities are represented at the school. Instruction is in English for all curricular areas other than 45 minutes of Mandarin daily. The school is located centrally in Dalian and teaches the British Columbia, Canada curriculum.
Students All of our students hold a foreign national passport and they represent 30 different countries from around the world. Our students range from having English as a first language to beginner English language learners. Students are expected to use the English language at all times while at school. .
Staff There are 13 BC certified teachers, 3 English language support staff(ELL), 3 Certified Mandarin teachers, one principal and additional office/school support staff necessary for the successful functioning of our school. .
Contacts Maple Leaf Foreign Nationals School – Dalian Tel. +86-411-82387757 Fax. +86-411-87900677 Website: www.mapleleafschools.com Wikisite dmlfns.wikispaces.com 104 Shengli Road Xigang District, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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Housing Rent will depend on the size of the apartment and city location. Cost could range from $450-$700 per month. Office staff will assist you in finding a location to meet your needs. In China you will typically be asked for 6 months‟ rent (or more) up front with signing the lease.
Furnishings Most rental apartments are furnished, but not equipped, and include a dining room table, chairs, couch, television, hotplate or stove, hot water heater, refrigerator, microwave, bed and various end tables and cabinets. You will need to bring or buy linens, dishes, pans, cutlery, towels, etc.
Utilities You are responsible for the cost of water, electricity and internet/cable services.
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Pets Some staff have transported cats and dogs from Canada to China. A lot of planning and paperwork is involved in this process. .
Cleaners Housekeeping services are available for interested staff to personally organize for these services. The monthly cost of housekeeping, based on three hours of cleaning per week is between 300-400 RMB monthly. .
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Rail Light rail is an affordable method to travel to Jinshitan and Kaifaqu. No line transfer is needed when travelling directly from Dalian or Kaifaqu to Jinshitan. Light-rail cars are air conditioned but they can be crowded during peak hours. A high-speed train has just opened for transit to Shenyang and Harbin. A subway system for Dalian is planned for 2016
Bus There is a highly developed but often crowded bus system in Dalian for a cheap fare.
Taxi Taxis are easy to find and rates start at 10 RMB for the first 3 km‟s and 2RMB for each additional kilometre. Most drivers do not understand English. It is recommended that you present the cab driver with a business card of your destination.
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Bike These are not recommended for travel in and around Dalian. Traffic is extremely busy and congested much of the time and there are no bike lanes. .
Walking
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You can walk to a number of restaurants, stores, markets and shops within twenty minutes of the school.
Groceries Most of your groceries can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Metro, Tesco or local stores. There are lots of vegetarian food options available in China. If you are looking for gluten free or dairy free food, have your dietary concerns written in Chinese on a small slip of paper.
Imports There are also small import stores located throughout Dalian. You can also visit international supermarket chains such as Wal-Mart and Tesco, or Chinese supermarket chains such as Trust-Mart which carry many international grocery brands. .
Household Household items such as furniture and small appliances can be purchased at Ikea, Sam‟s or Metro, which is similar to Costco. The school will reimburse for up to 1000 RMB for items purchased as part of a settling-in allowance. .
Clothing Clothing shops and tailors are everywhere. Many teachers find that Chinese fashion styles or fabric quality is not what they are looking for, and many teachers purchase clothing in Canada. .
Electronics
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Small appliances, such as hair dryers or toaster ovens are more affordable in China, while complex electronics such as laptops are more expensive compared to Canadian prices.
Sports Dalian has a professional soccer team playing in the Chinese Soccer League.
Sights People wanting to socialize, play games, and check out the good view from the TV tower can visit Dalian‟s Labour Park. Zhongshan Square, located in Dalian, is a huge roundabout where people play cards, Chinese chess or hacky sack.
Restaurants Dalian offers a variety of dining opportunities from McDonalds, KFC, Subway and Starbucks to a multitude of other ethnic style restaurants. Street vendor food is very popular with many of the locals. .
Entertainment Dalian has many of the theatre, opera and nightclub experiences of most major cities. . .
Travel
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Many teachers travel around China to see Beijing and Shanghai. At the same time, teachers visit nearby countries during vacation time. Thailand seems to be a favourite, while small trips can be made to South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan among other places. .
City Maple Leaf International School – Tianjin TEDA is located in the Tianjin Economic Development Area (TEDA) of Tianjin. Its location is near to Beijing (130 km). Tianjin is the third largest city in China and one of the four Chinese municipalities directly governed by the Chinese central government.
Tianjin
School Maple Leaf International School – Tianjin TEDA is a private senior coeducational grade 10 to 12 British Columbia high school. The school strives to inspire students to grow in mind, heart, body, and spirit and foster the values of respect, responsibility, honesty and hard work.
Students With 1200 students, ninety-five percent are Chinese nationals and most students speak Mandarin as a first language. While most of the students are from Tianjin and nearby cities, the majority of students, approximately 80%, board at the school dormitories. .
Staff There are about 44 BC certified teachers, with around 5 EFL teachers. There is one principal, one deputy principal and a number of teacher and administrative support staff, as well as Chinese counsellors and office administrators. .
Contacts Maple Leaf International School – Tianjin TEDA BC Office Phone: +86 (22) 66226888 BC Office Fax: +86 (22) 66226188 Website: www.mapleleafschools.com #71 – 3rd Avenue, TEDA Tianjin PR China 3000457
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Housing There are a limited number of teacher apartments available on campus. The rent for school apartments is approximately $575 CDN. Most teachers rent an apartment off campus. The school connects teachers and property managers in the first week of orientation in order to help arrange off campus apartments. .
Furnishings Campus apartments are furnished and include a dining room table, chairs, couch, a television, hot plate or stove, hot water heater, refrigerator, microwave, bed and various end tables and cabinets.
Utilities For campus apartments, you are responsible for the cost of drinking water, electricity, and internet service. Some internet providers will ask for pay of one year‟s service in advance.
Pets Pets are not allowed in school apartments. Some teachers who live off campus have transported cats and dogs from Canada to China. See the notes for MLIS-Dalian for more information on this.
Cleaners
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Several teachers have arranged for a weekly apartment cleaning service. Property managers can help to arrange cleaners.
Rail The Binhai Mass Transit (BMT) light rail is a quick and easy way to travel from TEDA to downtown Tianjin or to stops in between such as the IKEA store. There is also a fast train to Beijing that only takes one hour.
Bus Buses stop close to the school and the bus system is quite easy to become familiar with and use. .
Taxi Taxis are abundant in Tianjin TEDA and flagging one down is rarely a problem. Rates start at 8RMB for the first 3 km and 1.7RMB for each additional kilometer. There is a 1RMB fuel tax charge per journey. .
Bike Some teachers buy bikes and ride to school from their apartments. .
Walking
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The TEDA area is very convenient and during autumn and spring most restaurants and shopping can be reached by foot. In summer and winter, weather conditions can make walking any distance uncomfortable, but buses and taxis are cheap.
Groceries Shopping for groceries is not a problem in TEDA. Choices range from traditional style Chinese markets to international chains all with 5-10 minutes by taxi from the school.
Imports Western foodstuffs are available at international supermarket chains such as Tesco (UK), Jusco and Isetan (Japan) as well as small „international shops” like Nick‟s Mart and Times Grocery.
Household Household items such as furniture and small appliances can be purchased at IKEA or Tesco. The school provides 1000 RMB as part of your first pay period (September 15) for items purchased as part of a settling-in allowance. . .
Clothing When packing your professional clothing, “think comfortable and professional.” Men must wear comfortable pants, button up shirts with collar and tie. Women‟s dress code calls for professional dress wear or street wear. Dresses, skirts of modest length, and pants are acceptable. Jeans are not permitted. . . Electronics
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You should not bring any major electronic items. The Chinese use 220V power, which will permanently damage any electronics not rated for this power service. Laptops are usually ok but you should check all electronic ratings.
Sports The school is near to many health clubs. As well, there is a strong expat soccer community in TEDA. Hockey players often connect with the Dalian campus for road trips.
Sights Tianjin TEDA is less than 1 hour to Beijing by high-speed train, which means that all the sights of Beijing are accessible for short weekend trips, even day trips. Around TEDA there is much to see as well.
Restaurants Restaurants are plentiful in TEDA. You have a choice of Thai, Italian, French, German, Vietnamese, Japanese, American and of course Chinese food. Aside from very good western food, Sichuan restaurants, Beijing duck restaurants, BBQ and Hotpot restaurants are popular. .
Entertainment Many western pubs and Chinese dancing clubs are near the school. There is an IMAX theatre at the AEON mall near the school, which often shows English blockbusters. The TEDA soccer stadium, home of the Tianjin, TEDA FC, was built for the Beijing Olympics, is 5 minutes from the school and has games. .
Travel .
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There are plenty of options for travel out of either Tianjin or Beijing. Tianjin has direct flights to most cities in China and many large centers across Southeast Asia. .
City Maple Leaf International School – Zhenjiang is located in the Dagang New District, 25 minutes outside of the city. With a population of just over 2.5 million Zhenjiang is small enough that it is easy to navigate and get to know and yet large enough to support many modern city conveniences and luxuries. As an added bonus you are 1.5 hours outside of downtown Shanghai!
Zhenjiang
School Maple Leaf International School - Zhenjiang offers a BC Grade 1012 academic program that is fed by an EFL program. The teaching building is currently shared by a Chinese run middle school. The shared facilities can accommodate 1500 students and includes a large gym, a 600-seat auditorium, two multimedia rooms and an outdoor track and field.
Students At the beginning of our fourth year (2014-15) we had 305 which has shown steady growth year in and year out. Currently all our students are all Chinese nationals who speak Mandarin and therefore everybody here must be prepared to be an EFL teacher. Our school wide focus is to have high expectations of our students using English, but also a high level of EFL support.
Staff Our International teaching staff team currently includes 14 BC certified teachers, 4 EFL teachers, an EFL Director and, an Educational Coordinator, and a BC Principal. The Chinese staff includes an administration team, counsellors, teachers for local courses and school support staff. As we expect our enrolment to increase quickly so will the size of our staff.
Contacts Maple Leaf International School – Zhenjiang BC Office Phone: +86 (511) 8198-9788 BC Office Fax: +86 (511) 8198-9786 Website, www.mapleleafschools.com YinshanNanlu, Dagang New District (Dinggang) Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, P.R.China - 212132
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Housing We have limited housing available on campus, however, many teachers chose to live off campus in nearby apartment complexes. There is staff available to help you arrange this. Rent can range from $300 to $500/month and 3 months rent and 1- month deposit is required up front. Most teachers live in Dagang, less than 10 minutes by taxi from the school.
Furnishings Apartments that teachers rent are already furnished. However, many features of apartments in China are different from Canadian apartments. You will need to ensure your apartments have heaters/air conditioners and hot water tanks for example. We will accompany you and give you advice and support if you decide to live off campus.
Utilities Utilities include hot water, electricity, gas for the stove and Internet service and you are responsible for them. Gas and water costs are minimal but electricity costs can vary depending on how much you use your heaters/air conditioners. Internet service is less than $200 per year but you will be required to pay up front for the whole year.
Pets We do not recommend bringing pets to China because it is a long and complicated process. We also do not recommend getting pets in China because our workdays and our vacation times are also long and therefore it is very difficult to take proper care of them. See the note above for MLIS-Dalian for further comments on this topic..
Cleaners
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Hiring apartment cleaners is common for many foreigners living in China. The monthly cost of cleaning, depending on the size of the apartment and based on a weekly visit, will be approximately 400 RMB (100 RMB per visit)
Rail There is no light rail system for transportation in Zhenjiang. However, if you are going to other cities the bullet train network is extremely convenient and comfortable. Zhenjiang train stations are only 20 minutes from Nanjing (35 RMB one way) and between 1 to 1.5 hours from Shanghai (110 RMB one way).
Bus The local express bus runs about every 30 minutes from Dagang to the Zhenjiang train station downtown. The trip takes about an hour. There are numerous other buses but you will need some patience to figure out where and how often they go. It costs 1-4 RMB for a ride (you will need exact change) but most people prefer to carpool in a taxi.
Taxi Taxis in Zhenjiang and Dagang are generally easy to find and rates are very reasonable. It will cost 60 RMB or more for a one-way trip between the two, the base fare is 8 RMB. Drivers do not speak English so you have to use business cards or pointing to get anywhere at first. There are also “tuk-tuks” but you need to settle a price before getting in.
Bike You need to keep your head up when biking in China but it is a convenient method of transportation in Dagang. It takes about 15 minutes to ride from most apartments to the school. Many teachers opt to get an e-bike or small scooter. However, we stress the importance of always using caution on the roads in China as the rules are very different than in other countries.
Walking
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Most teacher apartments are within a short walking distance of restaurants and basic groceries in Dagang. Some teachers walk to school, which takes about 45 minutes from the closest teacher apartments.
Groceries Dagang has two major grocery stores, RT Mart and Datonghua, to get you started. Fruits and vegetables and other basic items are also readily available at local markets or stores.
Imports There is a small import food section at RT Mart in Dagang. There are also international supermarkets in Zhenjiang, including Tesco, Wal-Mart, Auchan and Metro. They mostly carry Chinese products but have decent selections of imports. Many teachers also bring back specific imports from Nanjing or Shanghai when they visit on weekends.
Household Many teachers choose to purchase additional household furniture and appliances to increase their quality of life at home. Most household items can be found in Dagang and Zhenjiang but there is also an IKEA in Nanjing for those looking for specific comforts.
Clothing Clothing is very cheap but the sizes, style or quality in local shops is often not suitable for Westerners. However, there are still many options in Zhenjiang, Nanjing and Shanghai to buy clothing for varied tastes and costs. Remember you will either need to bring or buy warm, professional clothing for work, as it will start to get colder in November. School dress code is quite formal.
Electronics
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The voltage in China is 240V. Most cell phones and laptops are fine, but other electronics you bring from Canada might require a converter. Electronics like laptops are generally more expensive in China. However, there are certain markets in Zhenjiang, Nanjing and Shanghai that sell all brands of electronics for more reasonable prices. If it’s too cheap, it’s probably fake!
Sports Our school is still a little small for teacher team sports but there are gyms in Dagang and there is a rock-climbing club in Zhenjiang. There are also many opportunities on the weekends for expats to join casual sports teams and participate in other clubs and activities in Nanjing and Shanghai.
Sights Zhenjiang has a beautiful ancient street complex, called Xijindu, that is a must visit. You can also easily visit the mausoleum of Sun Yatsen and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial in Nanjing as well as other cultural and historical sites around Jiangsu province. www.visitzhenjiang.com. Shanghai, and all its wonders, is also very accessible to us!
Restaurants There are many restaurants in Dagang but not all of them have picture menus. There are also two KFCs. In Zhenjiang there are Japanese, Korean, German, French, Italian and Thai restaurants as well as Papa John’s, Pizza Hut and McDonald’s.
Entertainment In Dagang entertainment options are limited, but there are billiards rooms, Karaoke clubs, and places to hang out. In Zhenjiang there are movie theatres and places to engage in casual or more upbeat nightlife. In Nanjing and Shanghai there are limitless options for a fun night out, including dancing, concerts, sporting events and more.
Travel
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There is no airport in Zhenjiang but flights from Nanjing or Shanghai to most other cities in China are frequent. It is only 4.5 hours to Beijing or Wuhan by bullet train. Many teachers travel to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia during the Spring Festival holiday in January but there are destinations in Asia to suit all ambitions and budgets.
City Maple Leaf International School – Wuhan is located in the hightech development zone of Wuchang about one hour from downtown Hankou. The area is developing rapidly with businesses, department stores and restaurants. From the school it is very easy to travel around Wuhan and enjoy this large exciting city.
School
Wuhan HS & FNS
There are four distinct schools on the campus: the High School, Grades 10-12 BC curriculum, the Foreign Nationals School, Grades K-9 BC curriculum, a Middle School, Grades 7-9 Chinese curriculum and an Elementary School, Grades 1-6 Chinese curriculum. All four schools have adopted the core values of MLIS-Wuhan: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Hard Work
Students There are approximately 2800 students on the Wuhan campus. 1450 in the High School, 800 in the Chinese Elementary School, 600 in the Chinese Middle School and 35 in the Foreign Nationals School. English is the official language on campus. Although students use their first language when not in class, we encourage the use of English by all students everywhere on campus. .
Staff There are 70 BC certified teachers and 22 ESL teachers on staff. We have Canadian teachers working in each of the schools as well as support staff. A large number of Chinese staff is employed at Maple Leaf International School – Wuhan, including teachers, secretaries, counsellors, maintenance, security and administration. .
Contacts Maple Leaf International School – Wuhan BC Office Phone: +86 (27) 81925705 BC Office Fax: +86 (27) 81925704 Website: www.mapleafschools.com 330 Minzu Road, East Lake High-Tech Development Zone, Wuhan China 430074
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Housing Maple Leaf administration facilitates the rental of staff apartments off-campus. Maple Leaf-Wuhan has over 50 of our teaching faculty living in the community of Vanke. Rent depends on the size of the apartment and ranges between 400 and 600 CAD per month.
Furnishings Vanke apartments are finished to a good standard, and are furnished with a dining room table and chairs, couch, a television, hot plate or stovetop, water heater, refrigerator, microwave, bed and various end tables and cabinets. It is worth mentioning that mattresses in Asia are considerably harder than a North American standard.
Utilities For the apartments you are responsible for the cost of drinking water, electricity and internet service.
Pets Small pets are allowed in apartments. Some teachers have transported cats and dogs from Canada to China. There is a great deal of paper work involved in this process.
Cleaners Several teachers have arranged for a weekly apartment cleaning service. Teachers are responsible for the employment arrangements with cleaners.
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Rail Wuhan has just opened up its second Metro line not too far from our school. It travels all the way to Hankou and the famous Jianghan road. The school is also not far from the new Wuhan railway station, which many travelers use to go to Shanghai, Nanjing or other hotspots. Rail is an affordable way to travel and you do not have to worry about airport hassles or delays.
Bus Wuhan buses can take you anywhere you want to go in Wuhan. It is very cheap (2-3 yuan) and can give you a feel for the culture in China. Busses in China are an adventure, and can be very crowded. During rush hours, there are more people standing than sitting!
Taxi Taxis are probably the most frequently used transportation within the city. They are affordable but not cheap by the Chinese standard. It is difficult picking up a cab from the school as the school is a little off the beaten path. Taxis are a great way to travel and a great way to practice your Chinese.
Bike .
Biking is another popular method of travel. Many teachers live in a nearby community called Vanke and biking provides a fast way to commute back and forth. There are plenty of places to explore on the bike from the countryside to shopping centers. Use caution when biking as Wuhan traffic can sometimes be unpredictable and unsafe. .
Walking
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From the school your walking destinations are limited. If you decide to live in Vanke, you are a 30-40 minute walk to school and only a 20 minute walk to Guang Gu Tian Di, a shopping complex that features Wal-Mart, Pizza Hut, and a Starbucks. Walking is comparatively safe in Wuhan, however you must always remember that vehicles have the right of way.
Groceries The campus has many small grocery stores in the vicinity where you can buy fruits, vegetables, fresh pork and chicken. The on-campus store offers some basic food and grocery items and you can eat on-campus. There are choices for vegetarians. Our staff frequently orders „everything‟ they need from Taobao.
Imports There are a limited number of grocery stores that carry western food nearby. The stores that do carry western food (Wal-Mart, Carrefour, IGA) are a short cab ride away. Most staff shop for international goods at a chain store called Metro, which has the best selection of western food. The school staff, at times, arranges a bus for a trip to Metro
Household Apartments have basic furniture, washer, stovetop burner and micro wave ovens. You can readily purchase small appliances at Wal-Mart, Carrefour, or Metro. Voltage in China is different from Canada and not all small appliances purchased in Canada can be used here.
Clothing Larger sized clothing is not readily available in China so you may want to bring your clothing, especially shoes from Canada. There is a Tailor Street in Wuhan which is a popular spot to have clothes made to measure.
Electronics
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Computers and more complex electronics are not cheaper in China. Small appliances are more affordable. Apartments do not have ovens but rather most cooking is done on a two-burner gas stovetop. Small ovens can be purchased and are not too expensive.
Sports The staff organizes sports events throughout the school year. Ball hockey is organized every day after school. Students and teacher soccer matches occur monthly when weather permits. Staff participates in intramural activities with students. There are swimming pools and gym facilities located nearby as well as a rock climbing wall. There is a new ice rink and much interest from management in starting a hockey team. Consider bringing some equipment.
Sights The famous Yellow Crane Tower, which looks out over the Yangste River offers a great view, historical information and displays of ancient Chinese architecture. Malanshan Forest Park offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city in a picturesque natural environment. In the spring you can also check out the beautiful cherry blossoms at Wuhan University.
Restaurants For local flavours there are many restaurants that offer traditional Chinese food. Close by are many western restaurants where you can get your Canadian fix. Hot market food can be accessed practically around every corner offering dumplings, noodles, tofu and deep-fried bread. Visiting a food market in China is a must. .
Entertainment For a night on the town, there‟s a range of Chinese clubs, foreigner pubs and Karaoke bars that have separate rooms for large groups. The Guanggu Mall has a movie theatre with a small selection of English movies as well as an arcade room.
Travel
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Wuhan is centrally located in China, which makes travel by rain, plane or bus very convenient. Beijing and Shanghai are equal distances from Wuhan. Yunnan and Guangxi are also popular Chinese destinations. During long vacations teachers travel to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc. Traveling in China is relatively inexpensive and is an amazing adventure.
City Maple Leaf International School –Chongqing is located in Yongchuan District, Chongqing. Yongchuan is a rapidly developing city of just over one million people located about 1.5 hours from downtown Chongqing. The school is located in “New Town” – the recently developed area – with “Old Town” still providing an excellent experience and adventure.
Chongqing
School MLIS-Chongqing features two dorms, a two-story cafeteria, Chinese and Canadian library, classroom space, theatre/performing arts building, gymnasium and large playing field. The classrooms have access to WiFi and are equipped with overhead projectors.
Students As of March 31, 2015 there were approximately 480 students enrolled in the school‟s BC program. The majority of the students come from Chongqing, but the reputation of MLIS-Chongqing is now attracting more students from surrounding areas of Chengdu and Kunming.
Staff There are close to 30 B.C. certified teachers at MLISChongqing. In addition, there are a number of International ESL teachers working in the ESL Department. BC staff work closely with Chinese teachers and Counselors who instruct in both the ESL and the Chinese curriculum programs.
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Contacts Maple Leaf International School – Chongqing BC Office Phone: +86 (23) 4957 2957 BC Office Fax (China Only): +86 (23) 4956 6111 Website: www.mapleleafschools.com 777 Maple Leaf Rd. Xuefu Ave. Yongchuan District, Chongqing, China 406160
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Housing Teachers live in the neighbourhood as there are not staff apartments on campus. The school does own a number of apartments off campus, available for teachers to rent. Yongchuan features an increasing number of new highrises, so there are lots of good choices in accommodation.
Furnishings Apartments are typically furnished with couch, chairs, tables, beds (very hard mattresses), desks, and television. You will need to supply your own dishes, pots, pans, utensils, linen, towels and personal preferences like microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, etc. Most apartments do not have air conditioner/heater units in every room, but space heaters and electric fans are readily available at decent prices.
Utilities Electricity will cost about 200-300 RMB per month. High speed Internet (including Wi-Fi) and cablevision is available, though you will need help getting it set up. Water Coolers are suggested and water must be delivered to your apartment. Propane is also an additional cost and will obviously depend on usage.
Pets We do not recommend bringing pets to MLIS-Chongqing because getting here is a long and difficult journey for them. We also do not recommend getting pets anywhere in China because workdays and vacation times are long and it is difficult to take proper care of them. Yongchuan is quite hot in the summer months and heat is very stressful on pets.
Cleaners Storefronts offer dry-cleaning and laundry services at a reasonable rate. In addition, house cleaners are available, and cost approximately 80 RMB per visit.
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Rail Trains leave the main station in Old Town to a host of destinations. Be sure to book exactly seven days in advance if you wish to travel on holidays. A High Speed Train System linking Chongqing, Yongchuan and Chengdu will hopefully be completed during the 2015-16 school year.
Bus There is a regular bus service to Chongqing (1.5 to 2 hours, 30RMB) and Chengdu (4 hours, 90 RMB). In addition, staff may take the student bus to the Hilton Hotel (Chongqing) on Friday afternoon, with the return trip leaving from the Hilton Hotel at 3pm. on Sunday.
Taxi With a base rate of only 5 RMB, Yongchuan taxis are very affordable and they are the preferred method of transportation for most teachers. Cabs can become scarce between 5 and 6 pm, which is when driver changeover occurs. They are also scarce when it is raining… . .
Bike There are many bicycle shops renting or selling very high quality bikes, throughout Yongchuan. New Town, with its wide streets and relatively sparse traffic is ideal for cycling, but PLEAS WEAR A PROPER HELMET. The surrounding hilly terrain also offers a challenge for those wishing to venture out and explore the area. .
Walking
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China features an important cultural difference from Canada: cars will not stop for you if you are crossing the street, so proceed with caution. Walking to Fairy Lake (featuring a large, lit statue) and Tangcheng Park are enjoyable and not strenuous. You will likely walk more in China than you do in Canada, so bring good walking shoes.
Groceries There are two large supermarkets in Yongchuan‟s New Town – Ren Ren Le and New Century. There is also a WalMart in Old Town. Produce and meat can be purchased cheaply at the street markets around town, but decent beef and hamburger is difficult to find.
Imports Yongchuan supermarkets currently lack western items such as cheese, good yogurt, processed meats and canned goods. Such items can be purchased at Carrefour or METRO in Chongqing. “TaoBao”, the Chinese internet supermarket is also available and you can order anything online (Kraft Miracle Whip, Tim Horton coffee, etc.) and have it delivered to the school within a few days.
Household Local stores like Sunning and Ren Ren Le offer a wide variety of household items such as heaters, vacuum cleaners, curling irons, pots, pans, etc. They will also have foam mattress tops which you will find handy to place on top of the incredibly hard Chinese mattresses. IKEA is in Chongqing.
Clothing Yongchuan is a place of extremes in temperature, so bring both warm and cold-weather clothing, including a good jacket and waterproof shoes/boots. It can be difficult to find shoes, pants and shirts that fit well, so purchasing these items in North America is advisable. TaoBao has become a popular clothing store for many folk.
Electronics
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220 Voltage in China so make sure your electronic item is suited for that. Otherwise, voltage adaptors are necessary for any electronics that accept 220 volts. Teachers can‟t log onto sites such as Facebook and Twitter with a VPN. Cable TV is available but there is only one English Channel so it is a good idea to bring a hard drive stocked with movies and TV shows.
Sports Lots of sports activities around the school including basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton and Friday afternoon indoor floor hockey. We also have an indoor computerized golf program where you can actually play a „virtual‟ round of golf on world famous courses. Teachers are also encouraged to join intramurals and lead athletic clubs during activity blocks.
Sights Yongchuan is located about one hour from the Dazu rock carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tea Mountain features numerous tea plantations, and the „bamboo sea‟ covers 33 sq. kilometres. Chongqing is famous for its Hot Springs, and the world famous Panda Research and Development Station is situated in nearby Chengdu.
Restaurants There is an eclectic selection of restaurants in Yongchuan, with an increasing number of western options. Choices are numerous around the area, with hot pot (the area‟s signature dish), Muslim noodle, classic Sichuan cuisine, Thai, Pizza, Korean BBQ, and fried rice all available. There is a KFC and Pizza Hut, but nothing else so far.
Entertainment Yongchuan has two movie theatres that show major western movies. KTV (karaoke) is common. Bar Street is a local favourite area long the canal. Street Dancing is common at night among the Chinese, and foreigners are always welcome to join in. Majiang parlours are everywhere. Chongqing offers a more “Western” nightlife, with the Jaifangbei boasting Irish pubs, tex-mex restaurants, Starbucks and nightclubs.
Travel
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Chongqing‟s location in China makes it easy to travel throughout the country. International airports, where many direct flights are available, are in both Chongqing and Chengdu. High Speed Train service is currently available in Chingqing and hopefully soon (2015-16) in Yongchuan.
City Maple Leaf International School –Shanghai is located in Jinshan District in the city of Shanghai. Shanghai, with a population of 24.5 million, is one of the most important cities in China and all of Asia, with a rich history and a vibrant, cosmopolitan culture.
Shanghai
School The school is housed in a stunning 270 acre complex 50 kilometers south-west of the center of Shanghai n the ancient water city of Feng Jing. Our boarding facility (K-12) includes 2 classroom buildings with 25 classrooms in each, a two-floor cafeteria, a huge gym, modern multi-purpose outdoor fields, wifi internet access in every classroom, in a beautiful rural setting. It includes a fully certified BC Canada program at the high school level. Students at Maple Leaf embrace the core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and hard work
Students Current enrollment is at 396 students in grade 10-11, with grade 12 added in the coming school year at which time enrollment will exceed 500 students. Most of our students are Chinese, but we also have foreign students from Russia, Switzerland, the USA and Kazakhstan. Classes for students in the K-9 program are taught in Chinese by Chinese teachers, with English classes from ESL teachers. The British Columbia high school curriculum is taught exclusively in English by BC certified teachers.
Staff . Our campus-wide teaching team is currently made up of Chinese and international teachers. All Canadian teachers who teach in the high school program, including the BC Principal, are fully certified by the British Columbia Ministry of Education, Teacher Regulation Branch. We currently have a BC principal, Vice-Principal and staff of 16 which will expand to 30 teachers for next year.
Contacts .
Maple Leaf International School – Shanghai BC Office Phone: +86-021-60129718 BC Office Fax: +86-021-60129727 Maple Leaf International School Fengye Street, Fengjing Town, Jinshan District,Shanghai, PR China 201501
Website: www.mapleleafschools.com
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Housing Modern, school apartments for teachers are off-campus in a safe, secure (24-7) and well-maintained high-end apartment complex in the town of Feng Jing – an ancient water city. Monthly rental rates are currently $350 CA per month for one bedroom apartments (60 or 90 sq. meters); $550 dollars for two bedroom apartments. The rent is deducted directly from teachers‟ monthly salary. The school is 10 minutes by bus, 15 minutes by bike or a 40 minute lovely walk.
Furnishings MLIS - Shanghai school apartments are semi-furnished. This includes: tile and wood composite flooring, some balconies, a dining room table, 4 chairs; sofa, cushions, television with remote control, electric or gas cook top, microwave, kitchen exhaust fan, bed(s) and mattress(es), bedside tables, wardrobe(s), coffee table, window coverings, refrigerator, hot water tank, rain-head shower, air-conditioner (hot/cold) with remote control, and top loading washing machine. (Teachers are also free to purchase their own furniture). Not included: pots and pans, cooking implements, cutlery, glasses, plates and bowls, oven, electric kettle, toaster, bookshelves, chest of drawers, hair dryer, coffee maker, teacher desk, bottled water, water dispenser, electric clothes dryer; telephone, vacuum, electric fan. Utilities, including electricity, hot water heat, air-conditioning,
Utilities
water, garbage-disposal, maintenance fees, and high-speed wifi are reasonably priced and are the full responsibility of the tenant. Utilities and maintenance fees (includes garbage disposal) are deducted directly from teachers‟ monthly salary. Internet service can also be arranged. Cell phones and cell-phone monthly package, are available from a variety of service providers including China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom. Unlocked iPhones (or any unlocked phone) from Canada are easily fitted with a local SIM card.
Pets Pets are not allowed in school apartments. Teachers who elect to live in „outside‟ housing may be allowed pets, but it is uncertain. .
Cleaners
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Cleaning personal is available for hire to clean teacher apartments on a regular basis. Rates range from 2.5 to 3.5RMB per sq meter. Teachers are responsible for the employment arrangements with cleaners. Local property managers may be able to assist teachers with hiring cleaners.
Rail Shanghai is 45 minutes by bus which leaves every 30 minutes at a cost of approximately $2.00. The bus station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute cab ride from the apartments. Shanghai has international rail and air service (Pudong) to every part of China and the world. Fast, convenient and comfortable rail connections to all parts of China make quick weekend trips to many tourist destinations easy and affordable.
Bus Although public busses in Feng Jing can be crowded, they are cheap, convenient, accessible and a culturally fun way to explore the city and meet the locals. Rates are 3 RMB upon boarding regardless of the distance travelled. Several busses 2 blocks from the teacher apartments run directly to the school.
Taxi Taxis are modestly priced (rates start at 12 RMB) but are often very difficult to find especially at the front gate of the teacher apartments. It will cost 250 RMB to go downtown Shanghai, 30 RMB to venture to the school, 350 RMB to Pudong airport. On occasion Taxi drivers will add a 1 RMB fuel surcharge per trip. The BC secretary has the phone number of local cabs and can assist teachers.
Bike .
Bike riding is a popular way to see the city due to the flatness of the terrain. Regular speed and mountain bikes in all shapes and sizes are available for sale at every price range in the city or delivered through the online site Taobao.com. The city streets are not usually crowded with traffic (except on weekends as we are a tourist destination) but it is relatively safe riding once you learn and adapt to Chinese driving habits. .
Walking
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We are fortunate to have our teacher apartments located a short 5 or 10 minute walk to either one of our supermarkets or the ancient downtown area which features coffee shops, restaurants and bars. The bank, dry cleaner, and local wet market are 10 minutes from your apartment door.
Groceries Shopping for groceries and supplies poses little problem in Feng Jing. Choices range from outdoor wet markets for fresh veggies and produce to mid-sized stores for most of your daily needs. „GMS‟ or “NGS” is the Feng Jing answer to Wal-Mart. There are many small grocery stores, but even the larger stores carry limited import foods.
Imports Western imports and foodstuffs including coffee, electric coffee makers, cheese and Perrier water, among others, can be obtained in English online and delivered to your apartment door the next day through a variety of websites like “Epermarket”. A short trip to Shanghai will have you at Ikea, Carrefour or Metro (both similar to Costco).
Household You can purchase quilts, blankets and other household goods in Feng Jing, but many prefer to shop at Ikea or Metro in Shanghai. Staff often arrange a group trip to share cab fees. .
Clothing When packing your professional clothing, „think comfortable and professional‟. Men must wear comfortable pants, button up shirts with collar and tie. Women‟s dress code calls for professional dress rather than casual wear or street wear. Dresses, skirts of modest length and pants are acceptable. Jeans are not permitted. Larger sized clothing is not readily available in Feng Jing, so you may want to bring those special articles, especially shoes with you from home. Everything is available in Shanghai, and market shopping can be a great adventure. Taobao.com has a lot.
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Electronics
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You should not bring major electronic items from Canada. The Chinese use 220V power, which might permanently damage any electronics not rated for this power service. As an example hair dryers and small ovens can overheat quickly, but can be purchased here. We have not had any issues thus far with personal Laptop, but you should check all electronic ratings.
Sports We have an active intra-mural program which features ultimate Frisbee, road hockey, badminton, ping pong and of course basketball. We also have teams who are in a league with 8 other BC schools in basketball, badminton, soccer and Frisbee team. The games add to our vibrant school culture. Feng Jing has a local gym which is open 7 days a week and includes weight machines, cardio-machines, and free weights. Membership fees are about $200 per year.
Sights The Shanghai and Feng Jing area is a treasure trove of archeological and historic sites. The list of local water cities, nearby sites like “West Lake”, and of course the many sights in Shanghai such as The Bund and Jade Temple are just a short ride from your apartment.
Restaurants Feng Jing has many local restaurants, a KFC, several very nice coffee shops, bakeries and lots of street food vendors. Shanghai has every type of food imaginable with amazing restaurants from every part of the world at a wide range of prices. .
Entertainment Feng Jing has limited entertainment venues for expatriates; however, there are countless Karaoke bars (KTV). There are also several pool halls, a bowling alley, and a western style bar in town. Fan dancing and Chinese style square dancing spontaneously erupt in many areas on most evenings when the weather is warm. Visitors are encouraged to join in. .
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Travel Pudong is the major International airport serving Shanghai. Direct flights from Toronto, Vancouver and most other major cities world-wide are available. There are numerous train stations serving the area which are convenient, affordable and safe.
City Maple Leaf International School –Henan is located in Yibin District in the city of Luoyang in Henan province. Luoyang, with a population of 6.5 million, is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, and is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. .
HenanLuoyang
School The School is housed in a stunning 17 acre complex 20 kilometers south-east of the center of Luoyang in a new suburban development. Our co-educational boarding facility (K-12) includes a fully certified BC Canada program at the high school level. Students embrace core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and hard work.
Students Current enrolment exceeds 400 students, 100% of whom are Chinese nationals who speak Mandarin as a first language. Classes for students in the K-9 program are taught in Chinese by Chinese teachers. However all students receive daily English lessons delivered by both Chinese bilingual teachers and international English speaking teachers. The British Columbia high school curriculum however, is taught exclusively in English by BC certified teachers. .
Staff Our campus wide teaching team, made up of Chinese and international teachers, currently surpasses 50. All Canadian teachers who teach in the high school program, including the BC Principal, are fully certified by the British Columbia Ministry of Education, Teacher Regulation Branch. .
Contacts Maple Leaf International School – Henan BC Office Phone: +86 379-6300-5621 BC Office Fax: +86 379-6968-1806 Website: www.mapleleafschools.com 50 West Yuquan Street, Yibin District Luoyang, Henan, PR China 471000
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Housing Modern spacious school apartments for international and BC Certified teachers are available off-campus in a safe, secure and well-maintained high-end apartment complex. Security is provided 24-7. Rental rates range from 300-550 Canadian dollars per month for 2 bedroom apartments (60 or 90 sq. m). The rent is deducted directly from teacher‟s monthly salary.
Furnishings School apartments are semi-furnished. This includes dining room table, 4 chairs, sofa, TV with remote, electric cook top, microwave, bed(s) and mattress(es), bedside tables, wardrobe(s), coffee table, window coverings, refrigerator, hot water tank, laundry drying rack, air-conditioner (hot/cold), washing machine. Does not include: pans, cutlery, dishes, glasses, toaster, oven, kettle, bookshelves, telephone, vacuum, coffee maker, hair dryer, water dispenser.
Utilities Utilities, including electricity, hot water heat, air-conditioning, water, garbage-disposal, common area maintenance fees, and high-speed wireless internet are reasonable priced and are the full responsibility of the tenant. Utilities and maintenance fees are deducted directly from teachers‟ monthly salary. Internet service can also be arranged directly from a number of different service providers. Unlocked iPhones from Canada are easily fitted with a local SIM card.
Pets Pets are not allowed in school apartments. Teachers who elect to live in „outside‟ housing may be allowed pets, but it is uncertain. Please see notes for MILS-D for more information.
Cleaners
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Cleaning personal is available for hire to clean teacher apartments on a regular basis. Rates range from 2.5 to 3.5RMB per sq. meter. Teachers are responsible for the employment arrangements with cleaners. Local property managers may be able to assist teachers with hiring cleaners.
Rail Luoyang, situated on the central plains of China is conveniently connected to major urban centers via a new high speed train network: Beijing is 4 hours north (365rmb); Wuhan, 3 hours south (300rmb) and Xian, 2 hours west (119rmb). The city‟s only high speed train station, called Luoyang Longmen, is 5 minutes by cab from the teacher apartments (20 minutes by foot). This convenient comfortable rail connection makes a weekend getaway to the cultural/historic centers of China an exciting possibility.
Bus Although public busses in Luoyang are crowded, they are cheap, convenient, accessible and a culturally fun way to explore the city and meet the locals. Rates are 1RMB upon boarding regardless of the distance travelled. Several busses pass directly in front of or behind the teacher apartments.
Taxi Taxis are modestly priced (rates start at 5 RMB) but are often difficult to find by the teacher apartments. A 5 to 10 minute walk from the apartments however, will usually result in finding an empty cab. It will cost 25 RMB to go downtown, 40RMB to venture out to the school, 100 RMB to the Luoyang airport and 6.5 RMB to connect with the High Speed train station. Taxi drivers add a 1 RMB fuel surcharge per trip. .
Bike . Bike riding is a popular way to see the city due to the flatness of the terrain. Regular speed and mountain bikes in all shapes and sizes are available for sale at every price range. The city streets are crowded with traffic but it is relatively safe riding as special bike lanes are provided. .
Walking
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We are fortunate to have our teacher apartments located a short 5 or 10 minute walk to either one of two modern „mega‟ shopping malls. The high speed train station is a brisk 20 minute walk door to door by way of a green space and the bank, dry cleaners, local restaurants and local wet market are literally across the street.
Groceries Choices range from outdoor wet markets for fresh vegetables and produce to mega malls for local and imported goods. „Dennis‟ is the Luoyang answer to 7/11 and the IGA called „Dazhang‟ a grocery store. The Bao Long Mall features a KFC, Pizza Hut, Coffee Shop, English Cineplex and a giant grocery store. The Quan Shun Mall includes 5 floors of clothing, shoes, household appliances, English Cineplex, restaurants, Starbucks, Burger King and groceries.
Imports Western imports and foodstuffs including coffee, electric coffee makers, cheese and Perrier water, among others, can be obtained at the IGA (Dazhang) food store a short bus ride from the teacher apartments.
Household Sorry, no IKEA, TESCO or METRO just yet, but Muji‟s is rumoured to be opening soon! However, we do have Carrefour for your shopping pleasure and adventure; the only problem is how to get all that stuff back to your apartment once you have purchased it. (45 minutes by crowded bus in each direction or 30 RMB by taxi).
Clothing When packing your professional clothing, „think comfortable and professional‟. Men must wear comfortable pants, button up shirts with collar and tie. Women‟s dress code calls for professional dress rather than casual wear or street wear. Dresses, skirts of modest length and pants are acceptable. Jeans are not permitted. Larger sized clothing is not readily available in Luoyang, so you may want to bring those special articles, especially shoes with you from home.
Electronics
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You should not bring any major electronic items from Canada. The Chinese use 220V power, which permanently damage any electronics not rated for this power service. Laptops are usually OK but you should check all electronic ratings.
Sports Although we are a little small for sports teams this year, teachers are encouraged to form or join and lead athletic clubs during activity block after school. Teacher apartments are conveniently located by the Golden Times Gym. Features include: 50 M. lap pool, weight room, treadmills, stationary bikes, dance studio, yoga, and aerobics for the sum of 3500RMB for 12 months. Open 9-9, 7 days a week.
Sights Luoyang is a treasure trove of archeological and historic sites. These include: Longmen Grottoes – 30,000 Buddhist sculptures, Free Luoyang archaeological museum, White Horse Temple, Guan Lin Temple, Eastern Zhou Royal Horse, Chariot Pit Museum, Ancient walled city,etc. Teacher apartments are 5 minutes from the largest outdoor fountain in Asia. Free lightshows are daily during the warm seasons. An annual peony festival is held in April every year.
Restaurants Luoyang is famed for its „Water Banquet” which consists of 8 cold and 16 warm dishes all cooked in various broths, gravies, or juices. There are also many local restaurants that serve fried dumplings, noodle soup and cumin lamb,etc. The western restaurants are McDonalds, DQ, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Pacific Coffee and Haagen-Daz. There is an Indian restaurant and 5 star Hotel restaurants.
Entertainment Luoyang has limited entertainment venues for expatriates. However, countless Karaoke bars and Chinese style pubs are around Peony Square in Jianxi district. Chinese operas are available. Fan dancing and Chinese style square dancing spontaneously erupts in most parks during warm weather. Visitors are encouraged to join in and experience this unique local culture.
Travel
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There is no international airport in Luoyang, but Zhengzhou is 30 minutes away by high speed train. Teachers can choose to travel to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. during the lengthy Chinese Lunar Year holiday in January/February each year.
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