Thank you all for the replies! What a wonderful community we have here : )

@wilcoman How exciting! I would love for us to get connected one way or the other! And yes, hopefully it goes well for both of us!

I really appreciate the replies!!! Thank you so so much, everyone!!!

@WinterFerret my school is 12-16 minutes (depends on the route) to the nearest station, which is East Xujing. It’s about 5km…which I don’t think I’d mind walking on good days but I heard the traffic can be intimidating. I have not been to Shanghai before but I suppose I have collected sufficient horror stories about road crossing. How true is all of that, I wonder.
Logically, I would rather have an easy commute to anf from school 5 days a week and travel a little further to town over the weekends if I wish. I am just not sure if I will be bored/isolated/something-along-that-line on weekday nights. Are there enough shops and things to do around East Xujing to keep me busy and/or entertained? How does the neighbourhood feel like? Expats to locals ratio?

@Overhere that’s right! Seems like it’s a 5km walk. Google maps seem to think I’d need an hour though. Not an easy walk because of the way the roads are laid out? As soon as I get to East Xujing metro, it should be quite easy to travel around Shanghai? I heard it can be a nightmare trying to get in and out of trains during peak hours (which is something to consider should I move downtown). How true is that?

@eion_padraig I don’t drive and don’t intend to so that might be a problem. Or not. Great… I love quiet. I just need to know if I will have enough things to do on weekday nights. For instance, can cafes/restaurants be easily found in the neighbourhood? Parks? Malls? Markets? Gyms, yoga studios, fitness clubs are all nice to have.
People talk about being hit by a vehicle ALL THE TIME. Really, what is it like on the roads? Do I have to be concerned?
And what’s it with strangers not being keen in rendering assistance to people in need on the streets? I hear that a lot about China too.

@ttt42 Did you enjoy the neighbourhood? : ) I wonder if it will make a difference if I stay in a local compound (without security) versus an expat compound (with security). I suppose at some point I will get to decide if I want to stay in the neighbourhood or move out. What was house hunting like for you? Difficult? How did you manage communication with say the landlord? As soon as I get to East Xujing metro, it should be quite easy to travel around Shanghai? I heard it can be a nightmare trying to get in and out of trains during peak hours (which is something to consider should I move downtown). How true is that? Sounds like you are having a great time in Asia! Where are you at right now? How would you sum up your experience in Shanghai?

So, I have made the decision move to teach in Shanghai. I am all set. I'm sure it will be a great learning experience. I'm also looking forward to learning more about China during this time.

The plan is to stay near the school for the initial phase. I understand that will be in Xujing. What's the environment there like in Xujing? What should I expect?

I will have to decide later if I would like to continue to stay in that area or move to wherever I like.

At the moment, staying near the school (since I have to commute to and from it every day) is a good choice. Do most teachers do that?

Given the school's location near Xujing, which other districts/areas can I consider? Which complex (if you have a specific location in mind) is worth looking at?

I am a young, single woman. Not into nightlife at all. Appreciate a balance between quiet and activities. Convenience and accessibility and of course, safety, is very important.

Thanks! : )

Any updates about this school? Anyone works here?

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@Psyguy

Pardon my clumsy fingers.

What I was trying to say is that I am only able to start in an IS on January, after the winter break. I am unable to leave earlier.

In a nutshell, I can only start in January and I really don't want to wait until August 2018 before I move.

What would you say?

Also, why would you call China a hardship country? I've always wanted to explore China... and thought Shanghai would make a good base.

Which country would you recommend for IT - I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

I'd be happy if Netfilx works there!

So many different views about the salary!

I am actually an experienced teacher. I have a BA in education and have taught in public schools at home (not international schools) over the last 12 years.

I probably could get a better salary in a different school but this is the only school that would be happy to have me start in November (instead of August). I can't start earlier because of my current contract.

I really don't want to wait till August 2018 to move to China and so I figured I might as well use the next year to build up my CV, get some IB training, then explore my options.

Is this way of thinking correct?

I am so glad I found ISR! What would I do without all of you!

I'm a female so I don't have to worry about spending money on dating Shanghainese women in Shanghai. ;)

But wow... I'm surprised how the salary can differ so greatly from school to school.

A few questions regarding that:

1. Does IS generally prefer to recruit teachers with IS teaching experience?
2. How easy is it for me to move to an IS that pays better at the end of my contract? Will my experience in another IS in Shanghai give me an advantage? Will I still be considered an overseas hire if I do the switch?

Regarding the air pollution:

1. On average, in a month, how many days do you find yourself having to wear a mask to go out?

Regarding food safety:

1. How safe is it to eat cheap?
2. Is it safe to get groceries from local market?
3. Any advice regarding food?

Regarding water pollution:

1. I was told by a friend that I should be prepared to use bottled water for EVERYTHING (from brushing my teeth to washing my face...). Is it THAT extreme?

Gosh! Thank you all os much for your input! The information shared is very helpful and it is so appreciated!

This is my first international teaching position. I am not too fussy about the salary at the moment (though I do have a mountain of student loan to pay off! (will be sending USD 1500 home each month for that. thank God I am not into nightlife activities.) I do believe I need to gather experience in one before I can get into what people would call “the top tier”. How true is that by the way? : )

I heard even with VPN… the speed is still crazy slow. Can you actually use gmail and youtube there without feel like smashing your computer?

Which VPN is the best, at the moment?

ONE MORE THING: How bad is the pollution? I read that it is definitely getting better compared to years ago. True? Do you “feel” it everyday?

And… how safe is Shanghai for a young single woman. I do look Asian but I certainly don’t look Chinese.

Thank you so much for your replies!

Well, I am not into nightlife so I should be fine.

Could you give me a rough idea of what the basic living expenses are like over there?

Utilities (I will be living alone in a one bedroom apartment).
Groceries + maybe eating out on weekends.
Internet.
VPN.
Phone Plans.
... What else?

I think I will be fine. I just want to know to what extent will i be OK since a chunk of my salary will be going towards student loans.

Making a move to China to teach in an International School! I'm very excited but would need the advice of some of you here!

Salary is RMB 25,500 per month after tax. Housing provided. Utilities and everything else on my own.

Will I do OK in Shanghai with this package? Is it decent? To what extent can I expect to save with this salary?

This will be my first move out of my home country to teach. Any advice will be so appreciated!!!

Hello!

I can't seem to find too many reviews about WISS. Any comments on the school, work culture, benefits, compensation, professional development opportunities would be soooooo appreciated!

Looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Cheers!

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