Please a copy here!

INFORMATION FOR
OVERSEAS APPLICANTS
FOR TEACHING POSITIONS
2016
-
2017
National Training Laboratories, Bethel Main
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Table of content
Please click on the heading to go to that section
Welcome from the school Director
About NCIC
School vision, mission, philosophy and commitment
Curriculum
School calendar 2016 - 2018
School procedures
Faculty (2015 - 2016)
Events at NCIC
Teachers' conditions and benefits
Pay and conditions
Visa processing
About Shenzhen and China
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Dear new and prospective teacher,
A VERY WARM WELCOME TO NANSHAN CHINESE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE!
I am delighted that you are considering joining us here at Nanshan Chinese International College and hope
that you find all the information you need in this handbook. I trust the following information will give you an
overview of the of the school setting, philosophy, curriculum, facilities, vision and mission as well as practical
advice on working and living in cosmopolitan Shenzhen.
If you are an educator willing to offer our students opportunities to develop academically, socially, physically,
and morally, able to use different teaching styles to cater for a variety of learning styles, strive to achieve
excellence in teaching through modern student-centred active learning and are willing to contribute to cocurricular activities then we are very happy to hear from you.
At Nanshan Chinese International College we offer:
 A very positive, conductive, secure, caring and highly respectful environment where mutual respect
resonates throughout our school and teachers, students and parents are happy partners.
 Dedicated staff, students and parents who support both achievement and high grade achievement.
 A very high teacher: student ratio which allows 121 and group tutorials to equip learners with all the
necessary academic skills to be successful and exceed their target grades.
 A smaller number teaching periods compared with our local competitors to allow more time for PPA etc.
 No behavioural issues and so the school atmosphere allows you to do what you are trained to do, teach
rather than control.
 An extensive range of fun and challenging co-curricular activities that develop and extend student learning
outside the classroom.
 Outstanding school ICT facilities including a PC in every classroom, a laptop for every member of staff, a
modern e-library with over 14000 ebooks and textbooks, two computer laboratories, an interactive
whiteboard in every classroom etc.
 Excellent facilities including a new purpose designed building, eight fully equipped Science laboratories,
two Art and Design Studios, two fully equipped music studios etc.
 An opportunity to join like minded teachers who are always available when you need help; they go above
and beyond duty and are dedicated and hardworking.
 A "becoming" truly international environment that provides students and teachers with the opportunities to
develop international understanding.
 The opportunity to travel extensively and experience the beauty of China and the whole of Asia.
Our faculty are also expected to lead at least one "during lunch" and/or "after school" co-curricular activities
(CCAs). These equip our students with valuable co-curricular learning opportunities, and offer staff an
opportunity to interact with students in an environment outside the classroom.
Should you have any other questions that are not covered in this handbook, and if you want, we can put you in
contact with our current teachers who can give you their perspectives on working at NCIC and living in
Shenzhen.
I look forward to welcoming you to NCIC.
Dr Youcef A. Said
Director
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
About Nanshan Chinese International College
Nanshan Chinese International College (NCIC) was established in July 1999.
2
29,000m , situated in
the scenic Overseas Chinese Town
A beautiful campus of
area of Nanshan, neighbouring one of
Shenzhen’s most well known entertainment and recreational hub, ‘Window of the World’.
NCIC caters for Mainland Chinese students as well as Foreign Passport holders. The school has
experienced steady growth over its short, but very successful journey, and has a current roll of 2000+
students enrolled from primary through to high school.
NCIC successes to date include recognition by several educational organisations nationally and
internationally. The school is now one of the highest ranked educational establishment in all of Guangdong
Province. In March 2011, the Shenzhen Municipal Education Bureau further awarded the school the title of
‘Model School’ in recognition of its provision of high standard 21st century education.
NCIC adheres to the principle of holistic education in which staff always strive to develop the students’
emotional, intellectual, spiritual and physical well being, within an international environment with an emphasis
on further developing our students’ language proficiency in English as well as Chinese.
The school has three divisions:
International Division
The international Division, established in 2008, is a Cambridge School. We offers the universally accepted
CIE international curriculum to Grade 7 through IGCSE to A-Level students. From under 50 students in 2008,
the International Division now offers high standard 21st century
education to 400+ local and international students.
NCIC
graduates are studying in the most respected colleges and
universities worldwide including in the United Kingdom, USA,
Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong.
The purpose built school building, which is fully equipped with
Science laboratories, Arts, Drama, Dance and Music studios, e Library, auditorium and administration areas, is capable of
accommodating staff and up to 700 students. The new building is
also fully wired to incorporate the latest technologies in education. A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is
being developed to ensure that our staff and students fully embrace the practical applications of technology
in their teaching, learning and research.
Bilingual Division
This section is by far the biggest and offers a combination of local and international curriculum at primary and
junior levels. The school is committed to developing and achieving proficiency in both Chinese and English
through the integration of both an intensive core Chinese curriculum blended with core elements of the
Cambridge Primary and Secondary 1 Curriculum.
Over the past five years, the school has provided a number of opportunities for students to travel and study
abroad, with classes at grades 4 and 5 involved in exchange programs with a number of Australian schools.
The next step of the school’s strategic development plan is to establish a reciprocal exchange programme
with key Australian High Schools and other IB schools around the world.
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Many of the students at the end of their Grade 9 Junior School year sit the Government Middle School
examinations and then move on to Local High Schools to further their education within China. The others will
choose to stay on and join the International Division to further their education in an International learning
environment before they pursue tertiary education in overseas universities and colleges.
International "immersion" Primary Division
This section is will formally open its doors to students in August 2016. The school will provide holistic
education to pre-school through Grade 8 students and aims to balance social, emotional, academic and
physical success through challenging learner-centered programs.
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
School Vision
To establish an international college of educational excellence in which learning is placed at the heart of all it
does and students, parents, and staff are proud partners.
School Mission
Nanshan Chinese International College aims to provide high standard education for international
understanding and to prepare students to become enlightened global citizens.
School Philosophy
We value honesty and hard work.
College Commitment

to continuously raise standards of our education and improve our school by self-evaluating our
strengths and weaknesses, and via improvement plans across the whole school, each department
and subject.

to encourage our students to work collaboratively, to think critically and to apply their learning and
skills in cross curricular and real-world situations.

to ensure that our lessons are delivered consistently to a high standard and to share with our parents
and students: curriculum content; learning targets; homework.

to track our pupil’s behaviour thoroughly and to motivate them through a system based around
recognition and rewards.

to hold meetings with parents when required to address concerns and to work-out strategies to
address any behavioural issues of their children.

to work in partnership with parents and students, and to provide opportunities for engagement and
support for our students.

Provide a safe, happy and supportive learning environment.

to assess our students regularly formatively and via standardised 3rd Party Summative tests.

to challenge students via the use of learning targets which are communicated to parents and students
and, if deemed necessary, parents.

to track our attainment and progress data which is used to inform our teaching and improvement
planning.

Strive to prepare students to be independent individuals, critical thinkers, problem solvers and life-long
learners.
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Curriculum
NCIC is accredited by Cambridge International
Examinations
to
deliver
the
Cambridge
International Secondary 1 Curriculum in the
Middle School at Grades 7 and 8, through
International General Certificates in Secondary 2
Education (IGCSEs) to Cambridge Advanced
Level General Certificate of Education (A-levels)
in the Upper Secondary Section of NCIC.
Cambridge International Examinations, which is
part of the University of Cambridge, is the
world’s
largest
provider
of
international
education programmes and qualifications for 5 to
19 year olds. CIE qualifications are recognised
by most world’s universities and employers.
Cambridge Secondary 1: Grades 7 & 8
The Cambridge Secondary 1 Curriculum is designed to give a broad and balanced curriculum so that
students are prepared well for the IGCSE and later A level.
Grade 8 students will normally sit formal Checkpoint exams in English, Math and Science at the end of the
two years course; normally in April of each year. Students will sit two papers in English, two papers in Math
and two papers in Science.
Cambridge Secondary 2: IGCSE
The International Division of Nanshan Chinese International College (NCIC) offers an International
curriculum based on the world class Cambridge University IGCSE programme. IGCSE is an internationally
recognised qualification for school students, typically in the 14–16 age group, and is offered in more than 160
countries by more than 6000 schools and colleges.
Cambridge IGCSE provides a broad and flexible study program and covers subjects from a variety of areas:
Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational. Most IGCSE
subjects offer a choice of tiered examination: Core or Extended papers. This is designed to make IGCSE
suitable for students with varying levels of ability. In some subjects, IGCSE can be taken with or without
coursework. Cambridge IGCSE allows teaching to be placed in a localised context, making it relevant in
different regions. It is intended to be suitable for students whose first language may not be English and this is
acknowledged throughout the examination process.
Cambridge Advanced: A level
A levels are an internationally recognised qualification for school students, typically in the 16–19 age group,
and are taken by over 175 000 learners in more than 130 countries every Year. CIE offers a choice of 55
subjects!
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Cambridge International AS Levels are qualifications in their own right, and they could be taken as part of a
progression to Cambridge International A Level. A huge advantage is that students can study for Cambridge
InternationalAS Level alongside Cambridge International A Level subjects to increase breadth in the
curriculum and to build further knowledge and understanding. A level aims to promote independent thinking,
applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations, handling and evaluating different
types of information source, thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments, making
judgments, recommendations and decisions,presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications
and communicating them clearly and logically, working and communicating in English to name but a few.
School Calendars
The NCIC academic year consists of two semesters. The first semester starts in August and ends end
December. The second semester runs from January to mid June. The major holiday periods during the
year are October Break, the Christmas & New Year Holidays, Chinese New Year Holiday, and the
Summer Vacation. National holidays are also observed.
2016-2017
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Academic Year Calendar
Click on date for further information
Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews
Holidays
Staff INSET
Academic presentations
Summative assessment
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Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews
Holidays
Staff INSET
Academic presentations
Summative assessment
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Academic Year Calendar
December 16
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October 17
November 17
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Academic meetings :
After each major
exams
Departmental meetings:
Fortnightly
Class supervisors:
Fortnightly
Students council:
Fortnightly
Evening supervisors:
Monthly
Weekly
Fortnightly
Fortnightly
Once every two months
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Administration and academic Meetings
Management:
HoD:
HoY:
All staff:
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April 18
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June 18
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May 18
August 17
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Th
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December 17
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2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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Su
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August 17
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Briefings for Staff
Staff briefing are held Wednesday afternoon after the senior school assembly in the auditorium
 Announcements and notices for the week.
 Members of the management team and HoD, HoY and Staff are encouraged to contribute
Class Sizes and Make Up



Form tutor groups are usually 24 or less
Classes for all Subjects are usually 24 or less
Classes in the core curriculum areas may be academically streamed so as to take the greatest
advantage of targeted teaching but teaching mixed ability groups is the norm at NCIC.
Communication with Parents
Meeting with IGCSE 2 and A level parents:
TWO meetings per academic year after the end semester Examinations.
TWO formal academic reports issued after the end semester Examinations.
Meeting with Grade 7 - IGCSE1 parents:
THREE meetings per academic year after the mid and end semester Examinations
THREE formal academic reports issued per academic year after the mid and end semester Examinations.
Timing: Parent meetings normally held Friday afternoons
Dress Code:
ALL NCIC employees are expected to act as role models for the students. They are also
expected to present a professional image to visitors to the school. Therefore, all employees
are expected to dress in a neat and tidy fashion during working hours, appropriate to their
standing and authority in the school. All employees are required to apply consistently high
standards of dress and behaviour inside the school.
Male
Employees should wear collared shirt and trousers. Full length trousers should be worn at all
times. Staff are expected to wear ties from end of September till end of May. Jeans, T-shirts,
hats and printed clothing are not acceptable. Sandals without socks are also not acceptable.
Tracksuits and trainers should be kept for PE/sports lessons.
Female
Employees should avoid wearing apparel with too much exposure. Miniskirts, strappy tops or
‘short’ shorts are not acceptable. Jeans, T-shirts, hats and printed clothing are not acceptable.
Make up should be light. Tracksuits and trainers should be kept for PE/sports lessons.
Slippers are not acceptable
Safety
All Staff should make certain that their choice of shoes ensure their safety in addition to
supporting the school’s professional standards of appearance
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Emergencies and Safety Precautions
Terrorist Activity
Students must remain in the classroom under supervision of the teachers until advised
otherwise by Management.
There should be at least two teachers in each classroom
Remain calm and quiet.
Storm Warnings
Storm Warnings are announced over the TV
Should the school be closed it will be communicated to all staff.
Earthquakes
Earthquake drill should be held at least once a year.
Normal practice is for Students to take a crouched position under their desk till the quake
finishes
Students and teachers then proceed in a calm and orderly manner to the school assembly
area
Fire
The signal for Fire alarm is: Continuous Siren
The fire assembly point: Basketball playground, South East corner,
Who is responsible for sounding the fire alarm?: It is the duty of ANYONE discovering a
fire to operate the nearest fire alarm.
Meal Provision
Breakfast is provided for both Staff and Students: 7:00 - 7:50am
Lunch is provided for both Staff and Students: 11:55 - 13:00pm
Dinner is not available to staff
Official School Day Hours
Typical day in NCIC
Middle School
Senior School
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Education Outside the Classrooms
Excursions are a valuable learning experience for relating learning to the real world. Excursions
should be:
 Well planned
 Have official approval from Management. An Excursion Form must be filled out and presented
for approval.
 Be conducted at a time least disruptive to timetabling.
 Effectively communicated to other staff who may be affected in any way.
Professional Development
NCIC commitment to the professional development of its staff has been improving in the past few years.
Teaching staff are provided with opportunities to further their professional careers through a range of
Professional Learning opportunities both within the school and within China.

Staff are encouraged to attend Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) professional
development including twice yearly face to face training, Online training and Coursework
Assessment training.

We also invite outside speakers to come to the campus for in service staff training. In February
2016, we will have two full days training by Simon Lee and Lena Wok.

We run our own INSET days. These events are very popular amongst staff.

In addition to the above, we offer full programs of induction for Newly Qualified Teachers, New
Staff joining our school, Classroom Supervisors, Heads of Department and Heads of Year as well
as School Managers.
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Staffing (2015-2016)
Leadership Team
Mr J. Lan:
Mr Q. Qiu:
Mr P. Lan:
Dr Youcef A. Said:
Tanya-Lee Parker:
Thomas Pouchly:
Anne Virata:
Rebecca Wang:
Sherry Zhang:
Sharmir Qi:
Principal
Executive Principal
Executive Vice Principal
Director
Head of curriculum Middle school
Head of curriculum Senior school
Examination Officer
Head of Pastoral Department
Head of School Administration Office
Head of Admissions and Careers
Heads of Year (quality assurance managers)
Dr Chris Hagen
Head of A level
Chris Chen
Head of IGCSE 1
Emma Hagen
Head of IGCSE 2
Karen Hill
Head of Grade 7
Nathan Quain
Head of Grade 8
Senior Librarian
Judy March
Senior Librarian
Departments
The Arts Department
Yvette Stride: Head of the Arts Department and teacher of A&D
Brian Hobblit:
SamiaKhattab:
Vivian Li:
Yvette Stride:
Tanya-Lee Parker:
Teacher of Music
Teacher of Art and Design
Teacher of Art and Design
Teacher of Art and Design
Teacher of Physical Education and HOC
Eric Duan:
Kevin Wang:
Teacher of Physical Education
Teacher of Physical Education
Humanities Department
James Rogers:
Head of Humanities Department and Teacher of Business and Economics
Chris Chen:
MichelleMengmeng:
Thomas Pouchly:
Zoe Tian:
Teacher of Business and Economics
Teacher of Business and Economics
Teacher of Business and Economics
Teacher of Business and Economics
Dr Chris Hagen:
Emma Hagen:
Joanna Fang:
Yi Liu:
Teacher of History
Teacher of History and Geography
Teacher of History and Geography
Teacher of History
Dr Chris Hagen:
Gloria Zhou:
Teacher of Sociology
Teacher of Sociology
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Languages Department
Darcy Fisher: Head of Department and Teacher of English
Doris Zeng:
Karen Hill:
Rebecca Wang:
Shirley Yang:
Mr Paul Delahunty:
Cathy Wang:
Teacher of English and Deputy Head of Pastoral Department
Teacher of English
Teacher of English and Head of Pastoral
Teacher of English
Teacher of English
Teacher of English
Yan Zheng:
Victoria Ye:
Whitney Yu:
Teacher of Chinese
Teacher of Chinese
Teacher of Chinese
Mathematics Department
Youcef A. Said:
Head of Math Department and Director of school
Ice Liu:
NathanQuain:
SuhailRiaz:
Neil Moffit:
Sherry Xueli:
Sue Shen:
Tracy Zhou:
Fred Xia:
Leeson Yi:
Teacher of Math
Teacher of Math
Teacher of Math
Teacher of Math
Teacher of Math
Teacher of Math
Teacher of Math
Teacher of Math
Teacher of Math
Science Department
Dr Keith Ashness:
Head of Science Department andTeacher of Chemistry
Annie Zheng:
Chris Alpiar:
Teacher of Biology
Teacher of Biology and Head of IGCSE 2
Jack Zhang:
Wendy Wen:
Sherry Zhang:
Resources
Teacher of Chemistry and ICT
Teacher of Chemistry
Teacher of Chemistry and Head of the School Admin Office and Human
Anne Virata:
Frances Bradley :
David Cui:
David Deng:
DrStan Lippmann:
Teacher of Physics and Examination Officer
Teacher of Physics
Teacher of Physics
Teacher of Physics
Teacher of Physics and ICT
Bruce Kallio
Teacher of Science
Crystal Wang:
Wang Liuming
Science Lab Technician
Science Lab Technician
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Pastoral Department
Rebecca Wang:
Head of Pastoral Department and teacher of English
Cathy Wang:
Chris Chen:
Eric Duan:
Fred Xia:
Joanna Fang:
Kevin Wang:
Sherry Xueli:
Shirley Yang:
Sue Shen:
Tracy Zhou:
Victoria Ye:
Wendy Wen:
Whitney Yu:
Yan Zheng:
Yi Liu:
Zoe Tian:
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisorand teacher and Head of IGCSE 1
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor
Assistant to the HoP and Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor and assistant to the HoP
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor
Class Supervisor and assistant to the HoP
Admissions and Careers Department
Sharmir Qi:
Head of Admission and Careers Department
Joice Yu:
Admissions and Careers Department
Phoebe Liu:
Admissions and Careers Department
Stacy Chen:
Admissions and Careers Department
School Admin Office and Human Resources
Sherry Zhang:
Head of SAO & HR and a teacher of Chemistry
Echo Qi
School Admin Department
Sissi Mao:
School Admin Department
KatherineHuijia:
Yuvi Shi:
April Li:
HR Department
HR Department
HR Department
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Events at ICIC
Welcome to New Parents (September)
The Director organises this event to welcome new parents to the school. The director outlines the variety of ways that parents can be
involved in the life of the school community.
The parents will also have the opportunity to meet all of their children’s teachers at one time, as well as the parents of their children’s
friends. For teachers, they will have the opportunity to present an overview of the academic year to parents, and to share their
experiences including the grade level/subject program taught by the teacher. Parents and staff appreciate this occasion enormously.
Student orientation
The Pastoral Department normally arrange three days orientation for new students. This event is known as camping and is spent in a
four-five star hotel or a camping site outside Shenzhen City. Staff also join the students. Camping is one of the most popular events
on the school calendar. Students and staff alike enjoy the opportunity of getting to know each other and developing teamwork and a
sense of community in new and exciting contexts.
Assemblies (Weekly)
Assemblies are held to celebrate all that is happening in the school community. Heads of Year are responsible for the
organisation of the Assembly Roster and roster for Hosts, Student and Staff Presentations. Students play an active role in presenting
aspects of the academic cultural, social and sporting life of the school.
Grades 7& 8

Held every Wednesdays from 12:55 to 13:25.
IGCSE and A level

Held every Wednesdays from 16:00 to 16:30.
Checkpoint, IGCSE and A level Awards Ceremony (November)
This ceremony is held to acknowledge the achievements of the students completing CIE Checkpoint, IGCSE and A level.
A level Graduation (May)
The A2 Graduation is a formal event held in our own school auditorium. Speeches, entertainment and the presentation of
school certificates to the graduates are followed by an informal meal in one of Shenzhen’s best restaurants. The prom is usually held
on the night of the graduation, and includes a dance and dinner in celebration of the completion of A level.
Grade 7 - AS level Graduation
Grade 7 - AS level Graduation ceremony is an extremely popular event in NCIC. Attended by all staff, all students, parents and
school Principals, the event is held on the last day of every academic year to acknowledge the achievements of the students.
Students will receive their School-Based Achievement Certificates and Record of Achievement to acknowledge completion of the
year programme.
House System and House Activities
The House System aims to embody the values and ethos of NCIC and is an integral part of the school community. It is anticipated
that the House System together with the School Council will enable our students to have a stronger voice in the decision-making
across the school.
Every student who attends NCIC is a member of a ‘House’. The Houses consist of all students from Grade 7 through to A2 level. The
vertical grouping of the students in their Houses allows them to work with students of all ages and give support and inspiration to
younger students as well as foster a sense of family and community.
There are FOUR Houses in NCIC:
Ruby
Sapphire
Red
Blue
Emerald
Gold
8
Green
Yellow
Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
House Competitions
House Activities are very popular at NCIC and include Football, basketball, Charity work, Sports events, Singing,
the Arts, Music, School events, Photography, Inter-House games etc.
Academic competitions
These events are run throughout the academic year and include spelling, Science, Mathematics, Business etc. competitions. Staff
and students truly enjoy these events.
Christmas Party and Music Concert (December)
Christmas Party is extremely popular amongst students and staff with lots of students’ organised activities and competitions. Staff
also take part in this popular event.
Chinese New Year Celebration (depending on time of Chinese New year)
This is certainly the most festive week on the school calendar. Chinese New Year celebrations are renowned the world over for their
colour, noise, fun and food. The Chinese committee invests a huge effort to ensure that the customs and traditions are understood
and enjoyed by all.
Art Show
The Art show is a showcase for the students’ work throughout the year; the school displays on the fourth and eighth floors are the
perfect venues for displaying students’ Art work.
NCIC Idol (Semester 1)
These two singing competitions are planned and executed by the school Media Group, the student Council and the House prefects!
The shows allow students to showcase their talents in singing and music. Staff also enjoy joining the fun!
Sports Day (December)
We are proud of our Sports Days because we get 100% success every time! House prefects and PE Staff put a lot of thought into
creating events that mix fun and competition, and most importantly, are greatly enjoyed by ALL.
ISAC Sports (throughout the year)
NCIC is a member of the International School Athletics Conference (ISAC), where we compete in a variety of sports such as
badminton, football, volleyball, basketball, handball, athletics, and cross-country with other international schools in Shenzhen.
Our philosophy is to try and give every child the opportunity to participate regardless of ability.
9
Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Teachers’ Conditions and Benefits
Newly Hired Teacher Arrival Date
The first day of School for staff is 08 August 2016, so newly hired teachers are asked to arrive in Shenzhen by the 1 st of August 2016.
The time before the rest of the faculty arrive is used to enable new staff to find and settle into their apartments, complete visa
processes and know how to get by in the city. All new and existing staff are expected to participate in the comprehensive orientation
activities which will take place between the 8th and 12th of August 2016.
Expectations of Faculty
During the school year, teachers are required to be at school from 07.50am to 4.30pm on all regular school days, and until 5.45 pm
on days that they lead any co-curricular activity. In addition, on Wednesdays, we hold staff briefings, sometimes a general meeting,
that may last until 5pm.
Teachers should expect to teach up to 20 contact periods in a week (periods being 50 minutes). Teachers who teach less due to
teaching allocations may be given additional duties or responsibilities to ensure equity. In addition, teachers are required to lead at
least one Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) per week and to carry out their share of supervision duty. There are approximately 180
school student contact days, plus approximately 5-7 professional development and planning days for teachers.
Technology Expectations for Teachers: 21st Century Teaching and Learning
At NCIC, technology is a natural and essential part of everyday school life for teachers and students. Our vision is to have technology
empower students to participate and initiate purposeful learning experiences through mobile and ubiquitous computing, as well
as be inspired to develop critical thinking skills and support continuous inquiry.
At NCIC, we have a vision that all members of the community understand and model respectful, responsible, and ethical uses of
technology in academic, social, and personal contexts; and where learning is meaningful for all. The vision for learning across the
curriculum is for an embedded approach where higher order thinking is fostered, technology is ubiquitous and teachers embrace all
aspects of 21st Century learning, including fostering the essential role of the student as a communicator, collaborator and
creator. Technology in this context is not an end in itself but an infrastructure that can is making enormous advances in the quality of
teaching and learning for all.
Coming towards an Understanding of E-Learning
E-learning is an approach used to facilitate and enhance learning through, and based on, all useful forms of digital devices. E-learning
may also be used to suit distance education, and is considered to be a form of flexible learning where just-in-time learning is possible.
Essential components of e-learning at NCIC include:
•
The use of online technologies including the internet and Web 2.0 tools in the learning process
•
The use of learning technologies to enhance the learning experience for all
•
The use of digital tools for curriculum delivery and assessment
•
The use of digital tools for on-going professional development, interaction and collaboration.
NCIC 121 Learning
A 121 learning environment is defined as one where students and teachers access to a personal mobile computing device 24 hour a
day, 7 days a week. In addition they have access to digital content, appropriate offline and online software and digital authoring tools.
The 121 learning environment at NCIC International School consists of the following:
• Teachers are issued with a laptop
• Students in Grades 7 & 8 are required to have an iPad
• Students in IGCSE and A level are required to have a laptop
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Responsibilities of Teachers
The NCIC Teacher shall during his/her employment under this agreement:
•
Teach as and when assigned by the School when the School is in session
•
Strive to be a role model for students
•
Have a teaching load determined by the School based on the School’s academic, administrative and operational
requirements and policies current at the relevant time
•
Carry out and fulfill administrative duties as the School may from time to time determine
•
Complete online and/or be present for orientation courses and/or supervision of examinations and/or Professional
Development training and/or teaching cover for absent colleagues as and when required by the School
•
Carry out and fulfill all assigned duties and/or activities prescribed by the School at any time
•
Attend all faculty, subject or division, parent-student teacher interviews, and/or any other meetings or events as
required by the School
•
Carry out supervision duties before and after school; and during recess and lunch periods when so directed by the school,
and generally assist in the maintenance of student behaviour at the School
•
Supervise (and/or conduct) an After-School Activity; and/or student functions
•
Carry out all teaching duties with due care, skill, expedience and diligence; and participate in additional duties and
responsibilities as required by the School.
Children of our faculty (dependents)
Teachers with a full-time contract of at least one academic year may enroll up to three of his/her children at the school with only 25%
of the school tuition fee. Registration, food, school uniform, Co-curricula activities, excursions, CIE examination fees,
transportation/bus fee and all other charges or fees will, however, be borne by the teacher in full. Children of new teachers must meet
the school eligibility requirements for admission, and agree to abide by the conditions of eligibility for their children and sign essential
documents demonstrating their understanding of the requirements.
Leave Eligibility
The school’s primary responsibility is to ensure that teaching and learning programs continue with a high degree of efficienc y and
effectiveness. Due to a variety of reasons teacher absences are inevitable. The School may at its sole discretion grant to the
Teacher the following special leave with pay provided he/she obtains the written approval from the Director prior to taking such leave:
Emergency/ Compassionate/Personal Leave

A maximum of 2 working days in each academic year for compassionate leave arising from the death or critical condition of
immediate family members with documented proof:

Days cannot be added to vacations

Days are not to be taken after 1st May; immediately preceding or immediately following school holidays; business trips;
professional development trips; or during the first two weeks or last two weeks of the School year, unless due to
extenuating circumstances, and permission has been granted by the Director

Emergency days are for emergencies, and are not an entitlement.
Sick Leave



Paid leave for up to 5 Days (after the event).
Any leave requiring 2 or more days require a doctors certificate
The school may require a doctors certificate for single day absences if a pattern of absences is found.

The maximum allowable sick leave is 30 days. After 30 days, Party A may terminate the contract.
Health Leave (Unpaid)


Comes into effect once Paid Sick leave has been exhausted
Up to a further 23 days per academic year may be granted
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Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Pay and conditions
Visa:

The school will cover the inside China costs of the appropriate annual Working Visa and agreed associated costs:

Actual Visa.

Medical Certificate

Translation Fees

Residency
Insurance


Accident Insurance in China will be paid for by the school
International Medical insurance: 50% paid for by the school and 50% paid for by the teacher.
Additional Allowances offered over and above the Basic Salary are:


Accommodation allowance is provided:

This allowance is fixed at 6000 RMB (tax form/fapio is required).
Flight Allowance.
 This allowance is fixed at 11000 RMB net payable after Chinese New Year.
Curriculum and Lead Teacher Responsibility Allowances offered over and above the Basic Salary are:




Form Tutor (Class Supervisor) Allowance of 1 000 RMB +
Department and Year Heads Allowance of 1 000 RMB +
Examination officer Allowance of 1 000 RMB
Head of Curriculum Allowance of 2 000 RMB
Basic Salaries
Criteria for appointment of New Staff will be based on the candidate’s ability to fulfil expectations in the following
areas:






Educational Background
(Bachelor Degree as minimum qualification)
Teaching Qualifications.
(Evidence of Teaching Certificate required)
Teaching Experience in home country
(Evidence of Teaching required)
Teaching Experience abroad
(Evidence of Teaching required)
Other Relevant Non-teaching Experience (Evidence of Teaching required)
Teaching philosophy and perceived ability to be an active team member
The following shows the Pay and conditions at Nanshan Chinese International College. It should be noted that the
monthly salary and allowances are NON-NEGOTIABLE.
12
Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
2016-2018 academic year
(all in RMB)
ALLOWANCES
Salary
Housing
Flight
Before tax
After Tax (net)
X
X- tax
By the 7th of each month
6000
Fapio applies
By the 7th of each month
-
11000
After Chinese new year
Paid for by school
When applying for visa
Visa
Insurance
Intl
When Paid
Total Cost
School pays:
22000
50%
50%
100%
0%
Local
Staff pay:
When paid
Paid in monthly increment
Other allowances (for new staff only)
Settling in
Hotel
Visa
2000
1000
1500
100%
800
Paid with 1st Month salary
7 days
Paid with 1st Month salary
MONTHLY SALARY
Rate/Month
Basic Salary (Based on first degree, e.g. BA, BSc)
21000
Qualified Teacher Status (e.g. PGCSE)*
1000
Qualified Teacher status (e.g. PGCSE i)**
500
Other Relevant Teacher Qualification (e.g. TEFL,TESL, TESOL )*** 200
21000
* = Min one year, ** = Min one year online, *** = English teachers only
Second qualification (e.g. MSc)
Second qualification (e.g. PhD)
Teaching experience
Yrs home
Yrs abroad
Yrs NCIC
Other relevant non-teaching experience
1000
2000
Maximum/Yrs
8
4
No limit
4
Rate/Yr
500
500
500
300
No of yrs
0
0
0
0
Your Monthly salary
Monthly salary = before tax! (tax = 22-25% in accordance with Chinese Law)
Monthly salary is EXCLUSIVE of any other allowance
13
21000
Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Visa Processing Policy
Documentation Checklist in Home Country
Foreign
Teacher

Copy of Passport

Resume

Copies of Qualifications

Police Clearance Certificate

Health Certificate

ID Photos

Contract

Visa Application information

Working Permit For Foreign Teachers
Confirmation Letter of Invitation
HR

Health Certificate

ID Photos
Documentation Checklist in China
Foreign
Teacher

Passport

Resume + Translated

Qualifications + Translated

Health Certificate (Chinese)

Employment Contract Bilingual

ID Photos

Residence Registration Form (Chinese)

Letter of Release from Previous School within China
Foreigner’s Residence Permit
Passport
FT Processes
Health Certificate
ID Photos
Step 5
Residence Registration Form
14
Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
Foreign Teacher Checklist
On acceptance of the position offered
□
□
□
Make sure the school has received copies of your qualifications and a copy of your current valid
passport
Clarify any points you may not be sure of to save confusion and misunderstanding
Sign TWO copies of the Contract and send ONE back to NCIC
For Foreign Teachers living in the area
□
□
□
Clarify with the school your current Visa Status and advise expiry date
Ensure you have the appropriate release letters from your previous school and hand these into our
Foreign Teachers’ Office
Come into school at least a day before your start date to familiarize yourself with the school,
curriculum, timetable and office
For Foreign Teachers traveling from their home country
□
□
□
□
□
Ensure you Passport is valid for at least six months. If your Passport expires while you are in
China, you may renew it in either Hong Kong or Guangzhou, depending on your country of origin.
Obtain a Working Visa from the Chinese Embassy
A medical certificate may be required from your home country for the Visa
Ensure you have all the following documentation with you when you present them to the Visa
Office
 Resume
 Certified copies/Originals of Degrees and Qualifications
 Your signed Contract with the school
 Invitation Letter
When you have confirmed your tickets advise the school of your flight and arrival details
On Arrival
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
If you arrive directly into Shenzhen, we will arrange a pick up for you. If you are arriving through
Hong Kong, we will arrange to meet you ate the Shekou Ferry Terminal or Kinky Banner taxi
station.
We will arrange Hotel accommodation for up to seven days. The school will pay for this.
HR staff will assist you in finding suitable accommodation and with any settling in problems.
Normal Apartment set up costs are 1 month bond and two months in advance.
HR Staff member will assist you in obtaining a Medical certificate in Shenzhen (required for Visa
purposes)
Come into school at least a day before your start date to meet Management Staff and familiarise
yourself with the school, curriculum, timetable and office
HR will help you register your place of residence with the Local Police Department
Visa Processing
□
□
□
□
Your Resume, Degrees and Qualifications will need to be Officially Translated. The school can
advise you on this
The following documents are required for your Foreign Expert Certificate
 See attached listing
The following documents are required for your 12 month working Visa
 See attached listing
The school will refund your Visa costs. (Refund on receipts only)
15
Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
About Shenzhen and China
About Shenzhen
A coastal city in South China, Shenzhen（深圳 ） is
located in southern Guangdong and eastern riverbank
of the Pearl River. It verges on Daya Bay and Dapeng
Bay eastward, estuary of Pearl River and Lingdingyang
Sea westward and Dongguan and Huizhou northward,
bordering Hong Kong southward via Shenzhen River
with a 45-minute ride from its downtown to Hong Kong.
Shenzhen covers a total area of 1,952.84 square
kilometers, including 395.81square kilometers
designated as Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.
In May 1980, the CPC Central Committee and State Council officially designated Shenzhen as a special economic zone. At present,
Shenzhen tops all the municipalities in mainland China
regarding per capita GDP as one of the municipalities with
best economic returns nationwide. It also leads mainland
China's large and mid-size municipalities regarding per unit
area GDP, average personal income and total export.
Additionally, Shenzhen's GDP ranks fourth among large and
mid-size
municipalities
in
mainland
China
while
its
government revenue takes the third place. Shenzhen's total
import and export volume accounts for one seventh of the
country's total, leading the country in this regard for 12 years
in a row.
As the outpost of Pearl River Delta Area, Shenzhen is the bridge
connecting mainland China and Hong Kong as an important transport hub
in the coastal area of South China. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western
Corridor will bring about closer mutual links upon completion. Hi-tech,
16
Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
modern logistics, financial services and cultural industry are the four economic pillars which Shenzhenis striving to develop.
On the whole, Shenzhen has established a new industrial structure in compliance with the functions of a modern and central city
featuring "hi-tech & advanced manufacturing as economic base and modern service industry as economic backbone" after years of
development.
Shenzhen is China's first city where the objective that
all industrial pollution sources treatment must be up
to par is achieved. Shenzhen has a total of 11
wastewater treatment plants with 5 more new ones
under construction. Statistics show that 81 percent of
Shenzhen's urban refuse harmless treatment is
handled properly while 96% of processed industrial
wastewater and 96.7% of water source in the city's
major reservoirs for drinking water supply is up to
standard. The regional average noise level and
average noise level on both sides of main urban
traffic trunk line stands at 56.1 and 69.2 decibel
respectively.
Shenzhen has won international awards like "Nations in
Bloom" by International Federation of Park and Recreation
Administration (IFPRA) and "Global Top 500 Laureate Roll
of Honor" by UNEP as well as national awards such as
"National Clean City," "National Garden City" and
"National Model Green City". And being the selfproclaimed "World Garden City", Shenzhen does boast an
amazing amount of roadside greenery and plenty of lush
parks built around Guangdong's rolling hills. Shenzhen's
green area takes up 45 percent of the total urban area
with a per capital green area of 16 square meters. The
total area of natural protection zone is 170.3 square kilometers, accounting for 7 percent of total municipal area.
Weather
Lying by the sea and mountains, Shenzhen is an
evergreen city, with beautiful sceneries and sound
weather. Shenzhen has subtropical oceanic climate,
with a 6-month long summer season, Shenzhen's
17
Foreign Staff Handbook 2017
weather is also mild in the rest of the year. Its annual average temperature is 23.7 degrees centigrade with a historical high at 36.6
and a historical low at 1.4 degrees.
To live in Shenzhen during the Tropic of Cancer summer months (May – October) is to know what humidity truly is. If you've never
lived in a tropical climate before, nothing can prepare you for what it really feels like. Expect to be immediately drenched with sweat
the minute you leave your apartment and to always be looking somewhat disheveled – but it's just par for the course living here, so
there's no need to be self-conscious. During the summer months, expect three to four days of rain a week; you'll probably experience
at least one typhoon while you're here, and some pretty impressive thunderstorms – which is to say that if you're not dripping sweat,
you'll be dripping sweat and rain.
But when the rainy season is over, the rain really does stop nearly completely, and the humidity begins to subside. The temperature,
while still being quite warm, is ideal in November and December; January and February can be very cool, and with no indoor heating,
you'll need to have some warmer clothes in your closet – in fact, it's often colder indoors than it is outside.
Ping An Financial International Centre in Shenzhen showing the fourth tallest building in the world!
(10 mins away from NCIC)
18
Arriving in Shenzhen
Once the HR department has your arrival information, we will arrange to have a school representative meet you at Shenzhen
Boan International Airport. After you have claimed your baggage and cleared Customs, the school representative will be waiting
for you at the arrival hall with the NCIC sign. Every effort will be made to have your housing settled for your arrival. You will be
taken directly to your apartment from the airport if it is ready, otherwise you will be taken to a designated hotel. You will be
given a schedule for the new staff orientation program. We will also arrange and assign a “Buddy” to assist you in settling into
Shenzhen. They will communicate with you prior to your arrival in Shenzhen to ensure a smooth transition.
Arriving in Hong Kong
Staff arriving to Hong Kong International Airport will be guided on how to get to Shenzhen by our HR staff. The procedure is
straightforward:
1.
If you wish to escape going through Hong Kong Emigration then taking the FERRY from Hong Kong airport is best for
you. You also needn’t collect your luggage! Simply tender your luggage receipt to the Ferry company on booking
the ticket to Shenzhen and they will collect it on your behalf. Your luggage will arrive with you to Shenzhen Shekou
port. The ferry will take you from Hong Kong Airport to Shenzhen Shekou port in just under 45 mins. A school
representative will meet you at the port.
2.
You could also take Mainland Coaches or limousines from Hong Kong Airport but you have to go through Hong Kong
Emigration, which can take up to 60 minutes to go through! Please take the coach or limousine to Kingkey banner
Centre of Shenzhen, Nanshan District. A school representative will meet you at the station.
New Teachers Orientation
The HR department organises a comprehensive Orientation Programmes to help new hires settle in and learn the basics about
working at NCIC and living in Shenzhen city. The programme will include: Transitioning considerations
Shopping – for household things, kitchenware, cleaning stuff, grocery, food etc.
Eating out – local food, restaurant, fast food, supermarket etc.
Medical examination – for visa application Introduction to administrators, teachers and staff Tour around School campus
Faculty / Curriculum meetings, NCIC School Calendar and procedures Classroom preparation Sightseeing/Culture trip(s).
After Arrival/Getting Settled in we advise the following (HR will be very happy to help!):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Register at your country’s embassy
Contact shipping company to verify address, arrival time, method of payment, customs requirements, and delivery time
Contact Customs and completing necessary paperwork for release of goods
Request reimbursement for relocation allowances
Establish savings/checking account at a local bank
Obtain driver's license if desired - an international driver’s license, cannot be used in Shenzhen
Familiarise yourself with local area resources, attractions, history and transit system streets and district
Set up new mobile phones, internet services etc.
Housing
The housing allowance amount (listed on your contract) is based on an average range for apartments typically rented by our
faculty. The HR department will work with you to choose an apartment and arrange for a contract with the landlord in your
presence. Faculty who choose a unit that is cheaper than their allowance can save the difference between the rent and their
allowance (please note that the difference will be taxed and added to your monthly salary). Alternatively, they can choose a
more expensive unit if they wish to “top-up” the rent from their salary.
Note:
• All rentals are paid in RMB
• All lease agreements will indicate fixed RMB amount per month
• All landlords must produce monthly “fapiaos” (original receipts)
• Proof of residency in China is required to lease an apartment
19
Some teachers find identifying a rental apartment and managing the lease negotiation is a real culture shock, while others find
their experience is pleasant and uncomplicated. The type of housing you choose will depend on your personal connection to
the home, coupled with expectations and experiences from your home country or previous work locations. It will also take time
for you to identify ideal housing type and location, as well as for your real estate agent to understand your needs. Therefore, we
strongly recommend that you give yourself ample time, maintain a positive attitude and be prepared for things not turning out
exactly the way you thought they would. Keep in mind you can always change your housing after the contract if you wish.
Breaking the contract will result in loss of your deposit, however (usually 1 month rent).
Depending on the actual unit, the landlord, and your agent’s negotiation skills, you might be able to include items such as rent,
management fee, cable TV, internet/broadband fee, and sometimes utilities within your subsidy amount. Large furniture and
appliances are often included in the rent, but always check what exactly is covered.
For any questions about housing and landlords, speak to our HR department. They will guide you and explain all the
intricacies. These topics will also be discussed during our Orientation for Newcomers program.
Term of the Lease
The leases are typically for a period of one year but automatically renewable with an exchange of signatures. The first year of
the lease is usually obligatory for the tenant, but after year 1 the tenant may leave whenever he wishes by giving 1 or 2 months
notice in writing to the landlord.
Responsibility for Repairs and Maintenance of the Property
It is the owner's obligation to hand over the property in perfect condition, clean and with everything in working order. During the
first 30 days of your lease the owner will take full responsibility of anything that breaks or malfunctions, and has the obligation
to organize the repair within the shortest timescale possible. At the end of this 30-day period, the owner has the responsibility to
repair any major or structural problem, such as a leaking roof. The tenant however has the obligation to repair any defect that
results from everyday use or wear and tear, including such items as window blinds, leaking taps, etc. Tenants may be
responsible for most plumbing problems, especially if pipes are inside the apartment. Upon departure, the tenant is expected to
leave the property in good condition and make good any damages.
Payments Required Upon Signing a Lease
the following is required:
•
•
•
The first month rent.
A deposit of one month’s rent. This deposit will be returned when you leave as long as the property is left in good
condition and all the utility bills have been paid.
The owner has 30 days following the date of the tenant's departure in order to return the deposit. Typically, this
deposit is returned, providing no damage has occurred over and above normal wear and tear.
Housing Options in Shenzhen
It is difficult to give exact figures for apartments, as even units in the same apartment complex can have wide ranges between
units depending on the landlord, size and condition of the unit, number of bedrooms, what is covered (furniture, utilities etc.),
and even which direction it is facing. Timing and availability is often a critical factor as well..
A two bedroom apartment rent ranges from 3000 RMB to 8000 RMB per month
Banking in Shenzhen
As in any international relocation, it takes a while for all the bureaucratic issues to be straightened out. This includes banking,
wire transfers, exchange for local currency, getting cash, etc. So that you do not get frustrated, anxious or stressed, we strongly
recommend the following:
•
•
Ensure that you have at least enough funds in your home bank to pay your financial commitments for August
September, and October. You will not be able to transfer money out of China until October (due to local law requiring
you to have your first salary tax certificate before you send money out).
Bring at least £500 cash with you, and/or an international debit card that you can use at ATMs
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•
Bring your credit card to use here until you get an ATM debit card from the local bank (if you choose). Note debit
cards are more common than credit cards at local banks in China. They are available, but typically start with low
limits (unless you keep large amounts in your account which enables you to a VIP card with a higher limit!).
Banking and Credit Cards
We highly recommend all new overseas hire staff to open new or maintain their existing offshore bank accounts, and have an
internationally recognised ATM debit and/or credit card.
The local currency is called the Renminbi (RMB). The basic monetary unit is called the “yuan” or “kuai”. The money is used
mainly in banknotes of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 and .5 yuan; and coins of 1 or 5 Jiao (.1 Yuan, or similar to cent).
China's traditional “cash” country is changing quickly to debit and credit cards. You should bring your foreign credit cards to
China, but be prepared for them to not work at every location, so cash debit cards are a good back-up!
Expenses & Savings
Shenzhen is not expensive by international standards, although it is considered an expensive city to live in within China.
Shenzheners soon learn where to purchase all ranges of products at very good prices, so unless you are into buying imported
luxury brand name goods, you can live on a very reasonable amount per month.
Ultimately, your personal needs and your life style will determine just how much you spend and save. If you eat out several
nights a week at expensive restaurants, you can spend a good deal; on the other hand, eating at home or at local reputable
restaurants can be very inexpensive.
Transport
NCIC is located only about 5 mins walk from the bus and subway station. For this reason, almost all faculty take the bus or
subway. Other staff either cycle (manual or electric bicycles and motorbikes are popular), use taxis, or walk to school.
Medical and Dental Care
The School nurse can help you with minor ailments at school. The School medical insurance provider Aetna provides direct
billing to some of the clinics and hospitals. The complete list of hospitals, dentists and health centres covered by aetna will be
provided to all staff upon joining the school
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Medical facilities in Shenzhen are increasingly becoming world-class. For certain serious medical conditions, however, some
faculty may prefer alternative locations for treatment, such as Hong Kong. The simplest way to ensure this option is to have one
or more credit cards with credit limits that guarantee hospital admission or that you can charge your medical bills to. You will be
insured, but the insurance company might not be able to guarantee a direct billing relationship with all the hospitals in
Shenzhen and/or Hong Kong. You might have to pay the hospital first and then claim reimbursement from the insurance
company.
With incidence of Hepatitis (both A & B) and Japanese Encephalitis in China, it is suggested that people coming to live and
work in Shenzhen consider getting these inoculations. Some of these inoculations (like Japanese Encephalitis) may not be
available in some western countries, or may be very expensive, so you could wait till you arrive before getting them. Note,
inoculations are not covered by medical insurance.
There are Watson’s drug stores available at many locations such as shopping malls. Please note that limited prescription drugs
are obtainable here, so you are advised to bring any special prescription drugs you require with you, although they are
becoming more available at the clinics and hospitals mentioned above. There are also Chinese medicines available locally for
all ailments.
Shampoos, conditioners mouthwash, shaving cream, toothpaste, contact lenses and glasses etc. are all available here in
Shenzhen. In fact, you will feel like you have not even left home in some of the mall shops!
PREPARING FOR LIFE IN SHENZHEN AND CHINA
We are delighted that you are soon to be relocating to Shenzhen. We are sure that you will soon find yourselves enjoying this
wonderful city and country to the fullest, and we shall certainly do our best to ensure that you settle and feel happy living here in
the shortest time scale possible!
How to Prepare Yourself/Your Family
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Try to learn a little Chinese BEFORE you arrive. Studying Chinese in your country before arrival can be a great way
to improve your Chinese, and many teachers continue their study of Chinese throughout the year with tutors,
weekend or vacation classes in Shenzhen, and exchanges with Chinese teachers. If you don’t know any Chinese,
however, do not fret. You can easily get by in the Chinese community knowing only a few words. Many Chinese
people in Shenzhen, and certainly in Hong Kong, speak some English.
Read about China and Chinese culture, history, etc. Remember there is a lot of information available on the Internet.
Encourage your children to discover as much as they can about your new destination. Children are normally troubled
by the unknown and have difficulty imagining what their life will be like in China. The more information you can give
them and the more you include them in all the plans, the better they will accept the change and the easier they will
adapt.
As the time draws nearer for your departure, be prepared for the initial excitement that you felt when you decided to
accept the contract give way to sadness and nostalgia as you begin to say good-bye to friends and family.
Remember that this is absolutely normal, and that China is a wonderful country for friends and relatives to visit. Invite
everyone to come to see you, but be careful because they will come and you could find that you feel you are running
a hotel during your first few months here.
It is important, especially for children, to say good-bye, and it is also very important to maintain yours and their links
with home during the time that you are away. Encourage the children to maintain contact with their friends via social
media networks. When they start school in China they can add new friends to the old ones and start to build their
international network of friends, which they will maintain well into the future.
Electricity 220 volts, 50 cycles
Utilities Most utility payments are made either to management office of condominiums, who then pay it onto the utility boards or
by cash payment at a bank.
Drinking Water
The quality of the water in Shenzhen is variable, and it is not recommended to drink out of the tap. Boiling water will kill germs,
but will still leave any pollutants that may be present. Experts recommend either a water dispenser or a water filter in your
home. Neither are very expensive. 20 litres water bottle delivered to your home will only cost about 22 RMB (i.e. about £2!)
Tipping It is not customary to tip and not necessary to do so. A 10% surcharge is addressed to the bill in most hotels and high
standard restaurants. But ordinary restaurants usually do not have this requirement.
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Travel to and from Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a hub for Asia and is served by most of the world’s airlines at reasonable rates. Travel through Hong Kong is also
very popular as it takes no more than 40-60 mins to get to Hong Kong Aiport! Trains and buses tend to be very cheap, and
tickets for long journeys can be obtained without much difficulty. Overnight sleepers are popular for longer journeys. Booking in
advance is a necessity and returning staff can assist you with contact information for reliable travel agents. The subway is very
modern, clean, new, efficient and very cheap.
Shopping
Bargaining is generally not possible in department stores, but usually possible and often expected in smaller shops, particularly
where items are not visibly priced. Take full advantage of the open-air markets for its low price and the fun of bargaining.
Shopping Hours Shops generally open around 9:00am and close about 10.00pm, six to seven days a week. Actual hours
depend on the nature the business. Shops in areas frequented by tourists may open earlier. There are a lot of 24-hour
convenience stores in Shenzhen.
Food and Drink There are a variety of restaurants and cafes serving a wide selection of cooking styles including Chinese,
American, Korean French, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Spanish. There are many fast-food chains and continental-style
cafes. The visitor should note that food usually varies in price rather than quality and some of the cheap eateries are amongst
the best.
Special Festivals
January – New Year’s Day
January-February – Spring festival (Chinese New Year)
April – Tomb Sweeping Day
May – Labour Days
June – Dragon Boat Festival (dumplings)
September – Mid-Autumn Festival (moon cakes)
October – National Day
Mobile Telephones
China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom are the largest providers. You can receive your bills every month and
international calls service can be included on request. You can also choose to use a prepaid cards system. You will need first
buy a SIM card and then buy a prepaid mobile phone card, which can be purchased at supermarkets, convenient store, post
office or from the companies offices.
Internet
Most properties have access to ADSL or broadband. Internet service providers offer free installations while you have to pay for
the subscriptions monthly, quarterly or annually.
Smoking
No strict legislation exists, but smoking is prohibited in hospitals, on public transport, and in cinemas and theatres. In other
public places there is a very relaxed attitude. Non-smokers may find it difficult and frustrating to be in bars, restaurants and
concert hall lobbies filled with smoke at times, although the government is increasingly promoting healthy habits.
Mail
China’s mail service is very reliable, but for important items, it is safest to use the registration services. International Express
companies such as DHL, FEDEX and UPS are also available in China. Post Offices can be found everywhere in Shenzhen.
Currency Exchange
A helpful rule of thumb is divide RMB by 10 to get GBP, and times GBP by 10 to get RMB (eg. 10 RMB is about £1, 100RMB is
about £10)
Time Zone
GMT +8, the entire country recognizes one time zone
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Credit and Debit Cards
The most common cards accepted in Shenzhen are Union Pay (Chinese) and Visa, but others such as MasterCard are
becoming more and more common as well.
Security
China is a relatively safe place compared to other countries. The crime rate is low, but it’s good to be careful when you’re out
for shopping and keep your eyes on your belongings. Your identification card should be carried with you all the time. It is best to
get your embassy details soon after your arrival and register.
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm Most local banks are open during the weekend. Bank of China opens 7 days a week for
most branches
Health
Medical facilities are generally adequate in Shenzhen. Pneumonia and influenza are common, and there is a limited risk of
hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, malaria, tuberculosis, dengue fever, tetanus and rabies (especially) in rural areas. In areas
where dengue or malaria is found, use mosquito nets or bug spray and wear clothing that covers your entire body, and consider
taking anti-malarial pills.
Government & Commercial Offices Hours
Open from 9.00 am to 17.30 pm, from Mondays to Fridays
Shenzhen Emergency Telephone Directory
Police
110
Price Complaint
12358
Fire
119
Traffic Rescue
122
Ambulance
120
Police Station
110
Weather
121
Health Bureau
(0755)82918499
Traffic Accident
122
Environment Bureau
12369
Phone Inquiry
114
Tourist Information Centre
020-86681163
Post Code Inquiry
184
Entertainment and Recreation Places of Interest in Shenzhen: www.shenzhenparty.com.
An invaluable guide to life in Shenzhen – with comprehensive information and listings of restaurants, bars, pubs, films, art
events, community events.
There are many health clubs throughout the city that have different standards of facilities. Expatriates in Shenzhen can play
tennis, squash, golf and many other sports. There are also associations, groups or clubs like Badminton, Basketball, Bowling,
Cycling, Darts, Hockey, Running, Rugby, Soccer and Volleyball. Some of your housing has health club facilities, most of the
time at your own cost.
There are also an increasing number of places where you can eat many different types of foods and you can also sample
ethnic cuisine from various parts of China, at sidewalk cafes or eat out at five star hotels.
If you like reading for your own enjoyment, bring lots of books. It is not easy or cheap to buy English books here. yooou can
also use the school's e-library to read books and magazines. Many teachers order books online from Amazon and Barnes &
Noble.
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In most expatriate housing compounds a number of TV channels, including CNN, HBO, BBC, AXN, Cartoon Networks, CCTV9
(the Chinese international channel in English) etc. are available.
Food / Grocery
You can buy local fruits and vegetables and other goods (like frozen chicken and fish) at very reasonable prices at local
markets and western style supermarkets of varying quality. Many big supermarkets (Carrefour, Walmart, Market Place) have a
separate imports section, otherwise, there is the famous International’s dedicated to western imports.
There are many restaurants in Shenzhen, which include Chinese, Western, Italian, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Thai, and
Indian etc. Of course, the famous Starbucks, McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, Hard Rock Café, Subway and TGI Fridays.
Local Markets
Carrefour: www.carrefour.cn(Carrefour online shopping is available now)
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Price of Western Food in Carrefour
Western Pasta And Rice:
¥6.50 - ¥52.90
Western Soup：
¥23.90-¥39.90
Western Flour And Cooking:
¥12.90-¥52.90
Western Can Vegetable:
¥8.50-¥47.90
Western Pasta Sauce:
¥9.90-¥39.00
Western Can Fruits：
¥16.90 +
Western Can Fish:
¥12.00-¥49.90
Imported Cheese:
¥10.00-¥59.90
Imported Butter/Margarine/Cream:
¥6.40-¥30.20
Imported Western Juice:
¥2.90-¥37.90
Imported Yoghurt:
¥21.20-¥24.90
Sparking Water:
¥6.30-¥18.20
Mineral Water:
¥4.90-¥39.90
Imported Milk:
¥8.50-¥68.80
Ole' supermarket (Marks and Spencer equivalent)
Website:http://www.crvole.com.cn
The Ole' supermarket in Yitian Holiday Plaza is just one metro station away from our school and it sells lots of western
food and some western personal items there(http://www.ytholidayplaza.com/en/).
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Walmart (ASDA)
Chinese and Pinyin Name: 沃尔玛
Website: http://www.wal-martchina.com/english/index.htm
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