Maple Leaf
International Schools
New Teacher Handbook
2013
Created'by'Kent'Tamblyn,'MLIS4Dalian'
2014
Maple'Leaf'Educational'Systems'
Index
01 Welcome
02 School Map
03 China
04 Preparation
06 Health
08 Money
09 Transport
11 Connect
12 Dalian
17 Foreign National
22 Tianjin
27 Zhenjiang
32 Wuhan
37 Chongqing
41 Credits
Welcome
I am pleased to welcome you to Maple Leaf Educational
Systems (MLES).
Choosing MLES offers an amazing opportunity. All students
in the BC Program are taught in English by BC certified
teachers. They receive two diplomas when they graduate;
the Chinese Graduation Diploma and the BC Dogwood
Certificate. It is the BC Dogwood Certificate that is very
important to our students. With it, they apply and are
welcomed by universities and colleges from around the
world. Maple Leaf graduates are sought after by many of the
world’s top 100 universities, with scholarship offers bestowed
on the majority of our graduates.
MLES offers a wonderful teaching experience, filled with rich
cultural explorations, and incredible opportunities for
personal and professional growth.
We are thrilled you have decided to join us, and look forward
to welcoming you to the Maple Leaf team in China.
Cheers,
George Watson
Superintendent, BC Program
'
01
3
Schools
Maple Leaf International Schools are fully accredited
by the British Columbia Ministry of Education Global
Education Program - Offshore Schools and offer the
British Columbia Graduation Program, leading to the
British Columbia Dogwood Diploma.
'
Philosophy
The Maple Leaf Educational Philosophy is based on the
belief that through blending the best of the innovative and
enquiry-based western educational model with the
culturally rich and disciplined traditional Chinese
educational model, students will be best prepared to meet
the challenges of living and working in an internationally
diverse society.
'
02
!
China
Overview
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 isimportant to be aware of 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 challenging.
'
Climate
03
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).
'
Preparation
Visas
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.
Resident permits are issued after you arrive in China.
'
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 any medications in their original, clearly labelled
containers. 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 can be 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
04
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.
'
Preparation
Formal Clothing
You will need semi-formal clothing for special occasions
such as a dark business suit. 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 Canada.
any immunizations
that
school
resources
and materials
from
Most
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 home to
Vancouver on onwards to China. You will depart shortly
after the 16th of August. Some routings require an overnight
stay in Narita, Japan. Your baggage will be checked through
to your final destination in China so you will need to pack a
few overnight supplies. Someone from your school will greet
you at the airport.
'
Shipping
05
Airlines have slightly different baggage allowances so make
sure your check the details with the airline you will be on.
MLES will reimburse up to $100 CAD for one extra bag –
make sure you save your receipt as it is needed for
reimbursement.
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 don’t
always stock soap and toilet paper. Squat and unclean
toilets are common throughout China. It’s a good idea to
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
adaptation.
.
Transition
.
06
'
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.
'
Health
Fitness
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. Boiling
water is 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.
'
Theft
07
In China, the most common crime is theft. To prevent theft,
carry only what you need and put your valuables in a safe
place. Avoid leaving your valuables unattended in a public
place. As a westerner most Chinese will see you as rich –
be careful not to reinforce this image by flashing your money
in public.'
Money
Salary
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%, but this can vary from year to year.
If you continue to be a Canadian resident, you may be
subject to 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 $400
CAD, is sufficient for the first few days of purchases in
China. It is a good idea to bring cash to use until you find an
ATM that accepts your foreign debit cards or can set up
your local bank account.
'
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 ($400 CAD) at one time.
'
Credit Cards
08
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
Transport
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 seat classes on the 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
09
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
Transport
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 in Mandarin.
'
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
10!
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.'
Connect
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 or other smart phone for use in China. Cell
phone plans are much less expensive than in Canada and
coverage is good throughout the country.
'
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
11
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.
'