Comparing the Schools and Comments: Working in Shanghai, China (2026)

Around the world, some cities have more than one international school. Many times there is an American school, a British School, and an international school that uses an international curriculum.

Some cities, though, have MANY international schools! When that is the case, how do the comments about each school compare to each other?

This blog series will look at comparing some of these comments submitted by ISC members, all coming from international schools in the same city.

Currently, we have 32 schools listed in Shanghai on International School Community.

Schools with the most submitted comments (number count from August 2026):
Yew Chung International School (Shanghai) – 53 Comments
Shanghai Community International School – 82 Comments
Shanghai American School – Puxi – 56 Comments
Concordia International School (Shanghai) – 187 Comments
British International School Shanghai – Puxi – 35 Comments
Western International School of Shanghai – 572 Comments
Shanghai American School (Pudong) – 209 Comments
Shanghai United International School (Hongqiao) – 101 Comments
Shanghai Singapore International School – 99 Comments
Lycee Francais de Shanghai – 82 Comments
British International School Shanghai – Pudong – 12 Comments

Salaries

“Base pay for teachers with 3 or more yrs of experience is between $32,000 and $39,000 (tax-free). Entry level is a little bit lower at $26,000-$32,000.” – Shanghai Community International School

“You can expect to make 16000 RMB a month after taxes.” – Shanghai Singapore International School

“I would say that teachers’ NET is around 21000 – this must be dependent on teaching experience, etc.” – Shanghai United International School (Hongqiao)

“The full salary is paid in RMB. The school adds an extra 500 RMB towards utility bills. The yearly pay is divided into 12 months. For newcomers, their first pay is on September 20th, although school starts in early August. This is clearly stated in the contract, but those new teachers coming in need to be aware of this that they won’t see money until September.” – Western International School of Shanghai

“Take-home per month is around 30,000 RMB (approximately 3500). You’ll be paid over time for any hours over your contracted 18. This is not paid throughout the summer. You receive 12 paychecks a year.” – Lycee Francais de Shanghai

Hiring Policy

“Teachers need to have at least two years of teaching experience in order to be considered.” – Concordia International School (Shanghai)

“WISS starts recruiting early but is very fair to its teachers. Those who “may” leave have their position advertised and only have to make a final decision when someone has been found as a replacement.” – Western International School of Shanghai

“They rely a lot on hiring people who are recommended by current employees. You still go through the interview process, etc. My initial contact to the school was through a connection I had to somebody already working here.” – Yew Chung International School (Shanghai)

“They attend Search Associates in January. They advertise in TES and through Teachanywhere.com. They interview in person or via Skype.” – British International School Shanghai – Pudong

“They are prioritizing teachers in China. The interview process is 3 interviews, and it’s very competitive right now with so many vacancies.” – Shanghai American School (Pudong)

Recent things the school has taken on

“A few years ago, the school decided it was important to do open houses (like other international schools in Shanghai), and that added a lot more work for the teachers. But hopefully they discontinued that this year.” – Yew Chung International School (Shanghai)

“The school is now implementing the ‘high performance learning’ initiative, which is being implemented across all the Nord Anglia Schools” – British International School Shanghai – Puxi

“There were many accomplishments from staff and students. It is amazing how many different areas were top-notch: Sports, drama department, music program, Chinese language, and much more.” – Shanghai Community International School

“The school has another campus in Qingpu which is probably one of the best campuses in China.” – Shanghai United International School (Hongqiao)

Housing

“Furnished 2-bedroom for single & married teachers, not sure about families. Furnished means basic furnishings including TV, sofa, dining table & chairs, beds & bedding, bath linens, kitchen appliances, & basic cooking utensils & dishes. After one year, staff can opt to take a housing allowance instead of school housing. Most people are satisfied with housing overall, although sometimes it takes several “reminders” for repairs or service requests in school apts. Utility costs vary but are fairly cheap. My average for electricity, gas, & water is 100-200 RMB per month. Internet is 1,400 RMB per year. Mobile phone depends on plan/amount of data. – Yew Chung International School (Shanghai)

“Housing is provided by WISS for the 1st year. Teachers can decide for themselves for subsequent years whether they want to stay in the provided accommodation or find their own place.” – Western International School of Shanghai

“Housing allowance provided but most staff pay a bit more out of their own pocket to live in more desirable areas. Staff can choose to stay in school housing” – British International School Shanghai – Puxi

“Housing varies massively in price. If you are out of town and in a Chinese neighborhood, you can find a good deal. I live halfway between school and Jing’an and pay Y9000 a month (1500) for a two-bedroom, new apartment. My place is expensive, but I like it. The housing allowance is minimal. Y2600 a month for a couple (only one of you needs to be employed by the school), but there is a Y6000 living stipend. I’m not sure why it is separated like this, but I think it might be to do with taxes.” – Lycee Francais de Shanghai

“Staff housing in Jinqiao is huge and beautiful. The neighborhood has everything you need and has a metro line. You can take the allowance to live downtown instead, and with the allowance being raised for next year, some people will save money.” – Shanghai American School (Pudong)

(These are just 4 of the 73 different comment topics that are on each school profile page on our website.)