Major FAQ

Arrival Information

All participants should arrive at the Shanghai International Airport.

Transfer from Airport to Host Family/Hostel/Hotel

Program fees DO NOT cover airport pick-up. For an additional $50, Global Crossroad can arrange airport pick-up for participants – transferring participants to their respective accommodations.
NOTE: We DO NOT offer airport drop-off services – participants are responsible for arranging their own return transportation once the program has commenced. Participants are required to provide their flight information prior to arrival in Shanghai.

Upon successful completion of the TEFL-Certification Course, participants may choose to teach in Shanghai (REMINDER: the minimum commitment of one semester is needed for those wishing to teach in the city of Shanghai). In the event that successful graduates DO teach in Shanghai, the school or institution offering employment usually covers costs associated with transit from the location of the TEFL institute to the designated location of their newly-appointed position. In the event that placement is a significant distance from the TEFL institute, transportation will be the responsibility of the participant.

How can I contact the school if I arrive before the start of the TEFL program?

In the event that participants arrive before their proposed start date, they are advised to remain in a suggested hotel where they will then call our offices. This information, such as the address and telephone numbers of our Shanghai offices, will be included in the final placement details provided in the supplied pre-departure booklet.

Living Accommodations/Meals

Living accommodations and meals are not covered by standard course fees. However, Global Crossroad can arrange accommodations in nearby guesthouses. These air-conditioned accommodations are all clean and moderate with some located within walking distance to some of Shanghai’s most stunning attractions and exciting amenities. Accommodations are reasonably-priced (approximately $300 USD/month). Global Crossroad strongly recommends that participants budget approximately $10-30/day for food. Chinese cuisine is known the world-over as containing some of the most diverse tastes in the world.

Internet/Telephone/Medical Facilities

Global Crossroad’s TEFL school is located in the heart of Shanghai – a very modern and popular sea-side city in China. Internet cafes are quite popular in Shanghai and are located in various places throughout the city. Local telephones calls can be made at a reasonably low price with international calls (which can be made in nearby phone booths) usually costing about $0.50/minute. Also: medical facilities are located throughout the entire city.

Climate

The region containing Shanghai has a humid, subtropical climate – experiencing all four seasons. Freezing temperatures usually occur between December and February with the hottest temperatures usually occurring in the months of July and August. Heavy rain occurs frequently in early summer. The springtime weather often varies with sporadic showers and on-and-off bouts of warm and cold temperatures. Autumns are usually sunny and dry and are determined as the best foliage season.