Homeschooling in China?

Danie · Newbie Joined: Oct 25, 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Illinois

Hi folks! I'm hoping someone can supply more information on this topic. We've been approached to transfer to Beijing from the US. We have found during previous international assignments that homeschooling was the best fit for our family. Does anyone have information about homeschooling in China? Is it legal? Are there any known support groups in Beijing? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

While I recognize that homeschooling isn't the right fit for every family, I'm really only interested in info regarding education laws in China, not to debate or defend our education choice. Thanks in advance! Danielle

imnotrout · Newbie Joined: Nov 05, 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Beijing

We've been in Beijing for two months and our 12-year-old is homeschooled. It never occurred to me to check into regulations. I don't think I've broken any laws but if you find out that I have, please let me know. I haven't contacted the homeshool support group here yet, but their contact information is beijinghomeschooling @ yahoo.com. Maybe they can provide a good answer for you. I think this is a great city for homeschooling, especially if you're planning to incorporate Mandarin into your curriculum. Good luck with your move.

Danie · Newbie Joined: Oct 25, 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Illinois

Thanks for the info. So you've had no problems being out and about during the day? When we homeschooled in the UK, we were often approached by people and police officers enquiring why our son wasn't in school.

Thanks again!

Danielle

imnotrout · Newbie Joined: Nov 05, 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Beijing

We're out every day and no one has ever asked us anything about school. This seems to be a very safe and friendly city. I've even seen Chinese kids with their parents during the school day, and I know there are some Chinese homeschoolers because I've seen a couple of articles about it in local English publications. I did send an email last night to Mikayla, the person who runs the local expat homeschool support group here. If she responds, I'll make sure I haven't given you any bad advice, but I think you'll be fine if you just continue with your homeschooling efforts here and enjoy field trips around the city as well. Let me know if I can be of any help if you decide to move here. I'm far from settled and experienced, but I can share what I know so far.

Melissa Cazalet
imnotrout @ aol.com

dorisc · Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 4:16 pm Post subject: Re: Homeschooling in China?

Hello,

I am also moving to China (Shanghai) in June and I have two children aged 9 and 11 who will enter grades 4 and 6 in September. Does anyone have any information or contacts in Shanghai for a home schooling association?

Thanks,

Doris

Mommasheart · Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:02 am Post subject: Re: Homeschooling in China?

We may be moving to Shanghai in the next six to nine months. I am also looking for the same info. We have homeschooled in the US for several years but are currently in private school where I teach. I have never been out of the country so I'm not sure what to think about any of this. I'm going with it never the less. We will make it through. I would love to hear from anyone who has lived in China as an expatriate. I want to know what to expect.

Ellie

travelmom · Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 11:49 pm Post subject: Re: Homeschooling in China?

Doris and Ellie,

Just wondering if you have already relocated to Shanghai?! We are going to be moving there and I homeschool our 3 kids. (12,10,10) I was just looking for any information, and maybe you are already connected there.

Stephanie

Mommasheart · Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 9:41 pm Post subject: Re: Homeschooling in China?

Hi, Stephanie:

Our relocation to Shanghai has been post-poned as we are being sent to Uruguay. We may go to Shanghai yet, but it will be several months before we do. Let me know how it goes! I would love to hear.

Ellie

IsaVDB · Newbie Joined: Jan 31, 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Belgium

Hi Ellie,

I just saw your message which announce your relocation to Uruguay. You will see, it is a beautiful country with very friendly people. I am writing to you because my friend, an Uruguayen woman, is looking for exchange language sessions Spanish or French (her mother tongue is Spanish and she lived a long time period in France, she is also a French teacher) vs English. She is very friendly and open-minded. Are you interested or do you know native people who could be interested?

If yes, just send me an email: ivandenbussche @ hotmail.com

Bye,
Isabelle

Mommasheart · Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:00 pm Post subject: Re: Homeschooling in China?

Hi, Isabelle:

Thank you so much for contacting me. Unfortunately, our trip to Uraguay has now been postponed as well. I would love to be of help to her and would love for my children to have such a great experience as well. Our departure is on indefinite hold. It may be as much as a year before we move. I don't know anyone else who could help, either. Sorry.

Ellie