magazine
FAMILY MATTERS
ISSUE 11
Getting it right Tips for the relocation process
Page 34
Health Compassion: Lessons learned from my mother travel Budapest’s top 5 things to see ask the experts The REIT decision the british international school
Shanghai, China
education Five simple steps to university success
the british international school Shanghai, China
HELPING OTHERS THRIVE
helping others to be the best they can be Education and learning have always been our focus and our area of expertise. Our people and the people we work with all have a good understanding of what this means to us. We aim to provide students with the opportunity to be the best they can be.
admissions@bisshanghai.com
www.bisshanghai.com
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FAMILY MATTERS
ISSUE 11
GettinG it riGht tips for the relocation process
Page 28
health Compassion: Lessons learned from my mother travel Budapest’s top 5 things to see ask the experts The reit decision the british international school
Shanghai, China
education Five simple steps to university success
Family Matters Issue 11 Contributions welcome from all of the Shanghai community. Please contact editor@bisshanghai.com for more information.
FAMILY MATTERS
MAGAZINE
magazine
FAMILY MATTERS
CONTENTS
”
EDITOR’S WORD
A
nd so we have arrived. After two years and eleven issues, Family Matters will be on hiatus until the start of the new school year. During this time I will be departing my post as Chief Editor, taking with me many positive feelings about what we have managed to accomplish. Through the support of our staff at The British International School and the community at large, our little magazine has matured significantly in terms of both design and content. It has also learned to travel and is now published in seven cities in six countries, helping local and expat families understand more about our passion – education. From the wonderful feedback we have received, we know that our
efforts have also made a positive difference in the lives of families engaged in the relocation process. These were indeed our goals when the Family Matters project was undertaken - to help others thrive. I would like to thank personally a few of our strongest community supporters over the past two years. Rochelle Xu and Ryan Metz from Pricoa Residential have been with Family Matters from the beginning and provided some of our most insightful articles. Vela Ganeva from Savills Residential Leasing, Kate Lorenz from Ark International, Dr Richard Thomas of World Path Clinic and Neil Jensen of Allied International all deserve special mention for their committment and support.
And last but certainly not least, a big thank you to Wade Dawson from Austen Morris Associates for his tireless efforts. While I personally love change and am looking forward to the new period in my life about to unfurl, I sign off now with a feeling expats know well, as we say goodbye more often than most. Some are accustomed to it and some immune. Others take it hard. For me it’s about memories, and the experience of starting Family Matters and watching it grow has brought many. § Yours Truly, Travis Murray Chief Editor Family Matters Magazine
16 25 28 FIVE SIMPLE STEPS TO UNIVERSITY SUCCESS
THE PERSONAL STATEMENT
THE CINEMA OF DREAMS
Jason Kucker offers some helpful advice on achieving success at university
Lauren Murphy provides insight into how your child can stand out from the crowd
David Robinson gives his picks for great movies for kids of all ages
CONTENTS
FAMILY MATTERS
34 XX Getting it right
Crown Relocation offers some tips for the relocation process
46 5o 52 54 The Reit Decision
Probably true‌ definitely, maybe
compassion
taking it in
Wade Dawson shines some light on some alternative investments
Kirk McArdle weighs in on investments with his unique perspective
Dr Richard Thomas shares some lessons his mother has taught him
Budapest’s top 5 things to see
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COMMENT
FAMILY MATTERS
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COMMENT
Dealing with the rage
Say yes to doing the dishes
Anger management tips for children
Abigail Hockley takes a fresh look at an old chore
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ids with unmanaged anger can grow up to face big problems. That’s why it’s so important to help your child learn to process negative emotions in appropriate ways from an early age. Even toddlers can learn a little bit about self-control, although tantrums to a certain extent are bound to occur. Here are some children anger management tips that may help your family enjoy a more peaceful home environment. Young children anger management tips If you have toddlers or even preschoolers, you know that they‘re still learning to control their tempers, especially in public. Many parents are looking for young children anger management tips, and will eagerly accept suggestions from their parents, educators and community leaders. It’s important to remain calm during tantrums and outbursts, but also to be firm and consistent in issuing discipline so your child will take you seriously. Techniques include timeouts and distracting little ones from disgruntled emotions when they threaten to burst into angry behaviour. It can be very hard to be the bad guy with your beloved child, and you don’t have to be; but it’s important to be firm and consistent. Teenager anger management tips When dealing with teens, you may have to substitute diplomacy and tact for discipline. Learn how to be a good listener, quietly asking your son or daughter about their day at school, friends, social activities and concerns or problems. When you see that they’re visibly upset about something, without pressuring them calmly explore that area by asking more focused questions or inviting discussion. In addition, you may want to talk about acceptable ways of expressing
displeasure or irritation, such as avoiding certain situations, politely asking for substitutions or suggesting alternative ways of doing something. Let your kids know in clear terms the behaviour that will not be tolerated, such as the use of profanity, throwing things, slamming doors or refusing to cooperate with housework or homework. You can post the rules on the refrigerator and even invite your teen to help write the guidelines, along with suggesting appropriate consequences for infractions. Teen children anger management tips include rewards for selfcontrol and appropriate anger processing. Rewards could be extra time on the computer, telephone or television, or reduced household chores for that week. Kids need to see a balance of love coupled with forgiveness and discipline linked to consequences. Let your teens know that you’re on their side, but that as they mature they must become responsible for managing emotions, including anger, in adult-like ways that are socially acceptable. Raising kids is harder than ever these days. Questionable or negative role models, me-centred self-gratification and dwindling social restrictions encourage children to express unrestrained emotions that can wreak havoc on families and society. If you feel that your children are starting to display signs of uncontrolled rage, go online to find out more about anger management training generally, and for specific examples of children anger management tips. Then talk to your child’s teacher or the school counsellor for more information about getting your child the help that is needed for anger management.
here are some chores dreaded by most members of any household. In fact, there probably isn’t a household chore that isn’t despised by someone in every family. It does seem, however, that some chores, for whatever reason, always rank near the bottom of the preference list. These highly dreaded chores are the ones that people will do almost anything to trade with someone else or get out of altogether. Silly deals are made so that one person will clean another’s room for a month in order to get out of cleaning the toilet one time. For some reason, doing the dishes seems to be one of the things most families hate to do. Perhaps people hate doing dishes because it comes at the end of a relaxing meal or a stressful day, or maybe people would rather choose another chore because of the way dishes make your hands shrivel like dried fruit. Sometimes it seems like an instinctive reaction – the table is full of cups, glasses, plates and cutlery that have to be scrubbed until they gleam. The pot that held that delicious stew is no longer as appealing now that you have to consider scouring it out. In any case, it’s difficult to quite understand why people despise doing dishes quite so much. If you think about it, doing dishes is much easier than many other household chores. It’s not nearly as hard as pushing a vacuum or scrubbing a toilet and it requires absolutely none of the mental focus that dusting around tiny, breakable figurines takes. So why not choose doing the dishes, and let your other family members fight over the really hard chores? You might want to put on a show of reluctance though, rather than let them figure out you’re on to a good thing.
Doing dishes is also a great way to relax and unwind after a hard day. Put on some good jazz (or death metal – pick your poison), light a few candles (though this may not match the death metal vibe) and enjoy the peace and quiet of doing the dishes in a space all to yourself. Take time to think back on the events of the day and reflect upon areas of your life that you feel are going well. Find a little meditation space in this activity and enjoy the process of transforming disorder into order, dirt into soapy cleanliness. If you’d like, bask in a righteous glow of self-sacrifice as you congratulate yourself for shouldering this awesome burden and sparing your spouse and children from it. It doesn’t even have to be a solo mission, especially if you’re married. Doing the dishes together after dinner can be a great way to spend a little time with your spouse and connect after a busy day that took you in separate directions. Take that time away from the kids each day and make a point of asking questions and caring about the details of each other’s lives that can so easily be left unshared. You’ll be amazed at what doing dishes will add to your marriage if you make it a special time each day. Of course, don’t get your kids too used to the idea – make sure they know that parents reserve the right to put them on dishes duty. After all, it’s the grown-ups who put the food on the table. So the next time your family gets into a debate about what chores each person has to do, surprise everyone by volunteering to do the dishes. They’ll be glad you did – and you will too when you discover how easy and relaxing time spent doing dishes really is.
FAMILY MATTERS
FAMILY MATTERS PUBLISHER
The British International School admissions@bisshanghai.com
CHieF EDITOR
Travis Murray editor@bisshanghai.com
helping others to be the best they can be
ART DIRECTOR
Travis Murray editor@bisshanghai.com
COPY EDITOR
Aelred Doyle aelred@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Richard Restell r-restell@bisspuxi.com
Education and learning has always been our focus and our area of expertise. Our people and the people we work with all have a good understanding of what this means to us. We aim to provide students with the opportunity to be the best they can be.
CONTRIBUTORS
Terry Creissen t-creissen@bisspudong.com Mark Angus m-angus@bissnanxiang.com Kevin Foyle k-foyle@bisspuxi.com Mark Wilson m-wilson@bisspudong.com Richard Restell r-restell@bisspuxi.com Stuart White s-white@bisspuxi.com Kate Lorenz kate@ark-relocation.com Thomas Coupat thomas.coupat@sirva.com.cn Vela Ganeva ganeva.vela@savills.com Wade Dawson wade.d@austenmorris.com
ADVERTISING
Dee Dee Zhou d-zhou@bisspuxi.com
CONTACT
The British International School 111 Jinguang Lu, Huacao Town Shanghai, China 201107 86 21 5226 3211 www.bisshanghai.com
www.bisshanghai.com
Entire contents Š 2012 by Family Matters Magazine unless otherwise noted on specific articles
MAGAZINE
the british international school Shanghai, China
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FAMILY MATTERS
EDUCATION
10 things you need to know about your child’s education Much of what affects education at your child’s school happens outside the classroom
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o many parents base their choice of school on the feeling they have within five minutes or less of entering a school. They are quite correct! Those initial instincts speak volumes about the school. The way the students walk about between classes. How they play in the playground. How they address adults and other students. These things are hugely important, even beyond the obvious desire of any parent for a well-rounded, well-behaved and pleasant child (both at home and at school). They speak to the ethos of the school and its approach to the whole package of education. Education is not simply about textbooks.
Looks can be deceptive
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icture this: You walk into a classroom and all the work on the walls Is perfect. Well-written, beautiful, coloured within the lines, x and y axis labelled in perfect script. Sound like an ideal school? Not quite. A school should reflect the reality of what happens in the classroom, not what the teacher can produce and put on the wall to create an impression of perfection. A good principal who pays attention to what happens in school will of course spot this immediately. Nonetheless, some families might actively prefer this false image of perfection. I would suggest that in this they are in error. Students take pride in the world around them and in their own achievements. A pretty poster made by the teacher fades into the background. No child, younger or older, will take pride in drawing the attention of their parents to the work of a teacher placed on the wall. If it is their own work, even if it’s not perfectly executed, they will be proud and inspired to achieve greater things.
Exam results, real and imagined
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ome schools manipulate data at length. This is indefensible. Speaking simply, it can be seen as better for the school’s results to discourage a student who is not able in all subjects from taking an exam in which they might not do too well. Let me illustrate with an example. A student scoring A, A, A in three IGCSE examinations would give the school a pass rate on their website of 100 percent A grades – how lovely! How perfect to quote in texts. But let us look closer. Would it have been better for the student to have been allowed to take a full set of examinations and score A, A, A, B, C, D? Of course it would. However, that school must now quote 50 percent A grades. The question here that parents must look into in some detail is: Who is the school serving? The school’s website, or the students? Any school that states that all students pass all exams with great results should be treated with huge suspicion.
Excuse me, who are you?
W
hen visiting the school, did you meet the principal? Did he or she really care about your children? Did he or she know who they are, how old they are? Did the principal talk to the children? Did he or she in fact care about them? This matters because it again speaks about the school in depth. It’s all too easy to add polish to a website. It’s more important that the principal not be hidden away staring at a spreadsheet all day long.
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W W W . E S S ENTI A L S G U I D E p r a g u e . C O M
EDUCATION
Teachers are your friends
What are they actually doing?
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eaching staff are the heart and soul of a school. Their knowledge, enthusiasm, drive and sense of humour will have a genuinely transformative effect on the children in their care. This might seem obvious at first but is not always at the forefront of a parent’s mind. Sometimes the best advice given to a parent is to make friends with their child’s teachers. This might seem almost radical at first! Of course teachers should be professional, that is expected. Like any human being, though, teachers respond well, and will work that little harder, for parents who talk to them regularly, and who are supportive. This is not to suggest for one moment that teachers should not be accountable. Of course they must be, but human nature dictates that in any walk of life we will most enjoy working with, and for, positive people. A parent who berates a teacher if a child who has had a great day running, learning, talking, listening and studying comes home having lost a pen or pencil will make that teacher just that little more defensive, just that little bit less likely to try an exciting lesson.
ommunication is not something every school is good at. But it’s vital. For a parent to be involved in all stages of a student’s learning and journey through school from Pre-Nursery to Sixth Form, the school has to keep them informed. Pre-Nursery children cannot always tell their parents what they have been doing without prompts. Sometimes surly teenagers are not the most willing communicators! Parents who are interested in their children’s education and progress need to know what they are doing.
FAMILY MATTERS
Is there anybody there?
Learning from peers
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ho is in the school? When you walk into the school, are other parents present? Is the school lively, welcoming and active? Can you pop in to see the principal? Does the school have regular input from parents and listen to it? Many schools get this part right. Sometimes parents need encouragement to join in with the life of the school. Dry events – another lecture on homework for the under 4’s – are not always the most inviting! Sometimes it’s best to simply get into the school and have a chat with other parents, the principal or deputies and get a feel for what’s happening. This also gives parents a better sense of the intangible, but absolutely essential, ‘feel’ of the school.
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his is a big one. In secondary school, take an honest look around. Is your child’s (and they are still children) school more of a zoo? Are the students still wellbehaved, still keen to learn, still bright-eyed and active? Or are they out until late at night, drinking or worse? Does the school promote more positive activities? Does the school allow poor behaviour and poor choices to spread? Does the school in fact passively encourage students to meet and follow poor role models? This is a huge issue for all parents, not just those of older children. Much of a child’s education takes place outside the classroom, from those around them, their classmates. The atmosphere of a school influences the behaviour of the group. The behaviour of the group affects the atmosphere and effectiveness of the school. It’s a loop that the school must get right. One simple acid test: When leaving school at the end of the day, do the older children make way for the little ones, or carelessly knock them over? Very easy, very important.
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FAMILY MATTERS
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Much of a child’s education takes place from those around them, their classmates
What does it offer?
A
n education is more than just the curriculum, more than the basic co-curricular or after-school activities, more even than the ethos of the school. It is a thirst to learn, whoever you are. The average student doesn’t exist. There is no such thing as an average person. Everybody is a mind waiting to find inspiration, that one spark in the day that will light the fuse. It could be a 30-second game of football with the PE teacher at break time when they are told “well done”, it could be the maths teacher who makes jokes while explaining triangles so the atmosphere lightens for a few seconds, it could be the principal who plays an instrument and helps the students overcome stage fright; it doesn’t matter. It could be any of these things or others. This is perhaps the single most important attribute of a school principal, oddly enough. We can all run a school. The best schools have a principal that really fires a school, and drives it through personal example.
FAMILY MATTERS
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International, or little England
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obody in tomorrow’s world will be complacent and able to sit in one place their whole life. Perhaps this statement is a little dramatic. However, it does highlight an important matter. The values of a school should be apparent. They should reflect the name and nature of the school, in reality of course, not simply through glib advertising. However, schools, even The British International School Shanghai, have come to realise that creating little England, or trying to somehow pretend they are creating old England, is counterproductive. The world is smaller, changing quickly and increasingly international. Parents know this; they work for companies or services that span the globe. Equipping our students with the tools to move forward, as strong, positive, creative, wellqualified individuals in the real world, that is the most important thing. You need to know that your child’s education is providing them with these tools.
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EDUCATION
FIVE SIMPLE STEPS TO UNIVERSITY SUCCESS By Jason Kucker Careers and HE Counsellor The English International School Prague, Czech Republic
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icking the right university for you and being accepted to it is no simple matter. There’s a wealth of schools and programmes out there to choose from, and wading through them can be a daunting task. There are a few simple steps that a student can follow, in collaboration with parents and teachers, which will allow you to set a target and work towards it.
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1.1. Choose Choose your your subjects subjects wisely wisely and and work work like like you you mean mean it it nn many ways, preparation for the university admissions process begins before many ways, preparation for the university admissions process begins before aa student student enters enters the the International International Baccalaureate Baccalaureate Diploma Diploma Programme. Programme. This This programme, programme, which which isis typically typically completed completed during during the the last last two two years years of of secondary secondary school, school, requires requires all all candidates candidates to totake takecourses coursesin insix sixdifferent differentsubjects. subjects.There Thereis, is,however, however,enough enoughfreedom freedomin inselection selectionto to allow allowaacandidate candidateto tochoose choosethose thosecourses courseswhich whichwill willput puthim himin inthe thebest bestpossible possibleposition position for for acceptance acceptance to to aa desired desired course course of of study study at at university. university. For For example, example, aa student student who who would would like like to to pursue pursue aa career career in in medicine medicine will will typically typically choose choose to to study study subjects subjects such such as as Biology Biology and and Chemistry. Chemistry. A A student student who who would would like like to to pursue pursue aa career career in in architecture architecture will will typically typically choose choose to to study study Physics, Physics, Visual Visual Arts Arts and and Mathematics. Mathematics. A A student student who who would would like like to to pursue pursue aa career career in in journalism journalism will will typically typically choose choose to to study study History, History, English English and and one one or or two two other other languages, languages, and and so so on. on. Many Many universities universities have have specific specific subject subject requirements requirements for applicants to certain degree programmes. This is why it’ s important for applicants to certain degree programmes. This is why it’s important to to consider consider target target universities universities before before finalising finalising your your IB IB subject subject choices. choices. Once Once you you start start taking taking IB IB courses courses (and (and even even IGCSE IGCSE courses, courses, to to aa lesser lesser extent) extent) the the tape tape isis rolling. rolling.Your Yourschool schoolreports reportsand andpredicted predictedgrades gradesfrom fromyour yourteachers teacherswill willplay playaasubstantial substantial role role in in determining determining which which universities universities will will consider consider accepting accepting you. you. Now Now isis the the time time to to focus focus on on your your studies, studies, meet meet all all deadlines deadlines and and present present yourself yourself as as aa serious serious academic. academic. Don’t Don’t forget forget that that you’ll you’ll need need aa teacher teacher to to write write aa reference reference for for you. you.
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EDUCATION
2. Be well-rounded, not two-dimensional
W
hile universities are interested first and foremost in an applicant’s academic record, there’s much more to making yourself desirable to a university than achieving outstanding academic results. Yes, you may have fantastic marks at school, but what kind of a person are you? Are you shy or outgoing? Would you characterise yourself as selfish or selfless? And if you chose the latter answers, what evidence do you have to support your claims? The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme has a reputation for offering ‘the whole package’, which is a large part of its appeal to educational institutions the world over. Through completing programme requirements, students have the opportunity to expand their talents and show themselves to be well-suited to the demands of university life. For example, how can you prove that you’ve got good independent research skills? If you’ve successfully completed the IB Diploma Programme then you must have done an Extended Essay, a 4,000-word research paper complete with referencing and footnotes. How can you prove that you’re a critical and analytical thinker? If you’ve successfully completed the IB Diploma Programme then you must have studied Theory of Knowledge, a course concerned with epistemology, the nature and scope of knowledge. How can you prove that you’re a caring and concerned world citizen? If you’ve successfully completed the IB Diploma Programme then you must have done 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS), a non-academic requirement based on personal growth through experiential learning. All of these bonuses will help set you apart from others applying for the same places as you.
To find the right university for you, it’s very useful to figure out what kind of environment you want to study in
3. Know what you’re looking for
B
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y the time you begin looking at universities, you’ll probably have a fairly good idea what subject (or subjects) you wish to study and what career you hope to pursue. Once you know this, you can begin to have a closer look at universities that offer the right degree programmes. That will help you narrow your options substantially. To find the right university for you, it’s very useful to figure out what kind of environment you want to study in. Do you feel more comfortable in a busy city or in a quiet university town? In your home country, somewhere you’ve visited or somewhere you’ve never been before? (Don’t forget – there are degree programmes taught in English all over the world.) Do you want to be five kilometres from the beach or from the ski lift? Are you looking for a big school with thousands of students in massive lecture halls, or a small school where you get to know your classmates and professors in a cosy classroom setting? Are extracurricular activities important to you, or do you want to focus strictly on your studies? Would you be more comfortable living on campus, in a shared flat or in your parents’ house? These may seem like trivial questions, but if you’re going to spend three to five years in a place, it’s important that you feel satisfied and comfortable there. Also, don’t limit yourself to universities with instantly recognisable names. Just because you’ve never heard of it doesn’t mean it isn’t an excellent institution. One way of checking this is to ask professionals in a given field what they know about a particular university. If you’re looking at a career in journalism, ask a journalist what he or she knows about universities X, Y and Z. Chances are you’ll get an honest response from a person who knows what they’re talking about. After you’ve considered everything above, there’ll probably be a few schools which really stand out to you, so research them. Check out their websites and the school library’s resources, and speak with your Careers/Higher Education Counsellor. If you’re still interested, request that they send you prospectuses and other promotional materials, speak to current or former students and if at all possible go visit them in person and take a tour. Most university admissions offices will gladly help you set this up.
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CETA High Performance – Personal Programme (PP)
t e n n i s C E TA
This specialised programme is available for selected Adult and Junior players, trying to raise their level with clear, specific goals. Personal Programmes are designed specifically for players that require a range of components for their development, in an individualised environment. Programs include Privates, SMAP Biomechanical Assessments, TEC REP through ball machine training, Skill Acquisition activities and specific fitness programming and conditioning with our Director of Fitness and our Professional Hitting Programme, as well as additional Match Play.
CETA Elite Tournament Travel Team (ETTT) Our CETA travel team goes to events primarily around China and surrounding Asian countries. With our expertise in travelling to ATF & ITF events in Asia as well as ATP & WTA events for professional players, we have teams travelling to events with a CETA Coach who is available for all travel coach programmes. We currently work with numerous players coming to Asia in our International Home Base Programme in which we also have clubs in Japan, the US, Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Brunei and India. We have an extensive network of programmes and coaches available in these regions to assist our players when they travel, should they be in need of specialised care.
Competitive Players Pathway Programme (CPPP) The programme is designed for players looking to compete at national, Asian Tennis Federation (ATF 14’s) and International Tennis Federation (ITF 18’s) level. These players are aspiring to develop their tennis to an elite level and will be involved in training a number of days per week at various facilities throughout Shanghai. Competitive players will be exposed to Dead & Live Ball Feeding, SMAP On Court Biomechanical Assessments, Specific Fitness Conditioning and Mental Skill Development sessions throughout the programme. Players will be invited to become a part of travel teams competing around Shanghai and also travel to specifically selected tournaments within Asia. The major benefit of this programme is that players have a wide range of team mates and opponents to practise with, who display similar levels of aspiration, talent and drive. CPP players will be encouraged to pursue competition at every possible opportunity.
Talent Advantage Pathway Programme (TAPP)
o n ly
This programme is designed to give an opportunity to players displaying talent and the aspiration to begin their journey towards competitive tennis. These players are experienced and have a strong understanding of the game, and are looking towards competing at national level. The major benefit of this programme is that players have exposure to team members with similar levels of aspiration, talent and ambition.
t h e
Summer Camps
b e s t
“Your Tennis Experience” is a concept which allows us to bring our players to countries worldwide to train, compete and play against players from all over the world. It gives our players the experience of being an international player in a safe, fun team environment, and provides an opportunity for CETA players and other overseas guests to come together to create a truly international camp.
Contact
biscap@bisspuxi.com ceta@cetatennis.com
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4. Know what they’re looking for
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t’s also very important to consider whether you match the profile of a prospective student for your desired university. Do your marks meet their minimum requirements? In addition, many universities and specific degree programmes have special prerequisites when it comes to aptitude exams. US schools will be looking for the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). UK universities will expect the BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) for students who wish to study medicine and the LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) for those who wish to study law. You’ll have to study and register for these exams on your own time while keeping your IB marks up. When applying to universities, it’s good to think in terms of ‘safe schools’ and ‘reach schools’. In short, a safe school is one where you know you’ve got a very good chance of being accepted, let’s say 85-95 percent. A reach school may take you, but you don’t have the same degree of certainty, let’s say 25-35 percent. Yes, it’s good to set yourself ambitious targets, but only if they’re realistic ones. A student with a C average, for example, would probably be wasting her time applying to Oxford or Harvard; a harsh reality, but an important one to keep in mind. In the end, it’s probably wise to apply to 5-8 universities, with 10 the absolute maximum. If you’re applying to UK universities, you can submit a single application to five schools or programmes via the UCAS system. US universities have no centralised system, so you’ll have to complete an individual application for each school. In any case, you’ll need a letter of recommendation from one (or more) of your teachers and a personal statement in which you introduce yourself in terms of your strengths and goals. Make sure that these are the best they can be; along with your grades, they’ll be the primary means by which admissions officers will judge you.
It’s also very important to consider whether you match the profile of a prospective student for your desired university 5. Figure out financing
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t’s no secret that with higher education comes higher costs. School fees are just one aspect of this. Room and board, travel, textbooks – all raise the price tag substantially.
There are ways to finance your education without covering all of the costs yourself. Many universities and philanthropic organisations offer scholarships for the right candidates based on factors such as disability status, academic achievement, athletic ability and other talents. Some businesses also maintain links with universities and offer funding to students heading down a relevant career path. These can be found easily online or by enquiring at a university’s admissions office. Note that it’s extremely important to investigate these options early, as there may be special requirements to meet. Your nationality could also work in your favour when it comes to paying for your education. One little-known fact is that European Union citizens are exempt from paying fees at Scottish universities. Some schools may also take permanent residency in a state or country or a student’s ethnic minority status into account, lowering the cost further still. Finally, financial aid, grants, bursaries, work-study programmes and loans are available for those who need them. According to legendary basketball coach John Wooden, “Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” Yes, these five steps may seem like a lot of effort, but when you consider the important role that your higher education is likely to play in determining your future success, it’s certainly effort well-spent.
Jason Kucker
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native of the New York area, Jason Kucker earned his BA from Binghamton University and his MS Ed from the City College of New York. He has taught English language and literature to Careers and HE Counsellor primary, secondary and university students in the United States The English International School and in Europe. He joined the EISP staff in September 2006 and has Prague, Czech Republic been an instrumental part of the school’s delivery of the IB Diploma Programme, teaching two English courses, coordinating CAS, teaching the Theory of Knowledge course and eventually taking on the role of Careers and Higher Education Counsellor in 2009. He is also Head of EAL and he enjoys all aspects of teaching English learners. Some of his proudest achievements have been leading the school’s CAS volunteer projects in Macedonia, Romania, Uganda and Ukraine. He enjoys cooking exotic foods, studying languages and playing guitar, blues in particular. He lives with his wife Lada, their daughter Lily and their son Oliver near Prague.
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understanding assesSment and levels Do you really know how well your children are performing? by Christine Armstrong
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hroughout the world, a number of different levelling systems are used to help you know how your children are performing and how they compare to other children. Britain* and schools around the world following the British system base their teaching on the British National Curriculum. The National Curriculum was devised to standardise teaching in schools throughout Britain and, in turn, provide standardised ways of assessing pupils in order to make it easier to compare school success throughout the country. In Britain, children are levelled throughout their school careers. All good international schools following the British system level children using the same methods. This ensures that teachers, and thus pupils, schools and parents, know what progress a pupil is making throughout the school year, as well as year on year. The British system of assessment can sound complicated, but it’s not as difficult as it might at first look. There are two main types of assessment used in schools. Summative assessment allows teachers to see what the children
have learnt at the end of the learning process. This assessment is seen in the form of tests. A number of different tests have been devised over the years to help assess pupils. British schools use a range of these in any given subject. However, the tests that most British schools use at the end of an academic year are called SATs (not to be confused with the American SAT test, which assesses suitability for university). SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are given formally at the end of Year 2 and Year 6 and are used to show a child’s progress and how they compare with other children born in the same year. Optional SATs are available for Years 3, 4 and 5, and schools may use these to identify a child’s level at the end of the academic year. In this way you can be confident that a school using summative assessment will be keeping a close eye on your child’s progress all the way through school. The second type of assessment used is formative assessment. This is an ongoing aid to learning and is based on both the teacher’s and pupil’s assessment of where they are at a given moment and what they need to do to move forward. It’s designed to provide learners
with feedback on progress and inform development. It can be used to identify any areas which would benefit from extra attention on the part of the student, or extra support from academic staff. The methods used are less formal than a test or exam. Formative assessment should be taking place all of the time in school, while summative assessments are more likely to happen on a term / end of unit basis. Good teachers are aware of a child’s level throughout the year, and many schools embed a range of formative techniques and summative tests, constituting a key part of the school’s ethos. Together, summative and formative assessment combine to provide a complete picture of a child’s level and progress within the school.
EDUCATION If your child is in a school following the British system with good formative and summative assessments in place, then their level will be clear. The final hurdle for parents unfamiliar with the British system lies in understanding the levels themselves. In Primary School, the National Curriculum is split into five levels ranging from level 1 to a potential level 5. A general guide to where an average pupil will be throughout their primary school life is shown in the table to the right. By the end of Year 6, when pupils finish primary school, the average child will be a Level 4. Each level can be split into three sub-levels: a, b and c. Sub-level ‘c’ represents a child who is only just managing to work within the level; ‘b’ represents a child working securely within the level; and ‘a’ represents a child working towards the next level. For example, an average Year 2 child should be a 2b by the end of the year, indicating they’re working securely within the level 2 range. An average Year 6 child is expected to be working at level 4b, and so would be working securely within level 4. The table to the right gives an outline of the sub-level a child should be at by the end of each year in primary school. While these levels and sub-levels are used to help assess how children are performing and the progress being made, it should be stressed that they’re indicators only. Finding that a child is working below or above these sub-levels tells a story that implies something may need to be addressed. In some cases this may lead to extra support and provision through the Gifted & Talented programme, or through additional learning support. Other factors, such as English as a second or third language or settling into a new school or country, also influence where a child is at any given moment in time. It’s the duty of teachers and schools to use their expertise to consider everything in context to best meet the needs of the pupils within their care, and to make sure that all pupils make excellent progress in school. *For the purpose of this article, ‘Britain’ refers to England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as Scotland uses an alternative curriculum system. §
Levels
Average Age of Child
Development Matters & Early Learning Goals
2-5-year-olds, working towards a level 1.
Level 1
Average for 5-6-year-olds
Level 2
Average for 6-7-year-olds
Level 3
Average for 7-9-year-olds
Level 4
Average for 10-11-year-olds
Level 5
Above average 11-year-olds
Good teachers are aware of a child’s level throughout the year, and many schools embed a range of formative techniques Year Group
Age of Child
Sub-Level Target
1
5-6
1b
2
6-7
2b
3
7-8
2a/3c
4
8-9
3c/3b
5
9-10
3a/4c
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10-11
4b or above
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EDUCATION
THE PERSONAL STATEMENT
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HOW CAN YOUR CHILD STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD? By Lauren Murphy, Assistant Director of International Office, University of Exeter
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he Personal Statement is called a Personal Statement for a reason. It’s an opportunity for the applicant to convey their own individual perspective on a programme or subject and illustrate their appetite and motivation to learn more. In the absence of a face-to-face interview, the Personal Statement is one of the most important elements of the UCAS application form; it’s an opportunity for the university to identify with the candidate and to assess their suitability and ‘fit’ for a particular academic programme and associated learning environment. Therefore, although there may be the temptation to get overly involved in the statement-writing procedure in order to ensure that your child is presented in the best possible light, it’s important that the statement reflect the applicant’s own authentic voice. The main difference between the Personal Statement for UK applications via UCAS and the Application Essay for study in the US is that UK universities expect the Personal Statement to be strongly focused on the intended subject area. UK Admissions Tutors are
looking for applicants who show a real passion for their field of study and can demonstrate an appreciation of what’s involved in it. This awareness is particularly important when the candidate has no formal academic experience in the subject applied for. Whatever the subject, however, all UK degrees emphasise the development of independent learning skills. Therefore, ideas which have been developed through wider reading and research or extracurricular pursuits are just as relevant as those acquired through formative study in the classroom. As the proverb states: “He who fails to plan, plans to fail.” It’s important to encourage your child to start
thinking about their personal statement early in the application process. Not only is it inevitable that a hurried statement thrown together the night before will fail to impress, but putting ideas down on paper in the early stages may help to refine your child’s choice of study programme and environment and can help avoid any late changes of heart.
should discuss any areas which are of particular interest, future career aspirations and skills which they hope to develop. All of these things will form the basis of their UK university application, and in some cases may form the framework for an Admissions Interview. It’s important for the applicant to be
Brainstorming is an excellent way of developing your child’s ideas about why they’d like to study a particular subject or course, and is something in which you can actively participate. Where candidates are applying for Flexible or Combined Honours and planning to study a variety of different subjects, it’s important to identify links between the subjects and for your child to clearly outline why they want to further their study in a number of disciplines. Where there are no obvious correlations between subjects, applicants may want to question their direction and the reasoning behind their course choice.
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Encourage your child to think carefully about their motivation for studying a particular subject. In the personal statement they
ALTHOUGH ADMISSIONS TUTORS WILL BE KEEN TO HEAR ABOUT ANY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES YOUR CHILD UNDERTAKES, THESE NEED TO BE DISCUSSED IN THE CONTEXT OF THEIR FUTURE STUDIES
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honest and open in the Personal Statement, to give them the best possible chance of being selected to study in the programme and at the university which is right for them. When it comes to compiling the statement itself, it’s imperative that your child review and reflect, and that they write at least a few drafts, which they can then refine. It’s important that they also get someone they trust to read over the statement; this is a stage where they may ask you, as a parent, to get involved. Point out any areas which need improvement from a grammatical or spelling perspective and also any issues in terms of structure or development of ideas. Remember, the statement should be a demonstration of your child’s own ability, but some positive criticism and words of encouragement should help them to express their ideas in a concise and cohesive manner. The linguistic ability and skill needed to write a powerful, wellstructured argument should not be underestimated. The fact that he or she has taken the time to shape a cohesive argument, carefully checked spelling and grammar – and refrained from going mad with a thesaurus and using big words out of context – can actually give your child an advantage over other candidates. After all, the Personal Statement should be a true expression of the applicant. It’s important that candidates
adopt the relevant linguistic style to demonstrate their suitability for the academic programme for which they’re applying, and for the audience to whom they’re trying to appeal. Your child should think about what the Admissions Tutor is looking for, and the skills and attributes which may make them stand out from the crowd. The course profile can often give a good indication. Although Admissions Tutors will be keen to hear about any extracurricular activities your child undertakes, these need to be discussed in the context of their future studies. Although your child’s hobbies and work experience may not be directly relevant to the programme of study, they may have gained skills or developed attributes which could assist them in their undergraduate career. Candidates should not underestimate the importance of being analytical and not merely descriptive; to reflect upon their ideas but to also be selective in the examples they include in their statement. At the end of the day, they only have 47 lines and 4,000 characters to promote themselves to the best of their ability. Impact is essential… so long as it’s for the right reasons! Admissions Tutors read hundreds of personal statements every year and so they remember the ones that make a lasting impression – good and
bad. Above all, it’s essential that the opening sentence and the closing paragraph are memorable and imprint upon the mind of the reader. Instead of staring at a blank piece of paper, encourage your child to develop their ideas first, as it’s often easier to piece the statement together later. Many candidates find that the opening statement is actually one of the last things they write, and comes after they have a strong idea of the core of what they actually want to say. This can form the basis for the entire argument and set the tone for the rest of the statement. UK Admissions Tutors are passionate about their subject and the learning environment offered by their university. They are therefore looking for candidates who are suited to the course of study, have good communication skills and can express themselves clearly. If your child‘s Personal Statement demonstrates that they will be active learners, have researched the subject thoroughly and have a strong desire to learn more, plus have the tenacity to succeed, this will stand them in good stead. Your support in helping them to discover their own voice and articulate their hopes and desires for their future will have been central to ensuring that your child obtains a place at the university which is right for them. DO: • Adopt a suitable style and a clear
structure • Demonstrate skills relevant to the programme • Have a memorable opening and closing statement • Be analytical and not just descriptive • Use the most relevant resources • Save your work regularly • Make an IMPACT! DON’T: • Lie or embellish the truth • Start every sentence with ‘I’ or use vocabulary you don’t understand • Use colloquial language or clichés, or try to make jokes • Show preference for one university over another • Copy example statements or plagiarise • Repeat information that is elsewhere on the UCAS form • Be an Average Joe!
This article is based on an Application Seminar given by Lauren Murphy at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi Campus during the Autumn Term 2010. Lauren Murphy is Assistant Director of the International Office at the University of Exeter L.Murphy@ex.ac.uk The University of Exeter is an elite UK University ranked No. 12 in the Times Good University Guide 2011. The University offers a safe and welcoming campus environment and is one of the UK’s top universities for overall student satisfaction (Top 10; NSS 2008-2010) www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate
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THE CINEMA OF DREAMS “Film as dream, film as music. No form of art goes beyond ordinary consciousness as film does, straight to our emotions, deep into the twilight room of the soul.” Ingmar Bergman by David Robinson
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inema is now well over a hundred years old, yet it’s still not taken as seriously in schools as novels, art or music. Could that be due to the dumbed-down, unimaginative fare all too often forced down our throats at multiplexes around the world? Sadly, much of contemporary Hollywood cinema is aimed at the lowest common denominator, and much of its audience seems content with a few cheap laughs, some tacky CGI effects and some none-too-subtle product placement for junk food or tie-in toys. However, every now and then a new film crops up and makes us remember the excitement and joy of our early cinematic experiences. Perhaps the joyful characters of Toy Story 3, the ground-breaking effects of Avatar or the melancholic magic of Up was loved by you or your children recently. The films and TV we experience as youngsters may have some effect on the subjects we study and the career paths we choose. It’s amazing how many of today’s most successful scientists can trace the beginnings of their scientific interests to a childhood encounter with Star Trek, Star Wars or Doctor Who. One wonders if the young Stephen Hawking, who actually appears in an episode of Star Trek, would have chosen the career path he did if his viewing habits consisted of reality TV and talent shows.
It was with these feelings in mind that the Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton introduced her Eight and a Half Foundation in 2009 as part of the Scottish Cinema of Dreams Project. Although she has starred in many blockbuster movies, perhaps most memorably as the White Witch in the Narnia films, she talked about how she feels children today are almost bullied into watching some of Hollywood’s trashiest films by allencompassing marketing campaigns and a lack of exposure to the other avenues of cinema that exist. The foundation aims to show that there’s a whole world of cinema out there telling stories about everything from aboriginal children forcibly taken from their parents in 1930s Australia, to a lonely Parisian school boy whose only company is a red balloon, to a Russian hedgehog lost in the fog on the way to visit his friend the bear. If you’re not familiar with these films, then you and your children are missing out on stories every bit as engaging and memorable as those of Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Many of us might be wary of force feeding ‘arty’ films to kids whose expectations of cinema have come to be all about explosions and 3D CGI effects. However, I’ve been amazed at the patience and enthusiasm I’ve seen from secondary school students for all sorts of films, including black-and-white and subtitled films. I’ve seen students with attention deficit disorder transfixed by a long,
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subtitled French film about boys trying to continue as normal in a school under Nazi occupation and stunned into silence by its understated but heartbreaking conclusion. Film can, of course, open avenues for interests and discussion about every topic under the sun, from the size of the universe to poverty in rural China. Watching a film together is a simple but very effective way for families to spend some quality time. All too often parents use films as babysitters rather than a time to share the same thrills, tears and laughter. A film shared can later lead to all sorts of discussions, ideas and memories. Why not set aside a film night once every month or so where you can grab some tasty but healthy snacks, turn the lights down low and sit down as a family and share an amazing experience together? You could then follow up the viewing with some sort of related realworld experience. Here are a few suggestions for films you might enjoy watching with your family. A lot more information can be found at the Eight and a Half Foundation website: eightandahalf.org §
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For younger kids under 8 01
01. The Red Balloon (Albert Lamorisse, 1956, France) A young boy makes friends with a rather unusual red Parisian.
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02. Paddle to the Sea (Bill Mason, 1969, Canada) An epic journey across the waterways of Canada.
03. Kirkou and the Sorceress 02
(Michel Ocelot, 1998, France/ Belgium/Luxembourg) A West African folk tale made for the big screen by this French animator. A big hit in the secondary school too.
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04. Spirited Away / My Friend Totoro (Hayao Miyazaki, 1988, Japan) Two of Japanese anime master Miyazaki’s masterworks.
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05. The short films of Norman McLaren (Scotland/Canada)
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Norman McLaren’s jazz-infused shorts can open the door to a whole new world of abstract cinema, and are great fun too!
06. ET (Steven Spielberg, 1982, USA) Spielberg’s classic is still as involving for children today as it was in 1982. 07
07. The Singing Ringing Tree
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(Germany 1957) Bewitching and, for some, terrifying German fairytales.
08. The Hedgehog in the Fog (Yuri Nornstein, 1956, Russia) A mysterious short animation about a nervous hedgehog.
09. The Animations of Oliver Postgate (UK) A whole generation of British children grew up on Postgate’s delightful animations, such as Bagpuss, The Clangers and Ivor the Engine.
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For 8-14-year-olds
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01. The Night of the Hunter (Charles Laughton, 1955, USA) One of the greatest films ever made, this noir is an exciting tale of murder and deception and is even more engrossing today than when it was made over 50 years ago. I’ve yet to find a secondary student who doesn’t enjoy it.
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02. Great Expectations (David Lean, 1946, UK) Dickens’ story still looks fantastic in this classic British film. Kids will be scared and enthralled by Miss Havisham in particular.
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03. Kes (Ken Loach, 1969, UK) A fantastic story of a lonely high school student who finds escape from the dismal north of England with his pet kestrel.
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04. Not One Less (Zhang Yimou, 2003, China) Students get really engaged with this story of a young girl who has to teach a class of even younger students in a desperately poor village environment in China.
05. Rabbit-Proof Fence (Phillip Noyce, 2002, Australia) 03
The heartbreaking story of three young Aboriginal children taken from their mother and their attempt to walk across one of Australia’s most remote deserts to get back home.
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06. The Elephant Man (David Lynch, 1982, UK) You and your children are certain to cry but also to learn a lot about humanity and the deceptiveness of appearances from the story of Joseph Merrick in Victorian England.
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07. Empire of the Sun (Steven Spielberg, 1987 UK)
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The true story of JG Ballard, who grew up in a huge villa and attended a British school in Shanghai in the 1930s, only for it all to disappear as the Second World War arrived.
08. La Belle et La Bete (Jean Cocteau, 1946, France/Luxembourg) Cocteau’s surreal masterpiece was a huge influence on the better-known Disney animated version.
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09. Au Revoir Les Enfants (Louis Malle, 1987, France/Germany) A subtly devastating portrait of high school friendship in World War II France.
10. The short films of Jan Svankmajer This Czech film-maker’s surreal short animations transfix viewers of all generations.
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For older teens
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01. Hope and Glory (John Boorman, 1987, UK) Growing up in London during the Second World War. Much funnier and not nearly as depressing as that might sound.
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02. My Life as a Dog (Lasse Hallstrom, 1985, Sweden) Funny and touching tales of Swedish boy Ingemar growing up with his terminally ill mother.
03. The Sweet Hereafter (Atom Egoyan, 1997, Canada) 02
Echoes of the Pied Piper of Hamlin in a small Canadian town as it attempts to come to terms with grief following a terrible school bus accident. Has a 100% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website and has been voted the best Canadian film ever.
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04. La Haine (Mathieu Kassovitz, 1995, France) A day in the life of three young Parisians looking for justice and excitement from their housing estate. Startling black-and-white photography and a super cool French hip-hop soundtrack.
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05. Beijing Bicycle (Wang Xiaoshuai, 2001, China)
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Teenager Guei gets a job as a bicycle courier in Beijing but encounters some trouble in the hutongs.
06. Persepolis (Vincent Paronnaud, 2007, France) Fantastic adaption of a comic book about an outspoken Iranian girl growing up during the Islamic revolution.
07. Show Me Love (Lukas Moodysson, 1998, Sweden/Denmark) 04
One of the most emotionally honest teen films ever, about a girl growing up in a boring Swedish town. Also known by another title that can’t be published here.
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08. Boyz in the Hood (John Singleton, 1991, USA) The saga of a group of childhood friends growing up in South Central LA. A great film to show any gangster rap-enamoured teens about the importance of education, responsibility and friendship in difficult circumstances.
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09. Sweet Sixteen (Ken Loach, 2002, UK) A 16-year-old boy trapped by poverty and drugs in contemporary Scotland looks for an escape for himself and his family.
10. The Wholphin DVD collection The people behind the hugely successful McSweeney’s books and magazines produce this DVD magazine with exciting and engaging short films from all over the world.
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gung ho chaps! OUTWARD BOUND - A BRITISH CONCEPT
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here are many exciting and challenging experiences generated in the classroom and the school environment that aim to give students the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to society, as well as be successful individuals in the future. Schools spend large amounts of money on buildings, classrooms, laboratories and equipment, as well as on employing qualified staff and ensuring they attend professional development training to keep them up to date with the latest developments.
Abseiling, bungee jumping, the sky is the limit with adventure sports
But there’s an area of learning outside the classroom that’s often overlooked because it’s seen as expensive, difficult to organise and full of health and safety issues and bureaucratic obstacles. In addition, the outdoor events and expeditions do not appear to directly link with GCSE and A-level scores, nor help with league tables. A number of schools, including The British School, believe that the more opportunities there are for learning, providing a service and being physically and mentally challenged, the more equipped students will be to cope with life’s ups and downs, both inside and outside the classroom. Students also become more positive, helpful and well-rounded individuals, willing to get their hands dirty and make a positive difference to others. Schools that follow this type of programme promote the following: - a sense of adventure, unpredictability, drama and suspense - a consistently high level of expectation - a positive, success-oriented approach in which growth is supported and encouraged - an atmosphere of mutual support - a sense of enjoyment and fun, the opportunity to laugh at a situation, and at oneself and others - group problem-solving –
problems requiring a variety of personal contributions that can’t be solved individually - exposure to the less predictable and less familiar (when compared to the school classroom) But this is not just for fun. Giving students a physical challenge, pushing them a little outside their comfort zones and allowing them to experience different things have
Kurt Hahn also says...
“I regard it as the foremost task of education to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial and, above all, compassion.” “There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.”
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4 OF THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST CHALLENGES what would hahn make of these?
Race Across America Bike Race (RAMM) 3,000 miles, 14 states, climbing over 100,000 feet. Taking saddle sores to a new level.
Most of us spend our time in a comfort zone, dealing with everyday occurrences, but experiencing the unexpected in a controlled environment allows us to learn how to deal with unexpected and stressful circumstances in real life much better. A good school makes sure that students are stretched and learn new skills in the growth zone, but are not pushed too far or put in dangerous situations which they will struggle to handle.
Kurt Hahn (1886-1974) A lot of the experiential learning used in school comes from Kurt Hahn, and his ideas have led to the creation of other programmes around the world, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the International Award. This is a quote from Hahn, founder of Outward Bound:
Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand.
Summary In short, money and time invested in experiential learning and working with students in the great outdoors has so many positive outcomes:
Character development • Increased self-confidence and self-actualisation • Compassion toward others • Learning to live a healthy and balanced life
Leadership • The ability to set goals, and to inspire and guide others to achieve them • The ability to collaborate, communicate, solve problems and resolve conflicts effectively
Service • Social and environmental responsibility • Actively engaging in service to others
Compassion • Concern and acting with a spirit
of respect and generosity in service to others
Integrity
A 2,930-mile race across the Atlantic, this typically takes 3650 days. Bring a raincoat.
• Acting with honesty, being accountable for your decisions and actions
Excellence • Being your best self, pursuing craftsmanship in your actions and living a healthy and balanced life
Inclusion and diversity • Valuing and working to create communities representative of our society that support and respect differences
the everest marathon A commemorative event to celebrate Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay reaching Everest.
Physical fitness • The whole programme promotes undertaking arduous outdoor challenges and meeting tough goals. Students need to train and practise in order to reach the minimum requirements to undertake many of the targets and sporting or adventurous activities.
channel swim Can you beat the world record of 7 hours to swim the 21 miles?
Thanks to www.worldstoughestchallenges.com
a very positive effect on how they cope with everyday difficulties and stresses.
the atlantic rowing race
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ASK THE EXPERTS
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Getting it right Crown Relocation offers tips for expat families by Crown Relocation
Jetting off to the right start Relocating overseas is an exciting experience, yet the flurries of preparation beforehand can overshadow one crucial consideration – how to give your relocation the best chance of succeeding. While there’s no way of guaranteeing success, there are steps you can take to give yourself the best possible start. Paul Retchless, Manager of Sales & Marketing at Crown Relocation, has put together some practical tips to help you along your way. Before you go… Research Time is a luxury that many people don’t have in abundance when it comes to relocating, but the more time you can put aside to do some research, the better. While the thought might be off-putting, it will pay dividends later on and help you to avoid mistakes.
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onsider what you would set up if you moved house in your own country, such as a phone line, the Internet and local services, and find out what information you’ll be required to provide in order to do this in your new location. If you’re using relocation specialists, your representative will be able to advise you accordingly and direct you to informative websites such as www.crownrelo.com; otherwise you should be able to find out more details and legal requirements from government and service provider websites. Find local places of interest Locating in advance places that you’ll need to go, such as a supermarket, can be a great time and stress saver. It’s worth marking them on a map so that you can find your way around when you’re out and about. Crucially, this also means you won’t need to rely on the Internet when you arrive. After all, it could take some time to organise phone lines and Internet access for your new home. This is also a useful way to help you establish elements of your current lifestyle that you wish to continue, such as going to a gym, cinema or restaurants. Continuing the activities that you’re used to will help you avoid feeling homesick. If you do find yourself feeling down or disappointed about the relocation, try to be realistic about the issues you’re facing, and don’t
simply stay at home. Find places you enjoy and establish routines that work for you. Learn about your new country It’s perfectly natural to experience culture shock when you arrive, so it can be very beneficial to prepare yourself for those differences. You may think that some countries have similar cultures to the UK, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel the effects of culture shock. No matter how alike the countries are, it can often help to take part in an intercultural training course to get a true understanding of the new culture. The more you know about your new surroundings, the better placed you’ll be to connect with the locals and understand the way the country is governed. If you can, visiting your new location before you move will also help you know what to expect. Explore every opportunity for employment Whether you’re relocating on your own or with your family, arranging a job from afar can be tricky, but don’t give up hope. The benefits of a stable job are clear. If you’re employed in your new location, you’ll become accustomed to the local area much more quickly. Working will help you establish a routine and build up your personal contacts. Try to stay focused on what you want to do, and get in touch with as many companies as possible so
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It’s perfectly natural to experience culture shock when you arrive, so it can be very beneficial to prepare yourself for those differences
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Keeping in touch with loved ones can help reduce homesickness, which is crucial when you first relocate. Nowadays, there’s a wide variety of low-cost, quick and userfriendly ways to maintain contact
that you have something lined up when you arrive.
Once you’ve arrived…
Finding the perfect pad
Once you’re over the jet lag, you’ll undoubtedly be excited and full of enthusiasm about your new destination. You really should harness this energy as much as possible – now is the time to get your map out and explore the local area. This will immediately give you a sense of where you are, which will help to build your feelings of comfort and familiarity.
You’ll feel more settled if you have somewhere to call your own, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy a house! Simply find somewhere you can use as a permanent base, rather than rely on a hotel. If you’re relocating on your own and don’t like the thought of renting a property by yourself, look online for potential house shares. Remember to take into account the local area when choosing your new home. Make sure you pick somewhere with easy access to your job, suitable schools and local amenities that allow you to familiarise yourself with the area more quickly and get used to your surroundings. Secure school places Routines can be very important for children, so starting school shortly after you arrive can help both you and your children to establish a routine and settle in. By arranging a school for your child before the relocation, you’ll avoid a lastminute panic to find somewhere suitable when you arrive. If you have time to visit schools in the area, you’ll have a chance to explore the facilities, meet the teachers and get a feel for what kind of school you want your child to attend.
Explore
Don’t let distance keep you apart Keeping in touch with loved ones can help reduce homesickness, which is crucial when you first relocate. Nowadays, there’s a wide variety of low-cost, quick and userfriendly ways to maintain contact. The Internet is a great way of keeping the cost of staying in touch down. Software such as Skype allows you to phone people online for free for as long as you like, and if you both have webcams you’ll be able to see each other while you chat. Social networking websites such as Facebook allow you to share photos, have live chats and catch up on what’s happening back home. Make sure you keep your profile up-to-date so your loved ones back home can see what you’re up to and, in turn, keep you posted on the latest from them. Join expat groups Investigate local expat groups and make
an effort to join as many as possible. The members of these groups can be a vital source of encouragement, practical assistance and information to help you settle in. Expat groups are also a great way to build your support network and make friends, which can be particularly important if you’re in a country with a different first language to your own. Expats will be able to help you practise the language, as well as learn about the local culture. What’s more, you can use their experiences with local services, from dentists to tap classes, to find out the best places to use. Remember – they’ve been through the same process as you and will therefore know and understand what you’re going through, as well as the needs you might have. Don’t be shy about asking for help. Make it work for you Simply put, there’s nothing quite like research to set your relocation in the right direction. Seek as much assistance as you can to help to ease the burden, and get your friends and family involved in the process – they’ll be more than happy to help you get the best start you can. §
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So you’re relocating… FAMILY MATTERS ASKS ALLIED PICKFORDS HOW YOU MAKE A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY By Claudia Neumayer, International Move Consultant, Allied Pickfords
T
he decision to relocate sets in motion a number of key events. One event that can quickly raise the level of stress in a transferee’s life is trying to physically and mentally plan and adapt to living and working in a new location. While there’s the expected stress of a new job and a new location, there’s also the stress of being separated from family and friends, as well as the reality of being removed from familiar surroundings for an uncertain length of time. For a smooth transition into the new location, there are some key components to consider: WHERE Know your new location
ABC Children’s education
It’s practical to find schools and housing in tandem, as some schools have an enrolment management plan in place that means students may not be able to attend unless they live within a designated catchment zone. For younger children it’s also important to consider proximity to the new school. Check the curriculum and educational levels compared to schools back home. DOCTOR, DOCTOR Medical & hospital
Familiarisation with medical facilities and hospital networks is important once housing has been arranged. Health authorities usually have a website with a range of helpful information.
A pre-decision trip to the new location is essential to familiarise you with local surroundings, place of employment, housing rental or purchase, schooling, special needs and so on, so there aren’t any surprises after Moving household goods is one of the most stressful aspects of relocation. relocation. Hence it’s important to be prepared, choose the right HOME moving services company and Temporary & long-term understand the entire process, to housing ensure peace of mind. Temporary housing for the initial period of the relocation may be necessary if long-term housing hasn’t been sorted out. Depending on the length of stay, serviced apartments and shortterm rentals are both possibilities. For purchase or long-term rental, find a reputable real estate agent with sound practice; check rental, sale and purchase statistics; and understand your rights, in order to enable a successful outcome.
MOVE IT Household goods moving & storage
Find a moving services company with a good reputation and appropriate infrastructure who will advise, manage the transportation process door to door with exemplary customer service and keep you informed at every step. §
While there’s the expected stress of a new job and a new location, there’s also the stress of being separated from family and friends, as well as the reality of being removed from familiar surroundings for an uncertain length of time
ASK THE EXPERTS
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Packed out A pre-relocation checklist with timeframes is summarised below
Pre-move 30-60 days before departure • • •
• • • • • • •
Have medical, dental and eye check-ups Obtain records and prescriptions Organise household effects according to accompanying baggage, unaccompanied baggage and storage Transportation or sale arrangements for cars Make contact with the moving services company Check process Ensure contents insurance coverage Book and record dates for packing and uplift Record dates for arrival and delivery Make any necessary arrangements for pets
15-30 days before departure
Finalise any outstanding accounts: • Department stores • Medical/dental bills • Utilities, property rates, etc. • Close down newspaper, other
home deliveries Lodge documents for ease of access/ safekeeping: • Deeds and titles • Policies, guarantees and receipts • Wills, power of attorney • Qualification certificates • Marriage, birth certificates, etc. Collect documents to take personally: • Children’s school reports and workbooks • Partner’s work references and certificates • Medical history and prescriptions (including optometry and dental) • Update telephone and address list • Certificates, etc.
14 days before departure
• • •
Organise forwarding of mail Sort and remove unwanted clothing and household items in preparation for packing Arrange cleaning of house after
• •
uplift Arrange any property repairs/ maintenance Give change of address to friends/ business/family
7 days before departure •
•
Set aside effects to take personally when travelling, including new location details, items required immediately on arrival Settle final accounts
1 day before departure • • •
• •
Empty and defrost refrigerator, clean oven Pack personal belongings Complete Condition Report if leasing house, and take report to real estate agent along with keys Secure all doors, windows and gates Turn off power
Packing & uplift day
•
Personally supervise or have an authorised person present
• •
during packing and uplift to answer questions and oversee inventory/packing Complete a final inspection of internal and external areas Check into temporary accommodation
Post-move Upon arrival in the new location • • • •
Pick up keys to new home Make arrangements for pets Check connection of utilities and light pilot lights for heating, cooking, hot water Confirm date and time of arrival of household goods
One week after arrival • • • • •
Locate doctor/dentist/other medical services Finalise local banking/credit card accounts Unpack personal effects and check for damage Arrange driver’s licence and car registration changes Join clubs, local library, etc.
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The taxman Cometh Individual income tax planning for expatriates By LehmanBrown International Accountants Who is liable to pay Chinese Individual Income Tax (IIT)? In the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Individual Income Tax is levied on the income of individuals who have domicile in China, or on those without domicile but who have resided here for more than one year. If an expatriate has continuously resided in the PRC for more than five years, they are subject to Individual Income Tax on their worldwide income starting from the sixth year in the PRC. The taxability of an expatriate is summarised in table 1 below.
deduction” from RMB2,000 to RMB3,500, the latest revisions (State Council Decree [2011] No.600) to Decree No.142 – announced on July 19, 2011 – adjusted the amount of “necessary deduction” up to RMB3,500 while at the same time reducing the amount of “additional deduction” from RMB2,800 down to RMB1,300. As a result, the total amount of deduction for foreigners employed in China or people with domicile in China but employed overseas remained the same at RMB 4,800.
Recent revisions in IIT Deduction maintained at RMB 4,800:
China’s State Administration of Taxation (SAT) made an announcement on July 29, 2011 in relation to the revised IIT Law and new IIT rates that have come into effect on September 1, 2011.
The 2008 revisions to Decree No.142 (State Council Decree [2008] No. 519) stipulated that the amount of “necessary deduction” before IIT calculation shall be RMB2,000 and the amount of “additional deduction” shall be RMB2,800, making the aggregate deduction RMB4,800 for foreigners employed in China, or people with domicile in China but employed overseas. Following the recent approval by the National People’s Congress to increase the “necessary
Table 1
Where the employer is responsible for the IIT liability: Net taxable income - Standard
IIT = Deduction - Quick Deduction 1 - Tax Rate
x Tax Rate - Quick Deduction (See table 4 on page 44)
Revisions in IIT rates and tax brackets
A comparison of the old and new IIT tax rates is set out on the oppposite page. How to calculate IIT? The IIT computation methods are different for IIT borne by the employee and IIT borne by the employer. Where the employee is responsible for the IIT liability:
China-Sourced Income
Non China-Sourced Income
Days In China
Paid/Borne or deemed to be borne by China incorporated entity
NOT Paid / Borne or deemed to be borne by China incorporated entity
Paid / Borne or deemed to be borne by China incorporated entity
NOT Paid / Borne or deemed to be borne by China incorporated entity
< 90/183 days (treaty country)
Taxable
Exempted
Exempted
Exempted
>90/183 days and < 1year
Taxable
Taxable
Exempted
Exempted
> 1 year and < 5 years
Taxable
Taxable
Taxable
Exempted
Taxable
Taxable
Taxable
Taxable
> 5 years
IIT = (Gross income – Standard Deduction) x Tax rate – Quick Deduction
Conclusion From the comparison of old and new IIT rates and tax brackets in tables 2 and 3, and the illustration in table 4, it can be seen that the recent revisions in IIT Law reflect a policy of reducing the tax burden of low and middle income individuals, while high income individuals, including expatriates, are subject to a higher tax burden once the monthly income reaches a certain threshold. Foreigner IIT related tax laws and regulations 1) Foreign individuals, besides enjoying general preference in individual income tax, can enjoy special preferential treatments as following: • Housing subsidies, meal allowances, relocation and laundry expenses obtained by individual foreigners in non-cash form or in the form of reimbursement for what they have incurred; • Home leave expenses (limited to twice for each calendar year), language training fees and children education expense gained by individual foreigner. If a foreign individual receives the above-mentioned subsidies and income, he shall, when filing individual income tax return or having the individual income tax withheld, provide the relevant effective vouchers and proving documents (including tax receipts or fapiao). • Income gained by individual foreigners from dividends and bonuses of enterprise with foreign investment.
ASK THE EXPERTS 2) Foreign experts are exempted from paying individual income tax on their wages and salaries as follows: • Foreign experts directly sent by the World Bank to work in China in accordance with a special loan agreement; • Foreign experts directly sent by United Nations (UN) organisations to work in China;
• Foreign experts coming to work in China for UN aid projects; • Foreign experts sent by an aid-granting country to China to work specifically for a project funded by the country; • Cultural and educational foreign experts coming to China to work for two years on a cultural exchange project under an
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agreement signed between two governments, with their wages and salaries borne by the country; • Cultural and educational experts coming to China to work for two years on international exchange projects with China’s universities and colleges, with their wages and salaries borne by the country; and
New Monthly IIT Rates for Employment Income (Valid from Sept 1, 2011)
Table 2
Tax Bracket
Taxable Income (TI) (RMB)
Tax Rate ％ 3
Quick Deduction (RMB) -
1
Not more than 1,500
2
Exceeding 1,500 but not more than 4,500
10
105
3
Exceeding 4500 but not more than 9,000
20
555
4
Exceeding 9,000 but not more than 35,000
25
1,005
5
Exceeding 35,000 but not more than 55,000
30
2,755
6
Exceeding 55,000 but not more than 80,000
35
5,505
7
Exceeding 80,000
45
13,505
Old Monthly IIT Rates for Employment Income (Valid until Sept 1, 2011)
Table 3
Tax Bracket
Taxable Income (TI) (RMB)
Tax Rate %
Quick Deduction (RMB) -
1
Not more than 500
2
Exceeding 500 but not more than 2,000
10
3
Exceeding 2,000 but not more than 5,000
15
125
4
Exceeding 5,000 but not more than 20,000
20
375
5
Exceeding 20,000 but not more than 40,000
25
1,375
6
Exceeding 40,000 but not more than 60,000
30
3,375
7
Exceeding 60,000 but not more than 80,000
35
6,375
8
Exceeding 80,000 but not more than 100,000
40
10,375
9
Exceeding 100,000
45
15,375
5
43
(RMB) 25
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【Example 1】Employee is responsible for the IIT liability Scenario I Before Sept 1, 2011
Table 4
Monthly income IIT Net salary
Table 5
RMB
RMB
60,000
60,000
=(60,000 - 4,800)*30% - 3,375 =13,185
Certain types of allowances that are prescribed in the regulations are not taxable to the expatriate if these allowances are paid on a reimbursement basis or directly provided at the employer’s expense. Please refer to table 6 below.
=(60,000 - 4,800)*35% - 5,505 =13,815 46,185
46,815
【Example 2】For China-Sourced Income Scenario I
PRC IIT regulations
Scenario I After Sept 1, 2011
Scenario III
Scenario II
Option III: Considering dual arrangement where applicable
contracts
In principle, the portion of salary separately paid by the individual’s non-PRC employer for their working days outside the PRC in relation to their non-PRC position is exempted from IIT. Exemption is reflected through the Time Apportionment Approach applied to the IIT calculation. Applicable to the scenario where:
Days in China
Payment method
IIT
182 Paid by China incorporated entity Taxable
182
• Existence of offshore duty – solid substance • Live in China for less than five years • Substantial time out of China (tax saving effect diminishes with increasing days in China) • It is not an issue for the employer to take part of the individual’s employment costs via a nonChina incorporated entity
184
Overseas payment (not borne by China incorporated entity)
Overseas payment (not borne by China incorporated entity)
Exempted
Taxable
Option IV: Offshore service agreement • Foreign experts coming to work in China through a non-government scientific research agreement, with their wages and salaries borne by the government organisation of the country 3) Special regulations to the individual income tax of foreign top management personnel The term ‘foreign top management personnel’ means foreign personnel undertaking a post of chief manager, vice (general) manager, general instructor or director of every functional department, or undertaking other types of posts of management in enterprises inside China. Irrespective of whether the foreign individual undertaking a post of general director or top management in enterprise in the PRC performs the duty of their post outside the PRC or not, they should file tax returns and pay IIT on the salary that is paid by the enterprise inside the PRC from the day they undertake the post of general director or other top management in the enterprise inside the PRC, up to the day they are removed from their post. For the income paid by an enterprise incorporated in the PRC during the period of their working outside the PRC, they are not exempted from paying tax like ordinary personnel just because they are non-resident. If the foreign individual earns a director fee from undertaking a post of general director, IIT should be paid according to the tax item “income from remuneration for personal service”. If the foreign individual earns the income from undertaking a post of direct management which bears no relevance to the post of general director, individual income tax should be paid according to the tax item “income from
wages and salaries”. The general director of a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) enterprise who undertakes a post of direct management as well, or who does not undertake a post of direct management in name but engages in daily enterprise management in fact, is considered to have dual identity of director (general director) and employee in the enterprise, and the director fee shall be added to the salary for PRC IIT computation purpose. IIT Planning for Expatriates Option I: Time apportionment and payment method Foreign individuals who live in China for more than 183 days but less than one full year during a calendar year are allowed to calculate their IIT on a time apportionment basis, whereby a portion of the total IIT attributable to the days outside mainland China can be exempted. Please refer to table 1 and table 5. Option II: Utilising the non-taxable in-kind benefits offered to expatriate employees under
Table 6
Service income derived from a consulting agreement is treated differently from Employment Income under current PRC IIT regulations. In addition, foreign individuals who have not triggered the five-year rule have no obligation to report the non-employment income sourced from outside China to the PRC tax authority. Applicable to an individual where: • Existence of offshore duties • Certain absence from China Alternatively, the foreign individual can provide the consulting services through an offshore
company owned by him/her.
Option V: Annual bonus Annual bonus is, firstly, taxed separately from regular monthly salary; and secondly, is subject to a lower tax bracket compared to regular salary payment. Consequently, incorporating the annual bonus into the remuneration package can help to further reduce monthly IIT, and thus tax payable, due to the progressive tax rates of the tax system.
Scenario I
Scenario II
Total annual remuneration
USD
USD
Restructured to include:
150,000
150,000
- house rental
42,000
- children education
20,000
-- leave leave passage passage
4,000
Net amount reported
150,000
84,000
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The REIT Decision Alternative investments in property or property funds By Wade Dawson Senior Partner Austen Morris Associates
E
very day I meet people who have left the relative security of life in their home country for the opportunity to work overseas. Very often, a big part of their rationale for the move is the opportunity to earn and save more than they could have in their home country. These expatriates are faced with the enviable problem of deciding where to put their hard earned money and whose advice to accept in their new home away from home. If you find yourself in this position, I hope you will seek out a good financial advisor and put your money to work for you. There are, of course, many options for investing. Among these are mutual funds, bonds, stocks, gold, capital guaranteed options, property funds (REITs), and direct property investments. The focus of this article will be property investments, because many people I meet are interested in potentially purchasing property overseas.
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TRACK RECORD OF BRANDEAUX STUDENT ACCOMMODATION FUND’S CONSISTENT RETURNS SINCE LAUNCH IN 2000- NOW IN OUR 12 TH YEAR 12 10
9.71% 1
8
10.61%
10.34%
10.61%
10.5%
10.23% 9.54%
8.41%
8.59% 8.63% 8.61% 9.15%
6 4 2 0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year ended 31st December 1Compound average annual return since launch on 15 June 2000
to 31 January 2012, net of Brandeaux charges. Past returns are not a guide to future returns and the value of shares may go down as well as up.
It seems many investors are worried about the financial markets these days, despite recent gains in the global stock market. People have concerns about a hard landing for China’s economy, sluggish US growth and the potential breakup of the Euro. I believe these fears are overblown. Nonetheless, adding property to your investment portfolio is a way to avoid some of these concerns and will also allow you to diversify your portfolio. Are property investments in China as attractive as they look? The China property market has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years, especially in Shanghai and Beijing. So it seems it might be logical to look into buying an investment property in China. But is this investment option today really as attractive as it looks? Or as attractive as it was a few years ago? Many people I have met like the idea of investing in property in China, and I have met many people who have made lots of money doing so. I would advise potential new buyers, however, to beware and proceed with caution. Due to China’s booming economy and the in-flow of foreign capital into China’s first hand property market, property prices have tripled and quadrupled in certain cities in recent years. Property developers will tell you that since Shanghai is the fastest growing city in the world, property prices will continue to rise in this city. But, just like the stock market, we will only know when we have hit the top of the property market when we are sliding down the downward slope. Additionally, investors need to understand that property regulations in China are in flux and can be
changed by the Chinese government at any time. How could it be easier? If you are interested in investing in property, but prefer to avoid the Shanghai property market, there are plenty of other attractive options available to you. For example, you might consider investing in other Asian destinations with lower property prices than China but that have significant potential for growth. Such places include Thailand, Malaysia and even Australia. You may well be able to buy your dream holiday home for the price you would pay for a small flat in Shanghai. Another alternative would be to invest in property funds, or REITs. A REIT is a Real Estate Investment Trust. It is a fund that invests in real estate developments either locally or globally. Some of the benefits of investing in property funds are: • It keeps your money accessible, so if property doesn’t achieve the kind of growth you’re hoping for you can get out easily and put the money elsewhere. • You can hedge your bets by spreading your money across a number of real estate funds among different managers that invest in different countries and in varied property sectors, such as residential and commercial. • You won’t have to contend with the possible tax implications and the responsibilities that come with owning an apartment in China. • You won’t need as much capital up front to invest in a property fund as you would to purchase a property.
• You can contribute to a property fund on a regular basis via a very simple process. Niche Property Sectors: Student Accommodation in the UK Some of the REIT funds are in niche markets, many of which have proven very profitable. One example is the UK student accommodation sector. The sector is now recognised as an asset class in its own right by financial institutions and investors, with over GBP700 million of transactions. It’s still a tiny sector and there are plenty of risks, but student accommodation has definitely been getting itself noticed of late, with some excellent returns that appear to be relatively insulated from the pain of the wider property market. The chief attraction of student accommodation investment has been the steadily rising property valuations and rental income. This is largely due to the insufficient supply of student accommodations at a time of increasing numbers of students. More international students are also studying in the UK every year. Mary Warnock, Chief Executive of the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), has just reported, “The indications are that demand for higher education will continue to outstrip the number of places available in 2012. Applications are already 50,000 ahead of the number of acceptances in 2011 and last year UCAS received over 100,000 further applications.” The Bottom Line If you want your money in property investments and you want your money to work well for you over the next 3-5 years, there are a number of alternative ways of investing that are likely to be far more profitable, flexible and exciting than locking it up in a property in Shanghai. If you decide that I’m wrong (and I could be) and you decide to invest in Shanghai, do it with your eyes open and be prepared to realise less growth than you’ve seen in the last 5-8 years. Everyone has different objectives in mind when investing in real estate. Some buyers seek a holiday home; others are looking purely for a property investment in terms of overall return. A good advisor will take the time to discover the goals of the investor and make recommendations that accommodate the personal preferences, priorities and risk profiles of investors. Whether it’s investing in a REIT or purchasing a holiday home in Thailand, our property experts can guide you through every step of international property investment. In addition, we also work closely with property partners that can help you through every step of buying and managing international real estate.
Wade Dawson is a Senior Partner for Austen Morris Associates in Shanghai. Austen Morris Associates is registered as a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise in China and is licenced to give financial advice. If you would like an introduction to Austen Morris Associates or an appointment to discuss property investments, contact Client Services Manager Kelly Olver at 6390 1233 or Kelly.0@austenmorris.com.
“In today’s 24-hour interconnected global market there are no borders in the investment arena.” - Wade Dawson, Senior Partner
diversification reward risk
Wade Dawson Senior Partner Private Wealth Management wade.d@austenmorris.com M. 86 1360 127 3265
PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT
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Probably true… definitely, maybe Kirk McArdle offers his perspective on investments By Kirk McArdle Associate Austen Morris Associates
Y
ou know, sometimes you just have to take a different approach. Take this month’s column as an example. It’s probably a cold winter’s day when you’re reading this, so you don’t want anything too heavy, do you? So here are some observations that will hopefully put a smile on your face but might also inspire you to think a little.
Probably not true: • Pushing the elevator button more than once makes it arrive quicker. • You have lost weight recently. • You work too hard. • Any specific car that you buy will keep its value better than any other. • You have set your goals, worked out how much you should be investing to achieve them and are saving the appropriate amount of money to do that. • Your investments have made a healthy profit over the last three years. What I’d like to do is make you feel better with regard to your investments that are down in value over the last three years. OK, try this: if your property does at some point fall in value (they really do sometimes), will you sell it? If your answer is “No, because it’ll go up in value in the future,” then that same principle will hold true for most other investments (I did say most). You only realise the fall in value of your property if you sell it while it’s down in value. Feel a bit better now?
The problem for many investors is knowing what to hold, what to liquidate and when. So why not seek the help of an Independent Financial Advisor? You don’t have to agree with their view, but at the very least a half-hour chat may provide you with some food for thought.
• You think you have the time and expertise to handle your own investments.
going to tackle the toilet paper problem in this column! Let me stay with things that I know about – kids and money. I love my child just like you do yours, but gosh they can be expensive, can’t they? There’s all kinds of stuff you can read in magazines and on the Internet that will tell you how expensive children are. The vast majority of it will explain the costs of raising children up to and including a university or college education. Beyond that, the only thing that usually gets a mention is the cost of a daughter getting married. At least I only have a young son! But I still want him to be able to have options now and down the line, and to achieve things that I couldn’t. What’s my point? It’s great being able to help your children regardless of their age; the trick is making sure you save for those times so it doesn’t hurt you financially to help them. On the contrary, it should bring you pleasure.
• Your kids drive you nuts – but you still love ‘em.
What you know is true (but choose not to think about)
Look, you really must try to get over this elevator thing and there’s no way that I’m
• Using the stairs is much better for you than the elevator.
Probably true: • The elevator only seems to arrive quicker if you press the button more than once. • The toilet paper only runs out when you’re using it. • The lane of traffic you’re not in really does move faster. • Whenever you move into an apartment it inspires the people above to install a new kitchen.
ASK THE EXPERTS
“
Being able to get our hands on money in the event of an emergency is obviously important, but why is it that many of us draw the conclusion that easy access means good investment, when all the evidence is to the contrary?
• You drink too much. • You will live until retirement age… or you won’t… so investing in a retirement investment programme and buying life assurance is like betting on the winner in a one-horse race. • You want to invest at the bottom of the market, but you don’t want to invest when the market is down. • You don’t have the time or the expertise to handle your own investments. You need a professional Independent Financial Advisor who has offices in Beijing and throughout the Asia-Pacific rim. • Having some money that is NOT accessible is good for you. Almost everyone that I talk to about investing money raises the issue of access. Being able to get our hands on money in the event of an emergency is obviously important, but why is it that many of us draw the conclusion that easy access means good investment, when all the evidence is to the contrary? For example, one of the investments that clients refer to time and again is property. Money in property is not easily accessible, but it’s not a bad investment, is it? Having some money that we can’t get our hands on easily is usually good news for us. When you think about it, the money that is the easiest to get at is usually the least profitable. The best
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example of this that comes to mind is money on deposit in a bank. Apart form the money in your pocket, the money on deposit in the bank is the most accessible, but it doesn’t work that hard for you. Let me respectfully suggest that other than money for living day to day, and your emergency money, having money on deposit makes about as much sense as having an ashtray on a motorbike. The truth is that while you might not like having some money that is NOT easily accessible, it’s good for you. If you want to develop some funds for the nice things in life, for your kids, or perhaps you simply want to make yourself aware what options you have to get your money working harder, talk to an Independent Financial Advisor. As for the more serious elevator problem, get a ground floor apartment and work from home.
Kirk McArdle is an Associate of Austen Morris Associates in Beijing. If you would like an introduction to Austen Morris Associates or an appointment to discuss savings or investment planning with Kirk, contact us on 010 6410 7030 or email kirk.m@austenmorris.com.
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HEALTH
Compassion Lessons learned from my mother By Dr Richard Thomas WorldPath Clinic International
In a previous article, I wrote about my mom’s courageous example, when she consoled and calmed a mentally disturbed Turkish man who was ranting and thrashing in the seat next to her on a tram in Istanbul. The story continues from there:
T
hat evening in Istanbul, as I was brushing my teeth prior to retiring, my mom was in her bed reading a Baha’i book (in 1951, Mom left her childhood Catholicism to become a member of the Baha’i faith). Suddenly she exclaimed, “God is most glorious! Thank you, thank you!” I ran out, mouth full of toothpaste. “What is it, Mom? What happened? Are you alright?” I saw that she was obviously alright. She was sobbing, gleeful, in ecstasy, a huge smile on her face. “What? What is it, Mom?”
After she caught her breath and calmed down enough to reply, she said, “Have you ever read this? I’ve been reading this for years, trying to understand what Baha’u’llah meant. How could it be?“ She then quoted from memory this passage: “One righteous act is endowed with a potency that can so elevate the dust as to cause it to pass beyond the heaven of heavens. It can tear every bond asunder, and hath the power to restore the force that hath spent itself and vanished.” Then she said, giggling with happiness and in deep humility, covering her mouth with her book, “I think I may have done a righteous deed. Did you see what happened on the tram?” “Of course,” I said, referring to how the savage man had calmed down. That was the stunning occurrence I had focused on. She refocused my vision and continued: “Did you see how those people around the man who was agitated acted? They withdrew from him and acted like he wasn’t there. Their love and compassion for him had ‘spent itself and vanished’. After they saw him become quiet, they relaxed and saw him differently. They moved toward him and looked at him differently, kindly, accepting him.” I realised she was right. “Their force of love that had ‘spent itself and vanished’ was restored! Richard, do you think it’s possible I did a righteous deed?” Echoing her words, I replied, “God is most glorious! I would say so, Mom.” She had a ‘cat that swallowed the canary’ look on her face and covered her mouth with her book, while musing on this possibility with delight. Then she said, “I’ve been trying to understand that passage all these years, and now I know. Thank you, Baha’u’llah.” Later she called out to me, in her inescapable, questioning fashion. “Richard, why are you a doctor?” “Oh, God,” I thought, instantly irritated. “How am I going to give the answer she wants to this question?” Patiently, I replied, ”Well… I always wanted to be a doctor, from about eighth grade. It’s a noble profession praised in the Baha’i Writings. I earn a decent living and I serve people.” I was desperately hoping one of these answers had hit the mark. She replied, helping me to realise I was mistaken as usual, “Yes,
“
At that moment, for the first time in many years of her cajoling and telling me what I should be doing, I finally heard her clearly
HEALTH
but Richard, that’s not why you’re a doctor. I remember very well when you were a child, how tender-hearted and compassionate you always were. Remember how you cared for sick animals? No, you’re a doctor because you’re a compassionate person. Now, I know that it’s not easy to be a doctor nowadays. People are demanding and many don’t pay their bills. Insurance companies are driving you crazy with paperwork and always cutting what they’ll pay. The government is constantly looking over your shoulder, making more and more regulations and accusing doctors of fraud. Lawyers are always looking to hound you and blame you for anything that goes wrong, so they can sue and line their pockets at your expense. I know that it’s very frustrating nowadays to be a doctor, especially for a well-meaning person like you. I know that you do your best to be a good doctor. But, Richard, don’t ever lose your compassion. Always put that in front of your eyes, not the frustrations
and difficulties. You are a compassionate person. That’s why you’re a doctor. Don’t ever lose that.” At that moment, for the first time in many years of her cajoling and telling me what I should be doing, I finally heard her clearly. She was absolutely right. All those irritations had come to the forefront in my relationships with patients. I realised I was not happy with being a doctor, because I was focusing on all those negatives. Why was I a doctor? What was my life about? In that instant, I changed direction. I listened. I heard. I decided to focus on the truth, not on the unimportant things. I decided to look for opportunities to be compassionate, to truly serve people. As it happened, I left my suburban practice and got a job caring for the indigent at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Compassion saved me. Love saved me. This I learned in that moment from my mother. Her example of compassion, of
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loving the people, made me receptive to her message. Now I’ve gone a step further. At that moment, I changed 180 degrees and decided to stop and give money to most of the poor people I encounter, just as she always did, even from her meagre resources. There must be something Mom is doing right. Before, I had been sceptical of their motivations. Now I focused on my values, my compassion. After some time, I’ve left the US and I’m living and working in China. My mother is the happiest, most content person I know. She’s tried to teach me for years what I “should” be doing. Her example, however, is what shouts loudly to me. Maybe I’ll get lucky and be able to follow her path.
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taking it in Budapestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top FIVE Things to See By Christian Brandmayer
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udapest, the pearl of the Danube, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It’s full of unique sights and is the biggest spa city in the world. You can find Europe’s biggest parliament building, its longest cellar system (over 25 km long), a labyrinth in a rock, Roman ruins, the biggest artificial ice skating rink, Europe’s biggest synagogue, the oldest Metro line on the continent and much more… Budapest also has an intense and colourful cultural and night life, and there’s always an interesting festival going on. It’s not easy to figure out the Top 5 things to do here, but we took the challenge head-on, and this is what we came up with.
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one
Buda Castle Hill W
alk around historic Castle Hill and enjoy a unique view from different spots in the Castle District. Start the tour with a walk over the chain bridge, enjoying the panoramic view, then explore the small hidden paths, parks and stairs up the hill; it’s even more amazing (and romantic) at night. The side towards Pest is very busy, while the side towards the Buda hills is very quiet and relaxing. You can also take the historical Funicular Railway up and walk around Buda Castle – enjoy the view from the Fishermen’s Bastion, visit the Matthias Church, have a cake and coffee in Cafe Ruszwurm or just have a rest in one of the small parks and gardens. Don’t forget to check out the inner court of the Hilton Hotel, where you can still see the remaining ruins of a medieval monastery.
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TRAVEL
At Global HealthCare, Your Health Matters Most.
www.ghcchina.com 6877-5093 (PuDong) 5298-6339 (PuXi)
Global HealthCare Medical & Dental Center Living Abroad? Don’t put your family’s Dental or Medical needs on hold! At GHC we emphasize the importance of quality over quantity. GHC’s modern Medical and Dental centers are operated by expert international specialists. Our services include:
General, Pediatric, & Cosmetic Dentistry Orthodontics & Digital Dental Radiography Cardiology, Family & Women’s Medicine Clinic, Vaccination, In-Patient Service, Gynecology, Neurology, Nutrition, 24-hour Hotline (answered by medical staff) Traditional Chinese Medicine 全 康 Corporate Programs & Services
GHC 医 疗
Global HealthCare
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aquaworld
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udapest is suddenly tropical all year round at the biggest water theme park in Central Europe. If, after some exhausting sightseeing in the busy centre of Pest, you feel like having a little holiday in another world… try Aquaworld Budapest. Palm trees and exotic plants, a replica of Angkor Wat, rope bridges, a white water run and more carry you to another world, and there are also giant waterslides with names like UFO and Kamikaze. There are countless indoor and outdoor pools (including a wave pool) and a huge Wellness Area. While the kids are kept entertained in the Bongo Kids Club or the Adventure Park, you can play beach volleyball or just enjoy some refreshing tropical cocktails at the bar. There’s a free shuttle service from Heroes’ Square to this fantastic and unique place in Budapest. Have another holiday during your holiday!
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Budapest by bike T
ry the most innovative and interactive way to discover Budapest – sightseeing on a bike. Companies like Budabike.com offer bike tours where you get to see not just the usual sights but also some lesser-known parts of Budapest, like Obuda or the Roman ruins. With the bike you see things more intensely than on a tour bus, and on the tour you see a lot more than if you go walking on your own. In Pest, for example, you can explore the most important sights as well as more hidden areas in the space of two hours. A personal guide will show you the enormous Parliament building, the beautiful Opera House, Andrassy Avenue and more… and the tour ends at the very impressive Heroes’ Square, where you can have a break and enjoy a cool drink below the trees. On a bike you don’t just see the city, you feel it too.
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Night cruise on the Danube
udapest and the Danube by night are something very special. Maybe the best place to enjoy that amazing panorama is from a boat on the river. Take a Danube cruise at night for beautiful panoramic views of Buda and Pest. Several companies offer cruises; you can do a simple onehour cruise, or pull out all the stops and have a romantic candlelight dinner on the boat. You’ll see the wonderfully illuminated bridges of Budapest, Buda Castle and the Citadel, and you won’t easily forget the glory of the lights of Budapest (including the hundreds of lamps of the chain bridge) gleaming on the Danube, with the stars above glittering in response.
Aquaworld Budapest
Aqua-fun all year round One of the biggest indoor water theme parks in Europe which offers unforgettable experiences. Enjoy all the attractions; • 11 giant slides and 17 thrill pools situated around a replica Angkor temple • Bongo Kids Club, Kids’ World, play centre and playground for both younger and older children • Extreme sports, surf, scuba diving, high diving, adventure park Don’t forget… water-packed fun is available all year round! Opening hours: all year round from 6:00 to 22:00 Free shuttle service between Aquaworld and Heroes’ Square every day. For further information please visit our website: www.aqua-world.hu
Aquaworld Budapest C|A 1044 Budapest, Íves út 16. T|P +36 1 2313 760 | +36 1 2313 772 E aquaworld@aqua-world.hu www.aqua-world.hu
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f ive
margaret island E
njoy this oasis in the centre of Budapest, because it has it all: pools, beaches, a running track, cocktail bars, hotels, clubs, an open-air stage, snack bars… Almost three kilometres long, Margaret Island spans the area between Margaret Bridge and Arpad Bridge and boasts the city’s most beautiful park and a modern skywalk. In addition, it also houses ruins of medieval sacred sites, promenades flanked by statues, a water tower classified as a heritage site by UNESCO and the famous Music Well.
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LISTINGS
Listings
Accommodation Ambassy Court 1500 Huaihai Zhong Lu 淮海中路1500号 Ascott Pudong 3 Pudong Avenue (6886 0088) 上海浦东雅诗阁, 浦东大道3号 Bellewood Villas Lane 491 Huanlin Lu 美林别墅, 环林东路491弄 Belvedere Serviced Apartments 833 Changning Lu, by Dingxi Lu (6213 2222) 柏华丽豪华公寓, 长宁833号 , 近 定西路 Beverly Hills 1118 Mingyue Lu, Jinqiao 百富丽山庄, 金桥明月路1118号 Cedar Villa 1705 Hami Lu 松圆别墅，哈密路1705 Celebrity Garden 2 Chexin Highway 家天下别墅, 车新公路2号 Chevalier Place Serviced Apartments 168 Anfu Lu, by Wulumuqi Zhong Lu (6433 8599) 亦园, 安福路168号近乌鲁木齐中路 Citadines Jinqiao 55 Beijing Xi Lu (2308 6666) 上海馨乐庭金桥服务公寓, 陕西南 路5 - 7号 City Condo 118 Ziyun Lu 虹桥豪苑, 紫云路118弄 Consul Garden 555 Gubei Lu 虹桥华庭, 古北路555弄
De Oriental London 1000 Gubei Lu 伦敦广场(东方伦敦花园) 古北路 1000号 Dong Jiao Guest Hotel Garden Villa 1800 Jinke Lu 东郊宾馆, 金科路1800号 Dynasty Villas Lane 851 Hongjing Lu 皇朝别墅, 虹井路851弄
Greenworld 68 Ruilin Lu 上海金地格林世界, 瑞林路68号
Park View Lane 228 Baise Lu 天然居, 百色路228弄
Hampton Woods 589 Xinzhan Lu, Xinqiao 盛世香樟, 新桥镇新站路589号
Perfect Garden 1889 Hongqiao Lu 西郊华庭, 虹桥路1889号
Hillicas Villa Lane 2999 Hongmei Lu 豪嘉府邸, 虹梅路2999弄
Pinnacle Century Park 99 Dongxiu Lu 置茂行服务公寓, 东绣路99号
Hong Qiao State Guest House 1591 Changning Lu, Hongqiao (6219 8855) 虹桥迎宾馆, 上海市长宁区虹桥路 1591号
Pinnacle Huashan 211 Xingfu Lu (2211 9208) 置茂行华山豪庭, 幸福路211号
Elegant Garden 189 Longxi Lu 西郊明苑别墅, 龙溪路189号
Hongqiao Golf Villas 555 Hongxu Lu 虹桥高尔夫别墅, 虹许路555号
Emerald Court 2888 Hunan Lu 翡翠园, 湖南路
Kerry Residences 1515 Nanjing Xi Lu 上海嘉里中心, 南京西路1515号
Forest Manor 588 Jinfeng Lu 西郊庄园, 金丰路588号
Kingsville 198 Anfu Lu 金苑, 安福路198号
Forest Riviera 689 Gaojing Lu 西郊美林馆, 高泾路689号
La Doll 758 Beijing Lu 国际丽都城, 北京路758号
Forty-One Hengshan Road 41 Hengshan Lu 衡山路41号, 寿宁路98号
Laidun Town Serviced Apts 839 Chenhua Lu, by Shenzhuan Lu (5769 0066) 莱顿小城(怡林花园), 辰花路839号 近沈砖路
Fraser Residence Shanghai 98 Shouning Lu (2308 0000) 上海辉盛庭国际公寓, 寿宁路98号 Fraser Suites Top Glory 600 Yincheng Zhong Lu (6378 8888) 上海鹏利辉盛阁公寓, 银城中路 600弄1号 GaoAn Apartment 105-107 Gao’an Lu 高安公寓, 高安路105 - 107 Green Hills Lane 418 Jinxiu Lu 云间绿大地别墅, 锦绣东路418弄
Lakeville 263 Zizhong Lu 丽都别墅, 高泾路428号 Longbeach Garden Villa 165 Xujing Xi Lu 长堤花园别墅, 徐泾西路165弄 Mandarine City 788 Hongxu Lu 名都城, 虹许路788号号近古羊路 Mandarine de Gubei 1700 Gubei Lu 名都古北, 古北路1700号
Contemporary Spirits 1801 Gudai Lu 当代艺墅, 顾戴路1801号
Green Valley Villas 111 Hongguang Lu 南翔绿谷别墅有限公司, 上海虹光 路111号
New Rainbow Asia Garden 1655 Huqingpin Lu 新虹桥亚洲花园, 沪青平公路1655弄
Crystal Pavilion Lane 318 Maoming Lu 茂名公寓, 徐泾西路188弄
Green Villas 700 Biyun Lu 碧云别墅, 碧云路700号
One Park Avenue 500 Changde Lu 静安枫景苑, 常德路500弄
Pudong Century Garden 1108 Huamu Lu 浦东世纪花园(传说99), 花木路1108号 Rancho Santa Fe 333 Jinhui Lu 兰乔圣菲, 金辉路333弄 Regency Park 1883 Huamu Lu 御翠园, 花木路1883号 Rich Garden Gubei 881 Huangjin Avenue 古北瑞仕花园, 黄金大道881号 Ridgewood Cottage 385 Hongzhong Lu 虹中别墅, 虹中路385号 Sassoon Park Villa 2419 Hongqiao Lu 龙柏花苑, 虹桥路2419号 Seasons Villas 983 Huamu Lu 四季雅苑, 花木路983号 Shanghai Centre 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu 上海商城, 南京西路1376号 Shanghai Racquet Club and Apartments Lane 555 Jinfeng Lu 上海西庭网球俱乐部和公寓, 金丰 路555弄
LISTINGS Shimao Riviera garden 1 Weifang Xi Lu 世茂滨江花园, 潍坊西路1号
Yanlord Garden Lane 99 Pucheng Lu 仁恒滨江园, 浦城路99弄
Skyline Mansion 200 Dongtai Lu 盛大金磐花园, 东泰路200弄
Yin Tao Golf Villa 2222 Huqingping Lu 银涛高尔夫别墅, 沪青平公路2222弄
Somerset Xuhui, Shanghai 888 Shaanxi Nan Lu (6466 0888) 上海徐汇盛捷服务公寓, 陕西南 路888号 Stratford / Sylvan Lane 377 Zhuxin Lu 万科红郡, 诸新路377弄 Taiyuan Villa Apartment 160 Taiyuan Lu 太原别墅公寓楼, 太原路160号 The Emerald 2888 Hunan Highway 绿宝园, 沪南公路2888号 The Garden Inside Villa 658 Gaojing Lu 西郊园中园, 高泾路658弄 Tiziano Villa Lane 1 Xiuyan Lu 提香别墅, 南汇区秀沿路1弄 Tomson Golf Villa 1 Longdong Avenue 汤臣高尔夫别墅第8期, 龙东大道 1号 Trinity Village Branch Lane 2, Lane 1168 Xiuyan Lu 翠廷别墅, 秀沿路1168弄2支弄 Up Town 1398 Gubei Lu 上城, 古北路1398号 Vizcaya Lane 1988 Yunshan Lu 维诗凯亚, 云山路1988弄 Westwood Villas 299 Chengjiaqiao Lu, by Yan’an Xi Lu (6465 1148) 伯爵山莊, 程家桥路299号 近延安 西路 Windsor Park 2279 Hongqiao Lu 温沙花园, 虹桥路2279号 Xiang Mei Garden 388 Huamu Lu 香梅花园, 花木路388号
Community Abundant Grace International 455 Hongfeng Lu (5030 3313) 鸿恩堂, 红枫路455号近明月路 Chabad Jewish Center Of Pudong 99 Puming Lu, by Shangcheng Lu (5878 2008) 浦明路99弄近商城路 Fuyou Lu Mosque 378 Fuyou Lu, by Houjia Lu (6328 2135) 福佑路清真寺, 福佑路378号近侯 家路
Sacred Heart Of Jesus Catholic Church 151 Hongfeng Lu, by Biyun Lu 天主教中华殉道圣人堂, 红枫路151 号近名月路 St. Ignatius Cathedral 158 Puxi Lu, by Caoxi Bei Lu (6438 2595) 徐家汇大教堂, 蒲西路158号 近漕 溪北路
Fitness and Beauty Apsara Spa 457 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (6258 5580) 馨园水疗, 陕西北路457号近北京 西路 Chi, The Spa 33 Fucheng Lu, by Dongchang Lu (6882 8888 ext 460) 气’水疗中心, 富城路33号近东 昌路
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Dragonfly Shanghai Racquet Club 555 Jinfeng Lu, by Baole Lu (2201 0899, 2201 0866) 悠庭西庭网球俱乐部, 金丰路近 宝乐路 Eternity Fitness Retreat 2 Yuyao Lu, by Xikang Lu (6215 1619) 泳泰健身, 余姚路2号近西康路 Frangipani Nail Bar 3305 Hongmei Lu, by Chengjiaqiao Lu (5422 2984) 花中美语, 虹梅路3305号近程家桥 支路 Hongqiao Golf Club 555 Hongxu Lu, by Hongsong Lu (6421 5522) 上海虹桥高尔夫俱乐部, 虹许路555 号 近红松路 International Tennis Center Club 516 Hengshan Lu, by Wuxing Lu (6415 5588 ext 82)
Grace Church 375 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (6253 9394) 基督教堂, 陕西北路375号近北京 西路
Clark Hatch Fitness Center 78 Xingguo Lu, by Jiangsu Lu (6212 9998 ext 3300) 克拉克海奇健身中心, 兴国路78号 近江苏路
上海国际网球中心俱乐部, 衡山路 516号近吴兴路
Hengshan Community Church 53 Hengshan Lu (6437 6576) 上海犹太旧址, 衡山路53号近乌鲁 木齐路
Diva Life Nail & Beauty Lounge 88 Keyuan Lu, by Longdong Avenue (2898 6078) 美甲沙龙, 科苑路88号近龙东大道
金桥美格菲运动俱乐部, 蓝天路600 号近金桥家乐褔
Historic Ohel Rachel Synagogue 500 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (5306 0606) 西摩路会堂 (欧黑尔.雪切尔犹太会 堂), 陕西北路500号近北京西路
Diva Life Nail Lounge 266 Ruijin Er Lu, by Taikang Lu (5465 7291) 上海天后美甲沙发吧, 瑞金二路266 号近泰康路
Hong-En Church 455 Hongfeng Lu, by Mingyue Lu (5030 7556) 鸿恩堂, 红枫路455号近明月路 Jingxing Lu Mosque 302 Jingxing Lu, by Pingliang Lu (6541 3199) 景星路清真寺, 景星路302弄117号近 平凉路 Longhua Temple 2853 Longhua Lu, by Longwu Lu (6457 0570) 龙华寺, 龙华路2853号 近龙吴路
Jinqiao Megafit Sports Club 600 Lantian Lu, by Jinqiao Carrefour (5030 8118)
Lujiazui Golf Club 501 Yincheng Zhong Lu, by Huanyuanshiqiao Lu 上海陆家嘴高尔夫俱乐部, 银城中 路501号近花园石桥路 Megafit Fitness 208 Baise Lu, by Longwu Lu
Dragonfly Changyi 29-31 Changyi Lu, by Jimo Lu (5878 4755) 悠庭昌邑, 昌邑路29 - 31号近即墨路 Dragonfly Hongmei 3911 Hongmei Lu, by Hongxu Lu (6242 4328) 悠庭虹梅, 虹梅路3911弄5号近虹 许路 Dragonfly Retreat 206 Xinle Lu, by Donghu Lu (5403 9982) 悠庭保健会所, 新乐路206号近东 湖路
(5435 6399) 美格菲健身, 百色路208号1楼 近龙 吴路 Physical Fitness 1111 Zhaojiabang Lu, by Hengshan Lu (6426 8282) 舒适堡健身, 肇嘉浜路1111号近衡 山路 Shanghai Golf Club 3765 Jiahang Highway, by Shuangliu Lu (5995 0111) 上海高尔夫俱乐部, 嘉行公路3765 号 近双浏路
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School Life
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LISTINGS Shanghai International Golf Country Club 961 Yingzhu Lu, Zhujiajiao, Qingpu (5972 8111) 国际高尔夫球乡村俱乐部, 朱家角 镇盈朱路961号 Shanghai Stadium Rock-Climbing 666 Tianyaoqiao Lu, by Lingling Lu (6426 5178) 上海体育场攀岩中心, 天钥桥路 666号 Tomson Pudong Golf Club 1 Longdong Highway (5833 8888) 汤臣高尔夫俱乐部, 龙东大道1号 Toni & Guy Hairdressing 99 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Longmen Lu (5351 3606) 汤尼英盖, 淮海中路99号近龙门路 Wide Tera Gym International 1018 Changning Lu, by Kaixuan Lu (5238 2222) 一兆韦德, 长宁路1018号近凯旋路
1515 Nanjing Xi Lu, Suite 301, Shanghai Kerry Center (5298 6339) 浦西全康医疗中心 上海市静安区南京西路1515 号上海嘉里中心301室 Huashan Hospital 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu, by Changle Lu (6248 9999 ext 2500) 华山医院, 乌鲁木齐中路近长乐路 International Peace Maternity & Child Health 910 Hengshan Lu, by Zhaojiabang Lu (6407 4887 ext 1105) 国际和平妇幼保健医院, 衡山路910 号 近肇嘉浜路 ParkwayHealth Medical & Dental Centers 51 Hongfeng Lu, Jinqiao, by Xinqiao Lu (6445 5999) 瑞新医疗, 金桥红枫路51号近新 桥路 ParkwayHealth 788 Hongxu Lu, by Huaguang Lu (6445 5999) 瑞新国际医疗, 虹许路788号近 华光路
Will’s Gym 5 Yinxiao Lu, by Huamu Lu (5045 6257) 上海威尔士健身中心, 银霄路5号 近花木路
United Animal Hospital 3333 Qixin Lu, by Wuzhong Lu (5485 9099) 上海联谊动物医疗诊所, 七莘路3333 号近吴中路
Fuxing Park 2 Gaolan Lu, by Nanchang Lu (5386 1069) 复兴公园, 皋兰路2号近南昌路
United Family Clinic 555 Jinfeng Lu, by Beiqing Highway (2201 0995) 上海市和美家诊所, 金丰路555弄近 北青公路 WorldPath Clinic International 399 Nanquan Bei Lu (2020 7888) 上海市南泉北路399号
KIDS/ RECREATION
Circus World 2266 Gonghexin Lu, by Guangzhong Lu (6652 7750) 上海马戏城, 共和新路2266号近广 中路
Children’s Hospital of Fudan University 399 Wanyuan Lu, by Gudai Lu (6493 1990) 复旦大学附属儿科医院, 万源路399 号近顾戴路
Global HealthCare Medical & Dental Center 100 Century Avenue, Suite 212, Shanghai World Financial Center (6877 5093) 浦东全康医疗中心 上海市浦东新区世纪大道100号 上海环球金融中心商场212室
Eday ToWn 5001 Dushi Lu, by Chunshen Lu (400 820 5066) 星期八小镇, 都市路5001号近春 申路
Children’s Technology Workshop 199 Fangdian Lu, by Yinchun Lu (5033 3053) 儿童科技营, 芳甸路199弄46-47B 近 迎春路
American-Sino OB/ GYN Service Huashan Hospital 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu, by Zhenning Lu (6249 3246) 美华妇产服务, 乌鲁木齐中路12号 华山医院近镇宁路
East International Medical Center 551 Pudong Nan Lu, by Pudong Avenue (5879 9999) 上海东方国际医院, 浦东南路551号 近浦东大道
Sun-Tec Medical Center 2281 Hongqiao Lu, by Jianhe Lu (5175 0505) 上海申德医院, 虹桥路2281号近剑 河路
Auto Museum 7565 Anting Boyuan Lu, by Moyu Nan Lu (6955 0055) 上海汽车博物馆, 安亭博园路7565 号近墨玉南路
HEALTH
PAW Veterinary Surgeons 722 Xinhua Lu, by Kaixuan Lu (5254 0611) 上海汪汪宠物医院, 新华路722弄15 号 近凯旋路 Ruijin Hospital 197 Ruijin Lu, by Shaoxing Lu (6437 0045 ext 668101) 瑞金医院, 瑞金二路197号近绍兴路 SinoUnited Health 300 Hongfeng Lu, by Biyun Lu (5030 7810) 盛和红枫康复门诊, 红枫路300弄16 号近碧云路
FAMILY MATTERS
Dino Beach 78 Xinzhen Lu, by Gudai Lu (6478 3333) 热带风暴, 新镇路78号近顾戴路 Disc Kart Indoor Karting 809 Zaoyang Lu, by Jinshajiang Lu Metro (6222 2880) 迪士卡赛车馆, 枣阳路809号近地铁 3号线金沙江路站 Dramatic Arts Center 288 Anfu Lu, by Wukang Lu (5465 6200) 上海话剧艺术中心, 安福路288号 近武康路
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Guyi Garden 218 Huyi Highway (5912 2225) 古漪园, 沪宜公路218号 IMAX 3D Cinemas 2000 Century Avenue, by Dingxiang Lu (6862 2000 ext 30712) 上海科技馆3D电影院, 世纪大道 2000号近丁香路 Jinmao Concert Hall 88 Century Avenue, by Lujiazui Dong Lu (5047 2612) 金茂音乐厅, 世纪大道88号近陆家 嘴东路 Jinjiang Amusement Park 201 Hongmei Lu, by Humin Highway (5420 4956) 锦江乐园, 虹梅路201号近沪闵路 Kids’ Golf 88 Xianxia Xi Lu, by Jianhe Lu (5217 2075) 上海新中少儿高尔夫培训有限公 司, 仙霞西路88号近剑河路 Kidtown 3211 Hongmei Lu, by Chengjiaqiao Lu (6405 5188) 可童探索城, 虹梅路3211号4楼 近程 家桥支路 Kodak Cinemaworld 1111 Zhaojiabang Lu, by Tianyaoqiao Lu (6426 8181) 柯达超级电影世界, 肇家浜路1111号 近天钥桥路 MoCA People’s Park, 231 Nanjing Xi Lu (6327 9900) 上海当代艺术馆, 南京西路231号人 民公园7号门 Municipal History Museum 1 Century Avenue, by Oriental Pearl Tower (5879 1888) 上海城市历史发展陈列馆, 世纪大 道1号近东方明珠 Natural Wild Insect Kingdom 1 Fenghe Lu, by Binjiang
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FAMILY MATTERS
School Life
LISTINGS Avenue (5840 5921) 大自然野生昆虫馆, 丰和路1号 近 滨江大道 Paradise Warner Cinema City 1 Hongqiao Lu, by Huashan Lu (6407 6622) 永华电影城, 虹桥路1号近华山路 Planet Laser Tag Hongkou Stadium, 444 Dongjiangwan Lu (5560 0658) 上海普兰尼镭射, 东江湾路444号 虹口足球场 Ruby’s Party 3333-A Hongmei Lu, by Huaguang Lu (6401 6323) 乐贝派对，虹梅路3333-A号近华 光路 Science and Technology Museum 2000 Century Avenue, by Jinxiu Lu (6862 2000) 上海科技馆, 世纪大道2000号近 锦绣路 Shanghai Art Museum 325 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Xinchang Lu (6327 2829) 上海美术馆, 南京西路325号近新 昌路 Shanghai Arts And Crafts Museum 79 Fenyang Lu, by Taiyuan Lu (6437 2509) 上海工艺美术博物馆, 汾阳路79号 近太原路 Shanghai Discovery Children’s Museum 61 Songyuan Lu (6278 3127) 上海儿童博物馆, 宋园路61号近虹 桥路 Shanghai Film Art Center 160 Xinhua Lu, by Panyu Lu (6280 4088) 上海影城, 新华路160号近番禺路
Shanghai International Circuit 2000 Yining Lu (6956 9999) 上海国际赛车场, 伊宁路2000号 Shanghai Municipal History Museum 1 Century Avenue, by Oriental Pearl Tower (5879 1888 ext 80449) 上海城市历史发展陈列馆, 世纪大 道1号近东方明珠
Baby Bamboo 3338 Hongmei Lu, by Yan’an Xi Lu (6465 9099) 大竹子咖啡吧, 虹梅路3338弄近延 安西路 Bergamo Italian Restaurant & Bar 1212 Biyun Lu, by Hongfeng Lu (3382 1068) 贝加莫意大利餐厅酒吧, 碧云路1212号近红枫路
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium 1388 Lujiazui Ring Road, by Big Bamboo Oriental Pearl Tower (5877 9988) 777 Biyun Lu, by Lan’an Lu 上海海洋水族馆, 陆家嘴环路1388 (5030 4228) 号近东方明珠 大竹子, 碧云路777号近蓝桉路 Shanghai Wild Animal Park Blarney Stone 178 Nanliu Highway, Nanhui, 5 Dongping Lu, by by Xiayan Highway (6118 0000) Yueyang Lu (6415 7496) 上海野生动物园, 南汇南六公路178 岩烧, 东平路5号A近岳阳路 号近下盐公路 Shanghai Zendai Museum of Modern Art 199 Fangdian Lu, by Yanggao Zhong Lu (5033 9801) 证大现代艺术馆, 芳甸路199弄28号 近杨高中路 Super Rink 168 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Fucheng Lu (5047 1711) 司凯特正大真冰滑冰场, 陆家嘴西 路168号近富城路
Blue Frog 633 Biyun Lu, by Pudong Carrefour (5030 6426) 蓝蛙, 碧云路633号近浦东家乐福 Boxing Cat 453 Jinfeng Lu, by Baole Lu (6221 9661) 拳击猫啤酒屋, 金丰路453号 近保 乐路
Think Town 1118 Changshou Lu, by Wanhangdu Lu (5238 3208) 宝贝科学探索坊, 长寿路1118号近 万航渡路 Yinqixing Indoor Skiing Site 1835 Qixin Lu, by Gudai Lu (6478 8666) 银七星室内滑雪场, 七莘路1835号 近顾戴路
Address: Level 2, No.3, Sinan Mansions, Long 507 Fuxing Zhong Lu, at Chongqing Rd 复兴中路507弄思南公馆3号2楼，近重庆南路 Reservations: (21) 5465-4800 Hours: 11am - 11pm, daily www.cpk.com.cn
FAMILY MATTERS
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Cotton’s 132 Anting Lu, by Jianguo Xi Lu (6433 7995) 棉花, 安亭路132号 近建国西路 Di Shui Dong 626 Xianxia Lu, by Shuicheng Lu (3207 0213) 滴水洞饭店, 仙霞路626号 近水 城路 Dublin Exchange 101 Yincheng Dong Lu, by Lujiazui Lu (6841 2052) 都不林, 银城东路101号近陆家嘴路 Eastern Seafood Port 33 Fushan Lu, by Dongfang Lu (6888 2318) 东方海港, 福山路33号近东方路 El Wajh 1800 Jinke Lu, by Longdong Lu (5027 8261) 摩洛哥餐厅, 金科路1800号近龙 东路 Enoteca 58 Taicang Lu, by Jinan Lu (5306 3400) Enoteca, 太仓路58号近济南路 Fuga 2967 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Oriental Pearl Tower (5877 6187) 枫雅, 陆家嘴西路2967号近东方 明珠 Greek Taverna 199 Fangdian Lu, by Dingxiang Lu (5033 7500) 希腊餐厅, 芳甸路199弄41号近丁 香路 Gui Hua Lou 33 Fucheng Lu, by Huayuanshiqiao Lu (5888 3697) 桂花楼, 富城路33号近花园石桥路
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Casa Mia 221 Shimen Er Lu, by Xinzha Lu (6271 9881) 石门二路221号近新闸路
Haiku By Hatsune 28B Taojiang Lu, by Hengshan Lu (6445 0021) 隐泉の语, 锦严路309号近锦绣路
Shanghai Grand Stage 1111 Caoxi Bei Lu, by Tianyaoqiao Lu (6438 5200) (上海大舞台) 漕溪北路1111号近天 钥桥路
1001 Nights 4 Hengshan Lu, by Wulumuqi Lu (6473 1178) 一千零一夜, 衡山路4号近乌鲁木 齐路
Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine 1019 Kangding Lu, by Yanping Lu (5228 1588) 清迈泰国餐厅, 康定路1019号近延 平路
Hofbraeuhaus Shanghai 309 Jinyan Lu, by Jinxiu Lu (6163 3699) 豪夫堡, 锦严路309号近锦绣路
Shanghai Grand Theatre 201 Renmin Avenue, by Huangpi Bei Lu (6372 3500) 上海博物馆, 人民大道201号近黄 陂北路
Azul 18 Dongping Lu, by Wulumuqi Lu (6433 1172) 西班牙餐厅, 东平路18号近乌鲁木 齐路
Cloud 9 88 Century Avenue, by Lujiazui Dong Lu (5049 1234 ext 8787) 九重天, 世纪大道88号近陆家嘴 东路
Hongmei Entertainment Street 3338 Hongmei Lu, by Yan’an Xi Lu (6465 6996) 虹梅休闲步行街, 虹梅路3338近延 安西路
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LISTINGS Hooters 168 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Fucheng Lu (5049 0199) 美国猫头鹰餐厅, 陆家嘴西路168号 近富城路 House of Flour 635 Bibo Lu, by Chunxiao Lu (5080 6230) 毂屋, 碧波路635号近春晓路 Indian Kitchen 600 Lantian Lu, by Biyun Lu (5030 2005) 印度小厨, 蓝天路600号近碧云路 Jade on 36 33 Fucheng Lu, by Lujiazui Xi Lu (6882 3636) 翡翠36楼, 富城路33号近陆家嘴 西路 Jean Georges 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6321 7733) 陆唯轩, 中山东一路3号近广东路 Jendow 2787 Longhua Lu, by Tianyaoqiao Lu (6457 2299, 6457 7821) 人道素菜, 龙华路2787号近天钥 桥路
Le Bouchon 1455 Wuding Xi Lu, by Jiangsu Lu (6225 7088) 勃逊, 武定西路1455号 近江苏路 Little Sheep Hot Pot 1033 Yan’an Xi Lu, by Wuyi Lu (6234 1717) 小肥羊火锅, 延安西路1033号近武 夷路 Lost Heaven 38 Gaoyou Lu, by Fuxing Xi Lu (6433 5126) 花马天堂云南餐厅, 高邮路38号近 复兴西路 M on the Bund 5 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6350 9988) 米氏西餐厅, 中山东一路外滩5号7 楼近广东路 Malone’s 3 Pudong Avenue, by Pudong Nan Lu (6886 1309) 马龙, 浦东大道3号雅诗阁公寓1楼 近浦东南路 Moonsha 5 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6323 1117) 月影, 中山东一路外滩5号3楼近广 东路
Jujube Tree 848 Huangjincheng Lu, by Munich Beer House Shuicheng Nan Lu (6275 1798) 枣子树, 黄金城道848号近水城南路 1138 Pudong Nan Lu, by Zhangyang Lu (5878 7979) 莱宝啤酒屋, 浦东南路1138号上海湾 Kakadu 广场118商铺近张扬路 8 Jianguo Lu, by Chongqing Lu (5468 0118) 卡卡图, 建国中路8号近重庆路 Kobachi 88 Century Avenue, by Yincheng Xi Lu (5047 1234 ext 8907) 日珍餐厅, 世纪大道88号金贸君悦 56楼近银城西路 La Verbena 2967 Lujiazui Lu, Binjiang Avenue North (5878 9837) 露华娜餐厅, 陆家嘴路2967号滨江 大道北端店面E Laris 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6321 7733) 陆唯轩, 中山东一路3号4楼近广 东路 Las Tapas 259 Hongfeng Lu, by Biyun Lu (3382 1686) 乐泰餐饮, 红枫路259号近碧云路
New Age Veggie 168 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Fucheng Lu (5047 1880) 新素代, 陆家嘴西路168号正大广场 5楼20A/B近富城路 New Heights 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6321 0909) 新视角, 广东路17号 O’Malley’s 42 Taojiang Lu, by Hengshan Lu (6474 4533) 欧玛莉餐厅, 桃江路42号近衡山路 Paulaner Brauhaus 2967 Lujiazui Lu, by Pudong Shangri-La Hotel (6888 3935) 宝莱纳, 陆家嘴路2967号近香格里 拉大酒店 Quan Ju De 778 Dongfang Lu, by
Zhangyang Lu (6886 8966) 全聚德, 东方路788号3楼紫金山大 酒店3楼近张扬路 Rendezvous 435 Jinfeng Lu (5256 4353) 朗迪姆, 金丰路435 Sasha’s 11 Dongping Lu, by Hengshan Lu (6474 6628) 萨莎, 东平路11号近衡山路 Shanghai Ren Jia Restaurant 90 Shaanxi Nan Lu, by Changle Lu (5403 7888) 陕西南路90号近长乐路 Simply Thai 600 Lantian Lu, by Biyun Lu (5030 1690) 天泰餐厅, 蓝天路600号近碧云路 South Beauty 168 Lujiazui Lu, by Fucheng Lu (5047 1917) 俏江南, 陆家嘴西路168号正大广场 10楼近富城路
FAMILY MATTERS
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The Irishman’s Pub Lane 199 Fangdian Lu, at Thumb Plaza (5033 9163) 愉龙餐厅, 芳甸路199弄20号大拇 指广场 The Monk 458 Jinfeng Lu, Huacao Town (6221 2844) 闵行区华漕镇金光路458号 The Spot 331 Tongren Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (6247 3579) 欧风咖啡馆, 铜仁路331号近北京 西路 Xiao Nan Guo Restaurant 1 Weifang Xi Lu, by Pudong Nan Lu (3208 9777) 小南国大酒店, 潍坊西路1弄18号近 浦东南路 Yuyintang 1731 Yan’an Xi Lu, by Kaixuan Lu (5237 8662) 育音堂, 延安西路1731号 入口在凯 旋路
SHOPPING
South Memory 118 Weifang Lu, by Laoshan Dong Lu A.P. Xinyang Fashion (6876 5502) & Gifts Market 望湘园, 潍坊路118号近崂山东路 2000 Century Avenue, inside Metro Line 2 Shanghai Southern Barbarian Science & Technology 56 Maoming Nan Lu, by Museum Station (6854 2230) Changle Lu (5157 5510) 中国亚太新阳, 世纪大道2000号地 南蛮子, 茂名南路56号近长乐路 铁2号线上海科技馆站内 Spicy Joint 601 Zhangyang Lu, by Nanquan Lu (6470 2777) 辛湘汇, 张杨路601号5楼近南泉路 Tairyo Teppanyaki 139 Ruijin Yi Lu, by Changle Lu (5382 8818) 大渔, 瑞金一路139号近长乐路 The Bulldog Pub 1 Wulumuqi Nan Lu, by Dongping Lu (6466 7878) 英国斗牛犬, 乌鲁木齐南路1号近 东平路 The Bund Brewery 11 Hankou Lu, by Sichuan Lu (64341318) 外滩啤酒总汇, 汉口路11号近四川路 The Cool Docks Food and Fashion Zhongshan Nan Lu, by Fuxing Dong Lu 老码头, 中山南路近复兴东路
Amphora Hongqiao Shop 3219 Hongmei Lu, by Huaguang Lu (51759156) 爱芬乐, 虹梅路3219号近华光路 Amphora Greek Grocery 429 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (5213 9066) 爱芬乐, 陕西北路429号近北京西路 B&Q Zhabei 3228 Gonghexin Lu, by Wenshui Lu Metro (3603 0099) 百安居闸北店, 共和新路3228号地 铁汶水路站 Brilliance West Shopping Mall 88 Xianxia Xi Lu, by Hami Lu (5219 8000) 百联西郊购物中心, 仙霞西路88号 近哈密路 Buy Now Electonics mall 588 Zhangyang Lu, by
Home for your
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LISTINGS Pudong Nan Lu (6160 9073) 百脑汇, 张扬路588号近浦东南路 Carrefour Biyun 555 Biyun Lu, by Yunshan Lu (5030 4420) 家乐福金桥店, 碧云路555号近云 山路 Carrefour Gubei 268 Shuicheng Bei Lu, by Yan’an Xi Lu (6278 1944) 家乐福古北店, 水城南路268号近 延安西路 Carrefour Xujing 1829 Huqingping Highway (6191 3330) 家乐福徐泾店, 沪青平公路1829号 Carrefour Zhongshan Park 1018 Changning Lu, by Kaixuan Lu (6225 5656) 家乐福中山公园店, 长宁路1018号 近凯旋路 City Shop Hongmei 3211 Hongmei Lu, by Luchun Lu (6215 0418) 城市超市 虹梅店, 虹梅路3211号近 陆春路 City Shop Riverside 33 Huayuanshiqiao Lu, by Fucheng Lu (5047 8028) 城市超市滨江店, 花园石桥路33号 近富城路近富城路 City Shop Zhudi 550 Jidi Lu, by Stratford (5226 1250) 城市超市诸翟店, 纪翟路550号近万 科红郡西翼 Cloud Nine Shopping Mall 1018 Changning Lu, by Kaixuan Lu (6115 5555) 龙之梦购物中心, 长宁路1018号近 凯旋路 Decathlon Huamu 393 Yinxiao Lu, by Lanhua Lu (5045 3888) 迪卡侬花木店, 银霄路393号近兰 花路 Dongtai Road Antique Market Dongtai Lu, by Ji’an Lu 东台路古董市场, 东台路近吉安路
Fuyou Street Merchandise Mart 225 Fuyou Lu, by Anren Lu (6374 5632) 福佑路小商品市场, 福佑路225号近 安仁路
Meiyuan Bird and Flower Market Lane 49 Fushan Lu, by Rushan Lu (6876 6638) 梅园花鸟市场, 福山路49弄近乳 山路
Hola Home Furnishing Store 189 Zhengtong Lu, by Songhu Lu (6511 1888) 特力屋, 政通路189号和乐家居广场 1楼近淞沪路
Metro Putuo 1425 Zhenbei Lu, by Meichuan Lu (6265 8888) 麦德龙普陀店, 真北路1425号近梅 川路
Homemart 55 Yiminhe Lu, by Zhongshan Bei Er Lu (6552 3300) 好美家, 伊敏河路55号近中山北 二路 Hong Kong Plaza 283 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Huangpi Nan Lu 香港广场, 淮海中路283号近黄陂 南路 Hongqiao International Pearl City 3721 Hongmei Lu, by Yan’an Xi Lu (6465 0000) 上海虹桥珍珠城, 虹梅路3721号 近 延安西路 IKEA Shanghai 126 Caoxi Lu, by Sanhui Lu (5425 6060) 宜家, 漕溪路126号近三汇路 Jiuxing Tea Leaf Wholesale Market Bridge 6 Caobao Lu, by Hongxin Lu (5486 5988) 九星茶叶市场, 漕宝路6号桥近虹 莘路 Life Hub @ Daning 1978 Gonghexin Lu, by Wenshui Lu (6630 0077) 大宁国际商业广场, 共和新路1868 2008号近汶水路 Lotus Supermarket 3521 Shangnan Lu, by Haiyang Lu (6832 1188) 易初莲花超市, 上南路3521号近海 阳路 M50 Art District 50 Moganshan Lu, Suzhou Creek M50艺术区, 莫干山路50号苏河
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Nanjing Dong Lu 南京东路步行街, 南京东路 Oriental Department Store 8 Caoxi Bei Lu, by Zhaojiabang Lu (6487 0000) 南京东路步行街, 南京东路 Outlets Shopping Center 2888 Huqingping Highway, by Jiasong Zhong Lu 奥特莱斯直销广场, 沪青平公路 2888号 近嘉松中路 Pacific Department Store 333 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Huangpi Nan Lu (5306 8888) 太平洋百货, 淮海中路333号近黄 陂南路 Parkson Department Store 918 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu (6415 8818) 百盛, 淮海中路918号近陕西南路 Pines The Market Place 322 Anfu Lu, by Wukang Lu (6437 6375) 松园坊商场, 安福路322号近武康路 Pines The Market Place 427 Jinfeng Lu, by Baole Lu (5226 4137) 金松坊, 金丰路427号 近宝乐路 Pines The Market Place 633 Biyun Lu, by Lan’an Lu (5030 6971) 松园坊商场, 碧云路633号碧云体育 休闲中心近蓝桉路 Plaza 66 Square 1266 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu (6279 0910) 恒隆广场, 南京西路1266号近陕西 北路
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Raffles City 268 Xizang Xi Lu, by Fuzhou Lu (6340 3600) 来福士广场, 西藏中路268号近福 州路 Shanghai Book CitY 465 Fuzhou Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6391 4848) 上海图书城, 福州路465号近广东路 South Bund Fabric Market 399 Lujiabang Lu, by Zhongshan Nan Lu (6377 7288) 南外滩轻纺面料市场, 陆家浜路399 号近中山南路 Super Brand Mall 168 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Fucheng Lu (6887 7888) 正大广场, 陆家嘴西路168号近富 城路 Suzhou Creek Art Area Suzhou Creek, by Datong Lu 苏河艺术, 苏河艺术近大统路 Taobao Market 1-3/F, 580 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Chengdu Bei Lu 凤翔礼品市场, 南京西路580号1-3楼 近成都北路 Thumb Plaza 199 Fangdian Lu, by Yanggao Zhong Lu (5033 9899) 大拇指广场, 芳甸路199弄近杨高 中路 Toys “R” Us 168 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Fucheng Lu (5047 1472) 玩具“反”斗城, 陆家嘴西路168号 正大广场四楼36-37,41-43号近富城路 Wal-Mart 252-262 Linyi Bei Lu, by Longyang Lu (5094 5881) 沃尔玛, 临沂北路252-262近龙阳路 Watsons 939-947 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu (6437 5250) 屈臣氏超市, 淮海中路939号巴黎春 天近陕西南路 Yu Garden Market 218 Anren Lu, inside Yu Garden (6238 3251) 豫园市场, 安仁路218在豫园内
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FINAL WORD
FINAL WORD
not always bad Even addictive games promote family values
T
here’s been much debate about the effect that video and online games have in the development of our children, and even in the socialisation of adults. Reams have been written about the ways in which video games isolate youngsters and encourage a sedentary lifestyle. Some argue that when adults play video games and online games to the exclusion of other activities, they effectively distance themselves from others and put up emotional barriers. While moderation and self-control are important considerations when playing video and online games, a case can be made that some of these games promote family values. There’s addiction and addiction – this is a benign form that can bring a lot of good to your child and your family as a whole, as long as games are kept in their proper perspective. Homework comes first! Some people grow up in ‘game’ families, and others do not. You might know people who come from a family of avid gamers, from long before the advent of video games and online games. Often they’ll tell you some of their first memories are of playing cards with their family, whether
bridge, pinochle or some other terminally old-fashioned game from the point of view of today’s gaming whizz kids. They’ll talk about college evenings spent playing hearts with eight or ten other people until the wee hours of the morning. Or maybe it was Monopoly or day-long games of Risk. Back in the day, people played every kind of game imaginable – board games, travel games, mahjong, outdoor games – you name it. There’s nothing stopping today’s kids doing the same. There’s life beyond the screen! But then again, kids still play these games with other people, only now it may be people they’ll never meet in another country, avatars on an online games platform. We’ve come a long way from the first Ataris, and Pong and Donkey Kong. Still, get them to do crossword puzzles (in pen!) Have a think about the idea that addictive games can unite a family and teach important life lessons. The first lesson, of course, is not to cheat – and never to play with cheaters. That may serve your children well in business when the time comes. The second lesson is good sportsmanship: always play to win, but be gracious when you lose. That, too, is
an important life lesson. Even when your kids try their best, they won’t always come out on top. The third lesson is about the importance of thinking ahead and strategising to reach goals. The fourth lesson is about partnerships and teamwork. It’s important in life to learn to be a team player, and sometimes a former adversary can become an ally at a moment’s notice. Most of all, though, family game playing is an opportunity to be together, to have fun and to laugh as a family. Even if you’re highly competitive, at the end of the day you’re all family and friends. You might play a lot of Snakes and Ladders when your kids are young, but in time you’ll be able to play their video games along with them – helping you keep up with the digital world in the process! Whatever the game, whatever the medium, play together. Do jigsaws and enjoy working on puzzle books and magazines. You can even help create puzzle books for your child’s classmates using spelling words from class study. Some people turn up their noses at addictive games, but they can teach important life lessons and instil great family values. Play on! §
我
After having my 3rd child, I was determined to get back in the best shape that I could possibly be in. I have always been an avid runner but I just didn’t get all of the results that I wanted. Strength training was rarely a part of my exercise regimen as I was unsure of how to properly utilize the equipment at the gym. I joined curves in June of 2009 with a goal of losing 25 lbs. I knew this is time around would be more difficult as I was faced with more challenges than before: a lake of motivation, little energy and no time. “as I started building muscle I saw a drastic change in the shape of my body and in how my clothes fit.” I quickly realized that Curves was what I needed to jump start my focus of taking care of me. For me, the initial appeal was getting to do a solid workout in 30 minutes. Secondly, I knew I was properly working major muscles with the guidance of trainers. As I started building muscle, I saw a drastic change in the shape of my body and in how my clothes fit. My monthly measurements provided me with the incentive to continue reaching my goals. I can proudly say that I have reached my weight loss goal. At 36 years old and with 3 kids, I am finally in the best overall condition that I have ever been in… not only in my body but in my mind and in my spirit!
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