The Guangzhou government addressed frequently-asked questions from foreign-funded companies and educational institutes during a seminar with the theme of ‘How to return to China (Guangzhou)’ on July 28th.

[PhotoKeane]

One of the key focuses was “when foreign teachers and students will be able to come back to China”. Klause Zenkel, Vice Chairman of European Chamber South China Chapter, said the Chamber has a strong demand from the international schools to bring back their teachers.

Statistics of Guangzhou Education Bureau shows the city has 13 international schools with about 6000 enrolled students. Thus far, the 13 international schools have reported 200 foreign teachers and administrative staff being trapped overseas and unable to return to China.

[PhotoKeane]

“The Chinese Foreign Ministry, Education Ministry and related departments are discussing and formulating entry policies for foreign teachers and students in order to help them return to school safely during the global pandemic. As the policy has not been published yet, foreign teachers and students are unable to enter China for the time being,” according to Shao Yuansa, Director of Guangzhou Foundation for International Exchange & Cooperation.

Gu Zhongpeng, Deputy Director of Guangzhou Education Bureau, said the bureau will actively help foreign teachers who are currently abroad to return to China through supportive policies such as offering visa application convenience. “We will spare no effort to ensure the autumn semester can start as scheduled.”

[PhotoWu Jialin from Southern Metropolitan Newspaper]

Gu added the Bureau has helped the 13 international schools open in 5 waves since April 27th. As of today, all of the 13 schools have finished the spring semester while 3 of them are offering summer classes.

“We suggest teachers and students stay in Guangzhou during the holiday and avoid travelling to foreign countries and high-risk areas in China. Teachers and students need to report their itinerary if they have to leave the city and take good care of themselves when traveling.”

The seminar was jointly held by Guangzhou Foundation for International Exchange & Cooperation and European Chamber of Commerce in China.

Reported by Jasmine

Edited by Keane, Jerry