Education Insights & Stories

Smart in Asia

Shanghai, China

Full Admission, Legal, and Living Guide for Relocating Families Moving to Asia and choosing an international school is exciting – and stressful. You’re juggling school choices, visas, guardianship, housing, and a ticking clock. This guide walks you through the full international school admission process in Asia, with special attention to visas, guardianship, and real-life issues families actually face. It’s written for relocating families (not locals) and covers both day and boarding schools. Throughout the guide, you’ll see where Smart in Asia can simplify the process for you.

Smart in Asia

Shanghai, China

When families plan a move to Asia, international schools are often the first question. But the real decision isn’t just where your kids study — it’s where you can actually live. Many cities have outstanding schools on paper but are exhausting or unsustainable long-term. The real sweet spot is where quality education meets livability, community, and sanity. Here’s an honest look at five cities where international schooling and family life can realistically work together — including both the obvious and the overlooked options.

Smart in Asia

Shanghai, China

Shanghai is home to one of Asia’s most advanced international education systems. With more than 40 international schools offering British, American, or IB programs, parents have a wide range of options. Below is an overview of five of the largest and most respected international schools in Shanghai, based on verified enrollment numbers, academic results, and curriculum data.

Smart in Asia

Shanghai, China

Beijing is home to a well-established international-school market with a variety of curriculum styles (IB, British, American). With many options available, it helps to focus first on the largest, most established schools to get a sense of what “scale + quality” looks like. Below are five of the biggest and most respected international schools in Beijing, each with verifiable figures and summaries.