Where you teach, it appears to be a state run school, which is probably a lot more relaxed than an actual international school that has branches in every major country.

In Shanghai there are a few of these international schools, whereby everything is taught in English, and there is a wide range of student and faculty nationalities.

Academic standards are also quite high, there is a lengthy interview process that takes place before students get accepted, even into kindergarten.

Many parents jump at the chance to enroll their kids into these schools if they have the financial means, and in some cases even if they don't.

Its all about face, being able to show their colleagues, friends and family that their child is in the "highest ranked school" is more important than the actual quality of that education.

I find all a bit nauseating.

Most kids are not asked what they want in life anymore, they are just told what to do.