Ask Headmaster Ken

Dear Ken,

First of all, thank you! This is a great forum with lots of useful information, although the more I read, the more questions I have.

I'm currently collecting information on how to open an after-school in China. The opening of an after-school is part of a larger international NGO project to bring knowledge and work into rural areas of poor and developing countries.

The general idea is to open this after-school in a big city and, afterwards, allow donations to open a school in the rural area.

It has been very discouraging for now. First of all, I read that NGOs can't have Chinese donors. Is that correct? I've also haven't found any information on exactly how to obtain a license to open an after-school in China. Could you please give me your support and advice?

I'm a Russian citizen and currently I live in Europe, I've read that I should obtain a Z-visa. Now, if I was to teach in China I could probably apply for one but wanting to open a school what would the best procedure be?

Thank you!

I am assuming what you call an after school is in fact an English Language Training school. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

First,you cannot transfer the lessons from opening a school in a big city to a small city. They have different needs and would likely require a different product mix.

I don't know where from whom plan to solicit donations. Most Chinese I know have not much trust in charitable organizations.

You need a school license for each location you plan to open In addition, I'd recommend no less than 600,000 RMB to open in a third tier city to cover your costs to your break even point on your first school.

You'll need a governmental agency to provide you a proper visa. It will take a significant amount of coordination to find a willing and legally empowered agency. Plan on a couple of months, at least, of meeting with officials

Where you open makes a difference too. My experience is mostly in Jilin province, each locality has their own specific rules. You need to meet with the province officials and work your way down the chain finding what you need to do to get licensed.

Ken