Working at an International School in China

A buzzword in Chinese education is “international”. The demand for English instructors is great, and parents are sending their kids abroad to avoid the boring public school system. Getting a job in China is straightforward in general, but finding the proper one might be tough. Consider applying to an international school or a Chinese school with an international program.

Overseas international schools are essentially top foreign prep schools dragged into China. These schools' tuition prices might be prohibitive for many foreigners and Chinese. Teaching at one of these prep schools may be lucrative, but you must be certified.

A teaching credential from your native country is typically required to teach in a foreign international school. For example, the Canadian International School of Beijing requires a Canadian teaching credential. Other institutions, like the International Schools of China, require applicants to hold a degree in Elementary, Secondary, or a subject-specific degree.

It also helps to have previous teaching experience. Schools routinely recruit non-certified teaching assistants, interns, coaches, and replacement instructors. Most foreign international schools require incoming instructors to sign a two-year contract.

Teaching in an international school offers several advantages. The remuneration is frequently on par with what instructors earn at home. Schools provide accommodation, professional development, and social activities for teachers. Class sizes are also significantly less than in a Chinese or even a Western public school.

How to get a position in a Chinese international school? However, most colleges list employment openings immediately on their website. You may also use an agency or go to an international school expo. Every year, the Council of International Schools hosts fairs across the globe, and International Schools Services holds one in Asia.

Chinese Global Programs

Several Chinese institutions offer AP and IB international programs for students wishing to study in the US or UK. A Chinese international program (which might be a complete school) differs from a foreign international school.

Despite being an international school, Barb's school in Beijing followed a Chinese timetable rather than a Western one. A two-and-a-half hour siesta in the middle of the day, military workouts in the morning, etc. Barb's classes (about 30 students) were tiny for Chinese schools, but bigger than her 20 years teaching in an American public school.

Barb urges other instructors interested in teaching in Chinese programs to thoroughly research their schools and, if possible, visit them in person. “You may end yourself in some dodgy schools, so make sure you read the fine print,” she warned.

It is very uncommon for teachers in overseas programs to develop their own curricula with minimal cooperation from the institution Barb said an international program board in Australia had to approve her curriculum, but she frequently struggled with the materials. “The scientific book was flawed and uninteresting. No math books for the teachers.” She also mentioned she had to arrange all lab items alone and bring them around since professors in China don't have their own classroom. During the first semester, she taught two groups of students who couldn't even read English.

“School is difficult worldwide, and Chinese students are wonderful,” she said. You'll be successful if you like dealing with children.”

Writing her own curriculum has perks. “I had much freedom. We examined acid rain at the Temple of Heaven as part of an interdisciplinary course. We took the youngsters to the high school lab and dissected flowers using microscopes.

A Chinese international program will normally take care of foreign instructors, including lodging, meals, airline tickets, and visa help. The salary is also better than in a conventional Chinese public school, and there is the chance to earn more for more hours.

For example, a more experienced teacher who can write their own curriculum and operate in the Chinese system might perform well in an international program It also allows new teachers to get AP and IB teaching experience before relocating to an international school or returning home.