Job Discussion Forums

[kraggy]

Hi,

I would really like to get in to an International School job in China as it would give me more relevant experience for getting back in to Primary Teaching at home in Ireland eventually.

I'm teaching English in Korea at the moment and have:

B.Ed in Primary School Teaching
c. 1 year experience teaching Primary at home
1.5 years teaching English in Korea
About 4 very good references from various school principals
A very good college reference

My questions are:

1. I realise that I'm probably not going to get a job in a top Shanghai or Beijing international school due to my experience being on the lower end. But how about an international school in a smaller city?

2. Is it true that there are tiers when it comes to international schools as well as cities? If so, would I have a good chance of getting into a 2nd tier school?

3. How do I go about getting a job in an international school? Google schools in a particular city and email them directly?

4. Can you suggest some nice cities? I'm open to moving anywhere as long as it looks a bit more interesting than Korea.

5. I know I'm proabably too late for jobs coming this September. Do ALL schools start their school year in September?

I am more interested in getting a relevant job than being stimulated by bright lights and trendy bars but having said that, I'd like a place that looks decent and has a bit of character.

And I'd like to be able to save a little money too. (In other words, while I'm desparate to get international school experience, I'm not willing to do it for 4000rmb per month no matter how cheap the cost of living)


If anyone here has knowledge of international schools in their area with teachers of similar or less experience to mine, can you please let me know and tell me whatever information you have just so I can go forward with the right expectations.

Finally, the location thing, I've no idea about where is nice or not in China so if you can help on the placeS to live issue that would be great.

I like scenery and am actually going on vacation to Yangshou in 3 weeks which I'm looking forward to. But I doubt there are international schools there!

Thanks for reading,

Kraggy.

[Non Sequitur]

You don't mention registration in your home country.
I think that is important when applying to international schools.

[kraggy]

Sorry, forgot to mention. Yes, I'm a certified teacher.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

I suggest looking at Dalian or Shenyang. Clean(er) air, small(er) city, and lots of Koreans there to hang out with until you learn a bit more Chinese.

[Non Sequitur]

Kraggy
I've PMd an idea to you.
Might be a bit late for Sept start but there would be value in getting into a conversation with a school or schools like this and seeing what develops.

[therock]

Where are you from and where are you certified?

This will determine if you can get into a international school. For example British international schools prefer British or British trained teachers or the very least having considerable experience teaching at a British school.

[Non Sequitur]

The school I've suggested OP has a look at has NZ, Aust, UK, Canada and US certificated teachers.
The curriculum follows the US pretty much but that is subject-related. A trained teacher should be able cope no matter what their origin.
Where the senior staff are US I have heard they can be negative towards non-US accents.

[vashdown2]

You have all the experience required to get an excellent job at an Intl School paying over 30-50k per year!


Have you signed up with one of the International Job Fairs yet?
That is how international teachers get hired.

Check out Search Associates
or International School Services!

You should be looking starting now for next year, 2013-2014

[Zhuangzi's Butterfly]

Great info, vash!

What are the minimum requirements for teaching at International Schools in China?

[vashdown2]

You have a Teaching Certificate from the USA< UK, Canada, etc... and 2 years experience usually.

There is tons of information of getting hired at Interntional Schools on the Web, there is also a forum (like this one) dedicated to international schools' teachers.