Job Discussion Forums

[rioux]

I was told and have had some experience with a few places that simply throw in the word "International" as part of their school name with little to show that they are indeed an international school.

Here are some things I look for if I were to deem an international school truly international.

1. Are classes and meetings done using the English language?
I understand there will be exceptions like if one is teaching or participating in a German (or any other) language course.

2. Are the textbooks in English?

3. Is the school more organized than what one would see elsewhere?

4. Is there a mix of foreign faculty -> When I was in the Philippines I would see many places claiming to be international when every teacher employed was a Filipino (I think for show the principal of one school nearby my home was an American).

5. Lunch menus should be a mix of food from various countries.

6. What should be the standard for hiring qualified teachers?

Is there anything else you think that belongs to the list?

[A593186]

You are rather naive. Who told you that the word "International" in a school's title thus makes it any different, better, or more international than any other school (in China that is)?

All your answers can be answered only by the schools themselves. Every school does its own thing.

You are a licensed teacher back home? I'm guessing the answer is "no" and that you think you can just roam into the country, get a job at a higher-end school, make much more cash than the mean. Licensed teachers usually have actual job in their home country and if they can't get one that way, then there is more sinister issue afoot.

[mambawamba]

Main criteria to whether a school is International or not is which passport holders can enroll.

In an ideal world many of the factors you have on your list should be in place. The unfortunate truth is that many International schools are not fit for purpose.

@A593186 your petticoat is showing.

[wonderingjoesmith]

The word "international" seems to translate to "money" on mainland China. Products coming out of "international" places in this country most often appear to involve only one party/nation. Foreign civilizations are usually obvious on the adverts of goods/services "created" by locals. What is troubling, to me, is that Chinese not only copy but assemble the work of others into their own brand names. In education, the trend has produced some highly questionable practices, materials, approach to learners etc.

What, in my opinion, ought to be of the highest value in the OP's message is that many locals appear gullible and many also seem to believe that if a place is run by Chinese nationals, it'll insure the product's suitability. This is as sinister as it can get. The nation spends on low quality custom-made goods/services to keep the party members' posts and investments secure.

The fact that Chinese employers hope we get misled by their ominous advertising is, in my view, often secondary, although it is significant we read about it online. Not communicating the delusive offers may only increase chances of those employers success.

Truly international schools must have international management, international academic material, international standards for recruitment as well as they must have international methodology and an international evaluation system that is under the leadership of an international college board. All this, due to some shady dealings gets more often demoralized and the integrity compromised however. How far our civilizations can go with the corruption remains to be seen.

[wonderingjoesmith]

[chinatimes]