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]

[Bud Powell]

ABoy: "... 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.."

You DO realize that some states have laid off public school teachers and cut their pensions in the U.S., don't you? Are you aware of the state of the U.S. economy?

I thought not.

[Non Sequitur]

'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'.
This sums up the true international school.
The foreign teachers will be certificated in their own countries and would see the time spent in the Chinese school as part of their normal teaching career.
They will also be remunerated (package-wise) more or less in line with what they would earn at home.
The students would be the children of wealthy locals and expats.
The Clifford Estates School in GZ has its Chinese junior school students taught in English for half the day and Chinese for the other half.

[teachingld2004]

There is a middle school where I live with the word "International" in the title. When I asked what was international about it I was told that "we hope one day to become one". Name, brands, and titles mean nothing here.

BUT I was so excited a few nights ago when I took a walk and found an "Avon" store. Now the question is, was it really an Avon store? Of course not, but they really did have Avon mascara among a host of other crap. I was happy.

[chinaroman]

True international schools will typically use a western curriculum. American schools will use an American curriculum, British schools will use a British curriculum, etc.

As another poster stated, students are required to hold a foreign passport.

Also, all teachers will be certified teachers from their home countries.

[twilothunder]

I would agree that an International School is one offering a recognised international curriculum eg Cambridge A-Level, AP or International Baccalaureate.

The student body need not be predominantly foreign. Although this is possible in places such as Shanghai or Kuala Lumpur, it is probably less likely in tier 2 cities such as, say, Nanjing.

[Non Sequitur]

[chinaroman]

[fpshangzhou]

I believe the term "International" whether used for education or business, is tossed around quite loosely here in China. I'm not sure about other countries as I haven't experienced them yet.
I am getting started in my quest to become an English teacher and I see the word "International" used in many adverts, probably to attract as many foreigners as possible. I guess you just have to inquire with questions such as the OP listed.

[wonderingjoesmith]