Job Discussion Forums

Honky Nick · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 113 Location: Hong Kong

Hi all,

I have spent some time reading old posts on this topic, but I am hoping to glean some new information if possible.

I am a qualified teacher (PGDE) with over 4 years' experience in Japan and Hong Kong (language school and government primary school respectively). I am hoping to break into the international school scene in Vietnam, Indonesia or possibly even Hong Kong. Where I end up next year depends on where I can secure the best job, and I'm quite happy to move to (or in HK's case, stay in) any of these countries.

As schools will begin hiring for the 2009/10 academic year soon, I have started contacting schools. Some have let me know their hiring schedule, but many have not yet responded. I was hoping to hear from anyone who has been successful in applying for an international school (preferrably International Baccalaureate). How was the application process? Is there anything you recommend I prepare beforehand? Did you just send a cover letter and CV, or did you call the school first? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

In order to get country-specific information, I will also post this on the Indonesia and Vietnam forums.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

Jason Goren · Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Posts: 33

I have previously taught IBD at an international secondary school-cum-sixth form college here in Hong Kong. A friend informed me of an opening, I applied for it, had an interview, and landed the post. This, unfortunately, increasingly seems to be the way that schools 'advertise' now. Rarely does one see an position vacant advertisement in any of the local press. If the school does advertise then it will typically be abroad. My theory on this is that the school management do not wish for (high fee-paying parents/customers) to see such advertisements as it would reflect badly on the school, but that's just my theory (I would however point to the fact that advertisements for posts at international schools in the local press in HK are exceedingly rare, and believe me, this does not mirror any lack of staff turnover).

The problem you will face if you want to teach one of the three IB programmes is the training. If you have not undertaken the IB training as offered by the IBO then the school will have to arrange for you to take the residential course, which means you won't be able to teach while you take the course (courses are typically held in term time) and they will have to pay (the courses are usually held in Singapore, Sri Lanka, or somewhere else exotic, never Manila or Shenzhen).

Your best bet might be to arrange to take the IB training for yourself. You have to be quick though as private places (i.e., non-school sponsored places) on the residential courses are strictly limited and are usually rapidly snapped up.

Honky Nick · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 113 Location: Hong Kong

Thank you for the information, Jason. I do have a couple of friends working at IB schools, so my best bet might be to ask for the inside info on job vacancies, by the sound of it.

I will also look into doing the training; although, I have spent my last two summer breaks doing teaching rounds in Australia and I'm hankering for a proper summer holiday! But if it must be done, it must be done.

Jason Goren · Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Posts: 33

Don't forget the quasi-international schools of the ESF organisation. I believe all their 'outlets' have now switched over to the IB programmes. Even some local schools have applied for permission to switch to the IB curricula! Learn-by-rote local teachers trying to teach the independent thinking philosophically-flavoured IB! Imagine that! Another recipe for disaster....

danswayne · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 237

Why don't you use the hiring agencies all the big international schools use like iss.edu or that other one I can never remember. They have job fairs starting sometime in December in international cities so you still have a little time. Another good place to look is TIE online I believe, of course you have to join that also to make use of it.

Honky Nick · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 113 Location: Hong Kong

I just looked at the ISS website and it says you need to have a degree from the US. Is this correct? Is the other one called Search Associates? You have to pay fees for both of them, I think. Maybe it's worth it. Does anyone have any experience with either of these companies? Or can you recommend a recruitment agency for someone in my position?

danswayne · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 237

As far as I know, they only require what the true international schools require. So I would say if you don't fit their requirements, you might want to check other options.

gengrant · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:52 am Post subject:

nick,

I was hired at my current school through Search Associates (www.search-associates.com)

I highly recommend them. The money spent was worth it. Getting into the International School scene and out of the language school "mills" was a huge difference. You work more, with a more structured day, but you are compensated much more for it. Most salaries are paid in US Dollars.

I recommend both ISS and Search. You must have a degree...not necessarily from the U.S.

Best of luck to you.

gengrant