In China, foreign teachers typically work in one of five main types of schools: Kindergartens, Training Centres, Public Schools, Private Bilingual Schools, and International Schools. Among these, International Schools are the most prestigious. Teachers at International Schools receive the highest salaries, the best benefits, and the most vacation time. Additionally, the facilities at International Schools far exceed those of other schools, and the teaching standards are exceptionally high.

However, for some teachers planning to move to China, an International School might not be the best fit for various reasons. But for qualified teachers with at least two years of teaching experience, an International School offers a brilliant environment to advance their careers. In this blog post, we will cover all the key things to know about International Schools in China and outline what is required to teach in one!

What Is an International School?

An international school, sometimes referred to as a “private school” or an “academy,” promotes international education within a global environment. Currently, there are around 1,000 international schools across China, with this number expected to grow in the coming years. Most of these schools are located in Tier 1 (larger) cities and primarily serve international students whose parents have relocated to China (expats).

All international schools require tuition fees, which means they are well-funded and, as a result, offer a range of impressive on-campus facilities to support learning and extracurricular activities. These facilities often include music halls, science labs, football pitches, and basketball courts. At international schools, you’ll find a diverse group of multinational and multilingual students; however, English is the primary language of instruction, and all students are taught an international curriculum.

Curriculums Taught at International Schools

International schools in China teach a curriculum that is different to the Chinese national curriculum. One of the most common curriculums taught at international schools is the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB).

The International Baccalaureate curriculum has three distinct programs for each different student’s age range. These are:

Primary Years Program (PYP) – The PYP offers an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that builds conceptual understanding. It is a student-centred approach to education for children aged 3 – 12.

Middle Years Program (MYP) – The MYP encourages students aged 11 – 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life.

Diploma Program (DP) – The DP is an assessed programme for students aged 16 – 19 that is preceded by the IB’s Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). The DP organises teaching and learning through six subject groups, underpinned by the DP core. Students choose a course from within each subject group. The six subject groups are:

  • Studies in Language and Literature
  • Language Acquisition
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • The Arts

Other international curriculums that are taught at international schools commonly include the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC).

Many international schools in China also offer national curriculums from other countries. The most common ones include UK curriculums, such as Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel, as well as American curriculums like Advanced Placement (AP). Often, these curriculums are adapted to make them more relevant to an international student population and more appropriate for China, incorporating increased references to the country’s geography, history, and culture.

Age Categories at International Schools

Most international schools in China use the “grade” system (similar to the USA) to group students by age. However, some schools may categorise students differently depending on the curriculum they teach. The table below shows how student groups at international schools in China may be categorised:

International Schools vs Private Bilingual Schools

Private Bilingual Schools in China share many similarities with International Schools. Both are privately operated and well-funded, offering modern facilities. Private bilingual schools are quite common in China and provide an excellent teaching environment. However, there are several key differences between these two types of schools, which are outlined below.

International Schools

  • The majority of students at International Schools in China are foreign nationals, typically children of expats.
  • These schools offer a fully international curriculum.
  • Class sizes are generally small to average, with around 25 students per class.
  • All lessons are taught in English.
  • A foreign teacher is usually the primary instructor, often supported by a teaching assistant.
  • Teachers typically need additional qualifications and/or an official teaching license from their home country to teach at most International Schools.

Private Bilingual Schools

  • Most students at Private Bilingual Schools are Chinese nationals.
  • These schools are less tied to a single curriculum and often use a mix of curriculums or adapt them to meet their academic goals. The teaching methods may also differ from those used in International Schools.
  • Class sizes are typically larger, with around 40 students per class.
  • Lessons are taught equally in both English and Mandarin.
  • In most bilingual schools, a foreign teacher and a Chinese teacher co-teach lessons in both languages, sharing responsibilities equally.
  • While some bilingual schools require additional teaching qualifications, others may hire teachers without them, provided they hold a TEFL certificate and have prior teaching experience.

Salary & Benefits at International Schools

Teaching at an International School in China can be very lucrative, with many schools offering impressive salary and benefits packages to qualified teachers. The package offered can vary based on factors such as the teacher’s experience, qualifications, the teaching position, the school’s location, and its prestige. Typically, a qualified teacher can expect the following compensation and benefits:

  • Monthly Salary – 25,000 RMB – 40,000 RMB
  • Housing Provided or Large Housing Allowance
  • Large Contract Completion Bonus
  • Flight Reimbursement
  • Relocation Allowance
  • Free Education for Children
  • Fully-paid Winter & Summer Vacation
  • Premium Medical Insurance

Schedule at International Schools

Most International Schools in China operate on similar schedules, with consistent start and end dates for each academic semester.

  • Typical Daily Schedule: Monday to Friday | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
  • Typical Yearly Schedule:
    • Semester 1: September – December
    • Winter Vacation: January
    • Semester 2: February – June
    • Summer Vacation: July – August

Requirements to Teach at International Schools

Requirements for teaching at an International School in China can vary by institution. However, teachers typically need to have a teaching qualification and/or a teaching license from their home country, along with at least two years of teaching experience. Many International Schools prefer to hire teachers from native English-speaking countries, as their curriculum is taught in English. These countries include Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the USA. However, in some cases, schools may hire subject-specific teachers who are not from these countries.

Common teaching qualifications and licenses required by International Schools include:

  • Bachelor of Education: A three or four-year bachelor’s degree that prepares individuals for a teaching career.
  • Master of Education: A postgraduate degree for teachers looking to specialize in certain areas.
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): An internationally recognized qualification in education, typically completed over one or two years, with practical teaching experience included.
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): The teaching license required to teach in public/state schools in the UK, usually obtained after completing a PGCE.
  • iPGCE (International Postgraduate Certificate in Education): An online version of the PGCE, ideal for teachers currently working overseas who wish to obtain further qualifications.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE): A one-year postgraduate course similar to the PGCE.
  • Teacher Registration: In the USA and Canada, certified teachers must obtain a teaching license from their state. In South Africa, teachers must register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). In New Zealand, teachers must register with the Teaching Council of New Zealand. In Australia, teachers must be registered with the state where they teach.

So there you have it, a brief overview of international schools in China, and what is required to teach in one!