Zhuhai International School (ZIS) is located on scenic Qi'ao island on the north side of Zhuhai, a city that lies on China’s southern coast. The city's Hi-Tech Zone and multiple universities—where many students’ families are associated—lie within minutes of the school. The campus is surrounded by untouched forest, making the school community hard-pressed to see its neighbors! Though the campus is somewhat secluded, a 15-minute bus ride brings teachers and their families to a housing compound with staff apartments, with nearby restaurants, bars, cinemas, and banks. Hiking and cycling along well-maintained coastal paths located nearby are a joy. Those seeking an urban experience are 30 minutes from downtown Zhuhai, 45 minutes from the Macau border, or a 70-minute ferry ride to Hong Kong. The school says,
“You won't find many cities in China with the air quality and general quality of life found in Zhuhai.”
Currently, 195 K–12 students of 20 nationalities are enrolled, with 5% from China and 15% from North America and the U.K. The teaching staff of 45 comprises 12 from China and 18 from North America and the U.K. ZIS holds candidate status with the Council of International Schools and The International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization. The school delivers three levels of the IB Programme: Primary and Middle Years, followed by the Diploma Programme.
As ZIS expands, it continues to add classrooms and facilities. Right now, in addition to spacious classrooms with interactive white boards and computers, the campus includes a library, purpose-built science laboratories, a Design Technology workshop, specialist art and music rooms along with drama room space, a main foyer, and a stage for assemblies. A basketball court and a grassed football pitch are surrounded by a 300-meter track.
Student life at ZIS is rich, offering students a wide variety of experiences. This year, students voted for their upcoming annual Week Without Walls adventure, the choices for which were posted on the school’s website: Learning to Sail in Thailand, Diving in Cebu, Hiking & Caving in Yangshuo, or Exploring Culture in Yunnan. The entire community looks forward to annual Sports Days. The day set aside for the primary school features students competing in a series of track and field events: the 40-meter sprint, long jump, shot put, javelin, and discus. Sports Day for the secondary school includes competition among the four school houses in basketball, volleyball, and football. Upper-level students at ZIS can take part in Model UN, and younger students can cultivate a garden of organic vegetables and herbs. The campus beauty has been enhanced by the passion fruit, orange, and lemon trees that students planted in the past. Students are invited to celebrate Chinese New Year and International Day, attend the International School Theatre Association theatre festival, and much more.
ZIS is interested in hiring certified singles, interns, and couples, including those with a non-teaching spouse. They will also consider exceptional newly-certified teachers. Candidates must hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. Candidates up to the age of 60 may obtain a work visa.
Benefits include fully-furnished apartments 15 minutes from the school, moving and settling-in allowances, and annual airfare. Tuition for dependents is free; however, teachers cover bus service and cafeteria fees for their children. Decisions for the allocation of professional development funds are made by a committee of teachers representing all sections of school. Worldwide health insurance—except for the U.S.—is covered (with co-payment) and includes dental as well as emergency evacuation. A bonus of one-month’s salary is awarded every year a teacher continues after the initial two-year contract. Additionally, 400 RMB is provided monthly to cover extra travel costs. The ZIS salary and benefits package adds up to excellent savings or the chance for a family of four to live on one salary. There are local employment opportunities for non-teaching spouses as well.
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Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
