Perhaps there is something within your references that is not so flattering - all it takes is one red flag. Just a question: were those 8 years of service at 8 different schools? Someone who moves around a lot could be viewed in a less than favourable light.

Thanks for insights - sent a PM to you, Whynot.

Anyone have any info? Nothing on the paid side and only general info on their website - hoping to hear from any with first-hand knowledge.

Thanks in advance.

I would interpret that to mean that you are entering into a mutually-agreed upon separation - not breaking contract. You may be asked by future employers why you chose to end your contract after only one year, so be prepared for that. I don't read that as breaking contract if you have HoS approval and there is no penalty.

Taken from the New Faculty page at Qatar University - http://www.qu.edu.qa/facultyandstaff/we ... hp#medical

"At the Medical Commission facility you will undergo a medical exam which consists of eye exam, chest sounded with a stethoscope, chest x-ray, and blood test for HIV antibodies, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Children over 11 years of age must undergo a medical examination as well. Children under 11 are exempted from the medical examination. Be prepared to spend approximately 4 hours at the Medical Commission. Results are typically available in 3 working days.

Any physical taken outside the Medical Commission is not accepted."

Interviewed with this school - new Director (John McBryde) was 9 years at WAB and knows what he's doing. Good package - a better choice in Beijing than CISB for sure - my gut tells me they're moving in the right direction.

Prince15, I sent you a PM...

If your friend is interested in online courses, a quick Google search provided this link:

http://www.besteducationdegrees.com/top ... -programs/

I'd probably start looking there.

I agree with the other posters - there is no "fast track" as well as there shouldn't be - becoming an educator is not for the faint of heart or something to be done as a fallback. If your friend is indeed committed to the profession, then they're going to have to find a way to do the work to get there.

Best wishes to them - the world needs dedicated and gifted educators!

There is a report on the paid side - albeit old - however the Head of School is the same person, so it may be pertinent - check under Hong Kong and not China when looking for the school.

@pgrass: Point taken.

My overall stance was that Bellarex should let school A know that another school has made an offer and determine if they (School A) can provide an answer earlier than originally mentioned.

No harm in contacting School A, stating that they are the top choice for you, and that you have been presented with an offer from another school but must give them an answer by <date>.

Without pressuring them to make a decision, simply ask where they are in the decision-making process and if it would be feasible to have an offer from them before that date?

Be kind and respectful in your correspondence, but try to get an answer from them. And word your request in the positive - "will their offer be coming before that date," not "can you tell us yes or no?"

My 2 cents.

SIS is (still) considered the "premiere" IS in Shenzhen/Shekou, by virtue of being the oldest school and not having great competition - QSI, a Canadian IS, a British IS (Green Oasis), and the ubiquitous American IS, as well as a new Chinese-related IS.

SIS has a relatively new director, who by all accounts has been labeled a tyrant by those who are currently working under him - he is new to the leadership role and rules with an iron fist (or so I've heard). There's not many good things to say about him on the paid side of this site. I had some good friends who left SIS because of him, among other reasons.

SIS is the only school in the area offering any semblance of IB - other schools in the area claim to offer or are "poised to offer" IB, but they are shams.

The American IS has been floundering for years in Shenzhen/Shekou - they have had new directors every year they've been around - they've just built (finally) a new campus - refurbishing an older building - so things may be turning around for them - they have few students and little to offer.

The local Chinese Foreign Language School just opened an International division - Shen Wai International School that's supposed to rival the other IS's in the area - but they are only in their second year and are already claiming to offer IB as well.

The Canadian IS (ISNS) is a sham school - located on same campus as a Chinese High School - claim to be offering IB as well, but not an IB school.

Green Oasis is the British school, but is not certified by the city/provincial gov't, so not sure if they are legal - someone else might know more about them.

The QSI school is the largest one in the QSI system - well over 1000 students - but bursting at the seams and lacking quality leadership from the looks of it.

Every IS school in the city seems to have an issue with it's leadership.

Shenzhen/Shekou is a great place to live and work, if you can get past the day-to-day politics of school management.

That, unfortunately I can't answer, as I have never worked there. Only info I have is from my good friends who left at the end of last year and from what I hear around town - sorry.

What kinds of things would you like to know? The new (first year) Director just got a scathing review on site. The school is the oldest (and by default, most prestigious) IS in Shenzhen. They are an IB school. Some friends of mine left after 3 years after (in their words) being "extremely overworked." Good school, decent package, part of the ISS group - one of a handful of schools worldwide actually managed by ISS. Stepping outside of the ISS box this year and Director is going to recruit at the Search HK fair this year for the first time.

Anything else?

Shekou is the expat enclave - many who live their rarely leave to experience life outside of the affectionately named "Expat Ghetto." Shenzhen is a fast-paced, large Chinese city (over 10 million people). Easy transport to Hong Kong. Growing/expanding area with many English speaking people, but of course Mandarin is still the main language. Some decent western restaurants, good electronics markets, expat shopping areas (to some extent). Still relatively safe with excellent transportation options. Western food shops abound, along with an online western grocery option (with free delivery).

I have lived in SZ for a number of years, but am leaving soon. I will miss the city, as it has become my second home.

I have heard different stories depending on the school - essentially it comes down to a "you won't know if you don't ask" situation. Best thing to do is approach your admin and ask the question. They should be able to give you a definitive answer.