QSI question
QSI question
I would love to hear experiences from people who have worked for this organization.
QSI is ok
As an organization, QSI is ok. The pay's not great, but it's not the worst. It ranges from mid 20s to mid 40s, plus housing and airfare. They've always paid us on time.
It's a good place to get a start in international education or to work if you have 3 or 4 kids since they provide tuition for up to 4.
That said, the organization is pretty religious. If you're not part of the club, you can feel a little unwanted, or at least that's how it plays out at my school.
Organization is very top down, so much so that principals don't have much say in who they hire from year to year because QSI does all the placements.
It's a good place to get a start in international education or to work if you have 3 or 4 kids since they provide tuition for up to 4.
That said, the organization is pretty religious. If you're not part of the club, you can feel a little unwanted, or at least that's how it plays out at my school.
Organization is very top down, so much so that principals don't have much say in who they hire from year to year because QSI does all the placements.
I would agree on most points with hiznherz, except for the religious part, I never encountered that.
You need to separate your questions about QSI into organizational questions and school specific questions because the schools are very different. This will have a big impact on your experience as their facilities will be different, the cost of living will be different (but you are on a common grid), the student population will be different.
My biggest frustration with QSI was the top down management, as a school we had very little choice in what was happening and that grew frustrating not only for teachers but administration as well. I was also frustrated with the lack of input into the curriculum, its pretty menu driven whether you like the menu or not.
Having said that the pay was ok, it was on time, the housing allowance was more than adequate, the flight allowance was paid, they have an insurance program and a car loan program.
It is a place to get a start, especially if you have more than two dependents.
You need to separate your questions about QSI into organizational questions and school specific questions because the schools are very different. This will have a big impact on your experience as their facilities will be different, the cost of living will be different (but you are on a common grid), the student population will be different.
My biggest frustration with QSI was the top down management, as a school we had very little choice in what was happening and that grew frustrating not only for teachers but administration as well. I was also frustrated with the lack of input into the curriculum, its pretty menu driven whether you like the menu or not.
Having said that the pay was ok, it was on time, the housing allowance was more than adequate, the flight allowance was paid, they have an insurance program and a car loan program.
It is a place to get a start, especially if you have more than two dependents.
I would agree with most of the previous posts.
Organization: As an organization, QSI is pretty straightforward. If they say they will pay you X amount of dollars you will be paid that amount on time along with any other benefits. The salaries are mid to mid-high on the international scene after factoring in the overseas allowance, end of year bonuses and signing bonus. In my 5th year of teaching, I make about 35k w/ everything included. Housing is generally very good in the two QSI schools I have worked at. All housing expenses are covered except the first $1000 of utilities. Health insurance is free and very good. Retirement doesn’t really exist unless you want to work here forever. It is basically a vested pension plan that doesn’t even start until your 11th or 12th year of employment. Basically, you don’t need to be worried about getting screwed by the organization. I feel like they take pretty good care of me. You can save a lot of money depending on where you live. I have been able to save over 50% in both locations I have been.
Religion: I would say that there is a pretty strong religious undertone at the two schools I have worked at. I have yet to meet anyone in QSI admin that is not very religious. It’s not blatant but those employed in positions of power (especially the founding apostles of QSI) tend to be very open about their religion and it can make it difficult at times. The majority of people I have asked have said they were questioned on their religious beliefs during their interviews. I was not. For the record, I am not religious and feel a bit excluded at times. Of course, those that are religious tend not to notice this and pass it off. (this part is not aimed at you Overhere)
Teaching: Most elementary teachers seem to like it and think mastery is a good way to teach. However, those that teach in the secondary usually find themselves incredibly frustrated. If you are a teacher that really values rigor in your classroom and likes to challenge your students, you may be frustrated. The mastery system basically gives all students many chances to retake tests, rewrite papers and redo whole units that they have not passed. Some students need this but most just abuse it by screwing around. It takes a great deal of effort to ensure rigor in your classroom (making it difficult to get retakes, hard to get rewrites, and never backing down) and it depends on your particular school whether your admin will support you. One school I worked at supported me wholeheartedly and I was able to give my students a quality education and one screwed me at every opportunity by allowing kids to do whatever they wanted to. Some admin are supportive of consequences for not doing anything and others just want all kids to get a B no matter how low the bar has to be dropped. It basically depends on what school you end up at. I honestly can’t say I know anyone in secondary that likes mastery.
Curriculum: Like Overhere says. It is pretty much a menu that they give you and tell you that you must teach these bits of content. They don’t really seem to care how you get there as long as the student knows the info. You will have no input into the curriculum as it is set in stone. You can look at the curriculum at currciculum.qsi.org
Overall: I would say that QSI is a safe option to get your foot in the door. You’re not going to get completely screwed over and in fact may really enjoy it as some do. QSI is certainly safer than many for-profit outfits out there.
Feel free to ask any other questions.
Organization: As an organization, QSI is pretty straightforward. If they say they will pay you X amount of dollars you will be paid that amount on time along with any other benefits. The salaries are mid to mid-high on the international scene after factoring in the overseas allowance, end of year bonuses and signing bonus. In my 5th year of teaching, I make about 35k w/ everything included. Housing is generally very good in the two QSI schools I have worked at. All housing expenses are covered except the first $1000 of utilities. Health insurance is free and very good. Retirement doesn’t really exist unless you want to work here forever. It is basically a vested pension plan that doesn’t even start until your 11th or 12th year of employment. Basically, you don’t need to be worried about getting screwed by the organization. I feel like they take pretty good care of me. You can save a lot of money depending on where you live. I have been able to save over 50% in both locations I have been.
Religion: I would say that there is a pretty strong religious undertone at the two schools I have worked at. I have yet to meet anyone in QSI admin that is not very religious. It’s not blatant but those employed in positions of power (especially the founding apostles of QSI) tend to be very open about their religion and it can make it difficult at times. The majority of people I have asked have said they were questioned on their religious beliefs during their interviews. I was not. For the record, I am not religious and feel a bit excluded at times. Of course, those that are religious tend not to notice this and pass it off. (this part is not aimed at you Overhere)
Teaching: Most elementary teachers seem to like it and think mastery is a good way to teach. However, those that teach in the secondary usually find themselves incredibly frustrated. If you are a teacher that really values rigor in your classroom and likes to challenge your students, you may be frustrated. The mastery system basically gives all students many chances to retake tests, rewrite papers and redo whole units that they have not passed. Some students need this but most just abuse it by screwing around. It takes a great deal of effort to ensure rigor in your classroom (making it difficult to get retakes, hard to get rewrites, and never backing down) and it depends on your particular school whether your admin will support you. One school I worked at supported me wholeheartedly and I was able to give my students a quality education and one screwed me at every opportunity by allowing kids to do whatever they wanted to. Some admin are supportive of consequences for not doing anything and others just want all kids to get a B no matter how low the bar has to be dropped. It basically depends on what school you end up at. I honestly can’t say I know anyone in secondary that likes mastery.
Curriculum: Like Overhere says. It is pretty much a menu that they give you and tell you that you must teach these bits of content. They don’t really seem to care how you get there as long as the student knows the info. You will have no input into the curriculum as it is set in stone. You can look at the curriculum at currciculum.qsi.org
Overall: I would say that QSI is a safe option to get your foot in the door. You’re not going to get completely screwed over and in fact may really enjoy it as some do. QSI is certainly safer than many for-profit outfits out there.
Feel free to ask any other questions.
Dandra-
Thank you very much for your insight! My husband and I are just beginning our international teaching career (hopefully) and QSI seems quite promising. Do QSI schools offer special education? When do they typically begin posting openings? Did you attend a job fair? Thank you again for your advice!
Thank you very much for your insight! My husband and I are just beginning our international teaching career (hopefully) and QSI seems quite promising. Do QSI schools offer special education? When do they typically begin posting openings? Did you attend a job fair? Thank you again for your advice!
Thank you very much for your insight!
-You're welcome.
My husband and I are just beginning our international teaching career (hopefully) and QSI seems quite promising.
-If you want a job with QSI you will get one. Everyone that works for QSI jokes about how easy it is. My wife and I sent in our apps and had an appointment set up for an interview 1 day later and were offered the jobs after another 2 days. They have so many positions to fill that they work quickly.
Do QSI schools offer special education?
-Not officially but they do admit kids with learning issues. However, they don't provide them with appropriate special ed services. We are basically expected to deal with them and get them to pass.
When do they typically begin posting openings?
-We have to sign our contracts by dec. 15 and I would imagine their projected opening should be solidified by then.
Did you attend a job fair?
-No. That is one of the main reasons we ended up with QSI. We didn't want to attend a fair and QSI is one of the few schools that will interview teachers with no international experience outside of the fairs. Now that we have int'l experience we should be able to find other jobs without going to a fair.
Hope this helps. As I said before, if you want a job with QSI, you will get one.
-You're welcome.
My husband and I are just beginning our international teaching career (hopefully) and QSI seems quite promising.
-If you want a job with QSI you will get one. Everyone that works for QSI jokes about how easy it is. My wife and I sent in our apps and had an appointment set up for an interview 1 day later and were offered the jobs after another 2 days. They have so many positions to fill that they work quickly.
Do QSI schools offer special education?
-Not officially but they do admit kids with learning issues. However, they don't provide them with appropriate special ed services. We are basically expected to deal with them and get them to pass.
When do they typically begin posting openings?
-We have to sign our contracts by dec. 15 and I would imagine their projected opening should be solidified by then.
Did you attend a job fair?
-No. That is one of the main reasons we ended up with QSI. We didn't want to attend a fair and QSI is one of the few schools that will interview teachers with no international experience outside of the fairs. Now that we have int'l experience we should be able to find other jobs without going to a fair.
Hope this helps. As I said before, if you want a job with QSI, you will get one.
[quote="Overhere"]The distance your salary takes you is dependent on which QSI school you work at. We did manage to save money in Eastern Europe but times are changing and it might be harder now.[/quote]
It sounds as if QSI has the same pay scale for all schools. Could you give me some idea of the pay scale?
It sounds as if QSI has the same pay scale for all schools. Could you give me some idea of the pay scale?
"It sounds as if QSI has the same pay scale for all schools. Could you give me some idea of the pay scale?"
QSI does have the same pay scale for all schools. If you live in a cheap area (e.g. China), it can go a long way and you can save a lot. If you live in an expensive area (e.g. some eastern European countries), it may not go so far. It really depends on your spending habits. Do you need imported cheddar and tortilla chips or do you want to eat locally? Also, it can be expensive to get out of some of the more remote places where QSI has schools (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, etc...). We have spent time in two places (one supposedly expensive and one supposedly cheap) and have had no problem saving at least 50% of what we make. Basically, we can save at least one whole salary. We like local foods but travel a lot and it seems to work out for us.
I'll give you the whole pay scale but it will take some mathematical effort on your part. This is from memory so it might be off by a few hundred bucks. For a 6th year teacher, the base salary is right at $30000 (2011-2012 pay scale). For every year less than that subtract $800 and for every year more than that add $800. For example, 5th year is $29200. If you have a masters, add $1000 to the total salary. For example 6th year with masters is $31000. On top of that salary, you get a $2000 end of year bonus, a $2300 signing bonus for your second year and an overseas allowance of $2000 (per family) your first year and $4000 (per family) your second year (this bonus goes up every year). So, as a 6th year teacher next year I will make $30000 base salary, $2000 bonus, $2300 overseas allowance, $2300 signing bonus. A grand total of $36600.
The salary isn't super high but its middle of the road when you throw out the outliers like the volunteer schools out there and the big money schools. Plus, you get free housing, free medical insurance, free flights, and it is all tax free. There is no way we could be as financially sound as we are teaching anywhere in the western United States.
Hope this helps.
QSI does have the same pay scale for all schools. If you live in a cheap area (e.g. China), it can go a long way and you can save a lot. If you live in an expensive area (e.g. some eastern European countries), it may not go so far. It really depends on your spending habits. Do you need imported cheddar and tortilla chips or do you want to eat locally? Also, it can be expensive to get out of some of the more remote places where QSI has schools (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, etc...). We have spent time in two places (one supposedly expensive and one supposedly cheap) and have had no problem saving at least 50% of what we make. Basically, we can save at least one whole salary. We like local foods but travel a lot and it seems to work out for us.
I'll give you the whole pay scale but it will take some mathematical effort on your part. This is from memory so it might be off by a few hundred bucks. For a 6th year teacher, the base salary is right at $30000 (2011-2012 pay scale). For every year less than that subtract $800 and for every year more than that add $800. For example, 5th year is $29200. If you have a masters, add $1000 to the total salary. For example 6th year with masters is $31000. On top of that salary, you get a $2000 end of year bonus, a $2300 signing bonus for your second year and an overseas allowance of $2000 (per family) your first year and $4000 (per family) your second year (this bonus goes up every year). So, as a 6th year teacher next year I will make $30000 base salary, $2000 bonus, $2300 overseas allowance, $2300 signing bonus. A grand total of $36600.
The salary isn't super high but its middle of the road when you throw out the outliers like the volunteer schools out there and the big money schools. Plus, you get free housing, free medical insurance, free flights, and it is all tax free. There is no way we could be as financially sound as we are teaching anywhere in the western United States.
Hope this helps.
You're welcome. I've been meaning to write something on this forum about QSI for some time. I remember looking around for anything on the organization and only being able to find some basic info when I was debating taking a position.
If you are offered a job in a decent location, I would certainly consider taking it. It's not a bad organization to work for. You're probably not going to find a great QSI school but you may find some pleasant places to work.
Like I said before, elementary teachers tend to be rather happy with the system and secondary teachers tend to be quite miserable and frustrated. You should definitely take that into consideration.
One last thing: QSI has no issues with having you teach way outside of your comfort zone. For example, we have high school history teachers teaching lower elementary, English teachers teaching advanced math, anyone teaches ESL (QSI calls it Intensive English), French teachers teaching Art and many other odd combos. Just be warned that what you're promised may end up being an odd mix once you arrive on campus.
If you are offered a job in a decent location, I would certainly consider taking it. It's not a bad organization to work for. You're probably not going to find a great QSI school but you may find some pleasant places to work.
Like I said before, elementary teachers tend to be rather happy with the system and secondary teachers tend to be quite miserable and frustrated. You should definitely take that into consideration.
One last thing: QSI has no issues with having you teach way outside of your comfort zone. For example, we have high school history teachers teaching lower elementary, English teachers teaching advanced math, anyone teaches ESL (QSI calls it Intensive English), French teachers teaching Art and many other odd combos. Just be warned that what you're promised may end up being an odd mix once you arrive on campus.
Danda, thanks for the helpful information! I am in the process of applying with QSI and most of the information on the board seems pretty negative...your information is much more balanced. The recruiting process seems pretty straight forward and transparent. Are their QSI schools that one should avoid at all costs? I was hoping for a QSI school in Eastern Europe (first choice) or the South Caucasus (2nd choice)... is this realistic or would I need to start in China? Any more info you could share would be most appreciated. Thanks!
"Danda, thanks for the helpful information! I am in the process of applying with QSI and most of the information on the board seems pretty negative...your information is much more balanced. The recruiting process seems pretty straight forward and transparent."
I'll take the "balanced" comment as a compliment. I too have read many of the reviews for QSI schools and other schools. I've tried to offer an objective perspective and tried to avoid personal opinions. QSI will not swindle you for sure. They are a safe organization. They do however have schools in pretty lame locations and i'll talk about that later.
"Are their QSI schools that one should avoid at all costs? I was hoping for a QSI school in Eastern Europe (first choice) or the South Caucasus (2nd choice)... is this realistic or would I need to start in China? Any more info you could share would be most appreciated. Thanks!"
I can tell you that the SCHOOLS (i'll address the countries they are in later) that I have had contact with in central asia and china don't seem like they present anything that should be avoided at all costs. Of course, they all have issues like every school. I have heard rumors about a few but they seem to be based on personal conflicts with admin and other teachers so I will avoid repeating them. I've never had any major problems with admin.
Not sure how much choice you will have in your location. Usually, they will offer you a few locations depending on your qualifications. If you're elementary, then you'll have many more choices and if you're secondary it depends on the openings.
I would say personally that there are LOCATIONS that I would avoid at all costs because I think they are crappy locations. I have no desire to ever live in post-soviet or heavily russified country for as long as I live. That is of course a personal opinion. I just did not like the post-soviet attitudes and/or heavy russian influences I saw. There are way too many cool places in this world to waste time in crappy places. I must add that some people love those same places that I did not like. Maybe you will love those locations.
I would consider the location of the school and the size. Small schools can end up being very difficult to work at especially in secondary. I have heard people in small schools mention that they will teach every literature (6 different), writing (6 or so) and history (5 or so) class from 7th grade to 12th grade for an entire school with mulitple levels in the same class at the same time. They seem to solve it by creating unit packets and having the students work indvidually with limited whole-class instruction. That to me sounds terrible but some seemed to not mind. I have always been with schools with at least 200+ and they seem more like real schools than the smaller schools I have only heard of. In elementary, you might just have to teach 2-3 grade levels in the same class. Like I said, all my experience has been in larger schools. I would definitely shoot for a slightly larger school. I personally would avoid anything under 100 and wouldn't be interested in anything over 500 or so. Maybe someone that has taught at a smaller school can chime in here.
Hope this helps.
I'll take the "balanced" comment as a compliment. I too have read many of the reviews for QSI schools and other schools. I've tried to offer an objective perspective and tried to avoid personal opinions. QSI will not swindle you for sure. They are a safe organization. They do however have schools in pretty lame locations and i'll talk about that later.
"Are their QSI schools that one should avoid at all costs? I was hoping for a QSI school in Eastern Europe (first choice) or the South Caucasus (2nd choice)... is this realistic or would I need to start in China? Any more info you could share would be most appreciated. Thanks!"
I can tell you that the SCHOOLS (i'll address the countries they are in later) that I have had contact with in central asia and china don't seem like they present anything that should be avoided at all costs. Of course, they all have issues like every school. I have heard rumors about a few but they seem to be based on personal conflicts with admin and other teachers so I will avoid repeating them. I've never had any major problems with admin.
Not sure how much choice you will have in your location. Usually, they will offer you a few locations depending on your qualifications. If you're elementary, then you'll have many more choices and if you're secondary it depends on the openings.
I would say personally that there are LOCATIONS that I would avoid at all costs because I think they are crappy locations. I have no desire to ever live in post-soviet or heavily russified country for as long as I live. That is of course a personal opinion. I just did not like the post-soviet attitudes and/or heavy russian influences I saw. There are way too many cool places in this world to waste time in crappy places. I must add that some people love those same places that I did not like. Maybe you will love those locations.
I would consider the location of the school and the size. Small schools can end up being very difficult to work at especially in secondary. I have heard people in small schools mention that they will teach every literature (6 different), writing (6 or so) and history (5 or so) class from 7th grade to 12th grade for an entire school with mulitple levels in the same class at the same time. They seem to solve it by creating unit packets and having the students work indvidually with limited whole-class instruction. That to me sounds terrible but some seemed to not mind. I have always been with schools with at least 200+ and they seem more like real schools than the smaller schools I have only heard of. In elementary, you might just have to teach 2-3 grade levels in the same class. Like I said, all my experience has been in larger schools. I would definitely shoot for a slightly larger school. I personally would avoid anything under 100 and wouldn't be interested in anything over 500 or so. Maybe someone that has taught at a smaller school can chime in here.
Hope this helps.