The International Schools Review Forum

My husband and I are experienced international educators. We have been in China before and would not mind going back. Unfortunately, we are bumping up against the age restrictions. We are looking for 1 last post for the next 4-5 years and wondering if schools would have any flexibility with that age restriction given the challenges of hiring in China right now. Anyone have any information?

In my experience, it seems to be more of a guideline than a rule. There are quite a few teachers at my school that are over the alleged age limit. Some are new to the school this year, some have been here a while. I can only speak for this one school, though.

The age restriction is for your arrival/embarkation into China. If an IT is moving from another IS or already continuously present in China the age restriction doesnt apply. Even then there are ways around it. If youre in leadership (technically executive management) the 55 rule doesnt apply. If an IS is very keen on hiring you they would have to complete additional documentation that you are essentially a specialist in your field meaning your expertise is above that of the classroom IT role. Something like instructional coach or technology facilitator have been successful in the past. Beyond there are ISs with very good relationships that can for all practical matters get anyone they want.

Apparently as the retirement age has now moved from 60 to 65, it's becoming easier for older staff to get jobs in China.

scooter93 wrote:
> In my experience, it seems to be more of a guideline than a rule. There are
> quite a few teachers at my school that are over the alleged age limit. Some
> are new to the school this year, some have been here a while. I can only
> speak for this one school, though.

I can corroborate this. So now we're talking two schools.