International School Community Blog

Comparing the Schools and Comments: Working in Hong Kong

Around the world, there are cities that have more than one international school. Many times there is an American school, a British School, and an international school that uses an international curriculum.

Some cities, though, have MANY international schools!  When that is the case, how do the comments about each school compare to each other?

This blog series looks at comparing some of these comments, all coming from international schools in the same city.

international schools in hong kong

Hong Kong

Currently, we have 31 schools listed in Hong Kong on International School Community.

22 schools have had comments submitted on them. Here are a few that have the most submitted comments:

American International School (Hong Kong) (Hong Kong, China)24 Comments
Canadian International School (Hong Kong) (Hong Kong, China)79 Comments
Chinese International School (Hong Kong, China)9 Comments
Creative Secondary School (Hong Kong, China)39 Comments
Discovery College (Hong Kong) (Hong Kong, China)17 Comments
German Swiss International School (Hong Kong, China)13 Comments
Hong Kong Academy (Hong Kong, China)54 Comments
Hong Kong International School (Hong Kong, China)110 Comments
International Christian School (Hong Kong) (Hong Kong, China)19 Comments
Yew Chung International School (Hong Kong) (Hong Kong, China)18 Comments

Allowances

“I was a local hire, so I didn’t get anything, but I don’t know if they have added this as a benefit.” – American International School (Hong Kong)

“You get an annual flight allowance of $1500 (around 11 644 HKD), but it is paid in 12 monthly installments.” – Creative Secondary School

“There are not many benefits, so it generally takes quite a bit of money initially to move here – paying apartment deposits, flights, etc. There is a small settling-in allowance, but it does not cover your expenses. The school offers a high salary, but not much in the way of benefits.” – Canadian International School (Hong Kong)

international schools in hong kong

Teacher Expectations

“It depends on who you ask at our school. There is a lot of work that you need to do. You are required to stay until 16h every day.” – Hong Kong International School

“Teachers normally teach 5 out of 8 blocks, plus an advisory lesson each week (and a 10 minute Homebase each morning).
There are a few after school/evening events during the year (back to school night, Graduation, PTCs etc), but nothing onerous.
ASAs are run by outside agencies, or usually receive some sort of stipend…. and are purely voluntary anyway.” – Hong Kong Academy

“They are reasonable. Teachers are expected to sponsor one club, but you can make up virtually anything. I had a “Culture Club” one year and took students on a monthly trip to explore one culture through theatre, arts, and cuisine.” – American International School (Hong Kong)

“The world is rather easy. You can show at 8 and complete at 3:30.” – Creative Secondary School

Pension Information

“Hong Kong has Mandatory Provident Fund. Teacher pays $1500/month direct deposit into account, directs where money goes (type of investment), and receives accrued money when leaving Hong Kong.” – Canadian International School (Hong Kong)

“Pension plan is a matching 3% on your salary.” – Hong Kong Academy

“You have to put money into a Provident fund, either 6% or 12% of your salary and the school matches the 6% or 12%. If you leave you have to take it out.” – Hong Kong International School

“There is a national plan…” – American International School (Hong Kong)

international schools in hong kong

Demeanor of Students

“The students are from middle-class families which do not like local schools, but too poor to send their children to international schools.” – Creative Secondary School

“The majority of students are polite, well-behaved, and serious about their studies. Teachers are sometimes concerned that students are too serious about grades, at the expense of creativity and balanced life outside academics.” – Canadian International School (Hong Kong)

“The students are pleasant enough, and as an inclusive school with a wide international catchment area are certainly a varied bunch which keeps things interesting. Serious behaviour issues are rare.” – Hong Kong Academy

“The kids I have taught are very motivated and engaged in my lessons.” – Hong Kong International School

(These are just 4 of the 65 different comments topics that on each school profile page on our website.)

international schools in hong kong

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