What Do Teachers Say? Reviews of International Schools in the Philippines

Around the world, there are countries (like the Philippines) that have a bustling international school scene. Many times there is an American school, a British School, and an international school that uses an international curriculum.

The big question always is…how do the comments about each school compare to each other? This feature of the ISC website helps international teachers discover the best-kept secrets among international schools.

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

The Philippines

Currently, we have 29 schools listed in the Philippines on International School Community.

13 of these schools have had comments submitted on them. Here are a few of them:

Boracay European International School (41 Total Comments)
Brent International School Manila (53 Total Comments)
German European School Manila (43 Total Comments)
International School Manila (115 Total Comments)
The British School Manila (120 Total Comments)
Chinese International School Manila (21 Total Comments)

The average amount of money that is left to be saved. Describe the survivability for a family of four on one salary.

“You can live pretty comfortably, to be honest but it depends on your lifestyle. If you only live on foreign/imported brands and shops then it will probably be too expensive for one salary but if you mix and match with local products, which are much cheaper, then a lot larger families survive on considerably less than a teacher’s salary…” – The British School Manila

“You will save so not to worry…just enjoy…” – International School Manila

“You can most likely save upwards to 20,000 U.S. Dollars a year…” – German European School Manila

“It is very possible to save a decent amount of money working at Brent due to the lower cost of living. A couple should have no problem saving 10000 USD together each year, some can save much more of course…” – Brent International School Manila

Describe the school’s location in relation to the city center and to the teacher’s housing. How do staff get to school before and after school?

“There is no teacher’s housing but many teachers live not far from school (5-10 min). Only a few choose to live on the other side of the island and take 20-30 min to get to school…” – Boracay European International School

“Most foreign hire Faculty live in Prominence One, in two or three bedroom school owned townhouses so there is no commute…” – Brent International School Manila

“In honesty, this is one two-sided coin. We are in a very green area of Manila; however, the main thoroughfare that we must use to get anywhere is a traffic nightmare (as is much of Manila). The government acknowledges the problems but doesn’t have a real solution as yet. Cars are “coded” by license plate ending digit: 1-2: Monday; 3-4: Tuesday; 5-6: Wednesday; 7-8: Thursday; 9-0: Friday driving restrictions. There are “windows” where the restrictions are lifted for some of the cities in Metro Manila…” – German European School Manila

“The school is in a very good position – in a city called Bonifacio Global City. BGC as it is fondly known is modern and vibrant. If you chose not to go out of this area you would still find everything you would need. However, with some other very nice areas close by there are always malls and outdoor spaces. If you want to experience the real manila then you would need to venture further out of these areas. Traffic is the major issue in the city but living close to the school solves this issue…” – International School Manila

What types of budgets do classroom teachers/departments get?

“For budgeting this year we were told if it was a “need” we could request it, at the actual budgeting time there was a more realistic approach applied but for most things if you can justify how it will benefit students and the school, they will consider it seriously…” – The British School Manila

“Resources are distributed based on the class needs. Budgets are not huge but if you really need something, you always can get it…” – Boracay European International School

“What you need is what you get within reason. Leaders generally have control of budgets but anyone request them…” – International School Manila

Details about the staff housing or the housing allowance. If there is no housing allowance, how much are rent costs and utilities?

“Housing is provided for expat teachers. The school provides you with a two-story house. If you are single you get a two-bedroom house, while if you are married, you get a three-bedroom house. Although the school provides housing, you need to pay for the commodities. The house comes fully furnished. In the kitchen, you will have a fridge and a stove/oven. The house comes with a laundry machine. The school provides you with bedding, some towels, plates, and cutlery. The aircon is found in each bedroom and in the dining room. These houses are located in front of the school. It is a 3-5 minute walk. The school also owns two to three studio apartments that are 20 minutes away. If you choose this option, the school can provide you with a car. The water bill is 500-1000 pesos a month, and cable tv/internet is 1000-4000 depending on your package. The power bill will run 5000-10000 for couples. The more you run the aircon, the more you will pay…” – Brent International School Manila

“Great ample housing available…” – International School Manila

“Housing allowances are being reviewed at the moment but generally speaking, the school provides accommodation for incoming teachers and you then get to choose whether you move or not at the end of your first year…” – The British School Manila

“The housing allowance is not enough to rent a proper place. Many teachers rent really small places…” – Boracay European International School

Health insurance and medical benefits. Describe your experiences using these benefits and going to the local hospitals.

“The provider is a little annoying to submit documentation to but the coverage itself is pretty generous and the school tops up in various areas (such as chronic conditions). Coverage is worldwide but paid at the equivalent to costs in the country…” – The British School Manila

“Excellent worldwide coverage through TIEcare…” – International School Manila

“Teachers get local health care benefits which include dental coverage…” – German European School Manila

(These are just 5 of the 66 different comment topics that are on each school profile page on our website.)

Image by Maike und Björn Bröskamp from Pixabay

If you work at an international school in the Philippines, share what you know. Consider becoming a Mayor for unlimited free premium membership!

Teaching Abroad as a Couple? Here’s What You Need to Know

International School Community is full of thousands of useful, informative comments, 52693 comments (10 Feb. 2025) to be exact.

Teaching abroad as a couple comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. From navigating contract negotiations to balancing work-life dynamics in a foreign country, there’s a lot to consider before making the leap. On our website, members share their firsthand experiences, offering objective insights into what it’s really like to work at international schools as a Teaching Couple. These 365 comments provide a valuable glimpse into both the benefits and potential pitfalls of this lifestyle.

We explored our extensive database of submitted comments and uncovered 12 particularly insightful reflections from teaching couples around the world. Whether you’re considering applying together for your first overseas job or are already working side by side in the classroom, these perspectives highlight key takeaways that could influence your next career move.

12.

“SWIS is a full-continuum IB school and prioritizes applicants with IB experience. That being said, if equivalent experience is shown, exceptions have been made. Additionally, SWIS looks for applicants with international school experience and is particularly supportive of teaching couples with or without dependents…” – Shen Wai International School (Shenzhen, China) – 99 Comments

11.

“Staying because of the savings potential within a teaching couple dynamic, safe/clean/convenient Singapore. Leaving because of the high cost of living and stressful workplace…” – Singapore American School (Singapore) – 408 Comments

10.

“This school is primarily looking for inquiry-based, experienced teaching couples. IB experience in the PYP or DP is preferred…” – International School of Islamabad (Islamabad, Pakistan) – 44 Comments

“Foreign hire jobs continue to be advertised on TES, and also Linkedin. The format has remained similar, people are often asked to sing, dance, tell jokes, or something. Various teaching couples have been employed recently. The school helps with dependents’ visas. The school offers two children places without fees.” – Colegio Gran Bretana (Bogota, Colombia) – 221 Comments

“The housing allowance has not kept pace with increasing rents in Bangkok. They have recently dropped the amount provided to teaching couples…” KIS International School (Bangkok) (Bangkok, Thailand) – 529 Comments

“6000 RMB a month housing allowance for a single teacher. Only 7500 RMB a month for a teaching couple with 2 kids. Very hard to find a decent 3 bedroom apartment for this price…” Suzhou Singapore International School (Suzhou, China) – 166 Comments

“Good potential for singles with no dependents and for teaching couples to save while living quite well…” – American International School Vietnam (AISVN) (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) – 350 Comments

“The school uses Schrole to post their vacancies and recruit teachers. There are usually multiple interviews before you are offered a contract. Many teaching couples are hired at the school. The school also hires teachers with children…”- International School of Brussels (Brussels, Belgium) – 67 Comments

“Ample vacation time and they usually match with other international schools since there are many teaching couples who are split between schools. No longer has covid interruptions…” – Western Academy of Beijing (Beijing, China) – 216 Comments

“If only one-half of a teaching couple accepts a position, the director will very likely offer the other half a job once they have arrived in Vilnius. It must be remembered that once you are in the country, you will be considered a local hire, forfeiting ALL benefits. teaching couples: make sure to inquire about other positions before accepting anything…” – Vilnius International School. (Lithuania , Vilnius) – 98 Comments

“ISL advertises on the major websites and recruitment sites and has hiring policies as you would expect. The biggest challenge is that they don’t have a “contract deadline” and so jobs are often released one at a time, at random intervals. You can see the effect as most people hired are hired for one job as its unlikely a teaching couple would simultaneously find two openings that match.” – International School of Luxembourg (Luxembourg) – 57 Comments

“They can do sub teaching, and or tutor. For teaching couples with only one “fit” at this school the city may still work out since there are many international schools in the area. We have several couples working in two different schools. This school also has a Chinese sister school in town which is an option (same salary etc.).” – International School of Nanshan Shenzhen (China, Shenzhen) – 90 Comments

If you have an interesting and useful comment to add related to teaching couples at your school that you would like to share, log in to International School Community and submit your comments. For every 10 submitted comments, you will get one month of free premium membership added to your account!

Lessons from Living in Malaysia as an Expat School Leader

When I first moved to Malaysia, I had worked in Kenya for over 30 years and didn’t quite know what to expect. What I found was a unique tapestry of cultures, religions, languages, and traditions. Living here with my children has been a journey filled with lessons far beyond any classroom.

A Warm Welcome: The Spirit of Malaysian Hospitality

One of the first things you notice about Malaysia is how welcoming the people are. Malaysians love to share their culture, often with a sense of pride that’s infectious. Whether it’s a teacher explaining the significance of a local festival (there’s lots of then – 17 public holidays), or a stranger sharing food recommendations, there’s a genuine warmth and openness that immediately makes you feel at home.

The Food: A Love Affair in Every Bite

If there’s one thing that binds Malaysians together, it’s their love of food—and it’s easy to see why. From hawker stalls to neighbourhood kopitiams (traditional coffee shops), every meal feels like an adventure.

Kopitiams are my personal favourite. These unassuming spots are where you can find the perfect kopi (strong, sweet local coffee), toast with kaya (a coconut jam that’s the definition of comfort food), and soft-boiled eggs seasoned with a dash of soy sauce. Simple yet perfect, the kopitiam experience is a window into everyday Malaysian life, where friends gather, business deals are discussed, and the hum of life fills the air.

The diversity of cuisine mirrors the cultural richness of the country. One day it’s, Ipoh’s famous fish head curry, the next it’s a delicate dim sum spread or fragrant banana leaf rice. Malaysians are quick to recommend their favourite places and will often go out of their way to make sure you try something new.

A Dance of Languages

One of the most fascinating things about living in Malaysia is how multilingual communication is. A conversation might start in English, switch to Mandarin mid-sentence, and end in Bahasa Malay.

People are incredibly accommodating, though, and the language-switching is done as naturally as breathing. They’ll often default to English for expats.

Rocking to the Sounds of the 1980s

If you’re a fan of 1980s rock music, Malaysia is your paradise. Walk into any café, and you’re likely to hear Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, or Metallica blasting from the speakers. It’s as if the entire country collectively decided that rock ballads are timeless classics

And there’s no rap music. It’s not that Malaysians dislike it, but it simply doesn’t have the same cultural presence here. Instead, you’ll often find people singing along to the soaring vocals of Whitney Houston. It’s a quirky yet endearing aspect of life here that always brings a smile.

Cultural Layers and Lifelong Lessons

Living in Malaysia as an expat teacher has taught me to embrace the unfamiliar and find joy in the unexpected. It’s a place where cultural diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. From the food to the music to the everyday kindness of the people, there’s a rhythm to Malaysia that’s both invigorating and humbling.

Differences with Kenya

Having lived a mainly outdoor life before the biggest change for my family was that its more indoors. Everyone drives, no one walks (apart from in KL)– indoor amusement parks, large shopping malls (although Nairobi also has plenty of these) and lots of green spaces.

Final Thoughts

Living in Malaysia isn’t without its challenges—tropical weather – rains almost every day, the heat!—but it’s those very challenges that make the experience.

Andy Hill is presently a Campus Principal at an international school in Ipoh, Malaysia. He lives with his wife, (also a teacher) and my two youngest boys (twins), although as he writes this their older brother is with him during his Christmas break from university. He has worked in international schools for over 30 years, including over 20 years of school leadership.

ISC Podcast: Spotlight on Three New Schools and a Deep Dive into Hiring Practices

The International School Community (ISC) Podcast is back with exciting updates! Since the launch of our AI-powered podcast series, we’ve been thrilled to hear your positive feedback. Today, we’re delighted to share our newest episodes, featuring three prestigious international schools, as well as a special episode focusing on one of ISC’s most-discussed topics: “Hiring Policies and Interview Experiences at International Schools.”

New Episodes Featuring Three More Schools

Building on the success of our inaugural episode on the American School of Dubai, the ISC Podcast now shines a spotlight on three highly regarded international schools. These episodes bring to life the insights and experiences of educators who know these schools best:

• Seoul Foreign School: Located in the vibrant city of Seoul, South Korea, this episode highlights the school’s long-standing reputation for academic excellence, its close-knit community, and the challenges and rewards of living in one of Asia’s most dynamic capitals.

• Singapore American School: A pillar of international education in Southeast Asia, this episode delves into the school’s innovative teaching practices, state-of-the-art facilities, and the benefits of living in the bustling, modern city-state of Singapore.

• NIST International School: Situated in Bangkok, Thailand, this episode offers insights into NIST’s collaborative culture, progressive education model, and the lifestyle of educators working in one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities.

Each episode is thoughtfully crafted using hundreds of member-submitted comments from the ISC website, giving listeners a comprehensive overview of these schools while maintaining the authenticity of our community’s voices.

Special Topic Episode: Hiring Policies and Interview Experiences

In addition to school-specific episodes, the ISC Podcast has launched a special episode focusing on one of our most popular comment topics: “Hiring Policies and Interview Experiences at International Schools.” This episode explores:

• Common interview practices and tips for making a strong impression as a candidate.

• How hiring processes vary by school and region.

• Personal experiences shared by ISC members, highlighting both transparent and challenging hiring processes.

Whether you’re an experienced international teacher or exploring this career path for the first time, this episode provides valuable insights to help you navigate the hiring process with confidence.

A Reminder of What Makes the ISC Podcast Unique

The ISC Podcast is an innovative way to experience the wealth of information on the ISC website. Powered by AI, our episodes transform member-submitted comments into engaging, on-the-go content. It’s an alternative to scrolling through hundreds of comments on school profiles, offering the key takeaways in an easily digestible format.

Stay Connected Through Our Patreon

The ISC Podcast releases exclusive episodes on our Patreon, where members can access full-length episodes, support ISC’s mission, and gain insider knowledge about international schools and teaching topics. Whether you’re researching potential schools or looking for guidance on global teaching trends, these episodes are an invaluable resource.

What’s Next?

We’re excited to continue exploring more schools, topics, and experiences shared by our incredible community. Have a school or topic in mind that you’d like us to feature? Let us know! The ISC Podcast is here to amplify the voices of international educators and provide meaningful, actionable insights.

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