From São Paulo to Shanghai: Fresh Perspectives from the ISC Podcast

The International School Community (ISC) Podcast continues to expand—bringing educators authentic, data-driven insights drawn from thousands of member-submitted comments on international schools around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher abroad or exploring your first overseas post, these episodes deliver firsthand perspectives on what life and work are really like at international schools.

🎙️ New Episodes to Explore

Following popular episodes on Seoul Foreign School, Singapore American School, and NIST Bangkok, the ISC Podcast now features a dynamic mix of school spotlights and global comparison episodes that reveal what educators are saying behind the scenes.

Episode 17 – Comparing 6 International Schools in Brazil

A deep look at teacher experiences across six major Brazilian campuses, from São Paulo to Brasília. Learn how compensation, curriculum, and campus culture compare—directly through ISC member voices.

Episode 16 – Comparing International School Housing Allowances

Housing is one of the most discussed benefits on ISC. This episode uncovers patterns in teacher housing packages, revealing how allowances differ across regions and school types.

Episode 15 – Tarsus American College

One of Turkey’s most historic international schools, blending academic rigor with strong community roots. Hear what teachers value most—and where the challenges lie.

Episode 14 – Stamford American International School

Set in Singapore’s vibrant education scene, this episode highlights staff reflections on workload, resources, and leadership, helping teachers understand what it’s like to work in a large international system.

Episode 13 – Inside the Classroom: How International School Students Really Behave

A candid conversation built from hundreds of member comments about student behavior, motivation, and parental expectations across international contexts.

Episode 12 – Western International School of Shanghai

What’s it like teaching in China’s fast-moving international sector? This episode shares staff experiences with leadership, curriculum adaptation, and expat life in Shanghai.

Episode 11 – Copenhagen International School

Discover one of Scandinavia’s flagship IB schools—its facilities, leadership culture, and what teachers say about life and work in Denmark.

Episode 10 – Comparing 8 International Schools in Indonesia

Explore eight diverse Indonesian schools through member feedback covering workload, management, and benefits—ideal for anyone considering Southeast Asia.

💼 Why the ISC Podcast Stands Out

Powered by AI-curated insights and fueled by real educator feedback, the ISC Podcast transforms ISC’s extensive database of comments into compelling, easy-to-digest storytelling. Each episode blends data with lived experience, saving you hours of research while giving a clearer picture of global teaching trends.

🔒 Go Deeper with Exclusive Content

Want to hear full-length stories, behind-the-scenes commentary, and bonus comparisons? Support the ISC mission on Patreon to unlock exclusive educator-focused content and help keep the podcast growing.

📩 Have a School or Topic in Mind?

We’re always looking for new schools and global education themes to feature. Share your ideas with us—the ISC Podcast amplifies the real voices of international educators, and your story could be next.

🎧 Ready to Listen?

Find the latest episodes on your favorite podcast platform or visit our ISC Podcast page to start exploring today.

The Wonderful World of Int’l School Hiring Fairs: Lesson #6: “Remember to Research.”

“I’m sure I blew one interview by expressing my desire to get experience in a program they didn’t offer, and expressing my distaste for the one they did. Oops. I’d mistakenly thought they did offer that program!”

When interviewing at an international school recruitment fair, it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to be 100% knowledgeable about every school you speak with. You might do some final research the night before—or scroll through notes on your phone while waiting in line—but even then, details can blur. Add nerves, jet lag, and back-to-back interviews, and it’s easy to momentarily forget facts you did know.

We live in an era where instant access to information is the norm. Searching for answers is no longer limited to Google alone. Today, candidates rely on a mix of school websites, social media, LinkedIn, YouTube, campus tours, Reddit threads, WhatsApp groups, and educator forums. With smartphones always in our pockets, information is rarely more than a few taps away. As international educators, there’s now an expectation—not just an option—to arrive informed.

At the same time, the sheer volume of available information has changed how we research. We don’t just look things up anymore; we filter, compare, and cross-check. Before presenting at a conference, leading a workshop, or writing a blog post, most of us verify sources, scan multiple perspectives, and check whether information is current. Research has become ongoing, layered, and continuous.

Nowhere is this more important than when searching for a new international school position. Securing a job abroad isn’t just a career move—it’s a life decision. We research the school, the leadership team, the host country, the city, and increasingly, the lived experience of teachers who work there. We want to know not only what a school promises, but how it actually functions day to day.

School websites are often beautifully designed and carefully curated, but they rarely tell the full story. That’s why educators today turn to professional networks, alumni contacts, closed Facebook groups, Telegram chats, and informal word-of-mouth. Speaking to current or former staff—or someone who knows someone—is often where the most honest and practical insights emerge.

Researching international school positions is, in many ways, half the application process. Reviewing multiple schools, contracts, locations, and benefits packages takes time and energy. Doing this thoroughly for several schools at once can quickly become overwhelming, especially while still teaching full-time.

For international teachers, the research burden is heavier than in most professions. You’re not just evaluating a job—you’re assessing an entire lifestyle. Visa conditions, healthcare access, cost of living, housing quality, travel opportunities, safety, and cultural fit all matter. At the same time, you need clarity about your own priorities: career progression, savings potential, relationships, family needs, and personal wellbeing. Starting over in a new country, language, and culture can be deeply rewarding—but also challenging.

It’s also worth remembering that much of what we find online represents interpretation rather than objective truth. Reviews and comments reflect individual experiences, expectations, and timing. A school can feel very different depending on leadership changes, cohort dynamics, or even global events. Research remains essential, but it works best when paired with curiosity, perspective, and an open mind. No platform—no matter how comprehensive—captures the full reality.

One of the most effective ways to gather structured, community-driven insight about thousands of international schools worldwide is through International School Community. Each school has its own profile page, organized into four key sections: School, Benefits, City, and Travel. These sections allow educators to share experiences, compare realities, and support one another in making informed decisions—something that has become increasingly valuable in today’s complex international education landscape.

Teaching at WISS: Insights into School, Benefits, City, and Travel

The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) has become a well-recognized option for educators seeking opportunities in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. Based on 566 community-submitted comments on International School Community, the picture that emerges is one of a demanding yet rewarding professional environment, set within the vibrant backdrop of Shanghai. The feedback provides prospective teachers with valuable insights across four areas: school life, benefits, the city, and travel.

Image by Physion from Pixabay

The School

WISS is known for its full continuum of International Baccalaureate programmes—PYP, MYP, DP, and CP—which attract students from over 45 nationalities . The international atmosphere is consistently highlighted as one of the school’s strengths. Facilities have expanded in recent years, with new libraries, sports tracks, and performance areas adding to the campus environment.

Comments reveal that expectations for teachers are high, with heavy workloads that include after-school activities and occasional weekend commitments . While the demands are notable, many staff describe the students as motivated and positive, and the leadership team as supportive. The balance between workload and morale is a recurring theme, with several teachers noting that although the job can be taxing, the sense of community helps sustain motivation.

Benefits

The benefits package at WISS has undergone changes over time, reflecting broader shifts in the international school sector in Shanghai. Earlier staff noted allowances for housing, utilities, and flights, while more recent comments point to a lump-sum system that provides flexibility but requires careful record-keeping for tax purposes.

Other consistent features include free tuition for dependents, staff lunches, and comprehensive international health insurance . Bonuses are available after several years of service, although the absence of a pension scheme is often mentioned as a limitation. In terms of finances, contributors note that savings are achievable, particularly for teachers who manage their lifestyle costs carefully in Shanghai’s high-priced environment.

Image by tao cui from Pixabay

The City

Life in Shanghai offers a blend of opportunity and challenge. The school’s location places staff slightly outside the city center, with nearby housing compounds such as Green Villa providing convenient access to campus . Comments highlight that while the commute to central Shanghai takes some time, taxis and delivery services are affordable and efficient.

Shanghai’s international profile ensures that expatriates have access to global dining, shopping, and healthcare options. The city’s energy and diversity are frequently described as both stimulating and demanding. Teachers report that the cost of living is higher than in many other Chinese cities, but the breadth of amenities compensates for this. The language barrier remains a common theme; English is widely used in international settings, but daily errands often require at least a basic knowledge of Mandarin.

Travel

Proximity to both Hongqiao and Pudong airports is a significant advantage for staff at WISS. Weekend trips across Asia are common, with affordable flights to destinations such as Chengdu, Taipei, and Bangkok frequently mentioned . High-speed trains also make it easy to explore cities like Hangzhou or Suzhou.

School holidays are generous, and most staff use them to travel further afield, with Southeast Asia and Japan as popular destinations. Even within Shanghai, teachers highlight opportunities for cultural enrichment, from community service projects to exploring the city’s extensive arts and food scenes.

Final Thoughts

The collective feedback on WISS paints a balanced picture. The workload is high, and the demands on staff are significant, but the supportive leadership, diverse student body, and strong sense of community provide counterweights. The benefits package is competitive, though evolving, and while Shanghai can be costly and challenging to navigate, it offers unparalleled opportunities for lifestyle, culture, and travel.

For prospective teachers, WISS represents both a professional challenge and a personal adventure. Success at the school depends on adaptability, resilience, and an openness to the pace of life in Shanghai. Those qualities are rewarded with meaningful professional growth and the chance to experience one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

This article was created with the assistance of AI, which helped summarize member-submitted comments from the ISC website.

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