Careers at XIS

When does the overseas hiring process begin?
Our current teachers have to indicate their intentions usually by the middle of October of each school year. Thus, our initial interviews begin in November.

How many years of teaching experience must I have to work at XIS?
XIS requires teachers to have at least two years of teaching experience.

Are there any other requirements for working at XIS?
Yes. You must be a certified teacher in order to obtain a work permit in China. In addition to the certification, all teachers must pass a full criminal background check.

What is the typical start date for new teachers?
Usually, the school year runs from the first week in August to the first week in June. In total, there are 180 – 184 instructional days and approximately 190 – 194 teacher workdays. New teachers typically start in late July. This early start gives our new teachers an opportunity to find an apartment and to participate in our XIS New Teacher Orientation.

What is a typical school day for a teacher?
The XIS school day begins at 8:30 AM. Each day ends differently, depending on the day. All students attend after-school activities on Tuesday and Thursdays, which end at 4:30 PM. Every Monday, we hold faculty professional development and meetings, which end at 4:30 PM. On Wednesdays, our days end at 3:30 PM. And on Fridays, we have an early day, ending at 2:50 PM. That said, most often, many members of the community are here longer to enjoy the extracurricular activities and coaching opportunities.

Am I able to coach or be an advisor of clubs?
Yes. We welcome teachers, especially, to lead teams, events, and programs whenever possible. XIS participates in ACAMIS sporting and fine arts; chaperones and mentors are always welcome in these areas as well.

What is life like outside of school?
There are probably as many opinions of what Xiamen is like as there are people who live here.

What is there to explore in Xiamen?
If you want to meet other expats and Chinese people who speak English while exploring your surroundings, then “hashing” might be just the thing for you. Although they are a bit more expensive, there are also organized hikes and travel agencies that help you plan weekend trips to get to know the Fujian province if that’s more your style. Others prefer to explore Xiamen’s many parks, botanical gardens, kilometers of beaches and hiking trails on their own or with groups of friends. Do you want to discover a bit of the 19th-century European architecture in China? A 15-minute ferry ride will take you to the enchanted island of Gulangyu.

What opportunities are there to participate in sports?
If you are into sports, you will find a variety of opportunities. There are both men’s and women’s football and rugby teams, yoga and pilates classes, and several gyms to choose from. There are also many green spaces with running and bike paths. On the other hand, you might prefer to try some of the local activities such as badminton, martial arts or tai chi which are usually done in the parks.

What opportunities are there to explore Chinese arts, language and culture?
Many teachers study Mandarin soon after they arrive. You can choose small group classes or one-to-one lessons. Some people have taken Chinese painting or drumming classes as a way to enjoy their free time.

What about other cultural opportunities?
If you love going to the movies or seeing plays, you might have to adapt your tastes. There are very few plays in English, and the movies that come here, while they are in English, tend to be action films (often in 3D). There are some amazing performances of dance, opera, classical music and performance pieces at a few different theaters around town by both local and visiting companies. There are several museums, a few galleries, a couple of university campuses and some of the best temples in Southern China that deserve a visit. Xiamen offers a wide range of activities for all types of interests, which make it a very livable city. The staff at XIS are friendly and helpful, and there is usually someone who can help you find what you are looking for. We hope to see you soon in Xiamen!