Changchun American International School (CAIS) is the first and only international school for ages 3–19 in the Jilin Province in the northeast of China. Currently one of the 27 International Baccalaureate (IB) schools offering the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes in China, CAIS also delivers the Australian National Curriculum.
Changchun has all the amenities of a modern city, including a subway, light rail, affordable taxis, large shopping malls, sports centers, large public parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Residents have easy access to ice skating, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing/snowboarding, and avid skiers can enjoy some larger resorts within two to four hours. Only 20 minutes away is the 543-acre NanHu Park, which features a large lake and 130 acres of surrounding parkland. About 40 minutes away, Jing Yue Moon Lake Park boasts a large swath of forested land.
CAIS provides teachers with decorated and furnished modern apartments in a high-end residential/business suburb, approximately 30 minutes from downtown and a 20-minute, staff-provided, coach ride to school.
CAIS’s campus is located on a 30,000-square-meter landscaped site, with an artistic four-story structure that garnered the silver award for international interior design by Ring-IC@ward. In addition to general activity areas, the campus features an outdoor pool and skating rink, a golf driving range, two football fields, and courts for volleyball and basketball. Indoors, one can find music, dance, and graphic arts rooms; labs for chemistry, biology, physics, and general science; a climbing wall; a fitness room for both staff and students; a culinary arts room; and indoor lounges.
Technology at CAIS is supported by world-class internet access as well as access to a Pre-K–12 internet library, a Coding and iMac computer room, satellite television, media production and broadcasting capabilities, Smart boards, and iPads.
In addition to authorization to offer three levels of the IB Programme, CAIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and holds candidacy status with the Council of International Schools. The school currently enrolls 480 K–12 day students of 32 nationalities, half of whom are Chinese, with 6% from North America and the U.K. The teaching staff of 79 includes 14 Chinese teachers, 27 from North America, and five from the U.K.
After school, primary students can choose from enticing clubs and activities, such as Little Builders, Singing Soloists, Bling-Jewelry, Zumba Party FUN with English, Sports Club, Art Attack, Scrapbook, Music Production, Scientists Inc., Little Dancer, Little Scientist, and Yoga Jr.
Secondary students make the most of the school’s fantastic tech, culinary, art, and sports facilities. They can also hone their leadership skills in Student Council—which organizes sports days, dances, and community service events throughout the year—and Model United Nations.
CAIS is interested in hiring singles and couples, including those with a non-teaching partner. They will also consider interns, exceptional newly-certified candidates, veteran teachers lacking certification, and those certified in non-English speaking countries. Candidates must hold their academic degree in the subject they will be teaching, and those up to the age of 60 may obtain a work visa.
The benefits package includes fully-furnished apartments with modern furniture and all electrical appliances. CAIS also covers heating, electricity, and water. In addition to an annual flight allowance up to $1,700 for a single teacher and up to $2,000 for each teacher with dependents, teachers are provided with one-way economy airfare at the start and end of each contract. Tuition is free for up to two children, and teachers and their children receive transport to and from school every day. Another bonus is the end-of-contract gratuity that increases with each subsequent contract signed. Additionally, local health insurance, including emergency evacuation, is fully covered, and some international coverage is included. CAIS guarantees professional development (PD) funds for one face-to-face IB PD opportunity per contract, plus a personal PD allowance of $500 per annum. Both can be used in one lump sum of $1,000 during a contract, provided the PD expenditure meets school requirements. These benefits allow for some excellent savings, and there are local employment opportunities for non-teaching partners.
Changchun American International School’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of all open positions, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
