As a new hire to this international school but an experienced international teacher, my overall impression is very positive. The orientation program and arrival in this city were by far the most well organized I have far encountered in my overseas career, right down to how many tomatoes and slices of ham would be in the fridge when I arrived - and they were there!!!! The one word I would use to describe the school is 'supportive.'

New staff members are looked after exceptionally well. The school puts on a 10-day induction for all of us. They provided staff with an apartment pre-stocked with groceries, to move into from the airport.  Upon arrival at the airport for the first time, one of the school leaders was there to receive us. As part of the induction program, we were shown around the city, transported to banks, hospitals and other practicalities and even taken on day trips to the city’s most popular sight-seeing places, local cuisines and the theatre. We were trained how to use the helpful apps for expatriate teachers. The school really does everything they can to ensure we transition to China is as smooth as possible.

The HR team managed my transition, but the school director was available on email throughout the onboarding process to answer questions and assist as needed. The school and the community were accurately described and exceeded my expectations. The onboarding and orientation process was efficient and transparent.

Use the following questions as a guide for your discussions. Feel free to re-phrase the questions or expand on them.

1. What did the school do well to make the transition to this school such a positive experience for the new teacher? What impact did this transition experience probably have on the teacher’s view of the school’s leadership?

2. The words used to describe the school are “very positive impression,” “well organized,” “efficient and transparent,” and “supportive.” What sort of employment practices and policies should a school have in place to ensure that teachers joining the school would make such positive comments?

3. Why having the apartment pre-stocked with groceries was important?

4. Why was it necessary to have a staff member meet the newly contracted overseas teacher at the airport?

5. How often does your school communicate with the recruits from the time they accept the offer till they arrive at the school? Is it sufficient? Why or why not?

6. What other things can a school do to ensure the new teachers transition well?