School spotlight: Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)

Schrole is proud to represent some of the very best international schools from around the world. In our School Spotlight series, we’ll take an in-depth look at these schools, detailing their history, ethos, location and of course, benefits, to help you choose the school that best suits you.

Snapshot: Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)

Year founded: 2012
Public or private: Private school
Profit/Not for profit: Profit
Day or boarding: Day
Segregation type: Co-Educational
Religious affiliation: None
Curriculum: Canada, IB DP
Instructional language: English
Alternate instructional language: None
Start grade: Nursery
End grade: 12

About: Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)

The Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS) is home to a growing community of almost 1,000 students from Nursery through Grade 12. CIS follows the Alberta (Canadian) curriculum in addition to delivering the IB Diploma Programme and is currently working towards IB PYP authorisation.

Committed to providing a high-quality international education to its students, CIS is proud to be one of 15 international schools accredited by Alberta Education. CIS was the first school in Cambodia to receive the LabelFrancÉducation seal from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in recognition of its French Bilingual Program in 2019.

CIS recruits only certified, highly skilled and exceptionally motivated teachers. CIS look for dynamic, innovative individuals with unique skill sets who are committed to making a positive contribution to its community. Successful candidates will openly embrace the school’s values of integrity, belonging, well-being and inspiration. All candidates undergo rigorous background checks and commit to fulfilling our child safeguarding requirements.

Ethos: Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)

Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS) provides a safe, caring, respectful and culturally diverse environment, developing successful students through collaboration, interdisciplinary inquiry, creative problem-solving, and authentic learning opportunities.

CIS students are empowered to be active and engaged participants in their own learning in order to become confident, well-rounded and inspired leaders who think globally and act locally with integrity.

CIS aims to teach its students:

Judgement: Students tackle ambiguous problems that may have more than one correct answer. Judgement is not mere preference, but rather the ability to justify choices. Good judgement requires good reasoning abilities.

Critical thinking: Openly criticising ideas and enjoying the nuances of critical thought are an important part of learning. Courage to advance new viewpoints should be encouraged at an early age.

Meaningful literacy: Cultivating multiple forms of literacy and intellect, which not only include reading, writing, speaking, and numeracy, but also cultural literacy in music, visual arts and dance.

Collaboration: Students are given many opportunities to work with others collectively, cooperatively and harmoniously. This is especially important in a culturally diverse student population such as ours. The process of collaboration and empathy gives birth to new ideas and develops social skills.

Service: Students learn the value of citizenship by contributing to the school community. CIS values the importance of developing socially responsible students who are willing to make a difference in their community.

Facilities: Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)

CIS has three, centrally located campuses in the heart of Phnom Penh. It boasts world-class facilities, including spacious classrooms, two gymnasiums, performing arts theatre, two libraries, two makerspaces, art lofts, pottery studio, recording studio, a short-course swimming pool, fitness centre, a grass playing field and multiple covered outdoor learning and play spaces.

CIS’s 10 acre Koh Pich campus was designed to inspire creativity and innovation at every turn. From the green room in the Grade 6-11 library to the makerspace and inviting outdoor areas, CIS fosters student collaboration with their peers, and faculty, through creation.

The elementary, middle and high school divisions are housed in their own dedicated building with indoor, multi-sports gymnasiums and numerous open-air sports facilities. CIS’s open and green campus provides a tranquil oasis close to the heart of Phnom Penh.

In addition to providing an outstanding learning environment for students, CIS Koh Pich is regularly chosen to host outside charitable events as well as local and international sporting competitions.

Location: Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)

Living and working in Phnom Penh as an international teacher is a delightful blend of cultural richness, warm hospitality, and exciting opportunities. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is complemented by its unique fusion of traditional Khmer heritage and modern development.

The cost of living is reasonable, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle with diverse dining options and recreational activities. The locals are known for their friendliness, making it easy for expats to integrate and form meaningful connections.

Beyond work, Phnom Penh offers a tapestry of historical sites, from the majestic Royal Palace to the poignant Killing Fields, providing a deep dive into Cambodia’s rich history. The city’s pace is a harmonious balance, offering both a thriving professional environment and a rich tapestry of experiences for a fulfilling expat life.

Benefits: Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)

Number of Contract Days: There are about 180 total school days in the calendar year. School begins in late August and concludes in mid-June. New teachers start orientation two weeks in advance of school opening.

Starting Salary Range: Salaries for teachers with Alberta Education certification start at $26,444 (net). The maximum entry point for those with 8+ years experience is $40,152 ($42,652 with an MEd or equivalent).

Accommodation: Teachers are provided with clean and comfortable apartments with multiple locations to choose from. After 6 months at CIS, teachers may choose to arrange their own accommodation and to receive an accommodation allowance instead. CIS provides $750/month to individual teachers, $1,000/month to individual teachers with minor dependents, and $1,500/month to teaching partners as an accommodation allowance.

Flights/Transport: Teachers will receive a travel allowance of up to $1,500/year, paid in two instalments.

Bonus: A 15% completion bonus is paid in addition to the quoted salary figures.

Utilities: Electricity costs for teachers residing in school-provided accommodation are offset by 300-550kwh/month depending on family size.

Furniture: Basic furniture and appliances are provided in school housing.

Dependent Opportunities: Visa expenses for minor dependents are covered. 100% tuition at CIS is provided. A 50% discount for school-sponsored extracurricular (after-school) activities is offered. A $300 stipend/minor dependent is offered toward enrollment in the group health insurance plan.

Medical: Worldwide coverage with the exception of the USA (where limits and conditions apply).

Interested in working for Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)? View vacancies and apply now.