School spotlight: Taejon Christian International School (TCIS)

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: Taejon Christian International School (TCIS)

Year founded: 1958
Public or private: Private school
Profit/Not for profit: Not-for-profit
Day or boarding: Day & Boarding
Segregation type: Co-Educational
Religious affiliation: Christian
Curriculum: IB DP, IB MYP, IB PYP
Instructional language: English
Alternate instructional language: None
Start grade: Kindergarten
End grade: 12

About: Taejon Christian International School (TCIS)

Located in Daejeon, South Korea, Taejon Christian International School (TCIS) is an international school community that combines high-quality academic programs with a sincere Christian Worldview.

With a caring international faculty, TCIS delivers a Western-style, STEM and Arts focused IB school experience to children in grades K-12. Expat and local families choose TCIS for a high-quality English-speaking education and a supportive community experience.

TCIS provides elementary, middle, and high school students with an engaging holistic experience. Students feel like they are part of a caring team of peers and mentors that challenges them toward their personal best. TCIS promotes growth in academics, character, global awareness, and leadership; we do this through the IB DP, MYP, and PYP programs as a continuous path to create competent learners.

TCIS students not only excel academically but also go on to attend prestigious colleges worldwide. TCIS takes pride in being a top choice for foreign and globally-minded families, solidifying its reputation as one of the best international schools in Korea.

Ethos: Taejon Christian International School (TCIS)

Taejon Christian International School (TCIS) values rigorous holistic education that prepares students to meet their goals, and approaches that with a Christian worldview that prepares students for a life of compassionate action. It is TCIS =’s firm belief that it is possible to offer both of these simultaneously without sacrificing the quality of either.

TCIS values education that focuses on the person rather than simply the content. Where a student filled with specific knowledge will eventually find their knowledge obsolete and out of date, a student who is an active and capable learner will always work toward innovation and the progressive edge.

Furthermore, TCIS believes that a student who learns to be internationally-minded, caring, compassionate, peace-loving, respectful, and balanced will be a leader who makes this world a better place and will find fulfillment in doing so.

This philosophy of education demands high standards and qualified teachers who are willing and able to form mentor relationships with students. It also requires a co-curricular program focused on giving students meaningful opportunities to learn and practice strong character and ultimately puts them in positions of leadership in the community.

Facilities: Taejon Christian International School (TCIS)

Classrooms in Taejon Christian International School (TCIS) are large and well equipped. Combined with lower per-class numbers, classrooms foster an open and comfortable learning environment with plenty of room for active learning. All parts of campus offer access to the high-speed TCIS wireless network and classrooms are all equipped with projector and audio equipment to facilitate lessons.

TCIS also has the following types of specialised classrooms designed to enhance the learning experience for specialised subjects:

• Science labs are large and well equipped for student research and for safety.
• Music and drama classrooms are specially designed for space and acoustics and allow for flexibility to engage in a wide variety of creation and practice activities.
• Art classrooms are open and full of light. There is a lot of space and resources for students to create work in a wide range of media.
• Technology classrooms are designed for the creation process. With production and safety equipment, students engage in the entire design process from idea to production.

Facilities at TCIS also include a Performing Arts Centre; Learning Commons; Athletic Fields; Showcase Gymnasium; Activity Center; Fitness Center and Cafeterias.

Location: Taejon Christian International School (TCIS)

The Taejon Christian International School (TCIS) campus is often described as idyllic; visitors frequently comment on the peaceful setting. The TCIS campus is situated on a green 10-acre hill overlooking Techno Valley, Daejeon.

With mountains and the Gapcheon River to the east, an orchard on the south, a golf course to the north, and the beautiful neighbourhood of Techno Valley below to the west, the school sits in a location between cutting-edge research and the beautiful natural landscape of Korea.

Techno Valley is a diverse neighbourhood, different in many ways to other parts of Daejeon. There are many businesses and services located within walking distance which support a secure comfortable lifestyle for the school, its students, and its employees.

The newly-built Hyundai Shopping Plaza is a 10-minute walk from the campus and offers many options for shopping, dining, cafes, and a cinema.

Benefits: Taejon Christian International School (TCIS)

Number of Contract Days: TCIS issues a 12-month contract. Professional Responsibilities must be fulfilled by designated dates throughout the year, including up to the contract termination date. The academic year for new/returning employees consists of 180 instructional days and 10 teacher workdays (10 additional workdays for administrators and IB Coordinators, and 5 additional workdays for Counselors). Holidays & Annual Leave: 5 days of spring, 14 days of winter, Thanksgiving day, Easter, extra holidays during Lunar and Chuseok break, and 40 days of summer vacation (Calendar schedule varies every year and is determined via Head of School Advisory Committee.) are designated as a substitute holiday and annual leave in lieu of a Korean public holiday and annual leave.

Taxes: The salary will be paid in fixed amounts of USD and KRW and will not be affected by monthly currency exchange rates. Korean National Pension contribution and local income tax (varies, around 6 – 10%) will be deducted from the salary every month.

Severance: Employer provides an annual severance payment equivalent to 8.33% of the annual salary (USD and KRW), to be paid upon completion of a final contract at TCIS.

Accommodation: Housing is provided for the Overseas Direct Hired employee. Employer will select an apartment with the size based on the housing policy at the school campus or close to school.

Retirement: Korean National Pension Support: Employer will match mandatory employee monthly contributions (4.5%) to the Korean National Pension Plan. According to South Korean law, all pension contributions are submitted directly to and held by the Korean government. Upon the conclusion of an employee’s time in the Republic of Korea (ROK), the employee may apply directly to the Korean government to receive the entire pension amount.

Bonus: Should the employee be offered and accept a renewal contract beyond completion of the contract, a renewal bonus will be paid as follows in the month the renewal contract signed, in net amount.

Flights/Transport: TCIS covers the one-way airfare from the employee’s home of record to Korea for the Overseas Direct Hired (ODH) employee. The ODH employee with an ongoing contract for the ensuing school year, TCIS annually provides summer round-trip airfare between Korea and the home of record. Upon the successful conclusion of employment, TCIS covers the one-way airfare to the employee’s home of record from Korea. The above travel benefits also apply to the full-time ODH employee’s (high school age or younger) dependent children.

Utilities: Housing is provided for the Overseas Direct Hired employee. Housing deposit; maintenance; utilities: The cost of the housing deposit, monthly maintenance service, and utilities will be provided and paid by the school.

Furniture: Housing is provided for the Overseas Direct Hired employee. The housing includes basic furniture, such as living room set, bed(s), dresser, dining table and chairs, range, refrigerator, microwave, and washer. Normal housing maintenance and repair are provided at school expense.

 Moving Allowance: TCIS provides $1000 per employee and $200 per minor child moving allowance for the Overseas Direct Hired employee. Any passport, visa expenses, postal, or extra home furnishing expenses are paid from this allowance. Pre-approved other expenses beyond this allowance may be submitted for reimbursement with an itemised list. An identical departing relocation allowance is given to employees who complete their contract; this is for approved shipping-related expenses only.

Dependent Opportunities: TCIS provides full tuition and fees for dependent children attending TCIS (up to 2 children for a single faculty family, up to 3 children for the faculty couples). An infant/toddler care support for full-time employees’ children who are too young to attend school during the working day.

Medical: TCIS provides a comprehensive medical plan provided by the Worldwide Insurance for the Overseas Direct Hire and his or her children, aged up to 24, and the Korean National Health Insurance Service for the Local Direct Hire. TCIS will contribute 100% to this plan.

Disability: Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance: TCIS contributes 100% to industrial accident compensation insurance to compensate workers for their work-related accidents.

Meals: Lunch is provided for all faculty and faculty children when the cafeteria is in operation.

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