School spotlight: The International School of Macao (TIS)

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: The International School of Macao (TIS)

Year founded: 2002
Public or private: Private school
Profit/Not for profit: Not for profit
Day or boarding: Day
Segregation type: Co-Educational
Religious affiliation: None
Curriculum: Canada, IB DP
Instructional language: English
Alternate instructional language: Chinese (Mandarin)
Start grade: PreK
End grade: 12

About: The International School of Macao (TIS)

A Pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 school, The International School (TIS) of Macao’s mission is to develop socially responsible, lifelong learners able to problem solve, think critically, and make positive changes in our global community.

TIS is authorised to offer the Alberta Education program of studies. TIS accreditation status is rated at the highest possible level, Tier 4, demonstrating the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence. TIS is also authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme to give its students that extra academic edge.

TIS teachers and faculty come from many different countries around the world, including Canada, USA, United Kingdom, China, Macao, Portugal, Korea, South Africa, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

TIS is a highly diverse and multicultural community. Approximately 45% of its students were born in Macao, Hong Kong or China and 55% come from 40 countries around the world.

TIS is always on the look our for innovative and collaborative teachers who are committed to preparing students for the future by cultivating skills and attitudes that enable lifelong learning and caring for the community.

As an Alberta accredited off-shore school, TIS is committed to blazing a trail in international education. The work is hard, but the results are high.

Ethos: The International School of Macao (TIS)

The International School (TIS) of Macao offers a holistic and student-focused approach to education where learning is valued, growth through diversity is encouraged, individual uniqueness respected and personal excellence is fostered by dedicated staff. Enriching programs, the latest technology and a supportive environment all contribute to the education of the whole student.

TIS believes that children learn best when they have the opportunity to explore their world with others and we are committed to fostering your child to reach their full potential. TIS empowers a child’s natural curiosity to embrace learning, by encouraging students to explore, feel, communicate, to think critically and take risks.

TIS’s approach is to develop learning skills and character traits in each student. This approach, coupled with experiential learning via ECA’s, enables the development of the skills, attitudes and confidence children need to grow and thrive as a global citizen.

Students have numerous opportunities to develop beyond academics through the expansion of our extracurricular programs as well as in the areas of sports, arts, leadership, and volunteering.

Facilities: The International School of Macao (TIS)

The International School (TIS) of Macao’s large, modern campus allows students to take full advantage of their academic and extracurricular goals and offers a progressive and world class-learning environment which includes a variety of sports and recreational facilities.

The TIS campus occupies two five-storey classroom blocks (South Wing and North Wing), a three-storey central core and a two-storey wing with an attached two-storey multi-purpose hall.

The school’s state-of-the-art facilities include purpose-built classrooms for kindergarten, elementary and secondary students; science laboratories; computer labs; robotics lab; black box theatre; three multi-purpose halls/gymnasiums; visual arts, drama and music studios; television and film studio; two-storey library; discovery centre; covered playgrounds; food preparation area; administration centres; student services hub; and a learning lab.

In addition, there are multiple outdoor areas at TIS that include open common areas and spacious athletic fields that encourage students to socialize and take part in recreational activities. Indoor and outdoor playgrounds with soft surfaces are located within the North and South wings. There are two basketball courts and a large playing field next to the school.

TIS is fortunate to have a football stadium, tennis courts and large gymnasium adjacent to our campus. Swimming pools, cross country trails, a skating rink and beach volleyball courts are all within a reasonable distance from the school.

Location: The International School of Macao (TIS)

The International School (TIS) of Macao is located within the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Taipa.

Living and working in Macao offers a unique and compelling experience for individuals seeking a vibrant and culturally rich environment. This small but bustling region boasts a harmonious blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage, resulting in a diverse and intriguing fusion of cuisines, traditions, and architecture.

Macao’s booming economy, driven primarily by its world-renowned tourism and entertainment industries, provides abundant opportunities for career growth and development.

With its low crime rates, excellent healthcare system, and efficient public transportation, Macao offers a high quality of life. Furthermore, its proximity to Hong Kong provides easy access to international travel and a multitude of recreational options.

Whether you’re drawn to the historic streets of the old town, the modern casinos and resorts, or the stunning natural landscapes, Macao offers a truly exceptional lifestyle that combines the best of both Eastern and Western worlds.

Benefits: The International School of Macao (TIS)

Number of contract days: 200 teacher days. Student contact days up to 190.

Starting salary range: Salary is based on a grid relative to experience. The gross salary is comprised of a base amount, 20% contract completion bonus, housing allowance and travel allowance. Gross salary ranges from MOP450,000 to MOP750,000.

Taxes: Personal income tax (the only deduction from your salary) for teachers in Macau is very low (about 3%).

Savings potential: $15,000 – $20,000 CDN.

Accommodation: School assists teachers to find housing in the local area. An allowance of MOP7500/month is provided to help defray the cost of housing.

Flights/Transport: A flight allowance of MOP22,000 per two year contract is provided; 50% is paid at the start of the contract and the remaining 50% at the end of the contract term. Continuous contracts receive a flight of allowance of MOP11,000 per year.

Utilities: Utilities are the responsibility of the individual teacher. Electricity, for air conditioning, tends to be the greatest expense (there are no heating expenses). Natural gas, cable and cell phones are purchased at a very reasonable cost.

Furniture: Apartments can be furnished and unfurnished.

Moving allowance: A moving allowance of up to $300 CDN can be reimbursed for shipping or additional baggage costs.

Dependent opportunities: Dependent children are eligible for a 75% discount on tuition fees.

Medical: School pays basic group medical plan costs as well as dental insurance for private health care. Employees can upgrade their coverage and add dependents for a reasonable cost.

Dental: Basic dental plan provided.

Other: Professional Development Fund for teachers is MOP7000/year. There is a health spending allowance of MOP2000 minimum. All kindergarten and elementary teachers are provided with daily common collaborative planning time.

Interested in working for The International School of Macao (TIS)? View vacancies and apply now.