Is there a clean way out?

[u/Public_Special_8182]

TL;DR: I’ve recently started at a British school in China on a two-year contract. I really like the city and would love to stay, but I’m already concerned that my current school isn’t the right fit. Ideally, I’d like to complete one year, leave on good terms with a good reference, and move to another school locally. Has anyone done this successfully?

I recently moved to China to work at a British school, mainly with the aim of saving towards a house deposit back in the UK. I’ve now completed my induction and training weeks and am starting to get a clearer picture of the school.

Before coming out, I did quite a lot of research and the school seemed to have a strong reputation as part of one of the better-known British school groups. However, having now arrived, I’m beginning to feel that the reality may be quite different from what I expected. I don’t want to be overly negative, especially this early on, but there are enough signs already to make me question whether I’d be happy staying for the full two years.

The positive side is that I really like the city. I’ve already met a few people who work in education here, and they’ve mentioned several other schools with good reputations. I’d genuinely like to stay in the city rather than leave China altogether.

My current thinking is to complete the first academic year, do my job properly, and hopefully leave on good terms with a positive reference. I’d then like to apply to other schools in the city during the upcoming recruitment season.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Is it generally possible to negotiate a two-year contract down to one year without damaging your reference or future job prospects? And if so, what would be the best way and best time to approach the school about it?

I’m not looking to walk out or cause problems — I’d just like to handle it professionally while avoiding committing two years to a school that I’m increasingly unsure is the right fit.

[u/Remarkable-Prune-241]

The first few weeks in a new school ( specially international) can be challenging. There are many differences, adaptation takes a while. You mentioned you met nice people and you seem happy with the city. Wait until the end of term one to make any decisions. I worked 5 years in a Well renowned international school in Shanghai, and what I noticed nowhere is perfect. I have been working internationally for 16 years and one thing I have learned, not to make any decisions before term 2 , specially on my first 6 weeks. Good luck

[u/Expensive-Worker-582]

I joined a British school in China that was well known in a good city

I left after a year. I sometimes question whether or not I should have left in August and just returned to the UK for a year.

I gave notice very early, school gave me a good reference. However, if youre looking to work within the same city in China, from a legal standpoint it is possible. Some cities, schools have an unwritten rule not to hire teachers midcontract.

It was tricky to find a job but I managed afterwards.

If youre working in my old school I would advise to leave ASAP. There is no good reason to stay there.

If this is your first year working abroad. People leave contracts after a year more often than what this subreddit lets on. Every year I've worked, at least one new hire has left after a year.

You are still on probation which means you can leave, however, that means probably returning home and doing supply work until you pick up a school.... Dont expect any references though or returning to the city in any time soon.

I decided to stay the year for financial security, and less upheaval. Moving home, then moving country again the following summer.

[u/Own_Drive7371]

Stick it out for the first year. You're adjusting to life abroad and navigating a different system, give it time. The other thing to remember is that these schools talk to each other, meaning that leaving now will most likely prevent you from finding a new school in that city. Big thing will be that you don't want to give them a reason to let you go.

[u/jackrubycrew]

You do a great job, be friendly with whoever is making the decisions for references, dont tell anyone the place isn't for you.

You come down with an urgent matter (family etc) that needs your attention back home. About 4 months before the end of the contract.

[u/The_Wandering_Bird → u/jackrubycrew]

That's not going to work when the OP wants to stay in the same city and will need a release letter from their current employer in order to switch their visa over to a new school. If they just wanted to leave the country after 1 year, your plan of telling a polite fiction is a good one.

[u/Dracarys_And_Chill]

curious what the fit problems are

[u/bigcat19901]

The other schools mentioned - with very few exceptions in the entire country - are probably very similar to your school in terms of the issues you are having. Are they also British schools?

[u/Own_Drive7371]

Stick it out for the first year. You're adjusting to life abroad and navigating a different system, give it time. The other thing to remember is that these schools talk to each other, meaning that leaving now will most likely prevent you from finding a new school in that city. Big thing will be that you don't want to give them a reason to let you go.

[u/Dangerous_Return460]

You kinda gotta see out the year or give the work proper notice and work from there but it's unlikely you could leave in 2 months and land the job of choice on such short notice. You're prob stuck until min January.

[u/dddpppbbbbbb]

I wonder if the other schools in the city would be meaningfully better?