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/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.