When in the previous article on comparing working conditions at a school with an English center’s in Vietnam, we mentioned that the opportunities to work at international schools are fraught with challenges. Today we will explain more about the term CIS Accredited School, as well as the basic requirements for a teacher to be successfully employed in these places.
What is a CIS Accredited School?
Council of International Schools (CIS) is the world’s leading prestigious international education accreditation organization, with a list of strict criteria and standards in evaluating an international school.
CIS Global Presence and Standards
Worldwide Statistics:
- 734 schools and 622 universities/colleges representing 116 countries are CIS members globally
- 530 out of 734 member schools are fully accredited by CIS
In Vietnam Specifically:
- Out of a total of 20,000 schools, only 17 schools can become members of CIS
- The institutions that are members and have been accredited by the CIS are mostly high-quality international schools
CIS Accreditation Process
CIS sets very strict criteria to accredit a school to international standards. To be recognized as a member of CIS, one has to achieve the 20 most core criteria in 8 sets of standards (domains) that CIS offers, including:
- School’s goals and orientation
- International standard education program
- Teaching and student assessment
- Academic quality and psychological health of students
- Facilities and infrastructure
- And many other standards
After being recognized as a member, schools will usually have to go through a rigorous accreditation process with all the criteria of the 8 CIS standards to be officially certified by CIS. Many educational institutions around the world wish to obtain CIS accreditation because it is the most standard and practical assessment in recognizing a world-class school.
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Salary and Benefits at CIS Accredited Schools
Compensation for Foreign Teachers
In Ho Chi Minh City:
- Lowest salary: 80 million VND/month (after deducting personal income tax)
- Highest salary: Up to 120 million VND/month
- Housing allowance: 20-22 million VND/month provided by many international schools
Compensation for Vietnamese Teachers
At bilingual CIS international schools:
- Primary school level: ~40 million VND/month
- Secondary school level: 60-70 million VND/month
Premium Benefits Package
A qualified teacher at a CIS accredited school is entitled to:
- Air ticket support
- Relocation allowance
- Housing subsidy
- Paid national and school holidays
- International health insurance
Requirements for Foreign Teachers at CIS Accredited Schools
Current Legal Framework
Currently, the requirements for making a work permit for teaching jobs in Vietnam are much more strictly adhered to. Any counterfeiting related to work permits or visas, or lack of documents to qualify to work in Vietnam, if detected, will lead to a forced return to the home country.
Basic Requirements for Private Centers vs Public Schools
For Private Centers or Private Schools:
- At least a university degree (regardless of major)
- Teaching certifications such as TEFL and TESOL
- Teaching experience (helps negotiate better salaries)
Important Note for Public Schools: Up to now, there has been no legal document stating that foreigners could use the certificate of TEFL/TESOL English teaching method as a substitute for the pedagogical certificate to teach at PUBLIC SCHOOLS, according to the official dispatch 1861, issued on June 25, 2021.
Specific Requirements for CIS Accredited Schools
The requirements for foreign teachers’ qualifications to apply to international schools recognized by CIS are no longer simple. According to most CIS accredited institutions, candidates must meet these criteria:
Mandatory Requirements
✅ Confirmation of at least 3 years of working experience in the education industry
✅ Health certificate and a clean criminal record
✅ Educational Qualifications (one of the following):
- Pedagogy bachelor degree
- PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
- QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
Important Note on Educational Requirements
If your major is different from your teaching major, you need to study for a PGCE certificate (online options available if you are in Vietnam) within 1 year. Some international schools will support teachers with partial tuition when studying for this degree, if the teacher has a long-term commitment to the school or shows the potential of an enthusiastic and excellent individual.
Example: Minimum Requirements for CIS School Teaching Position
Option 1:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s in Education + TEFL/TESOL/CELTA
Option 2:
- PGCE/Teaching license or equivalent + TEFL/TESOL/CELTA
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Planning Your Career Path to CIS Schools
For Current Teachers
If you are currently teaching in Vietnam but don’t meet CIS requirements:
- Assess your current qualifications against CIS standards
- Consider pursuing PGCE if you lack pedagogical training
- Gain additional teaching experience to meet the 3-year requirement
- Build a strong teaching portfolio demonstrating excellence
For Aspiring Teachers
If you are abroad or in Vietnam and have a desire to work in an international environment like in the CIS Accredited Schools:
- Ensure you have proper educational qualifications
- Gain relevant teaching experience before applying
- Prepare all required documentation well in advance
- Create a long-term plan for teaching in Vietnam
Professional Development Strategy
Immediate Steps:
- Obtain necessary teaching certifications (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA)
- Gain teaching experience in your home country or other locations
- Prepare required documents (degree attestation, background checks, etc.)
Long-term Investment:
- Consider pursuing PGCE if needed
- Build expertise in specific subject areas
- Develop international teaching experience
Why Choose CIS Accredited Schools?
Professional Benefits
- World-class facilities and resources
- International curriculum and standards
- Professional development opportunities
- Collaborative international environment
Personal Benefits
- Competitive compensation packages
- Comprehensive benefits
- Career advancement opportunities
- Cultural immersion in Vietnam
Impact on Students
- High-quality education delivery
- International perspectives
- Preparation for global opportunities
- Holistic student development
Getting Started: Your Next Steps
If you’re serious about teaching at a CIS accredited school, ensure you:
- Get yourself well-prepared with proper qualifications
- Have a long-term plan for teaching in Vietnam
- Research specific schools and their individual requirements
- Network with current teachers in CIS schools for insights
- Prepare for a thorough application process
Working at a CIS accredited school represents the pinnacle of international education in Vietnam. While the requirements are stringent, the rewards—both professional and financial—make the investment worthwhile. The combination of excellent compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work in a truly international environment makes CIS schools highly desirable positions for qualified educators.
Remember that meeting the minimum requirements is just the beginning. CIS schools seek exceptional educators who can contribute to their mission of providing world-class international education.
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