I find it quite incredible that schools require teachers to indicate their willingness to accept a contract when they have no idea of the salary, terms and conditions.

I have heard the same as Mike - a nice $120,000 tax free. However, they prefer to recruit married couples. One partner gets the incredible deal, but the other is only given a local contract. In addition, the super salary decreases each year, until year 4 when it is comparable to other schools in the area.

An interesting compensation model. How can you attract fantastic teachers, and at the same time avoid an ever increasing salary bill as more and more long term teaching staff move up the salary scale.

HKIS is far from the best school in the region. The package is actually quite dismal. Although housing is provided, expect to get paid $40,000 US per year. Include 18% tax, and a long taxi ride into Central. HKIS is very much an american school with an american curriculum. It is a Lutheran school with great kids and beautiful grounds. A few years ago the school had virtually a coup, and had to replace the admin in the secondary school

ESF on the other hand is based on the BRitish system, although some schools are moving over to IB. The money at ESF is amazing -$80,000US per year (no housing) but you work very hard for it. ESF is extremely professional, and very demanding. Your time in HK won't be a working holiday!

Have you thought about CHinese Internatonal School or perhaps the Canadian SChool?

Spending a career in international schools can be incredibly fulfilling. You get to be the teacher that you want to be - students are enthusiastic, keen - you have the resources and the time to prep properly.

However my concern is, how can I manage my finances so that I can retire comfortably. Working in a national system often means that you are automatically enrolled in a pension system. But working internationally often a channeling money into a pension scheme falla through the cracks.

I am interested to hear from other international school teachers and how they are managing their finances for their post-65 lives!

It is a great city - interesting, safe and cheap.
I have friends that work in the city - and they feel very safe. The people are friendly, and the lari goes a long way.

I hope that helps!

I am surprised to HK international top the list! They are one of the lowest payigg intl schools in HK (approx $40,000us per year).

Here is my list

ESF Hong Kong - pays well, but can be a little stifling!
Chinese INternational HK
UWC Singapore
Intl SChool Bangkok - but reputation on a downward spiral
Jakarta Intl
Hanoi United Nations

Just my 2 cents worth!

I work in an oil school - and despite BP making $85 billion dollars profit in its third quarter last year, the school is making large financial cut backs. Many expats are leaving, and the school population is shrinking. The school is only now (end of May) negociating contracts for returning staff. :( These new contracts contain cuts to benefits that were quite unexpected, and it may be conveniently too late for staff to look elsewhere. The new economic reality is making life a little tricky out here!