Search Associates is pleased to welcome its first member school in Fiji, the International School Suva (ISS). This pre-K–12 school of over 600 students, representing more than forty nationalities, opened its doors in 1973. Suva is the capital city of Fiji, the largest city in the South Pacific, and home to half the country's urban population. Lonely Planet describes eclectic Suva:
"A jigsaw of colonial buildings, modern shopping plazas, abundant eateries and a breezy esplanade all form the compact central business district. Small passages are lined with curry houses, sari shops and bric-a-brac traders. Bollywood and Hollywood square off at the local cinema and within the same hour you're likely to see businessmen in traditional sulu (sarong) and student hipsters from across the region rocking the latest styles."
ISS describes itself as "a genuinely happy school with a strong sense of community," and the school's range of curricula proves its commitment to providing the best education for its students from many countries. Accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools, ISS offers both the Primary Years and Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate in addition to the University of Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education, the Australian Capital Territories Senior Secondary Certificate, and the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. Currently, one quarter of the students are Fijian, and 10% come from North America and the U.K. The teaching staff of 80 includes 35 Fijians and 11 from North America and the U.K.
Students are encouraged to develop new skills through ISS's unique extracurricular program called Tuesday Afternoon Activities. Students have myriad choices: from basketball to scuba diving, from chess to programming and robotics, from Chinese cross stitch to film appreciation and production, and many more exciting options in the areas of community service, sports, and art. Joining an activity is optional for the younger students, but as of Year 9, participation is mandatory, as taking part in certain activities and programs becomes integral to the curricula.
The school hosts an annual athletics meet where students compete in swimming, rugby, netball, and basketball. Top-ranked student athletes represent ISS at the regional meet, alongside competitors from 20 other schools. Furthermore, students who participate specifically in track and field have the opportunity to qualify for the National Championships, called the Coca Cola Games—one of the biggest secondary school track and field meets in the Southern Hemisphere!
ISS is most interested in hiring single teachers but will also consider couples—married, unmarried, or with a non-teaching spouse. Candidates must be certificated but are not obligated to hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. ISS will consider exceptional newly-certified teachers and teachers certified in non-English speaking countries. There is no age limit to obtain a work visa in Fiji.
The ISS benefits package includes a moving and settling-in allowance. Round-trip airfare for all teachers and their dependents is paid each year, and teachers receive a 90% tuition benefit for up to two children. Local health insurance is fully covered and professional development provided. The school contributes to a superannuation fund, and pays 10% per annum toward a retirement plan, with an additional 5% per annum paid at the end of each successfully completed contract. An ISS contract allows for some savings.
To gain access to the International School Suva's full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of all open positions, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please Note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
