Recruitment Information & FAQs
St. Michael's International School has been a leading and dedicated provider of international education in
Kobe, Japan for almost 78 years. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), theCouncil of International Schools (CIS), the International Curriculum Association (ICA), as well as the Council ofBritish International Schools (COBIS). We are members of the East Asia Regional Council of Schools(EARCOS) and one of the founding members of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS.)
St. Michael’s International School specialises in providing a broad and balanced international education tochildren between three and eleven years of age. Our enthusiastic and highly qualified teacher graduates comefrom the UK, America, Australia and Japan. With 160 pupils from Nursery to Year 6, representing 20
nationalities, the language of instruction and shared playground language is English. This unique environment
enables us to achieve a family orientated, community school ethos in a high-performing, international setting.
Our students are without doubt the jewel in the St. Michael’s International School crown; they are highly
motivated, creative, curious and eager to learn.
The only accredited British curriculum school in the Kansai region, our broad and balanced curriculum isaccredited through the International Curriculum Association (ICA) and enriched by specialist teachers in
Library Studies, Japanese, English Language Learning (ELL) Music and Physical Education, We pride
ourselves on providing a creative, active and engaging learning environment which offers a balance ofacademic, personal and international learning designed to support and nurture our young learners to become
responsible global citizens. Proud of the achievements of our young people and committed to providing thebest education possible, St. Michael’s became an International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) member schoolin September 2017 and in 2019 was the first school in Japan to achieve accreditation with the International
Primary Curriculum (IPC) and completed a joint re: accreditation with CIS and ICA in November 2023.
St. Michael's is well resourced with updated and age-appropriate facilities. In 2008 we built a new wing withclassrooms that are spacious, attractive and functional and in August 2017 the final phase of our main building
renovation was completed which included upgraded teaching areas and a wonderful multi-purpose hall. InAugust 2018 we completed an ambitious renovation project with the installation of exciting new playequipment, an impact-absorbing play surface and in 2021 a refurbished sports roof completes our state-of-theart facilities.
Teachers benefit from a well-developed EdTech strategy that includes interactive boards in classrooms, a oneto-one chromebook programme for all primary students as well as a class set of IPads in Years One and Two.
A Google Workspace for Education school since 2012, we promote collaboration within a secure e-learning
environment. Our STEM lab, known as the Creativity Zone, was installed in 2020 and provides a range of
exciting resources which enhance our science and technology learning.
Recent investments in ukuleles and xylophones have enhanced music learning and during the pandemic, astring ensemble was formed and now runs alongside our popular School Choir. Learning is further enhanced
through a well-stocked library and media centre and a wide range of extracurricular activities which offer
enrichment as well as leadership opportunities for our students. A full-time school nurse takes care of all firstaid and medically related matters for students and staff.
Located in a vibrant and international city, Kobe regularly comes up as one of the best places for expatriates tolive in Japan. It says much about the quality of our School and perhaps the attractions of life in Japan, that staff
turnover tends to be much lower than in many other international schools both in Japan and around the world.
The excellent reputation of our school is well-established both at home and abroad, spanning a period of 77years.

Come and join us!

FAQs about working at St. Michael’s International School
Q: What experience and certification is required to work at SMIS?
A: We accept applications from candidates in Japan, the UK and overseas.
Applicants for teaching positions should hold a UK teaching qualification (B.Ed or P.G.C.E.) with Qualified
Teacher Status or an international equivalent with at least 2 years’ teaching experience in a UK or British
international school. Applicants with IPC/IEYC experience will be at an advantage.
Q: What sort of school is SMIS?
A: An accredited IPC and IEYC member school, St. Michael’s delivers a British style education based on theNational Curriculum of England and Wales, adapted to more fully meet the needs of our environment and ourschool population, delivered through the International Primary Curriculum (http://www.greatlearning.com)
Q: Who attends SMIS?
A: Our student body is quite varied and includes children from bicultural families, expatriate children,
Japanese children returning from living abroad and children of a long-standing Indian community in the area.
Like all international schools, we experience some turnover from families coming and going in a transientcommunity, but we also enjoy the stability of permanent residents attending the school. There areapproximately 20 different nationalities represented.
Q: What sort of benefits do you offer full time teachers recruited from overseas?
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Initial two-year contract starting 1 August until 31 July
Fully furnished accommodation in the local area with key money (deposit) paid by school as well as
the first month’s rent. Staff are then responsible for the monthly rent and utilities.
Health insurance & pension
Visa expenses
One way economy airfare to KIX at the start of contract
Shipping to and from Japan at the start and end of contract
Moving in allowance at the beginning of employmentRound trip economy airfare for home leave at the end of each two year contract
Laptop and tablet for teaching and learning
One way economy airfare from KIX at the end of contract

Q: What is the healthcare system the school provides?
A: St. Michael’s International School is part of the Japanese national healthcare system; School pays 50% of
the premiums. Health insurance covers 70% of hospital, clinic and prescription costs and also covers eyes,dental and a comprehensive annual health check-up at the local hospital with English speaking professionals.
The standard of healthcare services in Japan is very high; in 2020 Japan was ranked in the list of top 10
countries with the best healthcare in the world according to the Legatum Institute.
Q: What about pensions?

A: SMIS is part of the Japanese pension scheme. School pays 50% of the contributions. Upon completion ofemployment, staff can claim back approximately 50% of their personal contributions or if from the USA orAustralia staff can transfer contributions to their national scheme.
Q: How am I paid?
A: The full salary is paid in Japanese yen, on the 20th of each month. It is paid by direct deposit into a local
bank account.
Q: How will I get a visa?
A: The school will sponsor your visa and communicate with you regarding any required paperwork necessary
for it to process your visa. This process can take between 6-8 weeks.
Q: Isn’t Japan a really expensive place to live?
A: While individual spending habits and salaries vary, the income is certainly sufficient for life in Japan. Most
teachers are able to easily travel and/or save. Those teachers who wish to make additional savings takeadvantage of the opportunities for additional income which exist through leading clubs, teaching afternoon or
Saturday English classes or private tutoring. Cost of living comparisons can be made between Kobe and yourhome or current city using the following websites:www.expatistan.com
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living
Q: What about local hire teachers and TAs?
A: The benefits package for local-hire teachers and teaching assistants, in addition to salary, is as follows:● Japanese health insurance● Japanese pension● Daily travel allowance● Visa expenses
Q: What kind of support do you have for teachers new to the school?
A: On appointment, new staff receive a detailed and comprehensive induction handbook designed to support
relocation to Kobe. On arrival, new teachers receive an orientation to the school and city as part of a thoroughinduction process. New teachers are given a mentor, an experienced SMIS member of staff who will help themadjust and answer any questions. As we are a small school, a lot of informal support goes on amongst theclose staff.
Q: What is the extra-curricular commitment required of teachers?
A: Teachers are encouraged to offer at least one after-school club each year. Clubs offered include arts,music, sport, languages and drama. Teachers may choose what to offer and are generously compensated fortheir contribution.
Q: What checks are carried out?
A: Candidates must provide the contact details of two professional referees, one of which must be your current
Head of School. The successful candidate will be asked to provide original copies of their qualifications, anenhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check or national equivalent and verification of identity using
photographic ID and proof of address.
Q: What kind of teachers are you looking for?
A: We are looking for enthusiastic and suitably qualified teachers to join our team. Teachers who are familiar
with the UK curriculum and confident working with students from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.
You will be an excellent communicator and confident with technology; someone who gets on well withcolleagues, students and parents. Teachers who share our passion for teaching and learning and acommitment to providing the very best education possible for the young learners in our care.
We look forward to meeting you!

St. Michael’s International School is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all and ensuring thatall stages of recruitment and selection are fair. Recruitment and selection procedures will be reviewed on aregular basis to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against on the grounds of race, nationality,gender, religion, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation

St. Michael’s International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young
people and adults.