Any Demand for an International American Accredited School in Medellin, Envigado, or El Poblado?

Chamo says on Aug 1, 2007, 20:33:

At this time, the short answer is "No.". There is already a pretty decent school in Medellin called the Columbus School. Here's the link: http://www.thecolumbusschool.com/default.asp

critter says on Aug 2, 2007, 11:47:

Chamo, thanks for your imput and the link. I was expecting such a response and really wanted to see which of the private schools would be offered up as proof against the demand for one our schools in Colombia. Now I'm excited simply because there is no true International American school,(no competition) as I suspected. While the Columbus School is a good bilingual school (English and Spanish), they are often susceptible to low linguistic achievements as students are usually allowed to fall back on their own native languages(whether it be English or Spanish) and use that "option" as a crutch throughout their academic careers.

An authentic international American school teach all lessons in English and requires that all students master the English language (albeit the local language, as well as other modern world languages are offered too) before they graduate. (American) English, considered the world's international business language, is in high demand for the simple fact that the US has the world's largest economy at $13 Trillon/yr...the second largest economy is in Japan at $USD 4 Trillon 9less than 25% the size).

In addition, our schools teach (as part of the core curriculum) Success Orientations, such as kindness/politeness, group interaction, Aesthetic appreciation (environmental awareness), independent interests, trustworthiness, responsibility, and concern for others. This is what this entitlement generation needs the most, que no???

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

critter says on Aug 2, 2007, 11:58:

Here's a link to our schools' website: www.qsi.org

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

critter says on Aug 2, 2007, 12:02:

uuups jjajaj correction : Japan's economy is less than one third the size of ours...what was I thinking???

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

beckloud says on Aug 2, 2007, 13:36:

Recent studies suggest that Colombia does not have Real Bilingual Schools
Colegios bilingues en colombia no hay !! 1- para que un colegio sea bilingue se requiere que por lo menos, 1 de cada 3 estudiantes sea nativo anglo parlante o sea un minimo del 33% , por que los niños aprenden a hablar ingles nativo es cuando juegan en el recreo y cuando se socializan con otros niños nativos angloparlantes y eso aqui no lo hay.!! 2- todos los docentes sin excepcion tienen que ser nativos anglo parlantes, aquí en colombia escasamente tienen 2 maximo 3 por colegio "bilingue". 3- los dueños de los colegios deberian por lo menos saber hablar algo de ingles, estudios recientes demuestran que el 99% de los dueños de colegios no sabe hablar el idioma ingles, por lo tanto carecen de recursos intelectuales para evaluar la calidad de la enseñanza por ellos mismos.

beckloud

beckloud says on Aug 2, 2007, 13:39:

Critter, for your information I just posted the above recent article that I bumped into.

beckloud

beckloud says on Aug 2, 2007, 13:55:

Critter, I`m In Colombia if I could be of any help to you or your Organization just drop me a line. In fact there is a great need and demand for Bilingual schools in Colombia.few days ago I was reading about the 5.000 largest companies in the Colombian Money Magazine(revista dinero) when I saw that many of those "companies" were in fact bilingual schools posting thousands of millions of Colombian cop in sales and profits.Source: Revista Dinero
Issue: # 278 from May 25, 2007 e-mail: www.dinero.com

for instance see: Gimnasio Britanico LTD.

beckloud

critter says on Aug 2, 2007, 16:06:

Thanks Beckloud, I will definitely take you up on that offer. What part of Colombia do you live in? If we can establish that there is a demand (i.e. recruiting at least a dozen or so students to start), I'm positive our organization will make it happen. By the way, teachers make US salaries, and are paid in dollars. It's truly a win-win-win situation for students, teachers, and society as a whole.

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

Leeroy says on Aug 2, 2007, 17:42:

Oh, Critter. The Ministerio de Educacion dictates that some subjects must be taught in Spanish.

critter says on Aug 2, 2007, 18:05:

Spanish is a good subject to be taught in Spanish

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

Leeroy says on Aug 2, 2007, 18:16:

Agreed. Sociales has to be taught in Spanish too.

critter says on Aug 2, 2007, 19:19:

Yeah, Venezuela has that very same law...we have two schools there.

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

Timba says on Aug 3, 2007, 06:39:

I thought that the Columbus school was for those academically inclined ? There are plenty of other schools that cater to those who want to learn English and those that cater to the wealthy.

critter says on Aug 3, 2007, 07:33:

That is true timba; however, it's not just about about mastering the English language (something most Americans actually struggle with)...it's also about the accreditations...without having a curriculum aligned with US standards, it is very difficult for students from any part of the world to be accepted into American Universities (let alone be successful in that institution of higher learning once they are admitted). What's the big deal about going to an American University you ask??? Same thing...for the accreditation. Sure you can attend college outside the US, for a fraction of the cost, and earn as many advanced degrees as your heart desires. However, that "sheep-skin" (diploma) is worthless in the states, unless the curriculum through which you earned that degree is aligned with the US curriculum. You'd be surprised how many foreign-born convenient store clerks, and taxi drivers have more than one advanced degree.

In fact, I have a good friend from Pakistan who has 20 years experiences as family physician in his country...but when he moved here with his siblings, he realized that his doctorate's degree isn't worth squat here unless he can pass the board exam...he has been studying for the medical board exam for the last 5 years, while working as a cashier in one of his family's party store, located right in the middle of the hood (bullet-proof everything in sight).

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

Timba says on Aug 3, 2007, 20:31:

Ya but, those who can afford the internationally accredited schools have no need for them. For example, the schools that cater to the wealthy acclimatize the kids to various countries around the world. They eventually settle into a luxerious life in Colombia. Those with the brains might do something more.

Should there be a need, it might be in Bogota.

critter says on Aug 4, 2007, 11:50:

There are scholarships available based on ability, and the schools receive grants from Uncle Sam...these schools aren't necessarily geared toward people with more money than sense!!!

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

Chamo says on Aug 6, 2007, 02:28:

Hi Critter,

Yes, I am familiar with QSI- you guys are somewhat controversial in the International School scene. It's great that you have such enthusiasm for your organization! While I have no direct knowledge of your schools, I have read a considerable amount of postings about QSI on InternationalSchoolsReview.com. Here is the thread, which seems pretty balanced.

PostPosted: Thu Mar 16, 2006 8:44 pm
Post subject: Anyone heard about Quality Schools International??

I have had an interview with QSI and am wondering if anyone knows about this organization. I guess they have around 30 schools world wide....
Just wondering if I should persue this position or not

donald
Guest

Their philosophy is so out there, i don't think it will ever come back. Their students supposedly have very high marks.....but cannot get under a "B" grade, from what my friend in South America says. She also told me that teachers cannot smoke cigarettes in their own home, or will be fired. They also will not hire gay or lesbian people. One of her friends was actually asked if she was a lesbian. when she said no, they said "good, we had one of them try to apply."
You can guess that my partner and I will not be applying there!

scarbowl
Guest

QSI operates schools primarily in underserved areas and remote locations. They have schools in places such as Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. Each school has its own characteristics and each director will be different. I suggest you discount comments such as "a friend of mine said" as too distant to be reliable. I checked their website and stated philosophy (http://www.qsi.org/tenets.htm) and it doesn't seem to be "out there" at all.

Find someone who has worked at a QSI school, preferably one that you want to work in. I'm sure you can find some direct contacts. If you want to work in a unique place from the oilfields of Russia or Albania or Tajikistan then QSI might just be the company to work for. I'm guessing their salaries are a little low but they are a non-profit company and they are growing and I'm guessing they must do something right. A growing organization is good place to be if you are thinking you might want to be a principal some day.

Been There, Done That
Guest

I recommend (as did the other commentator) that you check into QSI. QSI has schools in some pretty interesting places and they are both well known and well established. I can assure you that it is not their policy to refuse (or even ask about) hiring gays or lesbians. Obviously, there are homophobics in the recruiting field from many schools that would be surprised to learn this. Further, there are many complainers in this forum but few people who are happy speak out. You might have a great future with QSI.

teacherincairo

From what I understand QSI has some sort of connection to a church or religious organization. Not overt or in your face, but it's there. I've heard "from friends" who've interviewed with QSI that you may be asked about your religious affiliation, but unless you say you're an athiest, you'll probably be OK. They do not hire smokers and for the most part only hire married couples. (You'll probably be asked if you smoke in the interview. If you say no, but are caught smoking I suppose it could be a firing offence as you've lied. Donno.) As far as their grading policy, the school system is based around "mastery." So you do not move up in levels until you master the subject- hence the Only B's or Above thing. I think it's a pretty cool idea myself.

ghghest
Guest

I know very little about QSI, but I know someone who is an administrator. One thing that I think is good is that once you have taught at one of their schools you can transfer to another school without having to go through any sort of hiring process (no job fair or going to interview).
Back to top

HonestyisBestpolicy
Guest

QSI is a joke on the international teacher circuit. Period. I know people who were in their schools in Yemen, Albania, Bosnia, Slovenia, Azerbaijan, the various Stans and each and every one said that not only would they not recommend QSI, but now go around and actively discourage people. You are underpaid, not allowed to give poor grades, your personal life is pried into and controlled, and no one has ever extended their contract, opting instead to get out of Dodge as soon as possible.

Yeah, they have schools in cool locations but that is about the only appealing aspect of this nut job of a school system.

You've been warned.

camille
Guest

I will try and remain calm as I write this: I would never, [b]ever[/b] consider QSI as providers of quality education. My experience is in Albania. The directors at that school, a married couple, were clearly incompetent but more importantly they were controlling of both students, teachers and parents. They have since moved on to another school in the region, Slovenia, last I heard. It is possible that many of their students have been scarred for life by some of the methods they used. What makes matters unbearbale is you have no recourse as the parent company controls the directors and hires teachers and directors that fit this strange profile. Steer clear! I cannot be emphatic enough about this. It is possible that amongst the very odd motley crew of staff they recruit that there may be some genuine educators amongst them but under the kind of mind control I witnessed from this organization any progressive educator will not last. [/b]

puka2

I work for them. It is straight fwd mastery learning model. Nothing weird. Each location might have a bit different feel, but the curriculum is set and you can get the kids to master the obj. any way you like. There is a lot of freedom to use your professional judgement. You are asked if you smoke on the application and at the interview. Their postition is that you are a roll model in a very small community. we have been warned that it is not acceptable to evangelize your beliefs (Atheist, Christian, etc.).
Not all of the staff is religious, but some certainly are, it is as always a mix of people. Salaries and benefits are competative and remember many of the unusual places where QSI is located are very cheap. Awesome Aetna insurance! We are saving lots of money and have worked our butts off. Overall they are very nice people to work for.

critter says on Aug 6, 2007, 10:40:

Thanks Chamo! I am aware of the supposed "controversial attention" our schools have attracted. It is true that you can't be a smoker and work for this organization. All the other allegations of intrusiveness are made up. Granted, christian principles are expected to be modeled in school, but teachers don't necessarily have to be christians. The leaders of this organization have merely taken steps to protect the students by eliminating any potentially adverse influences (deviant behavior) from the very beginning. Obviously, we don't want to be sending our students the message, through our behavior, that self-destructive habits like smoking is ok. Certainly there are many other destructive behaviors out there from which all responsible adults are expected to keep our children protected. The organization just draws a clear line with smoking (even if you never allow yourself to be seen, the kids can still smell the smoke on your person).

Elmo, no offense but you would have to make some serious lifestyle changes in order to be considered a bonafide teaching candidate (albeit, you would have most of the teenage boys in stitches). Doing burras, booze, blunts, and prepago-baranquilleras is not widely accepted as good examples of model citizenship for our "developing future leaders"

Our students are, in general, fascinated and enchanted by these new faces and voices coming from a foreign land (US and Canada). As a result, they look up to us for direction and guidance...so we must be good role models for them! It's as simple as that. Bottom line...parents sleep

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

critter says on Aug 6, 2007, 10:44:

(sorry, I cut the last sentence short)

Bottom line...parents sleep better knowing their children are in good (safe) hands while in school.

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

Leeroy says on Aug 6, 2007, 12:50:

My students are, in general, not fascinated and enchanted by these new faces and voices coming from a foreign land (US, Canada, Britain, South Africa, Ireland). In fact, they are quite blase about it. And they chastise me for smoking too.

critter says on Aug 6, 2007, 15:08:

Jajajaja, ok Leeroy so the gringo novelty has definitely worn off in SA. We are still getting double-takes in other parts of the world. And don't the "cantaleta" so personally. Obviously, the do it because they care!! After all, teachers are supposed to be learning as much from their students as the other way around, verdad???

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

Leeroy says on Aug 6, 2007, 15:28:

:) - very true!