Canadian International School of Phnom Penh
Canadian International School of Phnom Penh, Elite Town Street, Koh Pich, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, 12301, CAMBODIA
2
IB Programmes
6.4/10
Rating
21
Reviews
838
Students
$20K - $60K
Salary Range
At a Glance
IB Programmes
PYP
Primary Years ProgrammeDP
Diploma ProgrammeAccreditations
Teacher Reviews
Canadian International School Phnom Penh offers impressive facilities and a competitive financial package, but teacher feedback reveals significant concerns about leadership, workload, and workplace culture. The school operates with Alberta curriculum alongside IB programs, and while students are generally described as kind and well-behaved, teachers consistently report issues with administrative support, transparency, and professional respect. Many teachers mention high turnover and describe an environment where long-term sustainability is challenging despite the appealing salary and location.
Pros
- +Facilities are exceptional, including a natural grass soccer pitch, indoor saltwater pool, well-equipped gym, black box theater, makerspace, and comprehensive libraries—among the best in Cambodia.
- +Salary and benefits package is competitive for Southeast Asia, with tax-free USD payment, housing allowance, completion bonus, and the ability to save money, particularly for single teachers or those without significant financial obligations elsewhere.
- +Students are consistently described as respectful, kind, and eager to learn, with minimal behavioral issues and genuine enthusiasm for school activities.
- +Cambodia offers an affordable and accessible lifestyle with easy regional travel, friendly local people, diverse dining options, and low cost of living that allows for comfortable savings and exploration.
- +The Early Years program receives consistently positive feedback for its nurturing environment, beautiful facilities, and well-maintained positive atmosphere.
Cons
- –Leadership is frequently described as unsupportive, dismissive, and creating a toxic work environment characterized by fear, intimidation, and lack of transparency, with concerns about nepotism in hiring and promotion decisions.
- –Teachers face excessive workload with inadequate preparation time, overwhelming administrative paperwork, frequent policy changes, and insufficient support for the demands placed upon them, leading to widespread burnout.
- –The dual Alberta-IB curriculum creates confusion and stress for both teachers and students, with insufficient support and expertise for IB programs, particularly in middle and high school where resources and leadership attention are notably lacking.
- –Staff turnover is extremely high, with many experienced and qualified teachers leaving due to workplace culture issues, broken contracts, and lack of professional respect, while those with internal connections tend to remain and advance.
- –Alberta certification requirements are costly, time-consuming, and difficult to obtain for non-Canadian teachers, creating salary disparities and sometimes being used as justification for contract non-renewal without clear communication.