Director of Studies - Work in China this summer

Location: Shanghai / Chengdu / Guang Zhou 

Contract type: Seasonal, Full-time 

Embassy Summer, part of EC English, delivers international summer language programmes for young learners. Our programmes combine English language learning with cultural experiences, excursions, and recreational activities in a safe and supportive environment. 

We welcome students from a wide range of international backgrounds and aim to provide a structured programme that supports both language learning and cultural exchange. 

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Position Summary 

The Director of Studies manages the academic programme at the summer centre. This role is responsible for overseeing teaching quality, supporting teachers, and ensuring the academic programme operates effectively. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Manage the academic programme and ensure teaching quality standards are maintained. 
• Support and supervise teaching staff. 
• Conduct lesson observations and provide professional feedback. 
• Develop teaching schedules and allocate classes. 
• Provide emergency lesson cover and organising cover for planned absences. 
• Ensure academic administration is completed accurately and on time. 
• Address academic concerns raised by students or staff. 
• Coordinate with centre management regarding overall programme delivery. 
• Create a positive, inclusive and safe workplace environment. 

Accommodation and Benefits 

• Residential accommodation and meals provided during employment. 
• Pre-employment training and ongoing staff support. 

Organisational Compliance

The job holder will be expected to operate in accordance with the company’s Code of Conduct, and any local policies and operating procedures relating to academic, welfare and safeguarding matters.  

Employees are required to cooperate fully with all arrangements in place related to Health and Safety which include implementation and compliance with control measures resultant from risk assessments and engagement with, and completion of, any relevant Health and Safety training  

Education Required:  

• Educated to Degree Level or equivalent (Level 6 Qualifications and Credit Framework)  
• DELTA, Trinity Lic. Diploma in TESOL (Level 6/7 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework)  
• Or MA in ELT / TESOL (if they meet the validation, entry requirements, teaching practice and input criteria) 

Experience Required:  

• 3 years’ teaching experience  
• Some evidence of supporting and developing teachers (e.g., through mentoring programmes, delivering workshops or observing teachers).  

Experience Desired:

• Experience of working with juniors  
• Experience of supporting and developing teachers  
• Experience of the CEFR in student placement and process  
• Experience of managing a teaching team 
• Experience of working in a residential context 

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to lead and inspire teachers  
• Excellent organisational and communicational skills  
• Excellent Interpersonal skills  
• Ability to work under pressure  
• Demonstrates the ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people. 
• Demonstrates creativity and energy and a positive commitment to the role  

Working Week: 

• 6 days out of 7 (1 day off per week) 
• All management roles are residential 

Staff uniform: 

All staff are required to wear the designated company uniform while on duty. Employees must ensure that the uniform is worn properly, maintained in a clean and presentable condition, and always adheres to the company’s dress code standards. 

Equality and Diversity:  

Equality and diversity are at the heart of everything we do. Our learning opportunities are open to everyone, regardless of their background and c