Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Shadowjack and Fine Dude! I decided to decline the position. I felt with it being so early in the season still that I should wait since it was not a top choice school or position for me. It was tough since there was nothing particularly bad about the offer; it just wasn't great, either.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

Thanks so much for your reply, Rhysboy! I really appreciate it!

That is good to know regarding the English teaching opportunities for my husband. He has a Bachelor's degree, so we would definitely use that opportunity to make some supplemental income.

I have heard that teaching in Japan can be a great asset to have on my CV as well. I'm not sure how much truth there is to that, though?

I guess my big internal debate is whether to take this position or hold out for better. It's such a tough decision. I can see how either choice could lead to regret come January.

Thanks so much for your insights, wrldtrvlr123!

From what I can gather via online research, it looks like the allowance would cover about 2/3 of our rent, if we stick with a fairly small place (we are used to small as we are currently in Bangkok). We would then have to cover utilities.

I am not specifically keen on Japan, although I have heard wonderful things about it! I have applied to schools throughout Asia and Europe and am open to many locations. I was hoping to get a position in a bit more of a leadership role (instructional coach, technology integration coach, curriculum coordinator, etc.). However, I have loved my time teaching middle school and while I have two IB leadership certificates, I do not yet have hands-on MYP experience. This position could give me that experience.

I took you up on your offer and sent you a PM. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!

Decisions are tough.

Hi, all!

I'm hoping some who are familiar with the cost of living and international school expectations in Tokyo will be willing to give me some input. I have been offered a package at an IB school in Tokyo. However, with it still being quite early in the recruiting season, I'm not sure whether it is competitive enough to take, or if I should hold out to see what other offers come my way.

I am currently in my tenth year teaching with experience both internationally and in the US. I have my masters in educational leadership and have experience as a language arts coordinator/department head and as a technology integration coach, as well as experience teaching multiple subjects in grades 2-10.

I've been offered 490,000 jpy per month (before taxes) with 100,000 jpy per month housing allowance for an MYP position. I would also receive 500,000 jpy as a one-time housing establishment allowance and a 250,000 jpy relocation allowance. In addition, I would receive up to a 15,000 jpy allowance each month for transportation.

I will have my husband with me as a trailing spouse. The package does not include flights, etc. for my husband. However, they will take care of his visa.

Thoughts? Would this be a package in which we could live comfortably and still save a bit as well? From what I've gathered online, it seems like an "average" package...but I would love to hear from some who have firsthand experience!

Thanks in advance!

Thanks so much to all who have responded! It truly helps to hear various perspectives and opinions.

The school in Beijing does seem to be a bit of a step up from the school in Shanghai, as it is seeking WASC accreditation this year (whereas the school in Shanghai is a private school and seems pretty content staying with it's non-accredited status). I would also be serving as a lead teacher in Beijing and would get to have a hand in writing the curriculum, so I think it could be more professionally fulfilling. However, I do enjoy walks and at least a little green space, and from what I'm hearing Shanghai would have more of that. You can see how I go back and forth and back and forth with my thinking! ;) I truly do think, as many of you have mentioned, that both cities could offer a wonderful experience.

I greatly appreciate any and all advice!!

Hi all!

I'm hoping to gain some insight from all of you with international experience. I'm currently in my eighth year teaching in the US and plan to enter international teaching in the coming school year. I have experience teaching in both elementary and secondary, and I currently serve as a department head.

I've received two offers from schools in China. Both seem to be nice, mid-tier schools. One is in Shanghai and the other is in Beijing. While I see a lot of great potential in both positions, I am very concerned about the air quality in both cities (I know Beijing's can be worse, but both are quite bad). The package from the school in Beijing is slightly better. I'm not sure whether to take one of the offers as a chance to get international experience, or to wait and see what other offers come in the next few weeks? Do many offers come in March and April? Would it be foolish to pass? I know both schools have great potential and could be a great opportunity for me...but the health concerns combined with the lack of time outdoors would be rough.

Thanks in advance for any insight and advice!