I understand Danda completely and agree with many of the reasons why he/she chooses to teach overseas. I have been overseas for 15 years, but I sometimes share the same concerns that Danda has about raising a child overseas. My wife, also a teacher, is from a different country than me, so that makes things even more complex for where 'home' is. Danda, please recommend these books you mention. I know the TCK one that most people have read. If there are others, please mention them. Thanks.

Overall, I think the benefits outweigh the negatives for our child; however, I am also tired of the driver/nanny/housekeeper lifestyle sometimes. Fortunately, we do not need a full-time person now. I agree with what Inman has also stated in his/her last paragraph. Each day is a learning experience and I am grateful for my experiences. I am truly spoiled by the kids I teach and the resources I have at my disposal. Everytime I think about returning home, I talk with friends who teach there and reality hits. It would be tough to return, although I play with the idea from time to time. The lack of a pension is the only major drawback to international teaching.

The final straw for me at a former school was when I learned some colleagues, who I knew were less qualified, were making about the same as I was earning. I left that year. I won't work for a school that does not have a salary scale.

I am sure many teachers think they are 'elite.' Still...follow the scale, or get rid of it. Once teachers start talking and when people know how much they are making and start making comparisions, it's all downhill for those schools and directors that do not follow their salary scale.

"I think leavers are trying to validate their decision. So, every little thing they see, which previously passed unnoticed, all of a sudden is worthy of negative comment. 'Yep, that's why I'm leaving.'"

I agree.

Senator, I agree. Bad schools should be bashed. I think I work at a pretty decent school. Not all of those leaving are whining, but I am bewildered when I hear those who are whining. It's all a matter of perception I guess.

"Funny to imagine two leavers in different schools, one at School A heading to School B, the other at B heading to A. Each whinging about their current location, each glorifying their destination."

Sid, this is hilarious.

"Because teachers should just shut up and be grateful that someone deigns to hire them, amirite?"

Not at all, teachers should speak up. The sad thing about many - not all - of these teachers is that they rarely, if ever, speak up to share their views or opinions. They choose instead to hold their meetings after the meeting for their whinge session. I realize there are many schools where you cannot share your opinion, and I have been in that boat before. I find that too many teachers stay one year too long at a school sometimes. Like fading athletes, they don't know when to move on, or in some cases, retire. I can whine just as well as anyone. Some people, however, walk under a black cloud every day.

I am not sure about your school, but every spring, or anytime after the job fairs, I grow tired with the departing staff and their incessant whining and bashing of the school. While talking about glorious things that their next school will offer them (let's see!), they bash the current school leadership or the direction the school is going. The strange thing is that some of these teachers have stayed at the school for many years. You'd think that if they were that unhappy, they would have left a long time ago, rather than subvert school iniatives or attempt to lower the morale.

I see 'the annual whinge' every year and at the previous schools I have been employed. Maybe some of them feel better after their vent, but they are unfortunately leaving some teachers with a lasting reminder or memory of them. Anyway, I am done with my whining about whiners. Have a good summer and good luck at your next school. Remember that the grass is not always greener.

"There may be an elevated risk due to pollution, or food quality etc but there are risks no matter where you are in the world (e.g. earthquakes, hurricanes, terrorism, crime, tornados). Everyone must make their own decisions about whether risks outweigh opportunities."

Fair enough, I see your point. One thing is a natural disaster and possibility of getting mugged, and another thing is the day to day grind of living and breathing smog, dealing with burning eyes, and blowing black snot in a congested city.

Having traveled in many of Asia's largest cities, it's not for me. We can agree to disagree though and say to each their own. I am sure there are many positive things about teaching Chinese students and these factors, along with a decent salary, may make one forget the level of pollution in a city like Beijing.

"I would not recommend that any international teacher come to South Africa, especially the American International School. It is like the USA on steroids and unless you arrive with your own money to invest in getting settled, you will suffer."

I am not sure this place is USA on steroids. Andy is an Aussie and he tends to hire Australians. I doubt there are too many Americans actually on staff. Andy tends to hire those he knows from my previous schools and he has hired some dubious characters. As several posts have mentioned, he is rude, arrogant and condescending. I have met many teachers over the years who have interviewed with him or met him at fairs and they all say the same things that some of you have said - Andy's personality is a major turn off. I am surprised his name has not appeared more on the board or in reviews at his current school. Jo-burg can be very dangerous, and I have read that is among the most dangerous cities in the world. I am sure South Africa is a wonderful country to visit as a tourist. Not sure about living there.

After reading several of these posts and the numerous articles as of late on China's pollution problems, the questions still begs...is it all worth it in the end? I know China is the 'hot' place to teach now and the money can be good. However, is it worth your health or your child's health? I guess you can imagine my answer to that question.