I am sorry but I did not experience any of what you are saying about Lebanon. You must be confused with another country. Or maybe we just met the right people and you met the worst. The power of attraction I guess.

Have you been to Lebanon or befriended a Lebanese family and saw how they treat their wives? What part of Lebanon have you experienced and how long ago, the 60th? Do you know that each part of Lebanon has different tradition and could be completely unique and different from the rest?

The Lebanese women I met were very assertive and independent, kind of like George Clooney's wife, Fayrouz, or Salma Hayek.

I am Buddhist and I am highly offended how you disrespect cultures including mine.

yes my friend loves Japan and just signed a new contract in Dubai next year looking for more fun. She liked Lebanon and visits it every year. Lebanon is not perfect and I am sure there are some issues. If we like it does not make it good and on the same token if you hate it does not make it bad.

The bottom line is that you will not know until you try. Talk to as many people who actually worked in Lebanon and listen to their experiences. All I know is that I have a friend who worked in Beirut for 3 years after she was so scared and reluctant to accept the position. She loved the experience and had no regrets. Even after she moved to Japan for a better pay, she still visits Beirut once a year.
I am sure you can identify replies that are meant to help you and the ones that are poop trying to be sugar coded.
I don’t know why so many people twist this forum to highlight their personal racism/hate and turn it into an ignorant discussion. When they ignore your question and start arguing, you know they are not here to help you.

By the way, does Kuwait employers hold your passport so you can't leave the country?

Also, what does a school absolutely need to get you the work permit? I understand they need your original authenticated of your bachelors and masters degree, and copy of passport, but do they need both degrees for that or just one?

Thanks for the tips.

I am hoping to complete everything by July. The problem is the time consuming steps and feeling helpless. Can't send my degree to the dep of state until it is authenticated by the secretary of state (I have two documents). That means waiting for mail and their process. I am doing all I can.
I found that USPS to be not only cheaper but faster. The only problem is tracking documents on the way back.
For medical examinations, can I get them form different clinics or they all have to come from one clinic? Some places offer free certain blood test but not all.

My x-ray was taken two weeks ago, I can't see how that can expire so fast, especially when it will be included in a letter from my doctor dated sometimes in June.


Thanks again.

My first international assignment so I am overwhelmed, nervous, and worried.

Now that I have signed a contract for Kuwait, I am shocked with the work visa requirements. I had no idea all that was required and it seems like a puzzle since everything is new to me. I just started by getting diplomas authenticated as a first step and I am hoping to get my work visa before August which is where I am expect to report to work. I figured out what I need to do with authentications, but still need to learn more about medical, visa application, and background checks. I got my doctor certificate, but still need my blood test results. When I called clinics in my area, the tests seem to be costly and the clinic staff said they need more specifics so they can give me the right test.

Any tips would be appreciated.

I have couple of questions for those who been teaching overseas for a while.
Is this lengthy confusing process normal for all counties, or just the Middle East? If that is the case, how do you do it every two years?

Once I complete the authentications, can I reuse them for my next assignment, after the 2 year contract is over? I am aware that medical examination and background checks expire quickly.

What kind of help is expected from the school? It seems like getting my visa is my problem unless I risk going on a visitor and then the school will take care of obtaining my work visa after I arrive. I was advised against this!

Tanks for those who take the time and respond with helpful information.

So what school have the toughest and easiest hiring process? Anyone would like tell me what is involved in the process?
After you get an interview and then an offer, what a school would do next? Mind you once an offer is accepted you turn down other possibilities.

Anyone can comment about Saudi Aramco Schools?
Everything in their fact sheet seem brilliant. How is their housing, work load, hours, etc.?
Also, their fact sheer mentions that housing and medical is deducted from the salary. So if the salary is 60k, how much is the deduction?

If the salary scale is from $38,000 to $7100, and I have 9 years. what would I end up getting if they hire me?

Thanks

Final couple of questions:

1- I haven't signed up for any fairs yet, but I am going to register for UNI soon. All I have so far is TIEONLINE and it has not been very effective. Does UNI have a better search database? Is there a disadvantage if I wait until January to sign up?
2- My other option is to register for SEARCH instead and attend San Francisco, Toronto, or wait for Bethesda but that would be a lot more costly for me. Would it be worth it?

3- What tips do you have for the fairs besides dressing up and being calm? Do you take plenty of folders with resumes/documents to hand in, or flash drives? Any tips?
Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! I will look into this. Most SEARCH fairs are overseas. I picked UNI because it is 6 hours drive from where I live. I thought between TIE and UNI I should be ok. TIE has 40 positions for me and I applied to at leas 20.

Counselor. All grades public schools. I have 5 years high school and college admission. 4 years middle and elementary schools and 2 years district wide support and mentoring new employees. 15 years with same district, and a little bored doing the same thing. :)
Could it be that I mentioned that I am fluent in English and Arabic, and some Spanish?
No one said anything about the hiring process. Do they invite you to a specific fair if they are interested in you?
Thanks

No I am not that bad. I know my English is not a writter or English teacher level, but it is average. I speak 3 languages which is a plus.
I showed my documents to some friends and they thought it was good. I know if I do ok when I take my time and edit my writting. Maybe international school are more strict and see things differently.

Sid you make a great point. It is a combination of both typing in a hurry as well as my English no the greatest.

I am not sure what I am doing wrong and could use some help with application

I read that a teacher can get around 40k a year in Brazil so the average pay in SA can be more than 20ish

Are these salaries tax free?