Got a reply finally from the Ontario College of teachers and there is no limit on when I can apply for my certification. I just have to fill out some forms, pay my fees and I'm set. Getting a valid teaching certificate is a non issue

PsyGuy, Have you taught in South Korea? I have no problem with him taking tests. My problem is with him studying only to the tests. I don't want him sitting in a classroom just memorizing the facts that are going to be on the university placement test for years. Of course different teachers/schools have different styles. I just don't want him to be part of the extreme educational culture that is found in Korea which has resulted in the country having one of (possibly the highest) student suicide rates in the world. Studying late at night is not a problem. Studying until 10pm at school and then until as late as 3 am at home and then getting up at 6am to go to school is. I'm not looking for an assessment free situation. If I was I'd do home schooling.

Bullying is everywhere. But I don't want to live in a country where my son can be thrown to the ground and kicked repeatedly (as happened to one of my friend's non-Korean children) by a group and have it written off as just part of growing up.

"your description of the combined educational environment your describing a tier 1 school"

What combined educational environment are you talking about? You're saying at a tier 2 or tier 3 school its going to be all rote memorization for tests all day until the evening and my son is going to get bullied? Honestly, I don't care if he goes to school where I work.

I've contacted the Ontario College of Teachers but I see no reason why I wouldn't be able to get my teaching certification. Their website says you can apply from out of country.

It starts around middle school the cramming for the university exams. The government has tried to cut back on it but there hasn't been much change. But I look at the "international" schools here and the kids are mostly Korean. Are there is so little space and opportunity for kids to go out and just be kids. If we moved to the countryside there would be but then work would be an issue.

I've started hearing stories from my parent friends about how their kids are getting bullied, beat etc. and how it's all just seen as part of growing up. I can't handle that. I know there is bullying everywhere but it seems more extreme here and there is little repercussions.

Oh sorry! I should have been more clear. By good education I mean I don't want him going to school until 10pm every night doing all his studies by rote memorization all so he can take a test that will determine his future. And I want him to study in an environment where he will not be discriminated against because of his ethnicity. I don't give a damn if he goes to an upper tier school but I don't think that means that my standards are really lax.

Do you mean that my BEd (grades 4-11 focused) only counts if I have a current registered teaching license with a Canadian province?

So, after school elementary, middle and high school programs that I've been involved with at the university don't count for anything I guess if the university classes don't count.

Am I considered an unqualified ESOL teacher because my experience is in universities?

Does it look like CfBT Brunei is our best/only bet?

I'm a Canadian teacher with a BEd and a MEd (specialization TESOL). I'm married to a Filipino chef and we have 1 son. I've been teaching in South Korea for 8 years mostly in universities. I'm not thrilled with the education system here though and we can't afford sending our son to an international school so the time has come to look for somewhere else.

I've been reading through the posts on the forums but I'd like some suggestions. We're well aware that due to my husband's nationality he may not be able to work but I never considered that because he is male he may not be able to get a dependent visa some places. If he can work that would be a great bonus!

Basically we're looking for some place where our son can get a good education (though I'm not against home schooling if the need arises). Where he can play outside with his friends. Time off to travel a bit. Ability to save a bit (I'd like to retire some day!) and safe.

Brunei was recommended to us but I've heard things aren't as good as they used to be and my husband wont be able to work. And Dubai was also suggested. My husband might be able to get into a hotel there but I'm not so sure its a great place for a kid to grow up. Any suggestions?