Thanks again everyone who has contributed, I appreciate all the insights.
Yes, it appears it is for tax reasons.
I know I need to lighten up...it's just that I've lived in some awful apartments in some awful neighbourhoods abroad (which at least I could leave relatively easily) I'm not keen to repeat that, particularly if I'm tied into being there due to a contract with the school.
I guess I should ask the school for information on the accommodation before dismissing it...or just trust that it'll be ok and go along with it (gulp!)

Thanks everyone for your replies, much appreciated.
It is a good school, good local and international reputation, and I don't think it's a scam. But I too find it strange that they would call it a rent allowance, rather than saying housing is provided. As far as I know no additional rent would be required from me (but I'm not certain of that).
I just feel very uncomfortable with the idea of having to live in an apartment and a neighbourhood which I may not like, having no alternatives and being contractually bound.
Those of you who were given housing, did you feel at all similar, or am I being fussy and ungrateful? And how did the housing turn out?
Thanks again!

HI, I'm hoping for some clarification from those more experienced in international schools and their packages.
I've been offered a position and in the package they have stipulated a monetary figure as a rent allowance, however they say I have to stay in accommodation allocated by the school, paying the allowance to a landlord of their choice.
Is this normal? I'm really uncomfortable with a) committing to living somewhere in which I have no say, and b) having a non-work related matter determined by an employer.
Maybe I'm naive and this is the done thing with international schools and I have to like it or lump it? Any insights greatly appreciated!

Thanks everyone for all the replies, it was the reassurance I was looking for! I'm happy to work around 50 or 60 hours but like some said, 80 isn't sustainable - I'm only 3 weeks in and already on the brink of collapse!
It's good to know there's some light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks for the supportive comments too, and congratulations to those of you working jobs you love!

Hi there
I was wondering if people would share how many hours they work a week.
I'm currently doing my NQT in primary in the UK and am working around 80 hours and struggling with the workload. I plan on teaching abroad after the NQT but if I can expect a similar workload I may have to rethink staying in the profession :(
I realise everyone is different and what may take one person 1 hour could take another 3 hours (and as an NQT most things are taking longer than they would were I more experienced) but just curious how others around the world are doing.
Cheers

Hi, I'm looking to get some advice...
How important is it to have completed the NQT year to teach internationally? Would a PGCE + some international teaching experience be enough to get into tier 1 schools?
Would not having the NQT year affect visa eligibility?
Finally, when people here talk about the importance of being certified, would just having a PGCE count as certified, or would one need to have completed the NQT year too?
(all referring to Primary)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Thanks BL for your response, much appreciated. There's some useful info in the reviews section.

Does anyone on the forum have any first hand experience or anecdotal info with these schools?
Could you offer any specific details about requirements, hiring times, pay etc?

Cheers

Hi, I'm looking into the possibility of teaching at primary schools in Mexico City, and I was wondering if anyone has any info regarding requirements, pay and benefits, working conditions, hiring dates etc at the following schools:
Greengates
ASF
Eton
Edron
Peterson
Churchill
and any others that are worth considering!
Any info/advice would be much appreciated
Cheers