Dexts.. I would... Africa is not a place for me and my family... Just sayin... For me... Putting it out there, as an opinion. Letting an ear be heard in the wind.. That is it.. All others should be judged by the reader. Personally I also believe it is unfair, but I will not take a post in Africa. That is me.

For sure with the fairs days away, you are feeling much like I feel. Don't despair or go desperate. Trust your education, training and experience, and there will be light at the end of the tunnel! Happy New Year!

The EPIK won't count unfortunately, esl is just considered classroom experience by almost all IS's. Many countries require 2 years classroom experience just to get a visa. There are also intern jobs available. That being said a qualified teacher can find work. Really do your research on who makes an offer as you do want to stay for the 2 year contract! Don't want to start over because you made a runner. Spend some cash, join joyjobs and tie online, search probably isn't worth the money for you yet, but in 2 years it definitely will be! You might get your job later, say April, May, but get to looking now. You could score something quite righteous! Good luck!

Not a lot of meat on the bone offered to live in Rwanda. I think you would really have to be into it in order to enjoy your life there. Then again that is me, war, famine, genocide are words that make me check no on the apply box. I am sure Africa can be a great post for some people, but I will never know. I think at this time some of us might start considering those out of the way locals, but I would wait until April before seriously considering this. Again... Just my opinion!

My first time in Bangkok I did not even wear a tie let alone a suit. I did not want a job where it was required. I also brought my trailing spouse unannounced to all of my interviews. I got a job. A good job. Some people go all out, and since I am in Thailand early this year, I bought a new suit, so I will wear it this time around. I still think it is more about how you present your personality and not what you wear exactly.

Good luck!

With the current state of affairs regarding the bombings of the muslim brotherhood etc (5 injured thursday on a bus, and 2 more bomds since then). and then looking at the pay in Cairo and I wouldn't even consider Egypt. Remember a teacher was just shot and killed while jogging in the morning in Libya. Northern Africa countries are just not worth me risking the lives of my family at this time. I also think many people will continue to leave the region and IS will suffer, thus less job security in the future. Any school making an offer after 1 skype interview scares me, seems desperate, and desperation always has an underlying cause. Just my take....

My HOS will be there, and although I do not have a strategy or plan to use him, I most definitely will. Just tell them hey my current supervisor is here, can I get you in contact with them? It is how he got me to take the job, and he is a great guy who really wants the best for me. Use 'em!!!

With A LOT of complaining and emailing and eventually finding the newest person at the school. I recieved confirmation, but do not think ISS is ever on your side! I will attend their fair as there are 2 schools I want to see, but otherwise...

Many top schools use Search! They also have Quite a few dogs. Do NOT use their being listed as a guage! You have to do your own research as the criteria for entry is right above ability to pay. Search makes 1500 usd per placement so schools with a lot of turn over are good business. I think my associate and the fairs are great, but those guys are able to eat, being exclusive cuts into that ability...

I have had this happen twice this season. 1st time they asked to make a skype interview, then went silent only to contact me 10 days later to set something up at the fair. 2nd time was just this past Friday. "We want to interview you next week" then no reply to set it up. I will be on vacation on the beach in 36 hours, good luck getting me before the fair.

I think we all go through being terrified about our own worth, but you have to put it in perspective. We worry about this because we are at risk, the school knows there are people who will fill their holes, no worries. They are in no rush, so it is best for you to act in the same way. Just relax, let christmas and new years pass, then buckle up and ride the fair roller coaster for all it is worth!!!

In Asia you need a phone that has a sim card. You can change sims between countries. In places like China, The Philippines, Thailand etc. you can get a sim on the street, no forms. Some countries like India make you file paperwork. You can buy a phone whereever you go. If you are bringing a phone fron the states, it should be unlocked. Much better to buy one whereever you land...

I wish I could give you the magic pill to answer those questions. I can say that we have similar goals, and I have been working in that direction for several years. Here is what I would recommend publicly and attempt to remain anonymous.

1. Watch the job postings. ISM and Brent both go to Bangkok. They also attend both fairs Search and ISS.

2. When there is something available go for it. Get to know all you can about the job, school and make every attempt you can to set an interview. Most likely you will have to do this at the fair. ISM does travel the fair circuit. David Toze has his group travel from Bangkok to London to Cambridge to San Fran. So they are picky! Youtube, twitter, and other social media give you lots of tidbits and information.

3. I also believe having a Filipina wife may not be a great advantage, possibly a detriment. I just know with ISM fitting in is as important as your resume. Seeming desperate could be a perception a recruiter takes from your desire to move to the PI. It is all in how you present it.

4. Have a game plan. I do.

Typically you would know well in advance that your contract is not being renewed so that you can recruit. Most schools (not all) want staff retention and thus pay a lot of money to attend fairs so they will meet top candidates. Because of this schools usually ask staff their plans as early as October. International schools must deal with housing and visa issues and this takes time. Most top schools like to have it all sewn up by Feb or March to allow their HR to process paperwork and ensure everything will go smoothly in August. It is also a non critical time (no major testing going on) so teachers an administrators can spare the time without having a major impact on students. Once you are used to this schedule it all makes sense, but looking in I guess one could see it as inconveinient. I personally like knowing I have a job in April so I can fully devote my mind to student revision for exams.

If you don't care where you work there are actually several options from Cebu to Clark. If you want a career, you have Brent Subic and ISM. These options will require a good resume of experience and bringing much more to the table than being married to a Filipina. I know the option I would choose, and would advise one to cautiously move forward in the PI as their are many IS sinkholes. I do speak as someone who has MANY years of Philippines experience beyond just the IS situation. Just as I have been told in the PI, look 3-4 times before you jump!!!

If you have spent anytime reading on this message board you quickly learn to take any psyguy recommendations with a grain of salt. He is intelligent, but has a take on things bordering on neurotic know-it-all. That being said he occasionally offers very good advice.

Do not go Rouge. Bad form! Bug the crap out of your associate and get into the fair before doing something like that. I would never want to hire, work with, or work for someone who was willing and/or wanting to participate in these types of shenanigans.