Nido beefed up the packaged several years back, and it is very competitive. Lifestyle in Santiago is fantastic. Teachers who want to take advantage of the big city live close to the action, walk to restaurants and bars, use the metro, etc. The more outdoorsy folks live closer to school in the 'burbs or the mountains. They hike, bike, and take advantage of the surrounding environments. There's something for everyone.

While the air quality gets pretty lousy in the winter time, most of the year I find it acceptable. I'm loving the city and country. People live well, and travel lots in Chile and the rest of South America.

The school is highly sought, and they are very selective as a result.

I don't have direct experience with the school, but had friends who spent a number of years there and really enjoyed it. They liked the lifestyle and package. I worked with Tom Pado previously, and found him to be a great boss. Highly professional, smart, and sees the big picture.

Good luck

Nido has got a great package and lifestyle balance. Santiago is safe and there is much to do. Some people live up in the mountains and get to hike, ski, rock climb all weekend long, other folks live in providencia and el golf, who do more of the "going out" thing.

The school is going through some big transitions now: Don Bergman is leaving as director after 12 years, so is the HS principal and VP. There are a large group of teachers who've been there for quite some time, and some are moving on, fearing what is coming. Others are feeling really excited about the change and are ready for the shake-up.

The school doesn't demand too much from its teachers, and most people live very balanced lives. That-being-said, they're still not used to having large groups of new teachers, and don't have so many procedures in place to help them get settled at the school.