Wow. I'm impressed with all of you. I'm taking about 2.5 cubic meters of belongings air freight. That's in addition to my flight luggage limit and my pets for the flight. I don't have a 'home', so my personal belongings get whittled down to that amount and go with me to each destination. I've bought some great mementos in the places I've lived and want them with me.

In regards to how much to bring, it really depends upon where you are going, what is accessible, and what you want to have. Our school has given us a list of things we might want to bring. Best to communicate with teachers from your new school and ask them what they wish they had brought and what you can't get where you're moving.

The DP Sciences come with a rather detailed syllabus of content and objectives that must be fulfilled. It doesn't tell you how to teach it, but it's a good checklist to make sure your students are prepared for the exam. The OCC has fantastic resources to help you out.

The stats you do in Econ would be a good start, but not the scientific method. ESS is a lab-based (internal assessment) course. I have seen geography teachers teaching the course, but they always struggle with the science aspects. As I stated earlier, without good science experience by the teacher, it's doing a disservice to the kids. I have taught this course for several years (not currently), and I think it is an excellent science course that promotes critical thinking and making connections. It's only 'easier' than Chemistry and Physics if you are not a strong student in math and equations, and 'easier' tha Biology only because there is less scope of material to be covered. It is NOT easy.

ESS is a science, and I've seen humanities teacher do the course with little science and I think they do the kids a disservice. On the other hand, ESS is also a humanities course and knowledge of geography with a little economics helps (more geography than economics).

Expect sea shipments to take 3 months. I've had colleagues who have had sea shipments take 6 months or longer. Also, depending on where you are going, you may not be able to get your shipment out of customs without a work permit. You could end up paying hefty import fees.

Sea shipping has usually been the most cost-effective method, but I don't know if things have changed since I shipped from Asia to Central America 3 years ago. Now I'm trying to ship from NA to Africa, and air-freight quotes are only $500 more than ocean freight. But, the shipping agents are quoting charges that are astronomical. I'm being quoted twice the cost to ship half the amount half the distance I did three years ago. It's actually cheaper for me to not go through an agent and air freight on my own,

I did had great success with Asian Tigers in shipping to Asia. Good luck.

Can you please provide a link that supports this claim that QA is linked with Texas A&M? I've seen no indication this is true. If it's not, how crappy that people are pushing others to write to TA&M raising complaints.

It could happen in the US too. Just have the wrong kid accuse you of sexual misconduct or physical abuse because they were pissed about a grade. Even in the US, there could be dire consequences for the falsely accused.

Europe has many places that are dog friendly, but they must remain on their leads. Thailand is also pretty good. There are many stray dogs which can be territorial. I overcame that by bringing food whenever I took my dogs for a walk. I'd give the food to the strays. Eventually, in appreciation for my food, they accepted my pack. If they were to growl or try to be aggressive, I would withhold the food. It worked really well. Some places in Central or South America are decent as well, but I don't have enough actual experience there. I gleaned that information when I was considering positions I that region.

@missy: I too interviewed with this school a few years ago and was offered a position. I recall the salary offered was a bit higher than what movie mentioned, but I also did not get a good feeling about the school. I think it might be an okay post, for someone still trying to get into international teaching, but I declined because I was just coming off a bad posting with a school head that didn't respect international teachers, and I wasn't willing to gambit in that happening again.

Here's the deal. You gave 3 years of service to the school and didn't return for the fourth because of a terminal family illness. Any HOS worth his title will understand that. I would be honest during interviews about what had happened. I had two one year stints on my résumé, and it was a red flag to recruiters. My credentials are excellent, so I was interviewed by several and during the interview gave my explanations as to why I left after only one year. I received several offers and accepted one at what would be considered a tier 1 school for the region. Of course, I did have a two year stint following the two one year stints. It boils down to if an HOS can't be sympathetic about a family medical emergency, you don't really want to work for that person anyhow.

Jrm, just something to think about, if you have asthma, dust from desert winds might aggravate you too. I have a friend that had difficulties in the ME. There are still several places around the world where you would be fine. Just keep checking various job posting websites.

Being qualified to teach IT and DT, especially in the IB program should help you to get a job internationally. Just keep searching. Something will come up. You may need to settle for your first placement, but then you become more marketable. Maybe the school where you did your practicum could help you out.

I only saw the posting, didn't look at reviews. Hope it works out for you.

PsychBean, did you see the posting for Bolivia on Tieonline?

I occur. If it weren't for the air pollution and the impact on my allergies, I would have stayed in Bangkok.