In my case, this was doable. I lived in five separate hard-core third-world countries and was always able to get, at a minimum, Prozac in country. Later, when I had an established relationship with a practitioner stateside, I was able to get a years' worth of prescriptions at once. It wasn't easy, but this included 'controlled substance' ADHD meds (Sam's Club had to call the DEA, in the later case, prior to filling). Talk with your doctor: the last thing you want is to be tapering off medication in a new country.

Wonderful suggestions to ponder--thank you, everyone.

In answer to wrldtrvlr123's reply: I am a Language Arts teacher, so not as in demand as SPED.

Applying for the QTS certification, after reading about it on other threads, is on my agenda. I don't technically qualify, as my license is "Provisional", but I believe PsyGuy and others suggested trying and hoping for human error (i.e., it's overlooked).

I think a private/charter school operating an American curriculum is what I would first pursue, if it actually comes to moving back. The IGCSE curriculum is honestly not one I enjoy teaching. As the adage goes, however, alluding to beggars and choosers...

I know a lot of schools do have an online application process, but as I wouldn't be able to interview until July, I worry about what would still be available.

Thanks again, everyone, for the advice.

I've taught internationally for about twelve years but due to various circumstances am contemplating returning stateside.

My dilemma is that aside from student teaching, I have never taught in America (found a job final semester in Egypt through the UNI fair), and I don't know what my prospects would be. An additional factor is I've been at an IGCSE school the past five years.

I am certified in Colorado with a Masters, but wouldn't even land on American soil until July.

What has been the experience of others? I honestly don't even know if I could handle the discipline issues, etc. Sigh.

Certainly someone that actually lived in Qingdao, as opposed to just visiting for holiday as I did, can offer a fuller perspective. However, as I see your posting hasn't gotten a reply, I'll post my two cents as a way of 'bumping' it.

I went to Qingdao for a week while living in Guangzhou (I also liked it there) and enjoyed the sea and more leisurely pace. The Tsingtao beer is brewed there and the brewery was a highlight. Some niche coffee shops as well. It's a place I would live, at least based on my experience. The air pollution was less than Guangzhou, which is less than the cities in the North (Beijing, etc).

Anyone that lives there or with more experience? What is the IB school located in Qingdao?

Thanks for that, PsyGuy.

A quick update: my three-year renewal was granted. The Dept. of Edu claimed 4-6 weeks; mine took eight, so I definitely was made to sweat.

There was no response given along with the approval, so I am assuming this will be the last renewal granted due to the change in the law. I considered looking to see if teachers approved under the previous system would be "grandfathered" in, but when I Googled the law change alluded to on the CO Dept. of Ed. website, I really didn't find much. I'll need to spend more time this weekend and shoot off a quick email.

Regardless, the recommendations for a QTS, Texas, and Connecticut license are what I'm planning on pursuing.

Cheers

Thanks for the replies everyone, and particularly 'PsyGuy', who has helped with thoughtful responses on several occasions. It's funny, I overlooked checking the 'notify of replies' box, and am embarrassed to admit I found myself assuming no one had responded--shame on me!

So a quick update, the law changed last year in the state of Colorado and the 'Initial' license is only renewable twice. The helpful woman on the telephone at the CO. Dept. of Edu said she thought it would be renewed a third time if I wrote a letter stating my circumstances, but that would almost definitely be the final three-year extension. So...I submitted the application on 19 Aug, and am awaiting a decision (4-6 weeks).

I'll do my best to remember share what I learn, both in terms of if my license is renewed, and seeking out a more accommodating state.

Thank you, again.

Hi Everybody.

I have a similar issue to what ISR member 'Travelers' raised in a recent post, but it's different enough, and I didn't want to hijack his thread.

I completed a State of Colorado teacher program nearly ten years ago which earned me an "Initial Teacher Licensure" that becomes a Professional License upon completion of a teacher induction program at a state approved program in Colorado.

I've renewed this 'initial license' twice, and now see on the CO Dept. of Edu website that it's only renewable twice, except under "extenuating circumstances" (no valid reasons are given), and I wonder what I'll do if the person processing the renewal application doesn't accept teaching overseas as acceptable (I'll call them tomorrow, but tonight I'm worried).

Any other Colorado licensed educators with experience in this, or thoughts in general? I followed the link kindly provided by PsyGuy for Travelers' inquiry, but it seems to require a full or "clear" license.

I sure don't want to move back stateside, and I think I'd probably just end up changing careers rather than try and survive an American classroom (I don't know if I have the energy anymore and it would be difficult to survive financially).

Thanks for all your help. ISR has been a wonderful resource for me since I discovered the review section years ago, and this forum section only recently. Without sounding sappy, I really appreciate this community and the experience we collectively bring.

@scoobysue

If it's Central High in Blantyre, I visited the school while living in Malawi to consider an offer, but ultimately declined. Central enjoyed a sterling reputation years ago but is now somewhat dilapidated. It serves the Indian community that either cannot afford the fees at St. Andrews (the jewel of Blantyre), or simply feel more comfortable with the leadership and culture of "Little India" (the Head is from India, as are a lot of the staff, and the vast majority of students).

The package was the reason I didn't join. The school offered $2100 Net/month (i.e., after 30% Malawian taxes), but couldn't/wouldn't go beyond that.

Housing is on-campus and not nice. The flats are single-story connected in a U-shaped pattern facing an open courtyard. It seemed like privacy would be difficult to come by, and I also worried about noise while sharing walls with neighbors on both sides. It's about a fifteen minutes drive from town, so if you have a car, it would be fine, but otherwise you might feel stranded (a "weekly shopping trip" was part of the package; taxis in Malawi are expensive).

I was quoted 20-25 students in a classroom. At the time there were three SmartBoards that teachers shared by reserving one of the rooms. Teachers share classrooms.

The Head seemed nice and honest, but the school also seemed a bit chaotic and with the large classes and on-campus housing, combined with the low pay, I didn't think I would be happy there.

PM me if you do have any questions.

Very helpful and gracious, PsyGuy, thank you!

Yeah, I know it sounds obvious. However, Search hasn't been much help, and I am a bit squeamish to post my CV on a public forum. I should utilize past supervisors, I just hate asking for favors. I should get over it, I guess.

Greetings Everyone,

This may be slightly outside the scope of the forum; however, I'm wondering if anyone knows of a person with specific international teaching expertise willing to do (paid) career counseling/consulting? Basically, I'm looking for someone that would give an honest appraisal of my application materials, what schools I should legitimately target, breaking into better schools, etc.

Thank you!

Hi Everyone,

I taught in Cairo pre-revolution, ten years ago, and loved it. Is there anyone that is currently living in Cairo that could share with me if you still feel safe and are enjoying it? I was in Maadi, and loved the shops and safety (it was a police-state, after all). Anyone that is actually living there with thoughts on returning? Thank you!

I've spent the past few weeks reading through the forums, and have seen fragments related to this, but nothing comprehensive--apologies if I missed it. With all the experienced and knowledgeable voices on here, I'm hoping someone can help:

Does anyone know of a worthwhile way to gain an administration license while teaching overseas? I've taught for nearly ten years internationally, and would like to move into admin, but don't have the desire or financial ability to move back stateside.

Are there accredited, reasonably priced programs, that don't require a physical presence?

Thank you

The only school where I've ever "done a runner", breaking contract. In my decade of teaching internationally, this was by far the worst. A few of the highlights...

A month into the school year, I was asked to sign a new, "updated contract." I refused.

Shortly after, we learned that the school year was 200 days, not the 180 agreed to in the contract. The response of the co-ower was "This is China. These things happen"). We were told we would be reimbursed at the end of the school year for the extra days. I don't know if that ever happened.

I was never given a work permit. The school initially wanted me to pay for the "visa run" out of the country. They eventually relented but insisted I get the next one.

You should know:

Nacel hires Americans through their Minnesota office (the organization was founded by an American and his Chinese partner), but once you reach your post, decisions affecting you are made by the local school, and the people hiring and interviewing you know very little about the actual school and its policies.

I was always paid on time and NACEL deducted taxes and sent me a W-2 which made tax time easier.

Contracts are one-year, at least mine was, so I suppose if you’re flat desperate, you might do worse. Still, this was a big career misstep for me, and I’ll always have this hole in my resume due to an organization that wasn’t very honest, couldn’t get teachers a work permit, and doesn’t deserve quality applicants.