Hi
Just wondering about opinions from seasoned teachers here. Search Associates just updated their system and this requires candidates to update things. One of the updates is a new "contract." In this contract, it states the usual things, except there are some new pieces. One of these includes a statement that if you break a contract you will not only reimburse the school the $1800 placement fee paid to Search, but you will also reimburse housing, airfare, moving allowances, etc. WOW.

So, I guess this means.....case scenario: someone accepts a two year contract with integrity. After year one ----insert any one of the horrendous stories I've read here about some schools----you leave between school years, so thus not completing the second year...you have an enormous bill to pay on top of being treated poorly. Many pay packages wouldn't have enough savings earned to even cover this. The contract clearly states they will use collection agencies to collect this money.

I stopped when I got to signing that part. I think it may mean I won't then have Search to help me find a job, but I am just feeling strongly that a contract like that is backing bad schools and bad practices...and not having MY back.

How are others feeling about this????

Thanks, everyone!

"As a librarian you have zero experience, why would any admin or recruiter give you the keys to the library when there are candidates out there with more experience (meaning any experience)." psyguy

I forgot to mention that I do have some experience as a librarian. Two years. It's not a lot but just enough, I should think.

"My issue is that your old, not too old, as 50 is about the point your either settled, a veteran or your an admin moving around still. Understand that once you hit 55 and up you start hitting visa problems. As a result retirement is going to be a major issue to consider. You very likely will not be able to retire out of an IS, so you would need to have a state side retirement?" psyguy

I was a little concerned about age, but the folks at Search didn't seem to think it would be that big of an issue. I have looked at the information page for dozens of schools and, really, almost all list 60-65 as the age limit for visas. I hope that is true. I have probably another 15-20 years of teaching left. I am not really planning to retire from an IS. I still am a bit confused about how retirement issues work when in the international circuit, but I'll figure that out.

"Without prior IS experience I don't see an elite school considering you very competitive." psyguy

Nearly every single school information page has said they will hire qualified teachers without experience, so I have to hold out hope that is true.

I think I am realistic about my chances, but still very hopeful at this point since it's something I've always wanted to experience.

"Yes! It really does take that long for each application! Be sure to look at the school's strategic plan and make sure your cover letter hits some of those points. You want your letter to be noticed!" Caligirl

Yes, that's great advice and I am doing that! For each position I am interested in, I am reading every word of the school's website and making sure my cover letter includes things that are very specific to what I've read. :) I just didn't realize, at first, that doing that, and filling out the application online, and sending things off would take an average of three hours. But, as wrldtrvlr123 said, now I have a baseline cover letter and the rest of the letters can be a slight twist on what's already there.

"Library positions can be hard to fill so I would keep an eye out for those as well." wrldtrvlr123

I have been told this very thing. One of the librarians I've worked with has done the international circuit for many years and said schools often have a tough time filling these positions.

Thanks again, everyone!

Hello, all
First post. I am new to the site and just starting to consider the possibility of teaching internationally. It's been on my bucket list my entire career, but raising a family, and other choices, kept me from exploring this opportunity. I'm feeling very overwhelmed at the moment....normal, I'm sure. :)

I have A few questions:

I recently joined the members area so I could review some of the schools, and while I am really excited at the idea of starting this journey, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the many negative reviews I'm reading there. Since many of the schools don't have reviews, or they are quite old, is asking here, on the forum, the best way to find out about schools?

I'm not sure what my chances are for getting a job. I'm a new member at Search, file is active, everything is ready to go and I've started to apply to schools. I'm worried about my chances, though. Here's my details: I'm 48 years old, single, no children will be accompanying me since mine are adults now, and I have been teaching at the elementary level for about 18 years. I have a Master's Degree and an endorsement in Library Media. I have great references from 5 principals and a parent. I was wondering if I have a better chance with Library Media to get my foot in the door? Any words of encouragement? Or otherwise, realistic feedback? :)

I get the idea of Tier 1, or the top schools, who will likely hire couples and those with experience, but how do I go about finding out which schools are considered good Tier 2 schools? Would you focus on those? Or try for the top spots anyway?

I just spent 3 hours on an application for my first choice (Panama) because I'm adding in specifics to my CV and hadn't written a teaching philosophy since college.....and it's changed since then. :) Are people really finding they need to spend this much time on each application?

Any advice for this overwhelmed newbie would be appreciated.