As a product of living overseas and attending International Schools, I would say that it is a great opportunity which will have lasting benefits. Looking back, I would not have traded my experiences for anything. Being able to interact with other international students, travel to far off places, and learn in schools that promote international/global values is something that does not come around everyday. You have made a good decision opening your kid's eyes to the big, wide world. Good Luck!

In Kuwait right now at one of the big, reputable International Schools. The pay schedule here was similar to what it was back in the States at public school. The benefits (apartment, airfare, tax-free salary, etc...) really do help out. Kuwait is not that cheap however. My wife and I spend between $175-$250 per week on groceries and we hardly go out. However, there are cheaper places you can buy groceries, but we want certain products that cannot be found in local markets. There is another issue however with the rise of the $ in comparison to the Kuwaiti Dinar. At most schools here you will be paid in Dinars, and therefore lose money anytime the currency takes a hit. We have lost several (yes, several) thousand dollars because we were paid in local currency and not in dollars. A gamble that you have to take. But overall, you CAN save money here, not because the salary is high, but because there is a limited amount of things to do, which means that you will be close to home on most nights and weekends. Hope this helps.

Formative grades can receive a zero. Summative grades cannot. This is from an American school in Kuwait. We just established this new rule at the end of last year. Most teachers are on board with it, and there have been relatively few issues.

At the two international schools that I have worked at they have done this. Both are respectable schools and follow very strict policies that are overseen by administrators or a board of directors. I think it is is a common practice. I have also seen it done on salary schedules in the U.S. when you move districts within a state. Hope this helps.

I currently am at an American/International school in Kuwait (the highest rated one for sake of remaining somewhat anonymous) and there is a HIGH rate of turnover this year. People say that it is due to a number of factors:

No incentive to stay- There is no raise after an initial contract is completed. There is no bonus or pay bump if you stay for a longer period.

Dwindling or a Lack of Resources- Resources are going away. What was once here 5 years ago, are being slowly scaled back to save money.

Hiring- The school tends to hire new teachers right out of university and then send them on their way after a couple of years instead of investing in solid teachers and giving them incentives to stay.

For Profit- The school is for profit, which no one can deny will factor into all decisions that must be made.

Overall, the school is steadily going downhill fast. The administration in all schools have changed so much in the past several years that there is a concern on guidance and leadership. The school does not invest back into their teachers or infrastructure so it is slowly crumbling from beneath them. Since teachers do not feel appreciated, they are leaving.....and this year, they are leaving in hordes.

I have family members that have worked there for 4 years and they like it to a certain extent. The school is growing and the leadership is strong. They are trying to become to top school in the region and in all honesty they are on their way. New school infrastructure, nice living spaces, and a fair package. The only drawbacks are that it is a busy, crowded city, it is hard to find outdoor spaces to play with your kids, and it is not as cheap and some would expect. But since the majority of your time will be spent at school, it is a good place to check out.