Thanks all. We have two kids now, both born in the country I am teaching in and have been debating a third. My current school covers tuition for the kids without restriction on number of kids, but our oldest is in local school at the moment so it isn't an issue. I don't know that we want to live here forever so I appreciate the responses.

Just curious--does anyone here have a 'larger' family (3 kids)? How has that impacted your ability to move schools/find jobs? Do most schools still cover tuition for all kids? Thanks for any insights.

Hi,

I'm a current Learning Support teacher. Prior to getting a Master's in SPED, I had started a Master's degree in School Counseling in the US. I switched majors but have always wanted to get back to counseling. I've been at a PYP school in Europe for almost 7 years now in LS (originally from the US) and am looking at possibly making the switch. Ideally I would get a Master's in School Counseling, but it seems like that isn't a requirement for international schools and the master's programs are pretty pricey. From research on ISCA, am I right that if I take 4 courses through the Counselor Training Center, I would have a certificate that enables me to practice as a school counselor? Is that the most logical route? The courses are a bit expensive so just curious if anyone has any experience with that and what the best way to go about it is. Thanks for any advice.

I'm teaching at an international school in WE. My husband came over as a trailing spouse with both of us thinking he'd be able to find work where we are at, which hasn't happened mainly due to work permit difficulties (we're both American). Anyways, he has a Master's degree in IT (Information and Security Assurance, but not a lot of experience as we moved 2 years after he got the degree). We're thinking about having him get certified as a teacher so that it expands our options as ideally we'd like to stay in Europe. What are the quickest teaching certification programs, preferably online?

For what it's worth, I'm at my first IT job in Belgium. I'm an American teacher, had a Master's and 5 years experience. I have a trailing spouse as well. I agree with looking at the fringe--I have a friend in Eastern Europe with a far better overall package than us.

Budapest! I have a friend teaching there who loves it. We just got back from a trip there, and loved the city. It's actually where we are hoping to land after my current contract ends next year.

So we accepted the post in Antwerp and now have family that is not so happy. They're telling us how unsafe it is and that we should not be going. I think this would be anywhere in Europe but especially since Brussels was recently attacked. I've honestly only read good things about Antwerp in terms of safety, so I didn't know if you all had any input on that? Are those of you in WE feeling safe there still? Is there something about Antwerp I've missed in terms of safety? Thanks again for the input.

@psyguy Thank you for the information! That is helpful. Do you think he will have an easier time targeting American companies over there? Since they know I would be working, would that have any benefit? I am hoping he will be able to get on my visa and be eligible to work--is that a thing?

@tommypizza--that sounds delicious, I will have to check it out! I'm a little bit of a beer snob, so that's good to hear :)

After a trying recruitment season, I've been offered a job in Antwerp (!). Anyone have any information about life there? I feel like I've read mostly good things, the cost of living seems relatively affordable, etc. I will be coming with my husband, who is not a teacher, but works in IT. It would seem, with the proximity to Brussels as well, that there would be opportunities for him to work--anyone have any insight on that? Thanks for the help!

@psyguy do you have to have a visa or EU passport to teach in the UK for DS vacancies? Or will they fund one to bring you over? Just curious as I'm not having much luck this year and have been thinking of looking in to this.
Thanks.

I am having a very informal discussion tomorrow with a school in Southern Norway. A school in Curitiba, Brazil also reached out yesterday to talk, and I'm looking at a position in Cebu, Philippines. I really don't know much about any of these places, but especially not Brazil or the Philippines as I've never been to these parts of the world. I've at least traveled extensively in Europe. Any suggestions/opinions, etc on life in any or all?
Thanks!

Hi,

I was recently offered a two year position for special education in Casablanca. Wanted to get some opinions on life in the city? I'm a female, would be moving with my husband. I'm a big outdoor runner, into yoga, etc., in terms of lifestyle habits. I've heard some things regarding sexual harassment of women, but have also heard it's more harmless and annoying than anything else. Anyone have any insight or experience in life in Casablanca? The salary is rather low, but from what I've read so is cost of living. Would you agree with that?
Hoping to make a decision by the end of the week, so I appreciate your input!

Thanks!

Thanks so much for all the responses! It's a seven hour time difference, which is a little tricky because I can't just talk whenever I need to, but I think having pre-determined times to talk and following through with those (for the most part) would be key. I'm not worried about cheating, that's not something either of us would ever do (but knock on wood just to be safe ;) ). The time difference and just having this experience without him, are the hardest for me. He would most likely be able to visit in Sept./Oct. and hopefully March, each for a week. It's a maternity cover which is why it's just a year for now, and there's always the 'depending on how things go' clause, but I think that the year is good. So, we will see!

Oh man....I thought there might be more 'it's not that bad!' responses, so that's good to know I guess. I've traveled pretty extensively, just hadn't lived abroad before, but have always wanted to and it's such a great opportunity. Thanks for the advice though.
@shadowjack, how often were you guys able to see each other?

Hi All,

I've never posted before so please be kind. I'm just kind of looking for any advice from those who have done this and have it. :)
I have received a one year contract position at a great school in WE. I know how fortunate I am in that regards, with no real international teaching experience. I haven't completely accepted because I am hesitant for one (big) reason.
My question is regarding long distance relationships, and how difficult it was to maintain with the time difference? My partner and I are planning on getting engaged this summer, probably before this job would start. However, he won't be able to come with me as his job most likely won't permit him to. This has been something I've wanted to do for a long time, however, I am nervous with the time difference and being apart for a year, especially during such a critical point in our relationship. I'm in my early 30s, so I'm not that old or young either way. I want to start a family and do all of those things, and we can and will either way, I just don't know if I'm being ridiculous about being concerned about the long distance. Has anyone done this before??

Appreciate your input.