I worked in Nigeria. Health care was hit and miss. It depended on the illness, doctor, hospital, etc. While I was there a couple of expats died from malaria complications. Many people I worked with contracted malaria and typhoid. I was lucky not to have these issues.

Safety was also hit and miss. We we always warned to be careful. I never had serious issues, but other expats did (robberies, kidnappings, etc.). My biggest problem was being pulled over by the police and asked for bribes on a routine basis. They station themselves at roundabouts and flag you over. We had to keep all car doors locked and windows rolled up but for a crack otherwise police officers had been known to hop in the backseat and refuse to leave until money was given.

I did have wonderful times there too. The food and local people's zest for life is second to none. There's a real sense of being alive there (probably enhanced by the fact that you've successfully not died that day!)

Hi everyone,
I'm planning to re-activate my Search account in the next few days since I had a good experience with them during my last job search. I've seen several people mention re-activating their accounts and most people have said it was easy to do. I'm curious what exactly people had to do to reactivate their accounts; is it basically doing each of the requirements for registration all over again? I assume my previous references will be maintained but that I might need some from my current admin. Thanks for your help!

About me: Single, elementary certified female, seven years experience.

This past school year was my first teaching overseas. I'm assuming it's preferable to sign on for a third year since this is my first international job, but I'm wondering how some of you have decided whether to sign on for a third year at a school or whether to move on after your second year. I don't have many people to discuss this with who have been in similar situations, so your perspectives and opinions would be helpful. If I decide to leave I want to get an early start on getting recommendation letters and deciding if I should sign up with an agency.

Pros: I enjoy my job and the people I work with. My class size is smaller, I have a full-time teaching assistant, and I get double the planning time I'm used to. The salary is better than I made in the U.S. and allows me to save a good amount of money.

Cons: I don't like the city I live in. It's somewhat dirty and it's hard to get around. I am often pulled over by the police when driving because I stand out, which makes me a target for bribes. Staying for a third year would also mean moving into the new teacher housing that my school is building on campus and I don't know how I feel about living on the school grounds.

What are some reasons that some of you decided to move on? What would you do in a situation similar to mine?

I have from 10:05-12:45 Mondays through Thursdays and from 11:10-12:45 on Fridays, though I have a 15 minute recess duty during that time on Tuesdays and a 20 minute lunch duty on Thursdays. I plan with my teaching partner for 45 minutes twice a week during that time. I have a meeting with the literacy coach or curriculum coordinator once a week every other week. In full disclosure, I eat my lunch somewhere in that time as well. I also have time before school (at least 15 minutes depending on how early I arrive) and half an hour after school. Overall, I have much more time than I did in the US, where I had 45 minutes four days a week, plus time before and after school.

I'm just curious: who is in charge of scheduling the flights for teachers at your school? Is it an employee of the school? A travel agent hired by the school? Do you set your flights up yourself? For those who have had experiences at several different schools, which method seems to be the most common? Which way do you prefer?

I have Missouri certification and upgraded from my initial certification to professional/career continuous a couple of years ago. If you have 10 or more years experience, a master's degree, or national board certification, there is no PD requirement and it's good for 99 years.

To the OP: if you have at least four years of experience (and meet the other requirements) to qualify for the professional/career continuous certification and you're looking for a good way to renew, Missouri might be for you. There's more information on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website. https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/ce ... on/teacher

I've been pondering something recently and I'm wondering what other people's opinions might be.

When I was a newly certified elementary teacher (in the midwestern U.S.) and applying for jobs in 2010 I sent out around 100 applications, had six interviews, and two job offers.

While applying for elementary jobs at international schools this past fall I sent out around 30 applications, had seven interviews, and six job offers.

My questions are: Is it easier to get hired internationally than domestically or was my previous experience colored by an economy coming out of the recession? Does it seem easier to get hired now simply because I have several years of experience and experience is valued both domestically and internationally? Thoughts?

I also agree with EllieSLP. I did the same thing just a few days ago and I ended up with the job I wanted!

Thank you for your feedback, everyone. I have signed a contract with school 2.

I'm working to decide between two offers and I know that a large part of my decision will depend on what I decide I value most: compensation or a potentially interesting location. However, since this will be my first international job I'm not sure which of those two things I should value more. I'm hoping that some of you might be able to give me advice about what you would do if you were given the same two choices.

School 1--Egypt
Pay: $37,000
Housing: Allowance of 5000 EGP/month; I'd be responsible for utilities
Small settling-in allowance
Transportation to and from school each day
Student body of 1,200 with 10% U.S citizens and 80% local students


School 2--capital city in western Africa
Pay: $49,000
Housing: school-provided furnished housing; school pays for utilities
Generous baggage/shipment/storage allowance
Transportation would require a car and school offers an interest free loan
Student body of 500 with 35% U.S. citizens and 40% local students; school is U.S. State Dept. and Embassy affiliated

I'm leaning toward school 2 because of the better pay and benefits, but I want to make sure that makes sense and that I'm not crazy to be turning down the other opportunity. Thoughts?

I have an offer to teach in Cairo, in the 6th of October City/Sheikh Zayed City areas. Does anyone have any insight into safety, housing, and day to day living/logistics in those sections of Cairo? I am a single female and the school offers transportation back and forth to campus each day. Thanks!

steve416,
I told them it was too early for me to make a decision. The director emailed after the job fair to tell me she still has a position open for me and that I should let her know if I'm interested. I've got other interviews lined up, but now I'm feeling wishy-washy since there's still an opening.

Psyguy,
In regards to your 3) So a turn around time of being offered the job at the end of the interview with the director is too slow? Additionally, if you say that I wasn't the highest rated candidate, but the director did say that, then does that mean the director is lying? After the first interview with the elementary principal, I was told I was the highest rated, so I was rated before my interview with the director. I was the first person to be offered a job. In regards to the comment about safety, this school is located in a safe country, so that's not really one of my issues with taking this job. I appreciate your feedback in thinking I should pass on the offer, I'm just curious about some clarification of your points, especially if I need to be worried about professional dishonesty. Thanks!

Never mind. I figured it out.

https://www.teachaway.com/teaching-jobs ... -abu-dhabi

Does anyone know what school(s) this vacancy is referring to? I've tried to use the clues in the listing to figure it out, but I'm not sure.