PsyGuy wrote:
> Lisbon isnt all that cheap. I suppose its really all relative, since your
> coming from the EU.
> Generally unless someone asks specifically the convention is to aggregate
> the region as the LCSA. The rational is that theres usually only a couple
> ISs worth talking about (1st tier) and the rest of no particular interest
> or value (the coin in the region is notably low on the global comp scale
> even at upper tier ISs).
>
> Your TEFL certificate isnt worth anything in IE. Your better off someplace
> in S.Asia as you cant save what you dont make in the first place. There are
> plenty of warm locals and with better comp.


PsyGuy,

Not sure if you actually read my post at all. I do not simply have a TEFL. As I stated in the original post, I have an MA in Education and 18 years of experience so I do not think I need to limit myself to SE Asia. I am currently teaching at a Tier 1 school in Scandinavia.
I am seeking advice on places that have a lower cost of living and more pleasant climate. I am open to a good school with a Learning Support program in SE Asia if it had good reviews from others. I am looking for advice from people who have some firsthand knowledge of schools in places that might suit what I am looking for. I realize of course that salaries in "cheap" countries would be lower. Just trying to see if anyone on this site has advice. Thanks for your input though.

Hi all, I've been teaching for two years in a Tier one school in the EU and have 18 years of experience teaching overall with my MA in Special Education from the US. I also have TEFL cert and experience from working in CA teaching ELL. I think this makes me a fairly strong candidate!! Though I like my current job and know that it is Tier 1, I am tired of the horrible weather and cost of living where I am and am exploring warmer climates. After searching the boards I haven't seen much info on the schools in Lisbon or Mexico City which are two places I am considering looking into. I've also thought about Panama City but I haven't actually been there yet. Anyone have experience with Learning Support programs in these areas? Any advice or recommendations appreciated :)

Is there DM on this? Id love to be in touch with a local about housing search, etc.

I may be offered a position in CPN and don't have any real reservations about the school. However I do not understand what to expect for salary!! Can anyone tell me what a good salary would be for a city like CPN where I would be taken for 42% in taxes? It's looking like it would be a base salary of around 40,000DKK and pension of around 6000DKK. Can two people live on this? One of whom will not have a job? It seems like a pretty dream offer but I also have a cat and not sure how rental spaces are about all of this and cost and moving pet there, etc. I've got a lot to look into! When you are a foreigner paying into these taxes, do you actually benefit from it? Can I attend school there for free for example? Any help from someone currently there would be fantastic

Walter wrote:
> Quite right too. Lots of interest in Learning Support - at all levels - in
> international schools. Look up "Next Frontier - Inclusion", which
> is being driven by Bill and Ochan Powell. They have conferences around the
> world for international school LS teachers, and they are sell outs. This is
> a really good field to get into as a teacher!

@walter, @psyguy, others who have replied,

Thanks for all of the responses. I've joined Search and Teach Away as well as CIS. I will also look into ISS. I've directly emailed to postings in Germany, Netherlands, Korea and Italy. Not sure if I will hear back. From what I have heard from others it seems like you just have to go to the London or BKK fairs to make any connections :( Since I have no international experience I guess I'm at the bottom of the pile despite my experience/education level. However, I will keep trying! I am completely open to Eastern Europe as well! Looking at the salaries, I am kind of shocked at how much less they pay than my current public school position in CA and wonder if anyone can live off of 43K with 30-40% tax rate and still manage to save or travel around! I see that the schools in places like Korea seem to offer a lot more money and provide more of an opportunity to save. I'm going to the SF fair to "practice" next weekend and maybe make some contacts. I'm not really into the business-like mentality of "selling yourself" so this will take some practice for me. Thanks for all of the advice!

Hello! I have not yet signed up with SA but hope to attend the SF fair in February. I would mainly be looking for a learning support teacher position which I know is somewhat new at many IB schools. I have applied directly to several schools in the EU for this position but have no idea if my info will be lost in the shuffle or if SA fair is the only way to go. I have 15 years of experience teaching in inclusion programs in the US in several large diverse cities and a Master's degree in Education. I think I am an excellent candidate but I will admit I will be choosy about where I live for my teaching career. I'm spoiled from living in CA and don't want to put myself in a miserable situation ;) I am open to Asia, Central/S America, and Europe. I've traveled to all of these places multiple times so familiar with the potential culture shocks, etc.

I guess my main question is does anyone here have experience with learning support programs at any IS schools or have advice on the best packages for schools that may offer these programs. Any advice on whether SA fair is totally worth it for learning support or not is also helpful. It sounds like everyone thinks that Search is the end-all be-all for finding international positions but just trying to get some perspective from those who may work in this field. Thanks!