Well, that makes sense. Thanks.

Of course, I was really hoping for an answer like, "Don't worry, they don't really mean it. In fact, they really prefer couples with non teaching spouses." lol

I'm looking at schools and I'm finding something that is starting to really discourage me. It seems a lot of the schools I'm really interested in have a "prefer not" policy on teacher's with non-teaching spouses.

Can somebody explain why that is? I can understand not wanting single teacher with dependants, but what is the issue with a married teacher with a non-teaching spouse?

Thanks for the advice about signing up on Search Associates immediately. I just started it and you are right, it will take a while to complete it.

I spent this summer in the Philippines and I was really amazed at the differences. I just fell in love with the country and I really want to see more of Asia now. I could only imagine what a classroom would be like.

I have a couple of questions about contacting schools. I plan to join Search and attend the Cambridge fair. You're saying I should go ahead and contact schools on my own now? And should I contact all the ones I'm interested in, or just the ones that have posted openings?

By the way, just thinking about getting out of here has me really excited about teaching again. I haven't felt like that in a long time. Thanks.

OK.. those problems do make for a rather unhappy experience. It's not like expecting a punch in the face, but I'm sure it can really make a person dread going to work every day.

I assume that most schools are good; but I guess I'll focus my search on the one's that I've read good things about, instead of just being optimistic.

When you say there are bad schools out there; how would you compare them to a bad school in the states? At some of the bad schools, I've dealt with gangs, drugs, violence, and, in extreme cases there were times when I didn't even feel safe.

What would be the conditions at a bad international school?

I've been teaching in the states for 16 years; I'm certified math. I guess I'm kind of burned out on what I've been encountering in urban public schools. I just want to find a place where I'll be paid decent and be treated with a tiny bit of respect by the students. That's all I need to make me happy.

Does that type of school exist? How difficult will it be for me to be hired, with my experience? Any advice for someone taking this journey for the first time?

Thanks all.