I'm new to the game as well and decided to test the waters before signing up with a recruitment agency. I picked 10 "dream" schools and followed their various application procedures. I heard back from three schools. Two were limited interactions where they basically told me that they were interested but were looking for more international, IB experience. However, the third offered me a chance to interview. After a couple of interviews I was offered and accepted a job. I'm still in a state of shock, as I believed that "Tier 1" schools don't hire "newbies" very often. Feeling very fortunate.

Perhaps I can give some of you some hope. I'm brand new to the international teaching scene and have had two interviews with a consensus top 5 school in Asia. Crossing my fingers for an offer. Feeling confident.

Thanks for the reply! I'm still not sure how I'll proceed. I guess that it depends on where the school is located. It might actually be better in some instances to be hired as a local-hire due to generous country-specific pension plans, etc. I'll have to do my homework.

I'm interested in applying to several schools in the EU. On several applications they ask about your passport(s). I'm a dual U.S./EU citizen and am wondering if there is anything I need to be worried about if I declare my EU passport...mainly taxes. Would it be illegal to not mention my EU passport and work on my U.S. passport? Has anyone ever had this issue? Thanks!

Why do they currently have so many openings? 21 at last count. Considering they aren't a huge school, it seems a little high.

Is there anyone out there who has personal experience with the summer fairs? As a list of attending schools has yet to be published, I was wondering if any of the "top" schools actually show up, or if it is just the schools who struggle to find staff during the regular recruiting period.

I am certified to teach Business Education 5-12 (Economics, IT, etc.) and Middle School Math/Science while my wife teaches Elementary Ed. In the past, it's the math/science that interested perspective employers. It's good to hear that there may be options that late in the game. Thanks for the response.

My wife and I are a teaching couple who have been interested in overseas teaching for sometime...almost took positions in China last year at this time. Ideally, we would like to look for our first posting in a couple of years time, when our son is middle school age. However, due to possible budget cutbacks in our area one or both of us may lose our positions this spring which would push up our timetable. Of course, nobody can say one way or the other until about May.

While I know that most of the premier jobs will be long gone by then, are there still decent positions open in spring? Also, is the Search Assoc. job fair in June worth the trouble? Does anyone have any experience at this fair? Thanks in advance for any input.

You're right. While a top 10 list based on personal opinions will always be flawed to some extent, I've noticed with international teaching that some schools continually are mentioned as top-notch.

For me, I suppose, the living situation may carry more weight than overall school atmosphere. My wife and I are both fairly adaptable as we've both worked in well-run and poorly-run schools, so I'm more concerned with the quality of life and overall experience for my son. I'm well aware of the pollution, traffic and safety issues that most of these cities face. However, in spite of that, some of these schools/living arrangements appear to be an "oasis" in these busy cities.

However, for our first overseas appointment, I may be setting our sights a bit high. We'll see....

[quote]To the original poster, you're right. The reviews of most schools on the pay-part of ISR are quite bad. Who ever bothers to post positive things? When life is good, not many feel motivated to get on the computer and write a review, just like most of us rarely swing by the principal's office to say how good things are going :-)[/quote]

Understood. While I have basically ignored most of the reviews containing personal attacks (generally on the administration), what tends to strike doubt in me is when "sketchy" practices are brought up, such as withholding pay, bonuses, passports, etc. While I understand that judging character is usually based on a person's point of view, withholding pay would have to be completely fabricated...or true with few exceptions.

By the way, thank you very much for the lists. For the most part, you both have confirmed what I have heard through the "grape-vine."

If anyone has any additions, it would be greatly appreciated.[/b]

I have to say that after spending a couple of hours reading reviews on this site, there seem to be quite a few disgruntled former employees who contribute to the review section.

My wife and I are currently in the process of securing our first overseas placement for our family, but I have to say that the majority of the reviews, even for seemingly fantastic schools, are very discouraging. Even though I know that most of these are provided by jaded employees, they still have a negative impact.

So my question is, for those in the know, what would be your top 5-10 schools in E/SE Asia in terms of overall school experience, package and general living conditions

Anyone have any first-hand info on this school? I've been to Thailand before so I know that the cost of living is pretty good, but what about taxes etc.? Any info. is appreciated.