More than taxes, is to look into what currency you're being paid in. I've got friends at Graded who are leaving, in part, because they get paid local currency which has devalued by 30%. I wouldn't be willing to take that kind of pay cut. There are good traits and bad with all these schools, and it is essential that you do your research and ask the right questions come interview time. Good luck.

I will be moving on from my current school, for a number of reasons, but first and foremost is because administration is a mess. The new director is making poor decisions and moving the school in the wrong direction and the principals are going along, probably to save their own jobs. It is unfortunate, as the school is a really great institution.

I don't want to get too into that, but I would like to ask people for suggestions as to how I can phrase my reasons for leaving to a prospective new boss? I'm sure administrators know that there are lousy administrators out there, and I don't want to trash talk anyone, but I don't want to lie either.

Thoughts?

I teach at IST in Dar es Salaam and only know a few things by reputation. Hope I can help. First off, Moshi is small, but beautiful. You're at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro with beautiful weather, surrounded by coffee plantations, and Masai country beyond that. Lots of (expensive) safari parks nearby known as the "northern circuit" including Serengeti, Tarangeri, Lake Manyara. You're backyard is the place where people take their "trip of a lifetime".

The school itself seems to have a mixed reputation. The biggest problem I hear is in regards to their financial problems. They apparently haven't been making a profit in quite a few years, and I would ask about budget and program cuts and enrollment numbers.

Living in Tanzania has its frustrations and one really needs to have a relaxed attitude about the dysfunction here. If you need comfort and consistency I wouldn't recommend Africa. If you're up for an adventure and willing to take things as they come, why not?

I teach at IST in Dar es Salaam and only know a few things by reputation. Hope I can help. First off, Moshi is small, but beautiful. You're at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro with beautiful weather, surrounded by coffee plantations, and Masai country beyond that. Lots of (expensive) safari parks nearby known as the "northern circuit" including Serengeti, Tarangeri, Lake Manyara. You're backyard is the place where people take their "trip of a lifetime".

The school itself seems to have a mixed reputation. The biggest problem I hear is in regards to their financial problems. They apparently haven't been making a profit in quite a few years, and I would ask about budget and program cuts and enrollment numbers.

Living in Tanzania has its frustrations and one really needs to have a relaxed attitude about the dysfunction here. If you need comfort and consistency I wouldn't recommend Africa. If you're up for an adventure and willing to take things as they come, why not?

I have taught music in 3 international schools, and have done my share of research as I'm about to move to my fourth. There are no set programs or rules. Some schools teach general music, which can mean a mix of theory, piano, guitar, singing, music appreciation, etc. Some (mostly American Schools) offer band and choir. Schools that teach the MYP usually have general music instruction. I have taught general music, band, HS electives (in which I could choose what to do), drama, and ES music.

I know of schools which have husband and wife both teaching music. Unless it was a large school, one would be teaching younger kids, and the other older. It seems that once schools get over 350/400 students than you have 2 teachers. I did k-12 in a small school of 270.

My recommendation is to apply to schools which offer programs with your strengths and wishes. There are so many schools out there, and wonderful places to live and discover. The larger more established schools will/should have more established programs and curriculum. Is this what you want, or would you like to develop a program? It's all up to you.

Good luck

I am currently working at IST and have been for a number of years. I would disagree with the first ISR posting that stressed Dar crime so much. This place is far from perfect - ain't they all? - but crime and violence really isn't on my radar. I don't have kids and do get out and about, both in Dar, Zanzibar and in the country. Of course there are muggings, and certain parts of town or beaches which I do not go to at night. That being said, if you are using typical common sense you should be okay. One does not see guns regularly (aside from the antiques security guards carry) and Tanzanians in general are pretty mellow and easy-going people not looking for trouble.

Housing here is a bit of an issue. If you are used to comfortable and large housing, this might not be the posting for you. The problem is that you just don't know what you'll get. Some housing is nice and new (and more is being built), but some is also old, small and crappy. The norm seems to be that after their first year new teachers enter the housing lottery and move into something nicer.

Life in Dar is chill if you are easy-going and don't bring too many expectations. Most things are good, but there is lots of dysfunction in Tanzania (and as a result the school). There's a good vibe at the school, and if you like the ocean, outdoors and warm weather, then it's a great posting to consider.