Hi PsychBean,

I lived in worked in Panama City for three years with my family.

Albert Einstein is a Jewish school although many non-Jews go there. I know nothing more than that, and I actually even question that information about the school. I just never heard much about that school. I would think it is pretty small compared to the other private schools there.

I saw the below post on another thread and wanted to comment: "Psychbean,

I have not lived in Panama City, but I did just have a 1st and 2nd interview (an got an offer) with a school there at the AASSA fair this year. I had a lot of questions about life there, as you can imagine and I will be taking my dog with me wherever I go next year. (I accepted a position in Mexico)

This was what I learned (totally based on my questions and what is important to me, lifestyle-wise):

1) it's not a walking city -you simply must have a car there and public transport is not recommended (safety and efficiency)

2) because it is not an agricultural country, produce generally is imported. Hence, no veggie/fruit stands all through the neighborhoods.

3) most folks in the city live in highrise apartments (awful for me with a dog) and it is not a city of parks

4) more green space in the suburbs (that's where the principal I interviewed with lives) but then it's more isolated (not great for me as a single person)

5) with a car, you have easy access to incredible natural places in Panama, beaches, jungles, etc. People I spoke to compared the city to Miami, but raved about the beautiful countryside within a few hours drive. "

1. correct about walking although there is a great and large park (Parque Omar) near the city center. great for walking. It is in the neighborhood San Francisco. Some of the outer neighborhoods are very walkable and quiet. I went walking as a family daily with a stroller.

2. Fruit and veggies are abundant and many come from the agricultural region of Cerro Punta. For $10 my family would have a trunk full of veggies and fruit from the local market. There was also mini fruit stands all over the place.

3. True for the most part but you could live in Casco Viejo (colonial part) or out near the - if you want to avoid the city and high rises. High rise rentals are easy to find but there are some real gems to be had in Panama City.

4. We loved near the - in a quiet walkable neighborhood 10 minutes drive from the bars and restaurants in Casco Viejo.

5. Correct.

6. Panama can be done very much on the cheap if you are looking to save money.

My wife and I are considering an option in Cairo as well. Could any of you there comment more on the safety? Any issues you've had or experienced? Is living in Maadi removed from the action? Any comments you have would be appreciated!

Hi there, I live in Zambia with my wife and child. We love living here and feel that there is more than plenty to do and see. We don't fly to destinations, but drive. Just last week, we went on a boat cruise on the big lake here, saw tons of animals (elephants, zebras, edland, etc) and then ate a private dinner on an island in the middle of the lake -- the cruise was $45 USD and the place to stay nearby that night $25 per person. Just an example, but plenty to do if you like outdoor restaurants and camping especially. Movies are $5. We have heard great things about AISL too. We know people who have worked there for 5-10 years and have great things to say about how it is changing and growing. Teacher housing seems nice. The weather is the best that we have ever lived in. Definitely consider this school and living in Zambia!

School is moving up not down. Previous head and this one are good. Secondary school admin is good. Technology has been improving every year. Every teacher has a laptop and projector, a few whiteboards floating around. I never heard a no when I wanted to order soft and/or hardware. Probably better now, I am 1.5 years removed.

Panama is okay. Traffic can be awful. You can get anything you need. Travel opportunities are good especially if you like the beach. As a family of three on one salary, we saved a little but not much. The package on search in under representing what you would get.

1. My current position includes ESOL and SPED. Many Intl schools combine the department if not the position as well. You will likely be asked to support in English and Math the most, but generally you will support in all subjects. Being competent in many subjects is not a bad thing; it is not likely that you would need certification beyond SPED.

2. It has been my experience (5 years intl.) that the ability to collaborate with the subject teachers is a more important skill than specific subject knowledge. However, a strength in English and/or Math will be a step ahead of those that cannot say or so the same. I am in my third round of job hunting; I get collaboration questions, assessment questions, and differentiation questions, not content questions.

3. Currently, I am .8 SPED, .2 ESOL, and teach an - writing course for our SPED students in the IB diploma program on a team of 7.

When entering the intl school world, I had one year of experience and a dependent.

I work in Lusaka at another international school. I hear mostly good things from the people I've met there. AIS is located just outside of Lusaka. My family and I love living in Zambia and Lusaka. If you are looking for the "smaller" city feel, Lusaka is that when compared to the usual location for international schools.

Live in Zambia and LOVE it. Great for families. Easier than other places I've lived to be part of the local community as well.

Me too. lindsayabo@yahoo.com

First, thanks for the couple of replies; I hope more share.

I will be moving to Zambia. I've heard travel can be difficult but at the same time very rewarding.

I've heard similar about the internet, but I have also heard it's improving, and mobile phone access and coverage is getting better.

Again Thanks.

Where were you? Was travel easy? Did people come visit you? Internet access? What was the good and/or bad?

I got my first job internationally as a SPED teacher with dependent in Central America. I've been here for three years and have liked it very much. I am at a school that went from 1 SPED teacher to 5 in 4 years. I am moving on now as a teaching couple with dependent. We have already accepted a position.

If your dependent is willing to go without a visa you should have no problem, but it probably won't be that hard for them to get a visa. Best of luck.

I've traveled to and spoke with teachers that work at the school. I currently work in Central America at a school in the same conference. The teachers seem to be very happy with the school. Guatemala is a great country to travel in. The people and things to see are great. Guatemala City can be a bit dicey though.

Thank you for the replies, numbers and perspectives. My current school has gone from a SPED staff of one to a SPED staff of five in three years. I think this is the trend internationally.

I didn't hear to much chatter about the counseling situation abroad. It is my understanding that it is much the same. Not an overwhelming number of positions, but not an overwhelming number of counselors to fill them either.

Overhere, I like that response. I go back and forth between believing in the tier system and thinking it make believe. In the end I imagine there are good schools and bad schools across all the alleged tiers.

Much Thanks,
Randy

I kind of assumed about taking the step down. I do question it though because the money can still be good down at tier 3. Just so I know apples are apples I am going to list three schools and what tier I think they fall in. Psyguy or who ever let me know if you agree.

Tier 1: International School of Beijing
Tier 2: Saigon South International School
Tier 3: International School of Lusaka

Agree? If you no, give me your examples.

It seems to be a necessary evil to get or have a better chance of good employment abroad and at home (US). I do not think the $57 fee is that big of a deal. I need to accumulate 125 hours of PD over 5 years. The PD is also not a big deal. It ends up being a couple of hours a month. An IB training or 3 day conference here and there pretty much take care of the 125 hours and then some. The department of education gives me a license that's about it.