Thanks for the replies. Finally got the "unsuccessful" letter today. Ah well, at least I know.

Good luck newcounsil.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Tbh I'm just surprised at the lack of manners. I got a great first impression at interview, but maybe I was wrong!

I've recently had my first ever Skype interview with a very respected school in the ME. I thought the interview went OK, not the best I've ever had, but OK. I was informed that a decision would be made on a certain day, which is now well passed. I emailed the Head a few days ago asking if a decision had been made, but have still received no contact.

Is this the norm on the International circuit?

Once again thanks for everyone's replies, it's great to get so many different perspectives. One more question to throw into the mix... does the current state of affairs between Iran and Saudi not change any of the positive views?

When I read reports of "most dangerous crisis for 30 years", "Daesh targeting..... western teachers in Saudi".

I really am trying to eliminate reasons for not applying for the job, but each day I read about the potential threats and think about the safety of my family. On one hand I'm thinking "there's 6 million expats in Saudi and they don't seem to be running", but on the other I'm thinking "you're selfish and foolish to risk the safety of your wife and kids in such potentially volatile times".

I am genuinely finding it so hard to decide as I have no first hand knowledge, and am constantly glued to the news websites!

Thanks for your input everyone, it's much appreciated.

Thanks both of you for replying. My biggest concern is the threat of terrorism tbh, but I don't know if my concerns are justified. Apparently ISIS are targeting westerners in Saudi as well as the Mosques that have been bombed. But, isn't the threat the same in the likes of London, Sydney, Paris, Brussels etc..? What I'm trying to say is, is the threat of terrorism to my wife and kids more likely in Riyadh than in other cities across the world? I certainly don't want to be on compound worrying everyday about getting bombed!

Mamava, it's the British School I'm looking at.

Hi all. I'm wondering if anyone is on the ground in Saudi who can me a balanced view regarding safety for westerners and their families? An almost perfect job is being advertised and I'm after a bit of a perspective as to whether it's safe to take wife +2.

Many thanks.

Thanks.

Just after some info regarding this school's package. The website details the salary etc, but does anyone know if they offer free places to teacher's children?
Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the info Shadowjack. Good luck to the missus.

Thanks for the replies.
Shadowjack, if it was the money I was after, I'd change profession! But saying that, financial security has to be up there when you're raising a family.
I appreciate the advice re IB experience. Any ideas how to get some whist teaching in a UK curriculum school?
Shadowjack, what course is your wife enrolling on?

I have almost 10 years experience with teaching maths in the UK. My wife has recently found her calling after 13 years of being a solicitor and is due to enrol in a PGCE course later this year, with the intent of us both teaching "overseas" post qualification.

After recently reading several blogs on ISR, I am a little concerned that the lifestyle and package of international teachers is on the decline. Many posts comment on the great packages they used to receive, compared to the packages on offer now. Many posts are commenting on the increasing cost of living, without the increasing wage increase.

I'm only too aware of the economics of my own country and that the quality of life for us 4 (2kids) as a family is being sapped. This is probably the underlying reason for looking at overseas schools.

Whilst i know we'll never be millionaires, but, to offer my kids the quality of education coupled with a life overseas is definitely forefront in our minds. However, I am concerned that once we leave the benefits of the "teachers pension" and remove ourselves from the UK teaching circles, we probably won't be able to return.

Will the future of international teachers still be as viable as it is now, or do you think the boat has sailed, thus probably better weathering the storm and forget the possibility of a better life??

OK Thanks for the info.

Does anyone have any info on this British curriculum school? Specifically, working environment and salaries.
Thanks.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Yes, vincentchase is right, I am a maths teacher from England, not and english and maths teacher - sorry for the confusion.

In response to PSY- my experience is solely within the British curriculum, GCSE and A-Level maths. I have a BA Hons degree but no Masters. My results ALWAYS provide a positive residual against targets and consistently receive "good" or "outstanding" on observations.

ESF look good, but the accommodation expense really worries me. I basically have to send back £1200 per month at the moment, which in my present job, is do-able (I work for SCE Schools in Germany). But, unfortunately we've just been given notice of closure and hate the thought of putting my kids into the UK system having now had a taste of schools outside the UK.

My wife has been volunteering in the primary school here for the past 6 months and loves it. She would love to work as a teaching assistant, but I understand in IS this position is given to local hires. She's a lawyer by trade and has considered re-training as a primary teacher, but I'm fairly positive this would require her/us to relocate back to the UK for the training. I have heard of "distance PGCE" offered by 1 or 2 universities, but have also read that these are not received well on the IS circuit?

We feel really excited about a move further away, but are obviously concerned about the financial reality that may not give us the quality or standard of life we have now.