I have a favor to ask of everyone attending fairs this spring. Please start a post like shadowjack and everyone pitch in their experiences so that we can get a play by play of the other fairs as well. I've been glued to that post and I can't wait to read more about all of them! This is what I love about the forum!
Thanks, defygravity

Thanks for all the info and personal experience. It solidifies what we were thinking, but it never hurts to check. :D

My husband and I have jobs and a house in a town we no longer have any ties in (family, etc.). We hope to be hired overseas for the 2014-2015 school year. Regardless of whether we are hired or not, we do not plan to stay here. We are thinking about going ahead and selling the house to make sure it sells. We can easily get an apartment and store the extraneous stuff. Did anyone else sell their house that early? I know we could keep it and rent it for the benefits, but we really don't have anyone we trust to property manage. I would appreciate any thoughts or advice.
Thanks, defygravity

As an avid reader of the forum, the issue has certainly been discussed. Just checking if anyone had finally had a concrete experience of "Ok, we are hiring you because you took this class". I know that it would probably not make or break an interview, but it never hurts to check! :)
Thanks, dg

Ok, so if I want a versatile piece of technology that I can skype on, download lots of books, magazines, apps, and use for internet? Or would I be better off getting a laptop and a kindle?
Thanks, dg

Any thoughts on taking classes in the IB program online to make yourself more marketable?

Something like: Introduction to the IB DP in "your subject here".

I am looking specifically at www.ibo.org

Has anyone done this and had more success when talking with schools? Would you recommend a different class or none at all? And why?

Thanks, dg

Which one in your opinion is:

1. The easiest to use overseas and why?
2. Able to download books and magazines easily overseas?
3. OR you should skip these and buy something in the country you end up in?
If so, what?

Thoughts?
Thanks.

1. Best overseas food: I think almost every meal has been a best experience.

2. Strangest overseas food: Conch ceviche in Belize (but tasty!)

3. Best beer/spirits: All the beer was amazing in Bruges, Belgium. Just a side note that one of the major American craft breweries goes there every year to reward their long time employees.

4. Best festival/event: Edinburgh Festival Fringe

5. Best place you went for vacation while overseas: Vienna at Christmas. Especially the little teeny markets in the back streets.

@Skablictady - It's great that you picked up on the song reference! Coincidentally, I saw it in London when I was chaperoning a student trip, and will see it again next June on a student trip to NYC. Can't wait!

Since it's summer and I know that I'm dreaming about traveling overseas, just for fun let's talk about the following:

1. Best overseas food
2. Strangest overseas food you have tried
3. Best beer/spirits
4. Best festival/event
5. Best place you went for vacation while overseas

To PsyGuy:

I hear you on the issue of the arts going first when things get bad. My husband and I have decided that going because of the adventure is the best thing, and not to expect anything different than what we know exists of arts in the States.

To Life Is Good:

Thanks for the advice! It's great to hear from someone who is currently teaching music overseas. Do you have any recommendations for what materials to bring with us? Did you bring any of the instruments that you play?

Per your post, my husband and I have been discussing which we would prefer, an established program or developing a program. I think both would be interesting to experience, but as it gets closer I suppose we will try to lean one way or the other.

Thank you so much to everyone who replied!!!!

I would really, really appreciate any other info. Even if you could post what arts classes your school offers, that would help. Thanks so much in advance!

Wow, this is great info! Thanks! What an interesting way to run classes.

Would you all mind describing your fine and performing arts programs in the international schools you've been in, at least to the best of your knowledge?

I'm looking for further info about the frequency and length of classes, subjects taught, the importance of having well rounded students to the administration and parents, really anything that you can tell me.

Any info on the demand or lack thereof of arts jobs would also be appreciated.

My husband and I are planning to start the process in a year. He has a bachelor of music education degree and is certified to teach k-12 music. I have a bachelor of music education degree plus 30 hours of theater education classes, and I am certified in k-12 music and 6-12 theater. We will have ten years of experience. No dependants.

Thanks in advance!