Well, with a leading statement like that, PsyGuy, I have to ask: how does the work permit process effect recruiting? :) Since you mentioned a local hire being attractive, I didn't think to follow-up.

She will be focusing exclusively on international schools as she would be lucky to have fluency in Dutch by the time this rotation is up (2-3 years). Noted about applying only to open positions. We'll just have to cross our fingers that something suitable opens up and they have a strong enough preference for local hires to offset her lack of international experience.

Thank you very much for the input, PsyGuy. We have had to go through the apostille process with other immigration documents, so we are at least familiar. I will certainly pass this information along to her ASAP.

I'd like to clarify a couple points in order to see if it changes any of the advice you have. We are moving to Amsterdam and my distinction as a highly skilled migrant allows my girlfriend to get a work visa in the Netherlands (although this rule is changing at the end of this month). She will not be coming over permanently until towards the end of this year and is looking to get a full time teaching position starting next fall (2013). I've read here that schools begin posting vacancies right around when she will be coming over and maybe even a little before that. She is open to substituting, but primarily as a way to move into a full-time position.

In your opinion, do you think it is worthwhile to reach out to schools prior to them listing their vacancies for next year and describing the situation? Or is it better to wait for positions to be posted and then apply for them directly? Should she contact them about substituting and then mention her interest in full-time work?

Thanks again!

Hello All,
I am hoping some of you will be able to help an amateur looking for answers. I have been reading through a lot of these threads, but haven't seen this particular situation addressed.

I am not a teacher, but my significant other is. I have recently accepted a job opportunity which will have us moving from the U.S. to Europe. My wonderful and supportive girlfriend is sacrificing a lot to support my career, so I'm trying to do everything in my power to make sure she is happy and can continue her fulfilling teaching career overseas.

What I'm looking for is any advice regarding the best way to go about targeting specific schools. There are only 2-3 international schools to which she will be able to apply, so it's important to handle it properly from the beginning. From what I've gathered from this forum, this is especially true in Europe, which seems to be very competitive. While she doesn't have any international teaching experience, I'm hoping that her other attributes (and the fact she will already be in the area) can offset that fact. Since I assume it is relevant, she is in her sixth year teaching elementary school and has a masters degree in early childhood education, among other skills and achievements.

Does anyone have any experience with a similar situation? Does she have to be certified in Europe, or is a U.S. certification sufficient? What can she do to prepare herself to be as competitive as possible in a targeted situation such as this?

Thank you so much in advance for any and all input!