QSI Shekou-Shenzhen has been attempting to house their multiple campuses onto one site for years now. Currently there are 4 campuses, 3 in Shekou and 1 in Nanshan. QSI is still looking for a site and is being pressured by city government as well as student population. So from my understanding a move will happen sooner the later.

Hello,
With out sounding too forward, ask yourself what exactly do you mean? Is it about money or your children's well being? From my understanding your children are quite young. Would they be able to tell you if something wasn't right?
Just my 2 cents but having child care workers whom you trust is priceless. I've heard too many frightening stories about child care over seas....what do you mean I can't put your 1 year old on the handle bars of my scooter? Why can't my aunt nurse your child? Drinking chicken blood is a good idea for toddlers....and so on. As I'm sure you are aware, cultural differences alone are abounding let alone hygiene standards, boy oh boy go I could on. When you are teaching, away for 8 hours a day, too much can happen. Now that said, I've heard/experienced positive stories as well.
We have 3 children under 5. All born while In our current location. We have had the same nanny all though I've been at home as well. We have been lucky with our nanny. We will not move until the children are all in a preschool/school setting.

I work at QSI Shekou. The previous post is accurate on all accounts. To add, teachers have recently been allowed to pay in to their housing allowance to get a nicer place all though you must put in 2 years first before you can request a move.

As for KAUST, I would highly recommend speaking to current staff to hear what life is like in the classroom teaching and living amongst a majority of Saudi nationals.

I believe it is personal to each school. Do your research. For example, if you ask an ELL question that is clearly stated on school's website it will be a waste of time.
Some questions I've asked:
In a school that had a one-to-one program I asked how teachers monitor, I've also asked about PLCs (personal learning communities) and about the financial stability of the school.

Hello,

Some of you mentioned having "nibbles" - what exactly does that mean?

Are people being contacted solely on their SEARCH site, initial contact made by the schools?


Thanks

Your thoughts on the place/school/lifestyle for families with small children?

Shadowjack, any thoughts on how to get slips in your mailbox? Do you think the slips mean the candidate contacted the schools before hand?
Thanks again for your commentary. Priceless.

good point @PsyGuy.

So what do you believe should be in the package?

Thanks for your play by play, very much appreciated.

When you get a second to breathe would you mind commenting on if you believe putting "candidate packages" in the recruiters folders got you some hits.

At our last fair in 2008 we spent loads of time/money putting together packages, and it did not seem to get us anywhere.

Thoughts?

My husband and I are in the process of a few Sypke interviews. Each school commented on our longevity (4 years each at last 2 schools) and how positive it was. My opinion is that good schools want good teachers to stay and master their craft at that location. If your CV indicates hopping around after a year or two, they may assume you will do the same at their school. Schools want you to invest in them as they in you. Stay where you are for at least another year.

I lived in Barranquilla for 4 years and rank it on the top of my international teaching experiences. The Rosario islands off Cartagena are close, easy to get to, cheap, not touristy and beautiful. Same goes for the beaches outside of Santa Marta, such as Playa Blanca. Padi training is unbelievability inexpensive. You can get a 2 bedroom apartment, on the beach with a balcony for the weekend for under 40 bucks. I too rode my motor bike between cities, felt totally safe (as a female), even hiking in FARC territory to the lost city. Your money can go far and it's mostly off the beaten path.
Not sure about the dead body bit on this thread though...

Sorry to ask but [i]academic records[/i] means-[i]transcripts[/i]?

Online applicants are required to:

"upload an ID sized photo and their academic records on the second page of the application process. If you are applying for a teaching position, you must upload your teaching licensure as well."

My question is what academic records? HS, BA, MA all of those? Is this an odd request, I dont think I have come accross this before.

@sevarem

Is your location a desirable one for families? If so can you expand on my initial post?