I pay an obscene amount over my premium trying to pay down the loan, and I eat a lot of instant mashed potatoes. Part of it is I simply do not like having any debts. I don't use my credit card except when I can pay it off etc. But I want to get the loan down from my masters, with the express idea of investing in a doctorate afterward (maybe enjoy a year or two without payments first, you know, see what that is like). I love going to school, and education is one of the only things you can invest in that cannot be taken away. International teaching is a great help in paying down this loan, as well as preparing my bank account for the next round of school.

I sought out an IB position this year, mostly because I have taught AP's for so long I wanted to refresh the material and try something new. I was lucky in finding a school that was starting their IB program, and thought I was worth the investment. I love my subject area and I love teaching, but it was time to mix things up a little bit. I am greatly looking forward to a new way to approach my subject matter.

First of all, congratulations on getting a contract. I hope you find what you are looking for internationally.

It is easy to invent a lot of reasons why you haven't heard back (I've done it!), but in reality it is most likely nothing to worry about. There is no harm in sending an email saying "thank you" and that you are excited to take the next steps towards getting your visa etc.

If you signed a contract they are working on your paperwork, but not every country/school works at the same speed. Check in and get your reassurance! Good luck!

That's great Novice! Congrats!

It was interesting - I have no stress about hearing from domestic jobs but for this one the waiting for an answer about killed me from the international school I ended up signing with. I didn't take local holidays into account and the days piled up. I guess the anticipation of a career and personal move like this started the butterflies in the stomach again for me.

Either way, congratulations again and good luck!

Sounds like quite an experience. I am very happy I did not end up having to attend a fair this year after reading about that insanity.

Congratulations on finding the best job for you - I am sure you are relieved that whole experience is over.

A friendly email reminding them you are still interested would be a great idea along with reapplying if SA allows you to. They are busy moving a lot of pieces around so a nice reminder that you are available and you were scheduled to speak with them would be good for both you and the school.

When you email the second school just mention some stand out things from the interview like heyteach said - jog their memories.

I hope the second time around pays off!

I just got a gig teaching IB and I have no IB experience. That being said I have over a decade teaching AP level so the content isn't the issue, just the process. They are going to let me PD on it so I can hit the ground running, I am actually ery excited to learn the program.

I think a course would be helpful in the VERY unlikely case you and another canidate are dead even, it could tip the scales slightly. But just don't see it being worth the out-of-pocket expense for the tiny edge it would give you, since I feel like it wouldn't be considered actual "experience". What it would show is your willingness to be proactive - great stuff to mention on an interview - but there are way cheaper ways to do that that your current school may pay for.

Schools hire the canidate, not just the resume so if you demonstrate you are willing to do what it takes they may hire you without the training and just get you set when you are hired...like what happened to me.

And be a shame training and then end up not teaching IB. That 600 bucks would be nice to have back!

Guy who teaches next to me met his current girlfriend while in Hungary. She was a local teacher at the same school, and they had a fine time there for several years. They ended up traveling and teaching together at a few assignments before they came to the US, (where he is from). They have been here for three years and are already looking to go back international in a little while. Honestly I think it is all luck finding the right person, the biggest thing would be to keep an open mind. I hear that "love" thing just kind of comes out of nowhere!

I asked my principal and AP to fill out my eval for ISS and told him I was just considering - that this was for a portfolio to be kept online for a few years. I think he was more accepting of that then if I said "I am looking to get out of here" but I am also very lucky to have a great principal in that regard.

I also have had a difficult time finding a spot I would leave here to accept, but I have an interview via Skype tomorrow with a very nice school so there are still jobs out there. I have found that "expressing interest" or the "apply now" buttons on the ISS site should always be followed up by an introductory email to the school and even applying via their own website. Almost all of my responses have come through that method. Don't be afraid to talk to several schools, even if you are not 100% sure. You can always (politely) say no, and sometimes you can make an effective contact.

Good luck, the game is far from over!