Just be open to invitations - you won't be the only one who's come alone. I'm sure your social skills are not so horrible as to scare off all potential friends so just be yourself.
Also, consider getting out and about and joining some clubs - hobbies, fitness or whatever - and meet some locals. Will do wonders for your language skills and enrich your whole experience.
One more thing - there may be an expats network already established where you are. Google online to see if there are any such social groups with events such as 'The Expat Mingle'.
Good luck!

Can you post the link to the Facebook page please?

Possibly more opportunities in Middle East for Eastern Europeans but will definitely need to up her language skills, if indeed this is the path she wishes to take. Doesn't sound too convincing - more like your dreams for her than her own...

That's all really helpful info. Would we be OK as a teaching couple (2 kids) with one securing a job in an international school and the other possibly tutoring or teaching ESL?

Also, I hear mixed things about behaviour - does it depend on the school or are they uniformly awful?

Pretty please?

It is Rafflesia. Wide berth recommended.

Xiamen sounded so tempting until....
http://www.vagabondjourney.com/clean-air-cities-china/

What do you mean Search has denied you? They don't take families?!

There is a book called 'Learner English' that will give you specifics about their language issues. Other than that, you'll see when you get there!

Although I know people (yes multiple) who have the PGCEI and also work in some of the top (and I do mean top) schools. It very much depends on your experience and how much they want you. Just as I've known unqualified (!) teachers to be taken on by excellent schools and trained, I am sure that a PGCEI would do no harm.

As for Kenya, the school I was recommended was Primary, but this post might be of interest: http://www.internations.org/nairobi-exp ... -nairobi-3

Sounds like you'd be more suited to teaching pre-U courses such as IB or A-Level, at least to begin with. If all you've done is lecture you might need to adapt your teaching style but ask for mentoring at least in your first year.
Most schools LOVE to have a PhD on their website!
Where were you thinking of?

What about Switzerland too - isn't it cold but bright?

So sounds like it's Portugal or Spain really. Can anyone recommend schools? We don't need to save - just need enough to cover day-to-day living. We are a teaching couple so even if only one of us secures a position, we've never had issues securing at least part-time work for the 2nd.

Oporto British School looks promising. Any others?

Sounds like Asia or Africa (and some parts of S. Am.) would be good for you. Easy to live on one salary, child-friendly and hired help very accessible.
Sounds like you have lots to offer.

Thanks for that detailed reply. Have worked in Europe and did experience the 'circus freak' mentality: wasn't in a small town either :(

Also, I've 'done' Asia but looking to move back now - I'm from the UK. Have realised that sunshine is a must (or at least a lack of grey skies - just sucks the motivation outta me, lamps or no.)

We are a teaching couple thankfully.

From your info, Spain's sounding good. Maybe Portugal too?

Any other suggestions welcome.