@ likestotravel

What countries were incredible for a single guy?

I got my California Clear Credential several years ago so things may have changed.... I remember that I had to take three courses and they were very easy. I took them through the University of San Diego. I attended the courses in Northern California as USD seem to have satellite locations in many areas. I would certainly look into USD if I were you. I had to have Sacramento State University actually verify everything but I took all the courses through USD.

Thanks to all of you for the very thoughtful responses thus far. I find it all very interesting to read. If you have been following this post and haven't chimed in yet, please do.

Psyguy brought up a pretty interesting point about falling in love in each country. I am 38, currently single, and wouldn't mind finding a wife abroad. That would not be a goal or why I am traveling but I would not be opposed to it. Have any of you found the love of your life overseas? Or do the cultural differences just make that impractical?

I know that there are blogs out there, and I have read many of them, but I would like to know about the experiences of the people that use this forum.

The reason that I ask is that I am on the fence about teaching internationally. I live in the U.S. and have a pretty great life as it is. I have a stable teaching job that pays well with good benefits. I like the area where I currently live and am blessed with great friends. HOWEVER, I keep getting this pull in my gut towards travel and adventure. I want to see new places and meet new people. I want to explore, and eat, and be challenged.

Please write whatever you want or maybe answer these questions...

1. If you could go back in time, would you teach internationally or stay
at home?
2. Are you financially better off teaching internationally?
3. Has it been easy to make friends or has it been lonely away from home?
4. What have been your favorite countries/schools?
5. What are the best things about teaching internationally? What are the worst?

I think you in advance for any answers that come back to me.

I can understand schools not wanting to hire teachers with very little experience, but why would they prefer to hire a teacher with "international experience"? I am wondering if schools in general are looking more for international experience or total teaching experience?

Thanks for the responses, it looks like I will be enjoying a year off without too much worry...

I am new to the international teaching scene. I am currently in a contract in a high school that ends in June. I could sign a new contract but I am considering taking a year off from teaching (for personal reasons) and then starting my international job search in November 2012 for a job start in August 2013.

My question is: Will not being currently employed as a teacher reduce my chances of getting offers from schools abroad? Will schools wonder why I am not employed as a teacher at the time of interviewing?

Facts about me:
California Single Subject Credentials in Physics and GeoScience.
15 consecutive years of teaching Physics and AP Calculus.
Single Male with no dependents.

Also, will schools abroad let me teach full time math without a math credential? My AP Calculus results have been above 90% every year for 15 years but I do not have a formal math credential.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.