Thanks and good luck to you as well! Good luck to fellow job hunters...may you all find the "perfect fit"

Great updates, Briz! I'm joining the rest of you in the hunt later this week @ Search - Bangkok-bound tomorrow. :)

Bossotel Inn is also a reasonably priced boutique hotel situtated near the Shang and the Royal Orchid (Search Fair site). http://www.bossotelinn.com/home.html

I've heard that it really depends on what subject and section of school. However, with that being said, most times they say they prefer everybody goes thru the database unless you hear otherwise.

They both agreed that they both want to work - so that is their priority now. My thought that it is quite early on and it seems that you've presented yourself quite well to already have 2 offers in this stage of the game. You'll probably do well in Bangkok - if your partner really wants to work.

This is my 2nd go-round w/ the recruiting and honestly, I'm more anxious about it this time around than I was my first time. I have days where I feel pretty confident and days where my mind is screaming "OMG..how come nobody likes me?!" Mind you I've had some nibbles - and awaiting word. I don't want to feel like I'm "settling" and I know it's still quite early - some positions aren't even confirmed yet. I'm scheduled to hit Bangkok in January. I just can't wait until it's all over with.

It sounds like your partner is very much wanting to work and two of my friends (teaching couple) were also in a similar conundrum, but decided to forego it if the other wasn't offered a job. I agree that the packages from the elite schools are quite enticing - I am awaiting a response from one of the "tiger" schools myself.

I suppose it also depends on what subject you'd be teaching if it's "high needs", etc. meaning you'd be desirable with many other schools. Would you mind sharing your subject?

I'm a counselor so it's quite specialized and I know I really can't quite put all my ducks in a row since I'm fully aware of the competition and many schools haven't even reached their contract deadlines for this year. However, I do want to be in Asia for my next position.

It really depends on the level of learning support he might need. Would you mind giving more details?

Good luck and keep us posted!!!!

[quote="Crgallen22"]Cheery and all,
When you send a follow-up email do you send it to the same email address? Has anyone ever emailed the principals directly? I have had success with that in the past (landed my current job that way) but am not sure if that would be circumventing the desired steps and reflect negatively.

Did you hear back after you followed up with Warsaw?[/quote]

I've emailed principals or heads of school directly when I've heard about a position on the grapevine or from a colleague/friend who is leaving their position. That's how I've gotten a couple of early nibbles. But other than that, I'm just following the directions on the respective school websites.

7 so far and I'm in a specialist subject of which I can comfortably do in elementary, middle school, and 9/10 high school (though I'd probably prefer elementary or middle school if you twisted my arm). I've heard back from 2 schools already who have expressed interest and hopefully will be setting up Skype chats soon. Both schools are in the region AND teach the curriculum that are high on my priority list. I'm registered for Bangkok and prepared to recruit at a fair if necessary. I know it's also very early. The anticipation of seeing a new job listing pop up on Search is very exciting/nerve wracking.

This is only my 2nd time recruiting - but I've found that sending apps directly has yielded more direct responses versus the "send school an email" button this time around. Granted, there aren't 100s of positions up for counselors so maybe that's why it's getting flagged faster and I have actual overseas experience now. I have also contacted principals/heads of schools directly if a friend is leaving the position or I heard about on the grapevine.

Learning Support and counselors who have experience working with ADHD, autistic spectrum, etc. are highly, highly valued. I would not be discouraged AT ALL. Though you may find that it is special ed lite compared to what we have seen in the US (I know I did), but this only makes our positions so much more dynamic and interesting for most school recruiters who are looking for people who can contribute to the student support teams and use their experience in supporting parents/kids.

I second Cheery's post on AIS - Bucharest. I was there for a conference last year. Great school and nice city. They will have a new head of school next year, but I've worked for him and I'd seriously work for him again.

Hi - sure I'd love to discuss my post with you. I'd prefer to do it via email - what is your email address?

Thank you for this! As a counselor, it was quite interesting for me to hear that many int'l schools shy away from really great kids just because they may be a little different. Coming from a special ed/therapeutic background in the states working with emotionally disturbed children, my first year at an i.s. was quite interesting - especially when teachers would present something as a big issue and in my eyes, it was quite easy to deal with. LOL.

I've also been in the position where parents have not been forthcoming about any issues and suddenly it's red-flagged when we get the students in the classrooms.

I'm learning that schools are being more open to upping the skills of their faculty and also expecting that people in the support positions have the level of experience that will truly help these kids.