Thank you for the response. Particularly since you are the ONLY one with info on the country. Casa is where I am heading , though not to that school. I don't want to drive. Trying my best to avoid car ownership. No veils of prejudice here, thanks. Wondering more about navigating the culture. Also the weather and specifically what is nice about Casablanca... Thank you again. I appreciate it.

Is anyone working and teaching at a school in Morocco who can tell me a bit about their experience? Particularly interested in Casablanca. Housing, cost of living, attitude towards foreigners, ease of getting around etc. All those important things that impact day to day life. Thanks.

provost@tamu.edu

There's the e-mail for Texas A&M provost.

I am going to post this AGAIN... this school, the same one that did nothing to censure kids who were out of control and that is allowing a teacher to be jailed and charged with a crime which is not really a crime...

HAS TIES TO A PRESTIGIOUS US UNIVERSITY - TEXAS A&M

Surely someone who read these posts will illuminate the lovely provost that there is a potential pr landslide that may bode ill if someone with real power and pull doesn't step up to the plate and start remedying a situation gone awry.

Just did a short bit of research... Doha Academy is tied to Texas A&M No surprise there with accepted racism. A Dr. Todd Kent is on the board of directors.

This should be a post that does not die... every international educator should endeavor to write to the admin. at this school lodging an intent to boycott the school. Letters should be written in forums that clients of the school might read. I like the idea of applying for a job there and not showing up.

However, surely there are more effective strategies at this point...

Ideas?

Starting to understand why all the vitriol towards you Psyguy. I work with a great staff, love my school, my job AND am happy with my pkg. Wouldn't be interested in heading over to IICS, and it's NOT a compromise for me. It's a choice based on how I feel about the school I do work for. The only staff I do not care for here are the ones who believe they "know it all".

Only problem with IICS is the distance. Also, a couple other schools with similar pkgs. Depends on why you want to come to Turkey

Yes. You will be stared at in the neighborhood. Want a better perspective... give me your contact info and I will put you in touch with someone who works here who has very dark skin. He may be able to tell you more.

MEF Istanbul has been a good international post. I very much enjoy this school, and this staff. I don't agree with what was said about the Head of School but then again... we all have different perceptions of people depending on our interactions.

First rate teachers. Some issues with regard to control over classrooms and PYP but again... do your homework.

It's not a perfect school, but the students are for the most part lovely. Leadership a bit weak in advocating for staff needs. Not much support there. Salary moderate, but I have found the cost of living to be quite manageable on what I make. Housing is also adequate, close and as long as you don't end up in a studio on the very top, or the very bottom... nice.

Best thing about choosing MEF over other Istanbul schools is its fantastic location. EVERYTHING is easily accessible if you don't mind the steep walk home. Istanbul is as a previous poster stated, one of those places that is still romantic and exotic and special. I am so glad to be here before time turns it into a generic metropolis. I am also glad to be at this school

I am going to beat this dead horse. Sorry. I personally would NOT use ISS. I paid for their services and also posted my resume with TIE and used their data base. My happy ending: Got a call to interview via Skype last January (I mailed the school after noticing their posting on TIE) Offered a counseling job 10 days later. Cancelled my fair attendance with ISS... they refused to refund my fair fee, even though I did not attend. I never had a single response from posting my information on ISS.

I hope you find your dream position. I am thinking that ISS is not only a money generating entity that cares little for teachers, but they are also a huge waste of time. Search & TIE. My recommendation for what it's worth. See prior thread. I am working now, and love my job.

I paid some hefty fees to ISS, and the smaller one to TIE last fall.
ISS failed miserably, and then wouldn't refund fair fee when I canceled 2 weeks prior to the fair.

Now working at a school I love, in a job I love in a country I love.
Got the interview via TIE.

Yes, in my opinion it was worth every penny.

Psyguy... hadn't seen you on any recent posts, though maybe you had dropped off. Shoes only fill a small duffel, but I will take your advice and re-look at what I have. Bedding.... one special comforter. I did find another thread about baggage and think I'll go buy some collapsible duffels , My main question I think was answered by the other thread. Thanks.

Getting ready to leave for my first international position. I have a minimal baggage allowance of $600. So far I am up to 3 LARGE luggage bags, one medium (carry on) a duffel bag for shoes, and one smaller carry on. I am running out of room even though all I really am bringing is clothes, some bedding, and small amount of materials. Is this too much? I really could do with checking one more bag. Oh and I'm flying BA. Input? Single no kids.

Eden,
Istanbul.
Very excited. I also agree with Hallier... I imagine you will get picked up quickly if you start early. Good luck!