Yes, it's definitely possible. It's much the same as what western teachers go through when applying overseas. The school will have to sponsor you on a work visa, but as long as they can show you have the qualifications that they couldn't find with other applicants it should be quite easy. Are the jobs you are interested in specifically targeting overseas applicants? The only reason I ask is that I'd be up front and state you'd like to work at their school, but you need a visa. Good luck.

I know you wanted European schools, but Riffa Views International School in Bahrain uses it and we have a wonderful literacy coach.

Bahrain is a small island and I currently teach here at a different school. I haven't actually heard of that school. I've heard of some of the others, but not this one. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing, but it does mean it's not really heard of much. Bahrain is a great place to live. This is my first year here, but Insh'Allah I'll be here for awhile. It's very laid back. The people are friendly and it's much more open than lots of other ME countries. For example, you can buy alcohol at liquor stores without any rations or special ID's needed. You can also buy pork products. So, all in all, I think it's a very nice blend of west and Middle East. Not sure if you'd be paid in Bahraini Dinar. One BD is about $2.65 so I'd think a fair salary would be somewhere around 1000 dinar per month, but that depends on your experience. Plus if you'll be the head of dept. than you should get more. Since Bahrain is a small island you can't really drive anywhere, but the nice thing is we are so close to lots of great weekend destinations. Teachers at my school have taken some group trips to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Jordan to name a few. You really can travel easily from here. It sounds like a good opportunity for you, but I'd find out a little bit more about the school first.

It's been many years since I've heard about it, but there is a summer camp in Maine (USA) called "Seeds of Peace". It hosts teenage Israelis and Palestinians every summer. The purpose is to let them interact and get to know each other without all the political/religious rhetoric. It was started by a prominent news anchor in the US. Anyway, I love the mission of the camp and think it would be wonderful to work there over the summer. I've never applied or anything though and I don't know the exact time frame, but I think it would match up well with most international schools.

I just pay for a PO box for the year (it's not too expensive). Then I have a friend in my city send me everything in it every few months. That has worked really well for me. Really the only mail I need is related to my house though (didn't sell, just rented out). If you don't have any other bills you could just do a PO box and pick it up once a year when you come back to the States.

Shadowjack is correct. As much as it will bother you to see how the laborers are treated don't speak out - it could actually be dangerous for you.

I would also recommend you get out and try to interact with locals. I really enjoyed smoking shisha there at the local places where just the Kuwaiti men go. It was a very unique way to see the culture and I learned a lot there. Definitely do that.

I would also plan my trips out of Kuwait carefully. I enjoyed my time there, but you will need a break from the place when you have a holiday so plan accordingly where you want to go (it's cheap and easy to go all over the ME).

[quote="PsyGuy"]Egypt was certainly the longest, though not the only experience. 6 weeks was 5 weeks, longer then needed.


"negatives and irritations", again more dismissive rhetoric for avoiding the very real discussion and realities of the utter suckyness of living in the ME.

It would be spelled "suckiness" if that is even a word. Are you really a teacher? How embarassing!!! Six weeks in Egypt and you consider yourself an expert. That would be comical, except for the sad fact that some people might actually believe your tripe. So you couldn't hack it for a whole year. Six weeks - are you freakin' kidding me? You think that makes you an expert? That is truly pathetic. Get a life dude, seriously! You post on every single topic on here. Troll anyone?

[quote="PsyGuy"]@Dawson

I'm glad you are so concerned about tiers. I have no interest in that. I'm just happy to be at a good school with good kids. Isn't that what teaching is about? Just get over your hatred of the Middle East already. You were in Egypt for six weeks and THAT is what you are basing the whole region on. Unbelievable! I'm certainly glad I don't have anyone like you at my school. You sound like a _________ and a half!

The best youve had in the international circuit, doesnt likely include the larger top tier schools.

That's kind of a silly statement. I teach at schools that are a good fit for me. I have not ever paid much attention to the rankings and tiers. Who comes up with those tiers anyway? It's all so subjective so I will gladly teach at a smaller school that may or may not be a top tier school. All I know is the housing is wonderful (2 bedroom villas in a gated community) the salary is high for the region, and the students are wonderful to teach (fun, excited to learn, and very bright) and the endowment of the school is just fine. The president of the board is also a prominent banker in the region so I trust his financial knowledge.

Yes, sounds like a miserable existence, quick help me find one of those top tier schools instead! (Saracasm)

Is Canada much different from the States? I know in the States you are allowed to claim a "foreign tax exclusion" if you lived in a foreign country for an entire year. The excemption was high above the average teacher salary so most American teachers end up paying nothing in taxes. Like I said, that is the States, but do they have something similar in Canada?

I agree with previous posters that I would try to just stick with tutoring. Many, many students want private tutoring and you can make great money without the headache of dealing with a classful of spoiled, rich kids with absolutely no work ethic. That being said, if you really want to teach I would try Dasman Model School, I taught there for one year and they seemed to have a ton of teachers without "real" credientials. I think you could easily get a job there if you marketed yourself correctly.

[quote="PsyGuy"]I really pondered this for a while and with the exception of DoDDS schools, I cant think of any that hit ALL your points. What it really comes down to is that smaller schools dont have the endowment (money, finances) to offer as good of a package as the larger schools with larger enrollments.

That is not true. I am at a small non-profit school and the salary, housing, and lifestyle is the best I've had in the international circuit.

PsyGuy: That's a pretty broad stroke you're painting with! Have you lived in numerous Middle East countries? From your previous posts it's obvious you have a grudge against the Middle East. To the OP, I wouldn't pay too much attention to him.

I currently teach at Riffa Views International School in Bahrain. It is small (300 students). I think it has a great package - the salary is good, housing is excellent and you walk to school. The director is top-notch and it is a very friendly environment. Pretty good diversity for the Middle East (about half the students are not Bahraini). I am also impressed with the work ethic of the students. Even though they come from prominent families they work hard and want to do their best. The school is kind of under the radar so to speak because it's only about five years old. Also, when speaking of Bahrain St. Christopher's is always mentioned as being the top, but it's a large school and I obviously has that strict British mentality whereas RVIS has a more Americanized teach the students to think and be creative approach. I would not hesitate to recommend RVIS to any of my teacher friends. Good luck in your search.

I think Riffa Views International School in Bahrain is one of the best. Full disclosure - I am a current teacher there (first year). The school is outstanding! It's small, only around 300 students up to grade 9, next year they will add grade 10, etc. We are currently undergoing the IB certification. New school (only five years old). The school is nicely designed (bright, airy, plenty of resources). The small size enables you to know the students well. Very collegial environment and bright, hardworking students. No wasta either, which I love even thought there are some very prominent families that attend there. I also happen to think one of the best things about it is it is non-profit so all the money goes right back into the school.

Bahrain is easy to live in. Don't let the protests scare you off. They are limited to certain areas (mostly villages) and often times you don't even know they are going on. Our director has said Bahrain is like "Middle East light". I like that and it is true. It's so westernized that often times you forget you are in the Middle East. You can drink alcohol and buy pork if you desire. At the same time you do have the culture here and can do more "Arabic" type of things. The people are also friendly and don't look down on others as much as in other areas.

The only other country I taught internationally in was Kuwait and it was just for one year. I would NOT recommend Kuwait to anyone. To many problems. The Kuwaitis are all about money and think they are better than anyone else because they have oil. Even other GCC countries don't especially like them. Even though they have money they don't put anything into infrastructure so it's a huge dump there.

So in conclusion, I think Bahrain is tops (you can easily travel all over the region from here). From other friends in the region I'd say Oman is quite nice and safe. I think Dubai is best left for weekend trips and not to teach there, but that's just me. I also wouldn't mind Jordan. Saudi Aramco schools are also fantastic. Since it's an oil company the salaries are huge! The only problem is noboby ever leaves there so it's very difficult to get in.