@PsyGuy,

Thank You, I got the same response from Teach Now. That rules out that for now.

Many Thanks

I am currently working in an IS and recently discussed with my wife about her becoming art certified. Looking briefly, I read that Teach-Now is a plausible option. She does have about 2 1/2 years in an art academy in the Netherlands, though she never completed this program. Without a Bachelor, would the 9 month program through Teach-Now fully certify her to teach in an International School? She would most likely have the opportunity to do her field experience here at my current IS.

Thanks

@PsyGuy

we are all already under the school insurance policy, we just need to give back $200 per month to cover these costs. I get the points you are making. From a business point of view, they are doing what they need to do. I am not very business minded though, so don't always understand these decisions.

Thanks for your replies.

So, I meant re-sign, not resign :)

The school is late in sending out the re-signing contract (I don't think it was a purposeful delay of contract). It is a newer school (6th year) and are growing. With that said, our children do not take up anyone else's place at the moment, as both those classes are quite small (smallest two classes in the school). I do think they are trying to get new policies in place for the future, yet don't understand taking away a benefit that I had on a previous contract. I understand I am an "expensive hire" having a family, yet as I said, they don't cover insurance or travel for wife or kids, so we are not actually costing them that much more at the moment.

We are not in a western country, so medical care is not too expensive ($200 per month for the family). Since I moved though, on-site housing and my flight (upon renewal of a contract) are included, so those are some benefits which went into effect mid-contract.

With this all said, I know the school is trying to improve the benefits for everyone's contracts. For single teachers, the benefits have gone up with housing and flights now included. It just isn't sufficient for a family. We have enjoyed our experience here though and given the job market, don't think I will stand a very high chance elsewhere. I am Special Ed, plus have 4 years classroom (Primary) experience, but as PsyGuy said, I might be too "expensive" to go elsewhere. Not sure how to approach this issue or just "suck it up" and take on the extra expense.

Thanks again for all your feedback!

Hello, I have been working at my current international school for almost two years. It has been a great fit, yet wanted to know your thoughts on a few issues. As I am nearly ready to resign another 2 year contract, I made a request for an additional benefit.

Current benefits include:
flight home for myself (when I renew a contract), yet not my wife or two children
health insurance for myself, yet not my wife or two kids.
kids schooling is covered
meals are currently covered.

I requested if in the new contract, insurance could be covered for all, yet this was declined.
secondly, I was told that some benefits, such as meals for kids and other administration feels would not be covered under the new contract. I was a bit surprised, as the benefits seems to go down, instead of up.

What are your thoughts on this? What are common benefits offered to families? (I know it can depend greatly on the school) I was told that in most international schools, teachers still need to pay 20-35% of the schooling fee for their children to attend, yet I haven't heard of this much myself.

Thanks

For the past 5 months, I have been teaching in East Africa. As I had 1/2 a year working in America, I am wondering what the best option for filing taxes is? I used to file myself on turbo tax, but am not sure how things work this time? I am paying taxes in my current country, but heard America still wants their cut. Any experience from a similar situation.

Could I still file myself, or should I see out a tax service. And if that is the case, any recommendations?

Thanks,

JB

Thanks, definitely something we will look into. I didn't really consider this option, but since we are not moving all our belongings, this might make sense (plus, it ensures that our luggage arrives with us)

Hello,

we are currently in the process of moving. The school we will be working for does not provide shipping assistance. Would anyone recommend a shipping company that ships from upstate NY to East Africa?

Thank You

Thanks for the feedback. This confirms what I have been reading about and made up my mind to avoid China at this time (passing up a potential job). Anyhow, with two little children, don't want to be living in constant worry about the air quality.

We were looking into teaching abroad in Shanghai. Recently, while looking more into Shanghai, we noticed that air pollution is a major issue. Would anyone who lives there (or know about the condition) care to share their thoughts? To be honest, this is an issue that would keep us from going there. I would like to hear thoughts of others though. We would be taking our two children, as well.

Thanks

PsyGuy,

I will look into QSI. Never heard much about it, but looks good. I understand I am not marketable to higher-tier schools, yet am not necessarily looking to start at those schools. What are my chances at Tier 3 schools, you think?

We have already started forming a list of schools we are interested in, and some prefer applicants to apply directly through their site, instead of through an agency. We will apply to a few that way with a skype interview.

Thank you PsyGuy and Mathman for your feedback. To give a little more info as asked, I am NY certified in the following:

Early Childhood Birth-2
general education- Grades (1-6)
Special Ed (Grades 1-6)

I do have student teaching in an IB school, but no paid experience. My current position is similar to a resource teacher. I understand my chances are slim, yet I do plan to try.. and not planning on putting my kids up for adoption, PsyGuy :o) My wife is an artist by profession (more freelance work) and photographer.

NY (especially where I live), chances of landing a job here arn't any better. Per job opening, there are about 600 applications.

Other information about myself... Grew up in Kenya and am familiar with international living.

again, thanks for any feedback or advice!

I have posted in the past about my chances of landing a job abroad with a family. I have a trailing spouse and two children (2 &4). I am completing my first year in a long-term position as an RTI teacher and will be completing my masters in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology this year. My purpose for going into teaching was to always teach abroad. I have little interest in staying in NY to teach (or in America). Anyone who is in a similar position, I am looking at what steps I should take? What are the best job fairs for families? I have been looking into the UNI job fair (seems to be better for newer teachers). Currently we are open to most locations are not looking to get rich... more looking to experience living abroad.

I appreciate any feedback and advice that can help in my journey!

Thanks

Thanks ChoirGuy

Unfortunately, I will not be ready this fall for teaching overseas. We already have our summer booked up visiting my wife's family in the Netherlands. I am definitely open to teaching at Tear 2 schools (as long as they have a good reputation, as your school seems to have). Especially giving my circumstances, I cannot be too picky where I start off either. I love would to teach around Thailand. Do your children like attending school there?

Thanks

Thank you all for your honest feedback -oh course not what I wanted to hear. :o) I also wanted to add in that I grew up in Kenya, East Africa. I spent 13 years living there and know swahili. Would love to teach in East Africa.