I'm going to echo sage advice that I heard from a recruiter from one of the big Asian schools after they turned me down (got to the 2nd interview) 2 years ago during my first Search fair run - "open your mind to schools that will give you a good experience and will later open doors to all kinds of possibilities." So that could mean going to an off the beaten path school that has a good rep - that's what I did and I feel like I learned A TON from my experience there which of course adds to my resume now that I am looking. Furthermore, it certainly raises interest from recruiters when you're willing to go to xyz.

Hi, I am a school counselor at an IB international school where the language of instruction is English. I do not need to speak the native language for my job - but I do utilize translators when needed. Speaking the native language of the country you're in does not seem to be a major requirement for recruiters.

They make it very clear that the fee is good for up to 3 years or when you get a job through Search, whichever comes first. I think that when you activate, you have to submit updated references in order for your profile to become active and be able to look at current openings. So that means telling your admin you're having a look. Most good admin won't care and are quite used to these requests.

When I re-activated my profile to do a soft look last year, I paid the fee. I chose to stay at my current school and my associate just archived it. When I re-activated my profile again, this time for an active look, I did not have to pay any fees. I was just advised to update all my references.

[quote="Bellarex"]

I am in the process of getting signed up with Search.. maybe I have the wrong idea, though- I thought you could apply for jobs directly through Search? Are you suggesting Search/ISS just for finding openings?[/quote]

You can apply directly through Search, but most schools will do the bulk of their hiring at the Fairs as they often want to meet candidates face to face (even just to offer a job). I got my first (current) gig after the major Fairs, but the best thing about Search is that it holds the confidential references and schools can (and will) move rather quickly with offering positions as a result. Mine still called my supervisors to confirm their reflections of me on the Search file and even flew me to California for a quick meet and greet (while they were in the States meeting with other teachers they interviewed post-Fair to offer contracts) to offer me the job. All of that was impressive on their part. Not all schools would offer to do that, but if they do...I think it's a good sign. :)

Safety is quite subjective. I have a few friends who have either come from or currently working at schools in Uganda, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Mali, Togo, Tunisia (yes, during the looting of the school), and Angola. They all loved their experiences there for the most part w/ exception to when the embassy school in Tunisia was targeted. I think in places like this, the school plays a huge part in what makes the experience a good one or really god-awfully bad. If you look on IS Kenya's facebook page, there is constant outpouring of love and support from families who were there many years ago. To me, that speaks VOLUMES of the impact a school can have and the assumed support of its faculty, particularly in places considered off the beaten path.

Avoid is a strong word. There are quite a few great schools out there that are in countries people are advised to avoid. Just educate yourself about the risks, ask teachers who have been there instead of relying on the US State Department alerts, and decide if it's really for you.

ISK has done a great job of posting updates on Facebook in the wake of this devastating tragedy. According to their updates, one family has lost their mother and a 9th grade daughter. A teacher has lost their brother. https://www.facebook.com/ISKenya

TIEOnline has also posted something from the AISA (Association of International Schools in Africa) board. http://www.tieonline.com/view_article.cfm?ArticleID=207

ISK has done a great job of posting updates on Facebook in the wake of this devastating tragedy. According to their updates, one family has lost their mother and a 9th grade daughter. A teacher has lost their brother. https://www.facebook.com/ISKenya

TIEOnline has also posted something from the AISA (Association of International Schools in Africa) board. http://www.tieonline.com/view_article.cfm?ArticleID=207

Is it an absolute "must" to stay at the hotel? Or is it feasible to stay at a place that's nearby and cheaper? I am interviewing for counseling positions, so I probably won't have as many interviews back to back as other high needs subjects. I'm leaning towards booking the Fair hotel as this was very helpful when I attended the Cambridge fair 3 years ago. Just wanted to hear other people's thoughts on this.

Our school is not a boarding school, but we do have access to the facilities after work and on weekends. There's a weekly staff basketball run, some teachers run, we built a disc golf course around campus, etc. There are quite a few opportunities here for us to keep fit. I've heard pretty much the same from other non-boarding schools as well.

I personally have only gone through Search so I can't really comment on ISS, however, most of my counselor buddies and teacher friends have gone through Search and/or CIS. I've also registered with TIEOnline this year just to broaden my scope a bit.

When I applied in 2011, I went to the Cambridge fair and didn't land a gig (though the experience was INVALUABLE). I was fortunate enough to land a position that was posted after the fairs at a great school - but also had to be more openminded about my location.

CIS database is open and more listings should be posted in the coming weeks: http://www.cois.org/page.cfm?p=1238

Info from the IB: http://www.ibo.org/council/members/AnneFowles_000.cfm

I've heard from colleagues that new school growing pains aren't easy, but I decided to send an application in anyway. I'm very interested in Asia as my next post and you just never know...

Info from the IB: http://www.ibo.org/council/members/AnneFowles_000.cfm

I've heard from colleagues that new school growing pains aren't easy, but I decided to send an application in anyway. I'm very interested in Asia as my next post and you just never know...

Hi I'm an int'l school counselor- welcome to the crazy, frantic, but rewarding world of finding work abroad! :) I'll be very frank and voice some thoughts you'd hear from everybody else - you and your dependents would be considered a very expensive hire, particularly since you don't have any experience overseas.

Your college counseling experience is highly valued, but this field is VERY competitive at int'l schools and recruiters may not give you a first glance at the "first tier" schools in SE Asia...those are hard enough to get into for singles/married teaching couples. Another thing to think about - what will your husband do with his MBA experience? Some schools may be hiring for counseling AND have a marketing position open - so that may be something you both should consider though that combination is rare.

If you really want to go overseas - keep your options open beyond SE Asia and Europe particularly with the amount of dependents you have in the recruiters' eyes. Sign up for a Search Fair - the Cambridge Fair is pretty good for first-timers and TIEOnline.

All of the above re: online banking. I have other stuff mailed to my parents' house and if it's important, they scan and email me a copy. I made sure to have a financial power of attorney - my brother - who can sign for financial things and check my accounts if needed. I also signed on w/ a tax service that works w/ ex-pats - http://globaltaxonline.net/. They deal with all the headache of the tax forms, etc.

Does your school receive/send mail via the US Embassy pouch? Mine does and this allows us to receive mail at the school (though it takes a bit longer - but it's sent to a U.S. addresses) and also send letters out.