I will be going to the London Search Fair next week so depending how it goes I will post my experiences as it will be my first fair.

I do not know much about those schools in particular... but I know Singapore's reputation for education is miles ahead of Russia's.

I won't say the exact schools just yet as i am still searching and job hunting plus one of the offers is still on the table I'm just trying to negotiate but one of the schools was in Dubai and the other was in Qatar.

I have heard back from a few schools, had a few interviews and turned down a few offers after seeing reviews or doing more research on the schools. a lot of shortlisting and interviews will happen in January I have two interviews currently lined up for January and more pending hopefully *fingers crossed*.

Although I have heard from most recruiters that this is just the beginning of the recruitment season and it really gets going in Jan/Feb.

Hi @turinbrakes Are you still having issues with this or has it been resolved yet?

turinbrakes wrote:
> An update for those interested.
>
> The apartment block in the middle of nowhere,next to a massive building
> site, where we have been given apartments is not connected to either the
> phone or internet service providers.
>
> We have been promised for 3 months this will be sorted out...still nothing.
>
>
> So contact in the evening with family and friends via email,skype etc is
> impossible unless you drive to a hotel to buy a drink and use their Wi-Fi.
> Also on line work or research at home is not possible....and yet the school
> send emails on the weekend and then moan that you haven't replied.
>
> Many staff have booked one way flights home at Xmas !!

Is there any Tier 1 schools in the Middle East?

I would hate that style of interview... I am currently searching and haven't seen any schools that have decided to use it. hopefully I do not come across any!!!

@ turinbrakes

What are Gems Like as a organisation to work for?

I would suggest doing everything and anything, join agencies, apply direct and also book into job fairs. what do you have to lose? just make sure you do your research on the school and know what your looking for.

@ Nathan61

have you ever negotiated a higher salary? or persuaded a school to move you up the pay scale?

Hi Guys,

Me and my teaching partner have applied for jobs abroad and have recently been offered a job in a school, looking around the forums and elsewhere it seems the offer they sent us was much lower than what we could possibly get. how do you suggest the best ways are to negotiate a better salary and benefits? Any advice from actual situations you have been in?