I would go ahead and contact the school rather than wait a few weeks. Last year when I did not hear from my school within a week, I emailed and was immediately directed to the HR director. My paperwork and documents for my visa were due to my school by mid-March in order for them to be processed in a timely manner. A few weeks could mean the difference between taking care of your obligations in an organized way versus scrambling around at the last minute to get things in the mail to your new school (and expediting copies of documents or overnight mailing can be expensive).

I packed:
--one tailored, simple but pretty, neutral colored, above-knee dress
--one pair of tailored trouser pants and a bright, simple shirt
--one black blazer to wear over both
--two pair black tights (one as backup)
--one pair of low black wedges for the pants, one pair of black boots to wear with the dress (it was freezing)
--one backup dress, also simply cut, but colorful and one backup shirt (in case the fair lasted three days for me, which it didn't)
--a cardigan that I didn't end up wearing except at the airport or hotel
--simple dangly earrings

I was able to pack all of this into a small carry-on suitcase.
My style tends to be very casual also, but I chose a more professional, yet stylish, route for the fair and I am glad that I did. I felt bad for the people walking around in hoodies and skinny jeans because maybe they just didn't know any better. Anyhow, I felt great in my clothes and felt that I would have stood out in a bad way wearing something more casual.

I found everything that I didn't already have on a teacher budget by shopping at inexpensive stores and at sales.

Bad interview, great story.

I haven't had anything like that, but I did once interview with a very egotistical man in a large noisy room. He would ask a question and then look around the room, clearly not paying attention to my answers. I began giving him really dumb answers. The interview peaked when he asked me if I could provide a metaphor for how I differentiate...

When I stood up to leave, he said that I would likely return to my home city and tell my friends about the douchebag from ___________ that interviewed me. I nodded in agreement, did not shake his hand, and left.

You'll find most positions in Primary, some in Middle, and very few in High School. Many schools offer support in early years as early intervention. Unfortunately, as grade levels go up, many kids are weeded out through placement tests, etc., thus eliminating the need for Learning Support.

I was in a similar situation when applying for my first international teaching job. I wondered about the benefit of applying as a single versus gaining benefits for my partner. In the end, I decided that applying for a job was not a good enough reason for me to get married. In addition, my boyfriend had a plan to teach English as a second language, thereby taking care of his own visa requirements. I applied as a single with no dependents, and did not feel the need to share that I would be moving with a partner. Why would I? Additionally, I did my research--I already knew that pretty much all of the schools that I applied to did not offer benefits to non-married partners, they just were not of that calibur. Also, I had to cross out a few regions and countries--the Middle East was a no since it is illegal to cohabitate as a non-married couple, in Brazil and a couple of other countries it is virtually impossible to get a visa. I stuck to countries and regions where (a) my boyfriend could find work relatively easily, and (b) he would be able to obtain a work visa once securing a job.

I ended up in Latin America and informed the job of my boyfriend once I arrived. It was not an issue.

It is true that jobs are easier to find as a single. While I untimately decided that I was not ready for marriage, I also knew that applying as a teacher with a dependent would make finding my first international job that much more difficult. Later when I am marriage ready, I will also have a lot more experience to offer a school. In the end, a school would be more likely to hire me with international experience plus a dependent than without international experience plus a dependent.

Good luck to you and your partner in making your decision. It's an exciting opportunity. Hope this helped.

After you register for UNI, they send you a package of school information, including benefits, salary, mission statement, etc. In addition, you can see the available jobs for each school, allowing you to contact them ahead of time if you'd like.

I think UNI combined with TIE (which is super cheap) as a backup to look for openings other than the schools attending the fair is a viable option.

Good luck.

Does anyone care to share their thoughts on the best way to keep reading when in a foreign country?

I am sure some people use reading devices and recently someone mentioned becoming a member of a library and checking out e-books.

Preferences? Pros and cons?

Thanks in advance.

Thank you to everyone who responded!

I listened to Teachermom and purchased three trunks. Way cheaper than luggage and everything fits, is below weight, and there is still room for my favorite quilt once I get a vacuum bag. I rolled my bulkier clothing, turned my shoes face out, and included some personal mementos.

The posts were very motivating and I think I took something away from each one, which is pretty rad for this forum. I appreciated that mysharon reminded everyone that it's not a competition and I loved the super cheap DIY packing advice (which I read too late but my boyfriend will be using).

Feeling excited!

It must be the first four letters, because @n@ly$i$ is censored on this board as well.

I wonder if shitake mushroom is censored?

Thanks! I agree that six is too many. Yes, it is just me! I just now piled up everything I plan on taking and it does not take up as much space as I thought. I can probably get away with two checked bags and a carry on. Gosh, this is overwhelming!

Ha! @higgsboson, I see your point.

Not bringing my bicycle is simply out of the question.

Still, I cannot imagine whittling down all of my belongings to one large backpack. I am a minimalist, to be sure, and don't plan on keeping anything in storage when I leave. I hadn't really considered this move as a typical trip, for which I would only carry one carry-on bag.

I would like to have some of my teacher resources with me, plus a couple of kitchen essentials (my knives, my skillet) because the idea of buying things over again when the expense of bringing them along is covered seems silly. Plus clothes, some camping gear, bedding.

I am impressed that you can pack it all in one bag. Kudoes to you. I should try. Six bags seems crazy, but I threw that number out because that is the limit of my baggage allowance. I don't even own six bags...

Anyone else care to share? I am open to all suggestions. Thanks @higgsboson!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. As my departure date approaches, I am feeling pretty overwhelmed with all that I need to do--sell all of my belongings, move out of the house, set aside appropriate quality times with various friends and family members. Whew!

One thing that I need help with is packing. I want to pack a maximum of 6 bags (too much? too little?) plus my bike box. I was advised by my school to bring everything aboard the plane since shipping can be unreliable.

Any genius packing tips? Judging from various posts, I need to take clothes, bedding, toiletries, some kitchen items, a few books. Did anyone have a similar situation and devise a strategy that kept everything within weight limits.

Perhaps my question is too broad or unanswerable; I just need to DO IT. Still, maybe someone out there has two cents to hand out.

comprehensive information including press, facts, updates, and draft petition letters can be found here for those interested:

http://freedorje.tumblr.com/post/501438 ... sat-11-may

as of saturday, may 11, 9am central US time, the petition needs 744 more signatures.

Hi. I just noticed the really awesome thread about tips for moving to Shanghai. What about to Mexico?