I was wondering what readers know about teacher exchange programs? It may be an option for those wanting to try living overseas without the 2 year commitment. Some school districts will grant a leave of because they have a replacement already.

I did a direct 1:1 Fulbright Exchange (swapped jobs, homes, but not wives!) way back when and was restless to do more exploring after that experience. In fact, I'm still out there exploring!

What other programs are out there?

Fulbright is still going strong. Check: eca.state.gov/Fulbright

My wife works at an international school in western Germany. She makes about 50,000 euro/year and this is her first year at this school. They take out for insurance and other mandatory taxes and she brings home appx 2500 euro/month. I think she can get part of that tax back when we leave. My job takes are of our rent so we are lucky.

Negatives? The sun doesn't shine much especially this year and there are a kabillion rules to follow. Eating out is expensive but bier and wine are super cheap in the stores!

We consider the quality of life here to be VERY HIGH given that we like 'clean' and like to bike, hike and ski.

I keep hearing Tier 1, Tier 2 etc schools. How does one find out which school is what? I think I may have even worked at one, but not sure.

Found this list for Asia but is this complete? and what about other continents?

Shanghai American School
International School Bangkok
International School Kuala Lumpur
Western Academy Beijing
Taipei American School
International School Manila
American School in Japan
Jakarta International School
Hong Kong International School
American School in Guangzhou
Singapore American School
International School Beijing

Great info.....one more questiuon, what % of taxes will you get back? Thanks again.

Your time in the service will count towards your total retirement years and the retirement money should also count.

Schools get unexpected increases in enrollments and people leave, get sick etc, year round. So yes it does happen and some very good positions occasionally open up.

Thanks Life.. So 40% tax with no chance of any rebates after leaving? and starting salaries are appx how much for teachers with 20+ years of experience including IB experience? and cost of 1-2 bedroom apartments/utilities in Zurich?

Outdoor living sounds great, jut have to be able to save some money also!

Thanks again.

Anyone know about the salary and package at Zurich International Schools? I assume you are taxed and given insurance, but does it include housing? Flights? Any info appreciated.

Have worked in public, company owed and private-not for profit schools. The only one came close to what you are talking about was the company owned school because everyone had to attend, it was the only game in town so to speak. It had blue collar and white collar parents from a variety of countries.

Was it progressive? For the location it was...........the Middle East!

A lot of tech jobs in international schools are for tech integrators or tech coaches. They work with teachers (& students) and help them use tech using laptops in classrooms or in labs. They need to know curriculum, software and light duty software/network trouble shooting. THEY MUST be able to work with people (need strong people skills) and be able to work with people with all sorts of tech abilities to be successful.

While the pay is lower due to taxation, there are numerous benefits like:
-healthcare for life once you get enuf years in (currently 72% paid by govt)
-social security taxes matched
-discount food at the commissary
-post allowances that vary by exchange rate and cost of living location
-kids on health insurance till 26
-kids get reunification flights while in college
-you can put in additional retirement amounts thru TSP, up to 23k after 55
-free housing package gives you an opportunity to afford to live in western Europe AND save money
-the ease of living and traveling in western Europe

International schools have similar befefits, sometimes including tax free salaries.