I haven't read all the posts on this thread. I think there were some from the self-righteous. Glad it seems to have turned to a little more nuts and bolts. I think most if not all teachers who talk about wanting top dollar is because they are smart and planning for the future. How are we going to put food on the table? How will be pay for medical costs? Rent, etc?

It is disheartening seeing the cost of living going up around the world. But the way I look at it is that I presently live in south-east asia in a poor country. And to tell the truth I wouldn't be terribly disappointed living roughly the way the people live here. And I should be able to afford that on getting old age pension. I mean a motorbike, a room with a fan or basic aircon and tv, and 3 small healthy meals a day. But I'd have plenty of sunshine, blue skies, beautiful trees and flowers, animals, nature, smiling happy people with heart, beliefs, culture, etc. That would beat living back home in my city of concrete, glass, steel, terrible weather and people glued to the tv.

Does anyone have any more recent information on this school?

If anyone has a good 'new teacher handbook' from their school they would be willing to put in this thread as an attachment I would love to see it. The kind that says all the do's and don'ts how to get by in the city and school, what the school will do to help you, emergency numbers, etc. If you're concerned it will reveal your identity or location you can always create another account here and post from that.

I agree red rider. Two years is much too long to be and work where you don't want to. I'd be happier flipping burgers back home until something good comes along.

I've heard good things about them, especially their World schools. And they are opening up in Singapore and Switzerland too. But I'll check further into it.

Well said fine dude.
I wouldn't go back to Canada or my home country to get IB certification. Just like teacher's college you don't learn much in my opinion, you learn as you do and work with your colleagues in a school. A year back in Canada would be a waste of time, money, and loss of 1 year of income.

That all sounds great. I especially like in Moscow getting a SIM card quick, I think with a good data plan would be nice too so you can Skype and email family and friends from anywhere right away. Never heard of that type of plan though and only costing $5 a month is brilliant.
I also like being put in contact with departing staff to buy their household stuff and even car. This is especially good if you're moving into departing staff accommodations. Totally makes sense.
Something else I read somewhere was being given your school email address so you can start emailing staff and see what the communication is like such as daily bulletins, reminders to staff and just how the communication flows there, maybe even have access to meeting minutes, etc. (some admin may be against this, understandably).
I'm wondering if anyone has any experience of things that the new employer has done before you have left you have left your old posting. I understand that good multinational corporations that have staff move around the world for postings often have a good part of induction before you've actually left: information, sensitivity training, language, and, if you're not far away and if the company has the finances they fly you over for a short trip so you know what you're in for (yes, that's expensive, probably can't expect that).

What kinds of things can a teacher expect from the new school/employer upon arrival or before departing in terms of preparation, settling-in, induction, mentoring at a new school in a new country? I've heard some schools have offered good things and really taken care of teachers so they are comfortable, settle in on arrival, get used to the new school, community, neighborhood, country, culture and then are happier and also more likely to stay? What things do teachers expect or hope for? I've had some good and bad experiences. Any good experiences or opinions to share?

There are many GEMS schools but now I see there is a general GEMS website where you can submit an application but it seems like a lengthy process. Is it best to apply to each individual GEMS school or what is the best method of application?

My colleague registered with Search Associates hasn't received daily updates by email this week. Are other people still receiving them or what is going on?