Yes, go for it! So much of what I've learned after going through this whole process is just throw your hat in the ring and give it a try! I had no international or PYP experience, am not part of a teaching couple and I landed a job at a Tier 1 school my first time out. Just put yourself out there. As the other poster said all they can do is say no. Then you just move on and keep trying.

@Peregrination,

I think if they want you they want you. I just came back from the Cambridge fair with a Tier 1 (if you will) job which I actually was offered before the fair but went to fair to sign contract in person. I am single with no dependents and have a lot of stateside experience at a private school but no real (did ESL overseas many years ago) international experience. I had a lot of offers for interviews and am still getting emails to interview. Also met a couple with 2 dependents and both of them got into AS in Paris!

I can see, though, early in the game couples are more desirable if they are both qualified and the recruiters like them both AND there are jobs for both. Met quite a few discouraged couples in Cambridge where there weren't jobs for both spouses.

It's a crazy puzzle/game that has no set rules and the target is always moving!

Calciodirigore - you are of course entitled to your opinion but I just think it's your word choice that is off-putting. I would hardly say the fairs are 'silly', 'pathetic' and 'sad'. You just sound rather 'sour grapey'. No one is forcing you to go to a fair. I'm not crazy about Skype interviews but, hey, it's part of the process so I do them. I don't then go around saying that people who Skype are sad and pathetic.

Anyway - the best to you. I'm going to take my silly, sad, pathetic self off to my amazing Tier 1 school this summer! ;)

I guess I had a different experience. I had 2 Skype interviews with my school and was 'hired' before the fair. However, I went to the fair to meet face to face. I didn't sit on a bed in a hotel room. I sat down with the director and had lunch and then signed the contract. I agree with Shadowjack, too. Maybe smaller schools that can't afford to go to the fairs will hire via Skype. It does work to a certain extent but, I still see the value of the fairs. I thought Search Associates was very supportive and did a really good job. I love having access to the data base and doing research using their site. I'm not affiliated with them in any way - just had a great experience. Again, my opinion!

calciodirigore wrote:
> As soon as we all say no to the fairs and refuse to work with agencies such
> as Search Associates, then the recruitment process will become a more level
> playing field.
>
> Although I am very happy that some of you have been offered jobs at this
> most recent fair, I can't help but feel that what you have gone through is
> genuinely pathetic.
>
> Please stop to think about the alternatives. Please do not attend another
> fair.
>
> Good luck in your new postings.

I understand what you're saying and you're entitled to your opinion, but I don't think what I just went through in any way is pathetic. I loved the fair! I met so many amazing people from all over. I've made great contacts in fantastic countries and schools. You sound like you have an axe to grind or have some issue with interviewing face to face...just MY opinion - which I'm entitled to! ;)

I'm 49 (turning 50 this year) and landed a great job in a Tier 1 (if you will) school. Sorry to those that didn't...just a bit miffed at the person who said it may have been an age issue. You have to find the school/person that wants you...you will!

Congratulations, Perigrination! So happy for you. We all end up where we're supposed to...at least I hope so! Wow...turning down a job in Western Europe...that's brave! But, I'm sure your instincts told you what to do.

Hope you can relax now!

I am here and loving this fair! I had a job already through Skype but had to come to fair to meet in person and sign contract. I had already booked my flight and hotel so it was no problem. So, I'm relaxed and having fun. Everyone says 'why don't you go home?' but I'm here and this is fun so why not stay? I'm really enjoying meeting people and (hopefully) having a contact in another country - a couch to crash on! I'm vicariously going through the journey with many others. I'm surprised at the number of teachers that do not know of this site. I'm sure I've gotten ISR some business!

I had the same idea as another teacher - this would make a great documentary! Follow a few teachers on their journey from signing up with Search or ISS all the way through the job fair.

Anyway - about to go down and mill around and see what's going on!

Anything going on tonight after meetings?

I'm here! I'm dressed up! Not taking a chance. But, in all fairness, the Search people did say you don't have to dress up today. But, I'm looking sharp!

I'm here!

LOL...Matt, all I think when I see that list is: cold, really cold, freezing, freezing cold, really freezing cold, and Siberian cold!

Someone just set up a FB page called International Single Teachers.

I think you just have to put your hat in the ring and see what happens. It (your teaching absence) might be against you in December/January...but in April/May or later you'll probably be looking really good to a school that needs a teacher!

I'm new, too. Another piece of advice I have is to take any and all Skype interviews...even if you're not interested. They're good practice and you never know what can happen. I had a Skype with a school I thought I was interested in but was hesitant about something to do with the the teaching. The director was very understanding and kind..he passed my name along to a fabulous school that contacted me the very next day.

I don't have a job yet but I'm getting close!

Good luck!