Hi all, I've recently been offered a position at the Quality Schools International branch in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and I'm considering it. I've already read most of the things people had to say about QSI on here, but what I could find wasn't that recent, so I was really hoping for current opinions on this organization and that branch in particular.
I'm aware of the basics - the type of candidate they're looking for, non-smoking, etc. Any other thoughts - good or bad - would be greatly appreciated!
Considering QSI - Almaty, Kazakhstan - need your opinion!
@PsyGuy: That's ok, I just thought it was clear that I am a newbie, and I also was just hoping for some more specific advice on the branch in Almaty.
@mathgym: Thanks - I didn't realize there were so many newer threads. I've read through a lot of them and that's been really helpful.
I probably agree with you PsyGuy and I'm now more aware of the negatives, although from what I read Almaty is one of the better schools. Since I don't have international school experience it'd at least be a way to get my foot in the door, but my reservations are definitely growing.
@mathgym: Thanks - I didn't realize there were so many newer threads. I've read through a lot of them and that's been really helpful.
I probably agree with you PsyGuy and I'm now more aware of the negatives, although from what I read Almaty is one of the better schools. Since I don't have international school experience it'd at least be a way to get my foot in the door, but my reservations are definitely growing.
I'd take it. Maybe you'll get something out of it.
It really depends on how desperate you are. If it is your best option, then take it. If you can wait another year in the hopes something better opens up, wait another year.
QSI is a solid organization that at least won’t screw you over like so many other schools out there. So, it is safe to work for them. Search my name for lots of info on QSI.
I’ll go over some pros and cons:
Pros:
-It is arguably the best QSI school out there (that isn’t saying much though; it’s kind of like being the smartest person in Texas)
-Great group of staff; you’ll build strong relationships
-Kids are pretty good; pretty international student body (30% local; 70% int'l)
-Housing is really nice for most people
-Easy to get a car
-You can save a lot there (this might seem weird because everything is so expensive, but because everything is so expensive you won’t spend any money)
-Mountains are amazing but are hard to access due to poor roads
-You’ll hang out and watch DVDs and stupid TV shows while getting drunk a lot
Cons:
-Horrible place to live
-You’ll hang out and watch DVDs and stupid TV shows while getting drunk a lot
-Not much else to do
-Kazakhs and Russians are lame (local school staff are awesome though); not friendly; never smile; hyper-aggressive; look like they would rather kick your ass than talk to you (I’ve lived a lot of places and the people in Kazakhstan are the worst)
-Pollution is horrible (you can TASTE coal in the air on a regular basis; do not go there if you have breathing issues; everyone that goes with asthma gets medivacced out or leaves after a year)
-Really isolated (long and expensive flights to anywhere cool)
-2 of 50+ staff stayed for more than 2 years (everyone does their two and then gets out)
It really depends on how desperate you are. If it is your best option, then take it. If you can wait another year in the hopes something better opens up, wait another year.
QSI is a solid organization that at least won’t screw you over like so many other schools out there. So, it is safe to work for them. Search my name for lots of info on QSI.
I’ll go over some pros and cons:
Pros:
-It is arguably the best QSI school out there (that isn’t saying much though; it’s kind of like being the smartest person in Texas)
-Great group of staff; you’ll build strong relationships
-Kids are pretty good; pretty international student body (30% local; 70% int'l)
-Housing is really nice for most people
-Easy to get a car
-You can save a lot there (this might seem weird because everything is so expensive, but because everything is so expensive you won’t spend any money)
-Mountains are amazing but are hard to access due to poor roads
-You’ll hang out and watch DVDs and stupid TV shows while getting drunk a lot
Cons:
-Horrible place to live
-You’ll hang out and watch DVDs and stupid TV shows while getting drunk a lot
-Not much else to do
-Kazakhs and Russians are lame (local school staff are awesome though); not friendly; never smile; hyper-aggressive; look like they would rather kick your ass than talk to you (I’ve lived a lot of places and the people in Kazakhstan are the worst)
-Pollution is horrible (you can TASTE coal in the air on a regular basis; do not go there if you have breathing issues; everyone that goes with asthma gets medivacced out or leaves after a year)
-Really isolated (long and expensive flights to anywhere cool)
-2 of 50+ staff stayed for more than 2 years (everyone does their two and then gets out)
Danda is honest.
I was there for 2 years.
It was awful.
I don't think that the pros outweigh the cons.
The kids in Elem. were great but the rest was awful.
I am still hearing from local friends that say it is about the same and the new director is no prize.
QSI is just not able to adapt and change on its feet.
When you are in a third world country you have to be flexible and so does the organization. QSI can't cut it in that way.
I would not with good conscience tell anyone to even give it a try.
Avoid Kyiv as well especially if you teach secondary. Lots of problems.
I heard people were happy in Bishkek.
They can't be serious that this is the best in QSI, can they??!?!?
I was there for 2 years.
It was awful.
I don't think that the pros outweigh the cons.
The kids in Elem. were great but the rest was awful.
I am still hearing from local friends that say it is about the same and the new director is no prize.
QSI is just not able to adapt and change on its feet.
When you are in a third world country you have to be flexible and so does the organization. QSI can't cut it in that way.
I would not with good conscience tell anyone to even give it a try.
Avoid Kyiv as well especially if you teach secondary. Lots of problems.
I heard people were happy in Bishkek.
They can't be serious that this is the best in QSI, can they??!?!?