The International Schools Review Forum

Some of the schools that I am looking at are in the middle east region (not UAE though), and I was wondering how safe is it really. I know that the media often heightens things unnecessarily, but even so- I want to double check. I am a single female- are there countries or schools that I should avoid because of this?

Additionally, I'm also looking into QSI and some of their schools with openings are located in countries like Yemen, which has recently been on the news, or Turkmenistan which is neighboring places that are always on the news....Would directors be upfront about the dangers? ...It's hard to do research because everything is so tainted through the press...but at the same time, I don't want to ignore the warnings and end up in a bad situation. Anyone currently teaching in the middle east? Thanks....

I'm in the second year of my contract in Alexandria, Egypt. I was here during the bombing of the Coptic Church. As horrible as the bombing was, it has had little impact on our school.

I think there are dangers in many places, but if you use common sense, you will generally turn out OK. International schools have a vested interest in keeping you safe, but it is your own behavior that is ultimately the most important. If you are American, don't openly advertise it - don't wear a US flag t-shirt. If you are a woman, don't dress outside of the norms - wearing shorts or halter tops. If you see what looks like a disturbance, turn around and go the other way. In other words, use common sense and stay aware of your environment.